Louisville Orchestra Presents: Kentucky Spring — Festival Of American Music I (Teddy Abrams) 2/23 at 8 PM – Whitney Hall
Performed as the full ballet, Appalachian Spring touches on the primal issues of marriage, survival, and eternal regeneration. The piece was commissioned and choreographed by the legendary Martha Graham and for the first time presented with NEW CHOREOGRAPHY by the talented Andrea Schermoly, choreographer in residence at Louisville Ballet.
Plus The Way Forth, a new folk opera & film by Louisville native Rachel Grimes. Highlighting real and imagined perspectives of generations of Kentucky women from 1775 to the present day, and inspired by a treasure trove of family photos, documents, and letters, The Way Forth sifts through familiar stories to explore lesser-told tales of the historically oppressed. Through music, voice, and film, the work honors the emotional legacies of the silenced, the feminine, the holistic, the beauty of daily life, and the eternal grace and redemption of time, as symbolized by the great Dix and Kentucky Rivers.
PNC Broadway of Louisville presents: The Book of Mormon Feb. 26 – March 3 – The Kentucky Center Whitney Hall
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of the century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical.
This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
The show runs Feb. 26 – March 3rd. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
read moreLouisville Orchestra Names Robert Massey as new CEO
The Louisville Orchestra is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Massey as Chief Executive Officer. He will start his new position in March 2019. Massey follows Andrew Kipe in this leadership role. Kipe took a position with The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in August 2018.
Mr. Massey has built a reputation as one of classical music’s most innovative, dynamic, visionary, and entrepreneurial leaders. As the head of the Jacksonville Symphony (2014 – 2019), Orchestra Iowa (2008 – 2014), and the Washington Bach Consort (2004 – 2008), he led remarkable transformations at each, developing and implementing innovative strategies that enhanced and diversified program offerings, increased accessibility, extended reach, deepened impact, and ensured financial sustainability.
Louisville Orchestra’s Gabriel Lefkowitz conducts & performs as soloist in 3rd Music Without Borders Series 2/28 – 3/2
The third set of Louisville Orchestra’s Music Without Borders concerts An Evening in Italy will be led by LO Concertmaster Gabriel Lefkowitz, making his Louisville Orchestra conducting debut. This concert will whisk you away to the monuments of Rome, the bridges of Venice, and the fountains of Florence. Highlights include Rossini’s overture from The Barber of Seville, and the beautiful and challenging “Winter” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with Lefkowitz as soloist.
Performances of An Evening in Italy will take place in three locations: The Temple on Thursday, February 28 at 7:30PM; St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church at Harrods Creek on Friday, March 1 at 7:30PM; and across the bridge at the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center at IUS on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30PM.
Gabriel Lefkowitz joined the LO as Concertmaster in 2016. Prior to his appointment with the LO he was the Concertmaster with the Knoxville Symphony. A versatile musician of the 21st century, Mr. Lefkowitz is an active soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and a composer for films and video games.
read more59th Annual Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park Featuring As You Like It, Henry IV Part II, and King Lear
Kentucky Shakespeare kicks off its 59th annual free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park with a comedy, a history, and a tragedy. The season begins with their professional productions of As You Like It May 29th, then Henry IV, Part II June 13th, followed by King Lear on June 27th. July 9th-21st all three performances will be presented in repertory. The season will be dedicated to the late Bekki Jo Schneider, former Producer of Kentucky Shakespeare and founder Doug Ramey’s immediate successor. “Last year we lost our dear friend Bekki Jo. She was instrumental in helping make the company what it is today, not only during her tenure here as an actor and leader but for years after as a mentor to me and to so many others in our community. We dedicate this season to her as we celebrate her life and legacy,” said Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director.
PNC Broadway in Louisville Announces 2019-2020 Season – New Subscriptions On Sale March 28
PNC Broadway in Louisville is proud to announce the 2019-2020 Season which includes the six-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN opening the series at The Kentucky Center. The season will also include the new productions direct from Broadway, THE BAND’S VISIT, ANASTASIA, and COME FROM AWAY, the acclaimed new production of MISS SAIGON, the return of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Disney’s THE LION KING will be making a triumphant return as a season option. Only current subscribers can renew their season tickets at this time. Season tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 28. People interested in purchasing as a new subscriber may sign up on the “Save the Date” list at BroadwayInLouisville.com, which will notify them by email on March 28 when tickets are available.
Kentucky Opera Announces Brown-Forman 2019-2020 Season
General Director Barbara Lynne Jamison launches Youth Opera Initiative, adding 4th opera to the season!
The Brown-Forman 2019/20 Season — the first programmed by General Director Barbara Lynne Jamison who joined the company in August 2018 — will be framed by two timeless classics along with two Kentucky Opera debuts that allow the company to deeply engage with its community. The season kicks off in September with Georges Bizet’s Carmen. On Veteran’s Day weekend in November, Kentucky Opera presents Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied – a story that follows the saga of Jim Thompson, America’s longest-held prisoner of war. The season continues with Mozart’s classic comedy The Marriage of Figaro over Valentine’s Day weekend in 2020.
Kentucky Center Presents: Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble Black Violin – Feb. 27 @ 7:30 PM – Brown Theatre
Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. And Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys.
Location: Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway
Date: Wednesday, February 27th @ 7:30 PM
Ages: All ages
Price: Tickets start at $25.00*
*sales tax not included
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
The Corpse Washer – March 1–April 7 – Actors Theatre’s 43rd Humana Festival of New American Plays – Bingham Theatre
In an Iraq beset by decades of war and occupation, Jawad faces a difficult choice. Must he follow in his father’s footsteps washing the bodies of the dead—an honored Muslim tradition—or can he pursue his dreams of being an artist? Adapted from Iraqi writer Sinan Antoon’s award-winning novel, The Corpse Washer is a haunting portrait of a young man coming of age and a society’s fight for survival, in a country where life and death are inextricably intertwined.
Audience advisory: Contains strong language and discussion of war violence.
Age recommendation: 16+
adapted for the stage by Ismail Khalidi and Naomi Wallace
from the novel of the same name by Sinan Antoon
directed by Mark Brokaw
commissioned by Actors Theatre of Louisville
The Kentucky Center presents The Choir of Man – Thursday, March 7th @ 7:30 PM – Brown Theatre
The runaway hit of numerous international music festivals is hitting the road for its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as “the ultimate-feel good show,” THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s a pint-filled good time set in a working pub that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live Percussion with foot-stomping choreography. The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever attend! CHEERS!
Location: Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway
Date: Thursday, March 7th @ 7:30 PM
Ages: All ages
Price: Tickets start at $35.00* *sales tax not included
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Kentucky Center Presents: FRIENDS! The Musical Parody – March 8th – March 10th – Bomhard Theater
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is the comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at TV’s Friends, celebrating the adventures of your favorite group of 20-something friends as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990s Manhattan.
It’s a typical day at New York’s only coffee shop, Central Perk, until an unexpected runaway bride enters the picture and kicks the whole gang out of second gear! The new musical recreates our favorite moments from all 10 years of Friends through an uncensored, fast-paced, music filled romp. Recommended for mature audiences.
Location: The Kentucky Center, 501 W Main St
Date(s): Friday, March 8th – Sunday, March 10th
Ages: Recommended for ages 13 and up due to adult humor and language.
Price: Tickets start at $30.00* *sales tax not included
The Kentucky Center presents Jo Koy Break the Mold Tour – March 8 at 8 PM – Brown Theatre
Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Koy sells-out theaters and arenas across the world with his infectious and explosive energy onstage. The comedian pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son, with material that has universal appeal.
Jo Koy can be heard as a weekly guest on the popular podcast, The Adam Carolla Show. He also hosts the weekly podcast The Koy Pond with Jo Koy on Podcast One. Additionally, Koy can be seen on Kevin Hart’s LaughOutLoud.com as the host of Inglorious Pranksters.
read moreThe Kentucky Center & Live Nation present Iliza: Elder Millennial Tour – March 9 @7 pm – Brown Theatre
“Iliza Shlesinger’s brand of feminist comedy is quick, smart, and doesn’t suffer fools.” – LA Times
Don’t miss ILIZA live on tour performing material from ELDER MILLENNIAL, her fourth Netflix stand-up special.
Her career is exploding across screens of all sizes!
Iliza is the only woman – and youngest comedian ever – to win NBC’s Last Comic Standing.
In 2017, she hosted her own limited-run late night talk show, Truth & Iliza, and released her first book, Girl Logic.
In 2019, she’ll appear with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in the feature film Instant Family.
Her series Forever 31 is currently streaming on Hulu.
The Kentucky Center presents A Bowie Celebration: The David Bowie Alumni Tour – March 12 @ 7:30 PM – Brown Theatre
Join key alumni musicians of David Bowie’s bands from across the decades, anchored by his longest standing member Mike Garson along with other amazing Bowie band alumni with A BOWIE CELEBRATION: The David Bowie Alumni Tour featuring an unforgettable and critically acclaimed evening of Bowie songs with world-class vocalists and an ever-rotating mix of hits and deep cuts.
Artist Line-Up Subject to Change
Meet & Greet Package:
-One premium reserved ticket located in the first 5 rows
-VIP early entry into the venue
-Exclusive meet & greet with members of A Bowie Celebration
-Personal photograph with members of A Bowie Celebration
-VIP access to A Bowie Celebration’s preshow soundcheck
Emporium & The Kentucky Center Puddles Pity Party – March 15 @ 8 PM – Bomhard Theater
The ‘Sad Clown with the Golden Voice’ is here with his heartfelt anthems and a suitcase full of Kleenex! This Pity Party is not all sadness and longing. The show is peppered with a brilliant sense of the absurd, mixing lots of humor with the awkward, tender moments.
A veritable “Pagliacci by way of Pee-Wee Herman and David Lynch” (The AJC), Puddles Pity Party has 286k fans on Facebook and over 76 million views on YouTube for indelible interpretations of classics by ABBA, Bowie, Cheap Trick and Queen and his unforgettable mash-up of “Pinball Wizard/Folsom Prison Blues”. You may recognize him from his recent appearances on America’s Got Talent and video collaborations with Postmodern Jukebox. Puddles has toured extensively in the US at legendary venues like the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, the Kennedy Center in D.C. and the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
PNC Broadway in Louisville presents On Your Feet! – March 12 – March 17 – The Kentucky Center Whitney Hall
From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything.
On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet.
Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), On Your Feet! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century—and one of the most inspiring stories in music history.
read moreLouisville Orchestra presents The Music of Queen – March 23 at 8 PM – The Kentucky Center Whitney Hall
Who isn’t familiar with the classic tunes of Queen? The band plays all the favorites staying as close as possible to the original recordings and the orchestra is “wrapped” around that original sound. If you’re an average fan or someone who knows literally every song ever recorded by Queen, there’s something for you in this show.
Brody Dolyniuk, lead vocals
Dan Clemens, bass + background vocals
Powell Randolph, drums + background vocals
George Cintron, guitar + background vocals
Justin Avery, keyboards + background vocals
Louisville Orchestra’s Coffee & Classics Series “Tchaikovsky Concerto 1” – March 29-30 – The Kentucky Center
Elegant, insightful, balanced and brilliant, pianist Andrew von Oeyen is captivating! Russian composers Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) and Shostakovich (1906-1975) were a generation apart but their passion for their homeland, its people and music, pulses in every beat of these two magnificent works.
Louisville Orchestra Presents POPS: Storm Large: Love, Lust, + Rock N’ Roll – April 20 @ 8 PM – The Kentucky Center
From Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra to Led Zeppelin and Queen, this music is a pulse-racing tribute to Love, Lust + Rock ‘n’ Roll, with powerful hits including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Kashmir,” “Somebody to Love,” and much more performed by the sensational and sultry Storm Large!
STORM LARGE, vocalist BOB BERNHARDT, conductor
Louisville Orchestra Presents: Coffee + Brown Forman Series “Teddy Talks Brahms” – April 26-27 – The Kentucky Center
In the second of his one-piece programs, Teddy Abrams deconstructs and explores the miraculous construction of the final symphony of Romantic Era German composer Johannes Brahms (1833-1897).
JOHANNES BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4
Teddy Abrams, conductor
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