Fire Weeds to open ‘Virginia Woolf’ in New Orleans; more ‘Nutcracker’ and Cutting Edge sets season

Two couples gather after college faculty party for drinks and emotional terrorism. Sounds like fun.

That’s what happens in Edward Albee’s 1960s play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” And The Fire Weeds, a local female-driven company, will produce the Tony-winning show in January at Big Couch in the Bywater.

Directed by Jaclyn Bethany, the show delves into such explosive topics are alcoholism, marital infidelity, academic prowess and delusional behavior.

On the rocks.

Taking roles in the show are Bethany, Lin Gathright, Casey Groves and Logan Macrae.

Tickets for the show start at $35 at 1045 Desire St. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5-14, except Mondays. Visit thefireweeds.org.

Another ‘Nutcracker’?

Didn’t get a chance to see dancing rodents and sugarplum plies?

Relax, Clara. Dream a little dream and it can happen again Monday at the Saenger Theatre when “Nutcracker! Magic Christmas Ballet” leaps onto the stage for curtains at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The international touring company of professionals has teamed with the Arabesque Ballet Theater International of Mandeville for the roles of the children in the story set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score.

The European-inspired sets, costumes and dance bring to life the story of a young girl and her mystical Christmas nutcracker gift that spirits her away on a fantasy trip through a dancing snowstorm, a land of sweets and treats and a waltzing garden with a sugarplum fairy.

Tickets start at $36 at the 1111 Canal St. theater. Visit saengernola.com.

Changes at Cutting Edge

Slidell’s theatrical company is morphing into the Cutting Edge Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that is a new chapter for the St. Tammany Parish ensemble that has established itself at the vanguard of community productions.

The lineup for the 2025 season, starting in January, will feature musicals, old favorites and fresh takes on stage.

“Beetlejuice Jr.” will kick off the season in January, followed by the biographical “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” in March. “Pouf,” a comedy about big hair, follows, with the classic “Annie” coming next. “Chicken and Biscuits,” “Forever Plaid” and “A Tuna Christmas” are also on tap. 

“Our transition to a nonprofit organization underscores our commitment to the arts and our community,” said Brian Fontenot, executive director. “We are excited to celebrate 16 years of creativity and connection, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to an extraordinary season filled with unforgettable performances.”

Visit cuttingedgetheater.com for information.

Opening this week Dec. 26-Jan. 1

CHELSEA HANDLER: Opening 8 p.m. Saturday, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St. The comedian brings her unique take on life and style in her “Little Big Bitch Tour.” Tickets for the phone-free experience, start at $33 and a special holiday treat is selling tickets two for the price of one with no code needed. mahaliajacksontheater.com.

“POTTED POTTER”: Opening 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, plus runs most days (sometimes three times) through Jan. 5; Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. “The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody by Dan and Jeff” mashes all seven books of the Harry Potter series into one production by BBC actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, providing a laugh-out-loud experience that includes 360 favorite characters, key props and even a quidditch match. Tickets start at $49. jeffersonpac.com.