The Krewe of Orpheus will celebrate its 30th anniversary Monday, February 20, with a parade and gala.

Darren Criss

The 2023 parade theme, Dark Dictums of Childhood, will roll Uptown with a procession of 42 floats, 1,500 members and 30 marching units led by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss, and international pop idol Joey Fatone as monarchs, with Fatone headlining the post parade gala, Orpheuscapade, which is open to the public.

“The Krewe of Orpheus is well-known worldwide for our celebrity monarchs and impressive Orpheuscapade entertainment lineup,” says captain Sonny Borey, “Our 2023 monarchs include legends of music, film and television that could only be brought together on Lundi Gras evening.”

In honor of the parade’s milestone 30th anniversary, joining Fatone and Criss in the parade and at Orpheuscapade will be a ’90s tribute concert called A Boy Band Mardi Gras. The lineup includes boy band members Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre of 98 Degrees, Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town, Jamie Jones of All-4-One and Ryan Cabrera.

“We’re going back to our roots with this ’90s tribute lineup,” says Borey. “With over 80 million albums sold, a billon online streams and countless awards, these music icons singing their mega hits is a can’t-miss celebration.”

Joey Fatone

Actor, singer and songwriter Criss rose to fame starring on the television series Glee. He received Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his leading role as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. A triple threat, Criss also appears on Broadway, in film, has released several albums and just completed a sold-out musical tour.

A member of the record-shattering, multi-platinum boyband *NSYNC, Fatone’s status as a global pop icon has helped him find success as an actor, host, Broadway star, voice-over artist, dancer and media personality with several successful television shows.

In addition to the celebrity monarchs and ’90s tribute lineup, Orpheuscapade performers will include Party Crashers and local favorites The Mixed Nuts, Sugar Shaker, The Best: A Tribute to Tina Turner, along with homages to Britney Spears and Taylor Swift.

For more information about the Krewe of Orpheus’ 30th anniversary or to purchase tickets to Orpheuscapade, visit kreweoforpheus.com.