Broadway’s back!

Hurricane Katrina’s wrath robbed the New Orleans area of much of its arts. But after nearly four years, that’s changing. Broadway Across America is bringing its 2009-10 season to the Big Easy’s Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. The six-play season includes “Cats” from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1; “The Color Purple,” Dec. 1-6; “Mamma Mia!,” Feb. 2-7, 2010; “Wicked,” March 24-April 11, 2010; and “Avenue Q,” June 8-13, 2010.

Sir Andrew Lloyd’s “Cats” is the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the show won seven Tony Awards in 1983, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

It will be followed by “Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple.” The winner of 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the show is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. The Grammy-nominated score is peppered with gospel, jazz, pop and blues tunes about hope and the healing power of love.

Inspired by ABBA songs, “Mamma Mia!” is the story of an independent, single mother about to marry off her daughter. While rekindling relationships with her old band mates, she’s also searching for her child’s father.

“Wicked” visits Oz long before Dorothy’s arrival. It focuses on two girls – one with emerald skin who is smart, fiery and misunderstood and one who is beautiful, ambitious and popular. In time, they’ll become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics to the Grammy and Tony Award winner.

“Avenue Q” is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad in search of a decent job, stable relationship and life’s purpose. The musical merges real-life actors and puppets.

For ticket information, visit www.mahaliajacksontheatre.com.