April Theatre

“THE LION KING” – Through April 15

The Disney story comes to life in this award-winning production. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Time Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. (504) 287-0351. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. $55-$85.

“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” – Through April 8

Cancelled after Hurricane Katrina, the Tennessee Williams’ production – one of the best in the pantheon of American theatre – makes a triumphant return to New Orleans.

At the Southern Rep Theatre, 4th Floor, One Canal Place, New Orleans. (504) 522-6545. www.southernrep.com. $20-$35.

“VISITING HOURS” – Through April 21

A same-sex couple’s longtime relationship is threatened when their estranged adult son resurfaces, having been arrested for aggravated assault. Their struggle mirrors that of any couple, gay or straight, faced with the prospect that their child will never be OK.

Mid City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse St., New Orleans. (504) 448-1460. www.midcitytheatre.com. $30.

“BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY” – April 6-22

Set in Harlem in 1930, the Pearl Cleage work introduces a rich group of characters scrambling to survive the Depression and make some sense of their overlapping love lives.

Anthony Bean Community Theater, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans. (504) 862-PLAY. www.anthonybeantheater.com. $20.

“HOW I BECAME A PIRATE” – April 13-15

Based on the acclaimed children’s book of the same name, this high adventure on the high seas is great for youngsters. When young Jeremy Jacob hooks up with Captain Braid Beard and his crew, he learns the ins and outs of a pirate’s life at sea including how to talk like a pirate and “proper” pirate manners and etiquette. It’s a story of adventure and finding one’s own heart – a path not on any treasure map.

Jefferson Performing Arts, 400 Phlox Ave., Metairie. (504) 885-2000. www.jpas.org. $20 adults; $15 children 12 and under.

“THE ANGOLA 3” – April 13-29

In 1972, three Black Panthers were targeted as troublemakers, framed for murders they did not commit and isolated to solitary confinement for a total of 101 years and still counting.

Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans.

“BORN YESTERDAY” – April 19-28

When a vulgar, egotistic junkman in Washington, D.C., to make crooked deals with government big-wigs hires an idealistic magazine reporter to educate the junkman’s dumb ex-chorus girl girlfriend, anything can happen.

Delgado Community College’s Drama Hall, 615 City Park Ave., Building 1, 300 W., New Orleans. (504) 483-4512. $10.

“The Clifton Monroe Chronicles: The Case of the Scarlet G” – April 19-28

Follow the adventures of ace reporter Clifton Monroe and his quirky sidekick Mattie as they scour the streets of New Orleans solving the biggest mysteries in the name of truth, justice and a “killer” headline.

Shawdowbox Theater, 2400 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans. (9504) 298-8676. www.shadowboxtheatre.com. $12 adults; $10 students.

“THE UNDERPANTS” – April 13-22

A couple’s conservative existence is shattered when Louise Markes’ bloomers fall down in public. Though she pulls them up quickly, hubby Theo thinks the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk. Louise’s momentary display does not result in the feared scandal but it does attract two infatuated men, each of whom wants to rent the spare room in the Markes’ home. Oblivious of their amorous objectives, Theo splits the room between them, happy to collect rent from both the foppish poet and the whiny hypochondriac.

Baton Rouge Little Theater, 7155 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. (225) 924-6496. www.brlt.org. $15 adults; $10 students.

“THE LEARNING CURVE” – April 22-23

Swine Palace continues its 20th Anniversary Season with a Festival of New Plays. This show depicts with great humor and insight the trials and triumphs of young teachers and the troubled waters of the education system. Created to speak to teachers, students and those who train teachers as well as to enlighten and entertain all audiences, “The Learning Curve” readings were created in collaboration with the LSU School of Education.

Claude L. Shaver Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Baton Rouge. Admission is free. (225) 578-4174.

“THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS” – April 26 – May 6

Five feisty females gather every Friday afternoon at Spa-Dee-Dah! in Eden Falls, Ga. They decide to shake up their lives after the loss of a dear friend. The tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal comes from an unlikely suitor and the girls’ high-spirited, determined leader’s arch-rival vows she’ll stop at nothing to steal the spa away.

Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., Houma. www.houmalittletheatre.com. (985) 876-4278. ($12)

Aimee Hayes (Blanche Dubois) and Ashley Ricord (Stella) appear in Southern Rep’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The show is performed on the very block where playwright Tennessee Williams imagined it, at Michalopoulos Studios, 527 Elysian Fields Ave. One hour prior to the curtain, a free “Streetcar”-themed walking tour sets the scene for audiences.

RIDE HAMILTON