PNC Broadway in Louisville
The KPA Bradley Awards: Shining a Spotlight on Kentucky’s Next Generation of Theater Stars
The KPA Bradley Awards have quickly become one of the most vibrant celebrations of high school musical theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Now in its second year as an official regional affiliate of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — widely known as the Jimmy Awards — the program honors young performers, technicians, and educators across every facet of the art form. From powerful lead performances and dynamic ensemble work to innovative lighting, sound, costumes, and community outreach, the awards recognize the full spectrum of talent that brings high school musicals to life.
Broadway Preview: A Book of Mormon – May 5-10 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
When The Book of Mormon arrives in Louisville as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season May 5-10, audiences can expect an evening of bold satire, dazzling musical theater, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, the smash-hit musical has become one of the most celebrated shows of the modern Broadway era, entertaining more than 20 million people worldwide with its infectious score, outrageous humor, and surprising heart.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Frozen songwriter Robert Lopez, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. What begins as a straightforward religious assignment quickly spirals into a wildly funny adventure filled with culture shock, unlikely friendships, and plenty of absurd situations along the way.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Riverdance (**Special 3-show run – March 24-26)
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Beauty & The Beast (March 10-15)
Broadway in Louisville continues in March with an unforgettable production that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. Don’t miss the magic of Disney with Beauty and The Beast (May 10-15) for must-see theater.
Broadway in Louisville Announces a Blockbuster 2026–2027 Season
The 2026–2027 PNC Broadway in Louisville season was recently announced and offers one of the most dynamic and crowd-pleasing lineups in recent years, blending blockbuster classics, pop-music driven biographies, inventive new musicals, and visually spectacular productions. Anchored at the historic Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, this seven-show season brings together Tony Award® winners, beloved jukebox hits, and fresh Broadway storytelling that spans generations and genres.
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Performance Preview: PNC Broadway in Louisville: Kimberly Akimbo (Dec. 2-7)
If Water for Elephants is a sweeping epic, Kimberly Akimbo is its delightfully offbeat counterpart: a small-scale story with enormous heart.
Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, along with four other Tonys including Best Score and Best Book, Kimberly Akimbo has been hailed as one of the most original, funny, and touching musicals in years.
Performance Preview: PNC Broadway in Louisville: Water for Elephants (Oct.14-19)
Broadway in Louisville invites you to step right up to the most unusual circus you’ll ever see. Water for Elephants, which premiered on Broadway in 2024, is a bold new musical that marries old-fashioned showmanship with breathtaking stagecraft and contemporary storytelling. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s beloved 2006 novel — later a feature film starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson — the musical offers a unique blend of romance, danger, and nostalgia.
Performance Preview: MJ The Musical – Broadway in Louisville – Sept. 9-14
The lights shine brighter for Broadway in Louisville audiences as MJ The Musical, takes the stage at Whitney Hall for eight electrifying performances September 9–14th.
It’s a thrilling inclusion in PNC Broadway in Louisville’s 2025–2026 season and promises to be a must-see experience.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville: The Wiz (July 29 – August 3)
Ease on down the road…to a reimagined journey through Oz
Louisville audiences are in for a treat as the groundbreaking musical The Wiz returns to the stage at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts from July 29 to August 3. This all-new national tour reimagines the beloved 1975 Broadway classic, infusing it with contemporary flair while honoring its rich legacy.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville – Shucked – May 13-18
Get ready for Broadway’s laugh-out-loud sensation, Shucked, that is rolling into town this May!
The Kentucky Center will host this fresh, feel-good musical that offers a corny delight with a big heart.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville – & Juliet – April 22-27
What If Juliet’s Story Didn’t End in Tragedy?
&Juliet is a fresh, exhilarating Broadway hit that flips the script on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, reimagining what might have happened if Juliet had lived — and chosen her own path.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” – Feb. 18-March 2
Broadway in Louisville performances continue to shine as they welcome back Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a dazzling theatrical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, capturing the essence of the bohemian spirit and the allure of the famed Parisian nightclub. Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris during the Belle Époque at the turn of the 20th century, the narrative follows Christian, a young American composer who falls deeply in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge. Their romance faces challenges from the club’s financial troubles and the machinations of the wealthy Duke of Monroth, who seeks Satine’s affection in exchange for his investment in the club. The story intertwines themes of love, art, and sacrifice, all set against a backdrop of vibrant music and dance.
Broadway Getaway: Boston, Massachusetts
We are excited to present another Audience Broadway Getaway featuring great destinations that you can travel to with a non-stop flight from Louisville’s Muhammed Ali International Airport.
Boston, Massachusetts is known for its rich history, championship sports franchises, amazing food and a world-class arts and theater scene, and Broadway in Boston always delivers high quality performances year after year.
Broadway in Louisville: Come From Away Returns for Special 3-show Performance – January 11 & 12, 2025
Broadway in Louisville is excited for the return of the hit musical, Come From Away, January 11 and 12 for three special performances.
The critically acclaimed Broadway musical tells the remarkable true story of what transpired in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The show, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, opened on Broadway in 2017 and quickly gained widespread praise for its powerful message of kindness, humanity, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Broadway in Louisville: Performance Preview – Les Misérables – October 1 – 6, 2024
The Heart of Valjean – Nick Cartell on Fatherhood, Loss, and 1,200 Nights of Les Mis
Nick Cartell steps into the spotlight, alone on stage. For the audience, it’s a performance. For Cartell, it’s personal. After more than 1,200 performances as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, this role isn’t just a job — it’s a mirror. Every night, Cartell finds something new in the part: a glance, a note, a reaction. Each moment is a reminder that Valjean’s story is also his own.
It’s that kind of energy, authenticity, and vulnerability that audiences can look forward to when one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals, Les Misérables, comes to Louisville in October.
“If you haven’t seen the show yet, take the leap. Come and join us,” Cartell says. “You’ll come away thankful that you did, especially with everything happening in our world right now. An audience can come together, sit in one space and connect with these characters. There is a collective energy that comes with seeing theater.”
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville – Beetlejuice – May 14 – 19, 2024 – Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center
Grief, Growth, and Ghosts: Jesse Sharp on Bringing Depth to Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice’s Louisville Run
Get ready, Louisville! It’s time to say “Beetlejuice” three times and unleash a whirlwind of laughter, heart, and ghostly shenanigans at the Kentucky Center from May 14-19, 2024.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville: Clue (March 5 – 10, 2024)
Bringing Clue to Life: The Journey from Board Game to Stage Mystery
Get ready to play detective, Louisville!
Clue, the board game that has enthralled players since 1949, jumps off the table and onto the stage, bringing a whirlwind of mystery and laughter to The Kentucky Center. From March 5 to 10, the roll of the dice comes to life, and Louisville will be smack in the middle of the action — minus the risk of becoming the next victim, of course!
Kentucky Center Celebration: 40 Years of Memories
The Kentucky Center opened in November of 1983 under the direction of Gov. John Y. Brown and a combined project budget from the state as well as local donors. Brown was quoted as saying there hasn’t been a more productive investment by the state than that of the arts center. He might be correct!
Over the years, The Kentucky Center has been the anchor for the arts and home to the major productions of Broadway in Louisville, the magical concerts of the Louisville Orchestra, the elegance of the Louisville Ballet and some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and entertainment. The Kentucky Center has hosted world leaders, presidential debates, and town halls on its stages. For 40 years, the flagship venue has proven to have been a great investment for the community, the city of Louisville and the entire commonwealth.
Looking back over the years, memories were made that will last a lifetime. We caught up with some friends of The Kentucky Center to find out what they love about the venue, as well as some of their favorite memories.
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville – Disney’s Frozen – Jan. 24 – Feb. 4
An Enchanting Journey: Louisville native Jack Brewer performs for hometown audiences in Disney’s Frozen
The Kentucky Center is buzzing with excitement as Louisville eagerly awaits the arrival of the Broadway sensation, Disney’s Frozen, on January 24. This production isn’t just another high-profile event for the city; it’s a homecoming for one of Louisville’s own, Jack Brewer.
Brewer has earned a spot in the ensemble of this acclaimed touring show, playing the charming Oaken. His journey from local theater to the grandeur of Broadway encapsulates a story of dedication, talent, and the support from a vibrant arts community.
