HORIZON THEATRE PRESENTS ENCORE PRESENTATION OF HOT JAMBALAYA
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/18/26
Horizon Theatre Presents Encore Production of Dad’s Garage’s Suzi-Nominated Musical Comedy
HOT JAMBALAYA, May 22–June 21 (Press opening May 29)
A fast-paced, musical comedy whodunit returns following a hit world premiere –
a rollicking mix of murder mystery, screwball farce, tasty tunes and New Orleans spirit
“A wacky comedy musical with a legitimately compelling,
twisted murder mystery at its center.” — Arts ATL
Horizon Theatre Company presents HOT JAMBALAYA, an encore production of Dad’s Garage Theatre Company’s wildly popular, Suzi Bass Award-nominated whodunit musical comedy, running May 22-June 21 (press opening May 29). A break-out hit last summer, it’s back for seconds at Horizon Theatre! Family ties, lies, secrets, and the treachery of old New Orleans boil over in this rollicking mix of murder mystery, screwball farce and music set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans.
A murder, multiple motives, secrets, and lies: the Big Easy just got a whole lot hotter. When wealthy and crooked patriarch Papa Joe Van Horn takes a fatal spill from a French Quarter balcony, his family, friends and enemies gather for his lavish funeral aboard the aging steamboat, Fleur de Lis. Then they uncover the chilling truth: Papa Joe was murdered, every single person on board wanted him dead, and they must uncover whodunit and why before the killer strikes again!
As the steamboat winds its way through the bayou, alliances fracture and suspicions escalate, transforming the journey into a high-stakes and hilarious game of survival. At the center of the chaos, an ex-detective and a spunky New York reporter must navigate a wacky maze of deception, ambition and buried secrets to uncover the truth before time runs out. Blending classic whodunit structure with musical comedy and heightened theatricality, HOT JAMBALAYA invites audiences to solve the mystery while reveling in its irreverent humor and infectious score.
“HOT JAMBALAYA was built to work on two levels – as a fully realized mystery and as a comedy that keeps surprising you. And it has some of the greatest musical numbers in our history,” said Dad’s Garage Co-Artistic Director Jon Carr. “We are so excited about this next chapter at Horizon!”
Created by Dad’s Garage artists Matt Hobbs (New Orleans native and internet sensation with his Puppysongs) and Travis Sharp (Dad’s Garage’s Wicket!), HOT JAMBALAYA garnered multiple 2025 Suzi Bass Award nominations, including recognition for direction, choreography, scenic design, sound design and ensemble performance, along with a nomination for Outstanding World Premiere Production – a testament to both its creative scope and audience impact.
“HOT JAMBALAYA doesn’t just parody the murder mystery – it builds one that fully works, then throws it into joyful chaos with music, movement and characters who refuse to behave,” says Horizon Co-Artistic Director Lisa Adler. “What makes this production stand out is its precision beneath the absurdity. The comedy lands because the stakes are real, and the storytelling is airtight. That balance is rare, and it’s what makes audiences lean in just as much as they laugh. We are thrilled to bring this home-grown comic treasure to Horizon audiences.”
HOT JAMBALAYA’s cast is led by recent star of Horizon’s acclaimed Dog Mom, Marcie Millard, as Papa Joe’s bitter, dramatic widow Dorothy Van Horn. The other passengers include: Papa Joe’s twin adult children, the flamboyant Teddy Van Horn and the baby doll-carrying Mary Van Horn (Trevor Rayshay Perry, Noelle McIntyre); washed up navigator of the Fleur de Lis, Captain Pierre St. Pierre (Alexander Hudson); the ship’s knife-wielding chef, Rose Catalano (BriAnne Knights); Big Apple reporter Posie Davenport, on the trail of a hot mystery (Charis Sellick); honest but disgraced detective Benny Broussard (Sully Brown); and our two ever present deckhands (Mya Burns and Riley Given). The entire cast reprises their roles from last year except for newcomer Givens. Candy McLellan Davison (The Color Purple at Aurora Theatre and Petite Rouge at Synchronicity Theatre) returns to the helm as director/choreographer, alongside Avery Sharpe (assistant director), Kari Twyman (assistant choreographer), Javar Parker (music director), Gavin Mosier (scenic designer), Rachael D. Blackwell (lighting designer), Jarrod Barnes and Liz Singleton (costume designer and costume coordinator) and Dan Bauman (sound designer).
With its mix of suspense, spectacle and irreverent humor, HOT JAMBALAYA captures the spirit of New Orleans while delivering a theatrical experience that is both wildly entertaining and smart. As an encore presentation, the production offers audiences who missed its initial run – as well as those eager to return – another opportunity to experience one of Atlanta’s most talked-about new works.
Performances are at Horizon Theatre, located at Euclid and Austin in Little Five Points/Inman Park (1083 Austin Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30307). The musical starts May 21, with a press opening on May 29, and runs through June 21 with a possible extension, based on demand. Performances are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $40* on weekdays and $45* on weekends. Prices increase with demand, and patrons are encouraged to purchase early for the best prices and availability. Best deals are for subscribers – 25-35% off. Group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more. Full-time students under 25 may purchase $20* tickets with valid ID. *7.5% Sales Tax/fee is added onto all ticket orders. Single ticket seating is general admission, with a reserved seating section for season subscribers. There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.
For full actor and creative team bios, visit horizontheatre.com/plays/hot-jambalaya.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director/Choreographer Candy McLellan Davison
Assistant Director Avery Sharpe
Assistant Choreographer Kari Twyman
Music Director Javar La’trail Parker
Scenic Designer Gavin Mosier
Costume Designer Jarrod Barnes
Costume Coordinator Liz Singleton
Props Designer Melissa DuBois
Sound Designer Dan Bauman
Stage Manager Davan Glynn
CAST
Posie Davenport Charis Sellick: A spunky New York reporter investigating the murder.
Benny Broussard *Sully Brown: An honest detective and piano player.
Dorothy Van Horn Marcie Millard (alternate,Christina Cusack Curbelo): Papa Joe’s bitter, dramatic widow.
Teddy Van Horn *Trevor Rayshay Perry: Papa Joe’s flamboyant son/twin.
Mary Van Horn Noelle McIntyre: Papa Joe’s daughter/twin, who carries a baby doll,
Chef BriAnne Knights: A grudge-carrying chef with a love of knives.
Captain Alexander Hudson: The washed-up captain of the Fleur-de-Lis.
Deck Hand/Understudy Mya Burns, Riley Given
Understudies Mya Burns (Mary), Riley Given (Teddy/Captain), Jonah Harmone (Benny/Deckhand), Amy Duffy (Posey, Dorothy, Deckhand)
*Members Actor’s Equity Association
