Louisville’s vibrant arts scene thrives on the vision and passion of its leaders, each shaping the city’s creative landscape in unique ways. To celebrate the kick off of Audience Magazine in print, we caught up with seven trailblazing leaders of local arts organizations to explore their inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the future. From fostering community engagement to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, these visionaries reveal what it takes to keep the arts alive and flourishing in Louisville.
Each interview is available to read or listen to in its entirety below. Enjoy and see you at a show soon!
Leslie Broecker – President Broadway Across America – Louisville Theatrical Association
By G. Douglas Dreisbach
Broadway in Louisvillehas been bringing the best Broadway productions to Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center since the early 1980s, including hit productions of Hamilton, Wicked, CATS and more. Each season seems to outdo the previous one. Still on the schedule for this year is Come From Away (Jan 11 & 12), Moulin Rouge! (Feb. 18-March 2), Peter Pan (March 25-30), &Juliet (April 22-27), Shucked (May 13-18) and The Wiz (July 29-Aug 3). You will always find a wide selection of performances on the schedule, ranging from adult-oriented productions to ones geared more toward families and children. Plus, there is always a beloved classic sprinkled into the line-up, which always makes it exciting!
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.
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.”
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.
