The theatrical spectacle that revolutionized live entertainment helped set the stage for three of the most buzzed about – but radically different – events coming to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIV weekend.
Back in 2013, it seemed like NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal had the time of his life while attending mastermind showman Jeff Beacher’s beloved Beacher’s Madhouse during its first New Orleans pop-up.
The LA Lakers’ legend was dazzled by the production and its groundbreaking combination of comedy, vaudeville, burlesque and live music. Of course Shaq fit right in with the Madhouse’s always star studded group of guests, which regularly included the likes of Miley Cyrus, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and a long list of other A-listers during its first reign.
After enjoying an unparalleled night of entertainment during the Madhouse’s trip to New Orleans, Shaq made sure to introduce himself to Beacher, who was truly honored he got to show the basketball superstar a good time.
‘I love Shaq, so when I met him for the first time at my sold-out, celebrity-packed red capet New Orleans show in 2013, I knew there was something magical about the Madhouse coming to the Big Easy,’ Beacher DailyMail.com. ‘Some of my most epic times on tour were when I came to the South.’
Years after attending the trailblazing Madhouse tour stop, the all-star athlete’s own extravaganza, Shaq’s Fun House, came to life and Beacher’s influence was more than clear.
Taking place during Miami Music Week in March 2018, O’Neal’s debut festival included high-energy EDM acts like Diplo, Steve Aoki and A-Trak besides carnival attractions and circus acts – the same mix of hot new acts and classic theatrics that the Madhouse pioneered.
Featuring Ferris wheels, jugglers, acrobats, cotton candy and champagne, the NBA star also enlisted Beacher’s best friend and star performer, Little Donny, to bring his act to the Fun House.
‘When my right hand-man Donny told me Shaq asked him to do the Fun House, I said, “Of course,”‘ Beacher remembered. ‘At Beacher’s we always love anyone who hires our team.’
The electrifying blend of modern entertainment and old school amusements at Shaq’s Fun House were instantly recognizable to the Madhouse’s visionary, who told DailyMail.com, ‘They’re such different events, but the similarities are undeniable.’
But while both Beacher and Shaq’s signature shows are about letting attendees indulge in different flavors of fun, each offers excitement on a different scale.
Shaq’s sprawling Fun House festival has always been massive enough for people to lose themselves inside the intense party atmosphere. There’s absolutely nothing that compares to Beacher’s Madhouse, on the other hand, with its elite guests, whether it be celebrities or world leaders.
So when it came time for Beacher’s Madhouse to hit the road again in 2025, Hollywood’s favorite showman knew he wanted to return to those roots.
‘Taking Beacher’s back to New Orleans just made sense,’ he said. ‘The city is so special to me. It was where we inspired Shaq to make an amazing festival and where we can do things bigger and better than ever before.’
Things will come full circle this weekend, when both Shaq and Beacher each host their own celebrations in New Orleans to kick-off Super Bowl LIX.
Shaq’s Funhouse will draw huge crowds during the musical festival-slash-carnival set to take over the Big Easy’s one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras World venue on Friday, February 7th.
The sprawling party playground will feature musical performances from John Summit, Ludacris and Shaq’s own DJ Diesel persona, along with colossal carnival rides, tons of games and interactive circus performers roaming around the location.
The same night, Beacher will produce a can’t-miss standup comedy performance from RoastMaster General, Jeff Ross.
While Ross roasted the Planters Peanut during one of last year’s most hilarious Super Bowl commercials, this year he’ll be taking shots at Beacher’s world record-breaking, 22-foot-tall Fat Tuesday daiquiri, which will be topped with heaps of Cardi B’s mouth-watering vodka-infused Whipshots whipped cream.
People were so excited to see Ross and Beacher come to town that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry officially declared Feb. 7 Jeff Ross Day and Feb. 8 Jeff Beacher Day.
The following evening, Beacher’s Madhouse will host a much more intimate affair at Republic NOLA. At the ultra-exclusive pop-up experience on Saturday, February 8th, VIPs will be treated to a New Orleans-infused version of world-renowned comedy and vaudeville spectacle, which will team the Madhouse’s anything-goes energy with a splash of Bourbon Street charm.
With two showstopping events taking the the town by storm, pleasure-seekers can choose limitless nightlife magic, classic-meets-cutting-edge decadence – or both.
Fans should snag tickets for Shaq’s Super Bowl LIX weekend Fun House through the event’s website as soon as possible or risk missing out on what is sure-to-be a sold-out bash.
Those looking for a bespoke experience can try and get on the guest list for the one-night-only New Orleans edition of Beacher’s Madhouse by RSVPing at JeffBeacher.com or calling (310) 756-8719.
