The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

PNC Broadway in Louisville Announces 2017/2018 Season! Packages On Sale Now.

 

 

PNC Broadway in Louisville Announces 2017/2018 Season 

National Tour of Hamilton Coming in 2018/2019 Season

 

Contact: Matthew Porter

Director of Public Relations

502-569-3064

Matthew.Porter@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Louisville, KY (February 23, 2017) – PNC Broadway in Louisville announces today the all-new 2017-2018 season which includes Finding Neverland, Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Chicago, School of Rock, and Waitress. Season Options will include the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour and Les Misérables.

The national tour of Hamilton will play The Kentucky Center as part of the 2018/19 season. The best way to guarantee tickets to Hamilton is to purchase a season subscription for the 2017/18 season. Subscribers who renew for the 2018/19 season will be able to guarantee their tickets for the premier Louisville engagement of Hamilton before tickets become available to the general public. Information regarding Hamilton dates and how to purchase groups and single tickets will be announced at a later time.

“We’re so pleased to announce another season of hit shows, including our first holiday show in years,” said Leslie Broecker, PNC Broadway in Louisville President. “It’s Louisville’s passion for theatre that has made our series grow and break records for two seasons in a row, bringing thousands of people downtown. And of course we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that Hamilton will be coming to the 2018-2019 season!”

 

2017-2018 SEASON SHOWS

Finding Neverland, October 24-29, 2017

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, November 28-December 3, 2017

Chicago, January 23-28, 2018

School of Rock, March 13-18, 2018

Waitress, June 26-July 1, 2018

 

SEASON OPTIONS

Rent 20th Anniversary Tour, February 16-17, 2018

Les Misérables, April 10-15, 2018

 

Season tickets for the 2017-2018 PNC Broadway in Louisville Season ARE ON SALE NOW with three convenient ways to purchase:

Select your seats in person at the PNC Broadway in Louisville Box Office at 620 W Main Street, Ste 100, Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm

Order online 7 days a week/24 hours a day at www.BroadwayinLouisville.com.

Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Louisville Season Ticket Hotline at 502-561-1003. The Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Prices for the five-show season ticket package range between $165 and $650 depending on seat location.

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2017-2018 Season Show Descriptions:

Finding Neverland, October 24-29, 2017

The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan.

Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Finding Neverland is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR). 

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical November 28-December 3, 2017

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don’t miss what The New York Times calls “AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE! 100 times better than any bedside story.”

 Chicago January 23-28, 2018

There’s never been a better time to experience Chicago, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history

Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. It’s no surprise that Chicago has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. And now it’s coming to your town!

Whether you're looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you've seen the Academy Award®-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you've seen it before and want to recapture the magic, Chicago always delivers!

School of Rock March 13-18, 2018

School of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “AN INSPIRING JOLT OF ENERGY, JOY AND MAD SKILLZ!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING!”

Waitress June 26-July 1, 2018

"THE WOMEN OF WAITRESS ARE CHANGING BROADWAY!"  - TIME Magazine

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

"Waitress is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

2017-2018 Season Option Descriptions

Rent 20th Anniversary Tour February 16-17, 2018

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s Rent continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production.

A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

Les Misérables April 10-15, 2018

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1).

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year.

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A/TONAL Ensemble - champions of new music - make their Kentucky Center debut April 2

The Kentucky Center Presents

A/TONAL

Sunday, April 2, 7 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Todd Hall

501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202

Ticketing Information

 

A/Tonal presents all-American music for its debut at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, performing chamber music by Louisville composers Erich Stem and Daniel Gilliam, plus Honest Music by Nico Muhly, Static (the 2007 Grawemeyer Award-winning composition) by Sebastian Currier, and more.

As a champion of new music, A/Tonal has been featured on 90.5 WUOL’s Unheard series, LONGLEASH’s Loretto Project, and IU Southeast’s Ogle Center concert series. A/Tonal consists of core members Carrie RavenStem (clarinet), Jessica Dorman (piano), Daniel Gilliam (composer) and Erich Stem (composer); the group has collaborated with local artists Amy Ensel (flute), Chad Sloan (baritone), Jayne Drummond (oboe), Robert Simonds (violin), JP Brien-Slack (violin), and Felix Borges (cello). 

Composer, arranger, pianist Rachel Grimes brings new music - The Way Forth - to The Kentucky Center in March

 

Louisville Public Media presents

RACHEL GRIMES: THE WAY FORTH

A Song Cycle Featuring Joan Shelley, Nathan Salsburg, Scott Moore, Charlie Patton, Aaron May, and Stephen Webber 

With Special Guest Wu Fei, composer, vocalist and performer of the guzheng (Chinese zither)

Friday, March 31, 8 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202

Ticketing Information

 

From the Wilderness Trail to the battlefield, from a dastardly land deal to building a fort, from indentured servitude to the meadow lands, from a one room schoolhouse to the university, from birth to love to rape to murder, and back around to a ham breakfast with a patriotic parade:  What did these women see and feel? What was in their hearts and dreams?

Inspired by a treasure trove of heirloom family photos, documents, and letters, these songs weave through the voices of generations of Kentucky women with titles such as “Sisterhood of Man,” “Red House School,” “The Hysterical Society,” “Dix River Doxology,” and “End of Dominion.”

Creation of The Way Forth was made possible with support from The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Clifton Center.  Presented by Louisville Public Media. Additional support provided by Frazier History Museum.

Shakespeare Theatre Company's Michael Porto named Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications at Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

As reported by BroadwayWorld.com - 

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (Louisville) announced today that Michael Porto has been named Senior Director of Marketing & Communications. Porto will be responsible for the creation and oversight of the Center's brand position as a leader in the local and regional arts and cultural community. In addition, Porto will be responsible for the leadership and management of Marketing & Communications and Ticketing Services, advancing sales and contributed revenue and promotions for the Center.

Porto previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., where he supervised all marketing, interactive, public relations, audience engagement, branding, audiences services and box office operations. Prior to that, he owned a theatrical consulting firm, leading marketing efforts for Arizona Theatre Company and NYC-based dance companies. He served as Executive Vice President of Type A Marketing, representing several Broadway and touring productions.

"Michael's comprehensive experience in marketing and the arts will allow us to continue to tell our story, strengthen our brand and deliver our message across many audiences," said Kim Baker, President of The Kentucky Center. "This is an exciting step as we continue to evolve and communicate all that we have to offer in terms of programming, arts education and more."

Prior to working at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Porto served as Director of Marketing & Communications for ASU Gammage, one of North America's leading presenting organizations of touring Broadway and international arts productions. Prior to joining ASU, he was the president of M.A.P. Marketing Group, a marketing communications firm specializing in performing arts, festivals and events. Michael is married to Kevin Moore, Managing Director at Actor's Theatre of Louisville.

The mission of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is to lead and enrich the artistic, educational and economic vitality of the region by providing unparalleled programming and cultural events. The Center serves Kentucky through education and initiatives which expand and diversify audiences while enhancing their understanding, appreciation and support for the arts.

Tickets on sale now for inaugural Lou Year's Eve on December 31; VIP ticket includes entry to SCENE at the Center

As reported by the Lane Report on December 6 -  

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 6, 2016) – West Main Street in downtown Louisville will come alive with 40 performances and activities at 15 different venues and museums on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 2 p.m.-midnight during the inaugural Lou Year’s Eve celebration.

Activities will take place inside and outside on West Main Street, which will be closed to traffic between 4th and 9th Streets. The new event will showcase the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene while providing a fun and safe New Year’s Eve option for the whole family. View the schedule of events, and watch for new events to be added throughout the month.

Programming highlights include a concert by Louisville native and The Voice contestant “Dave Moisan,” performances by the Louisville Ballet and Actors Theatre of Louisville, and a series of interactive art pieces created by local artist and muralist Braylyn Resko Stewart along with event attendees.

Children’s activities will be held during the afternoon hours from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. in five museums between Seventh and Ninth Streets, including a scavenger hunt, hands-on art projects, caricatures, face painting, magicians, puppet shows, balloon makers, storytelling, and more. At 5 p.m., the Louisville Lions Dance Team will lead a People’s Procession made up of everyone who wants to join in marching down West Main Street from Ninth Street to Fifth Street, ending at the Main Stage.

The Main Stage will be built on West Main Street in front of the Kentucky Center for the Arts and will rev up at 6 p.m. with a concert by country-rock-blues band Wildwood, followed by DJ Glenn Smith, and later a concert by “bourbon jazz” band Billy Goat Strut Revue. An adult beverage garden will open at 6 p.m., and other evening activities include improv shows, performance by Small Time Napoleon and Kentucky Shakespeare, poetry readings, and more. The finale of the event will include a countdown to midnight with fun surprises, and the raising of Kentucky’s largest disco ball by crane. Local food trucks will participate and several restaurants will offer specials for event attendees. 

Lou Year's Eve is a ticketed event! Get Tickets. Tickets are available online for $8 in advance/$10 at the door for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free admission for children 5 and under. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available for $175, and includes entrance to SCENE, the new restaurant in the Kentucky Center for the Arts which overlooks the Main Street activities, and will offer a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres prepared by Bristol Catering.

Sponsors of the 2016 Lou Year’s Eve include Old 502 Winery, Deco Paper Products, Hilliard Lyons, Commonwealth Bank & Trust, The Gheens Foundation, Axxis, Inc., Goodwood Brewing, Highland Cleaners, Tilford, Dobbins & Schmidt, PLLC, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Doe-Anderson, Inc.

For a detailed list of performers, the event schedule, and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.louyearseve.com. Follow @louyearseve on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

 

1200 LIVE album release event booked at The Kentucky Center; tickets on sale December 2

 

The Kentucky Center Presents

1200 LIVE

January 14, 8 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

501 W. Main, Louisville 40202

Join West Louisville music pioneer Jecorey "1200" Arthur as he performs music from his new full-length double release titled Séance and Unbridled Spirit. Séance focuses on the darker aspects of life, while Unbridled Spirit reflects the brighter side.

The 1200 LIVE release event is a multi-sensory production where the audience will not only hear the music, but also see, feel, smell, and taste it!

All ticket holders receive free digital and physical versions of Séance and Unbridled Spirit.

All seats $20, general admission seating, fees apply.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 2, at 10 a.m., through The Kentucky Center Ticket Service online, by phone (584-7777), and at the box office.

 

Roots & Wings performs "The Blood Always Returns" November 5-6 at The Kentucky Center; tickets on sale now.

 

Roots & Wings

in partnership with The Kentucky Center presents

The Blood Always Returns

Saturday, November 5, 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 2:30 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202

Mature Content

Two young people struggle with their own identities and the issues they see in their community. These problems come to the forefront as they examine what it means to be Black in Kentucky. Exploring the histories of Africa, Kentucky and their own family, they develop an understanding of who they are and the roots of the challenges in their community. A culmination of dramatic events leads them to the revelation that the keys to transformation lie within.

The Blood Always Returns Cast: Cynthia Brown, Antonio Burroughs, Vay Davis, Hannah Drake, Brandon Harrison, Jerron Jones, Lance Newman, Kiara Watts, Tytianna Wells-Smith

Standard tickets are $25, general admission seating, fees apply. Tickets are on sale through The Kentucky Center Ticket Service online, by phone (502.584.7777), and at the box office (501 W. Main).

Roots & Wings, in cooperation with the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, was among 38 recipients of ArtPlace America’s 2015 National Grants Program. ArtPlace, one of the nation’s largest philanthropies dedicated to creative place making, invested $280,000 in Louisville, KY to further integrate arts and culture into the field of community planning and development. ArtPlace selected Roots & Wings from a pool of nearly 1,300 applicants nationwide.

Roots & Wings was created with the support of Bridge Kids International and IDEAS xLab. Other key partners include The Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Louisville Ballet and Metro Louisville’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.

International sensation STOMP comes to The Kentucky Center November 11 + 12

 

Yum! Family Series Program

STOMP

Friday, November 11, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 12, at 2 p.m, and 8 p.m. 

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202

 

Tickets are on sale now for this international sensation! Call (502) 584-7777, online ticketing. Please call (502) 566-5111 for information about the range of accessibility options we offer to enhance your performance experience.

Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that's dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm. STOMP was created in the United Kingdom in 1991 by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas and premiered that year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 1996 STOMP brought down the house at the annual Academy Awards and also performed at the Acropolis in Athens that same year.

Sponsored by Yum! Brands. The Kentucky Center proudly supports Yum! Brands Foundation and Dare to Care Food Bank in their ongoing efforts to end hunger in our hometown and around the world. Please bring a canned good or other non-perishable item to be collected at the door.

Love live arts and entertainment? Create your Kentucky Center eClub profile and receive our monthly box office eCalendar and presale invitations tailored to your Interests. 

View our Kentucky Center Presents show calendar! New shows are booked throughout the year.

Louisville Music Awards return to The Kentucky Center in October. Nominations are now open!

2016 Louisville Music Awards

Thursday, October 27

6:30 p.m., Pre-show Reception (Main Lobby)

8 p.m., Awards Ceremony and Live Performances (Bomhard Theater)

9:30 p.m., After Party (Main Lobby)

The Kentucky Center

501 W. Main, Louisville 40202

Brought to you by Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 

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Nominations are now open for the 2016 Louisville Music Awards! Nominations will be accepted through September 9. The 4th annual Louisville Music Awards highlights the diverse artists, pioneers, fans, and businesses that make up Louisville's vibrant music community. Event tickets are $10, general admission seating, fees apply. Tickets can be purchased through The Kentucky Center Ticket Service online, by phone (502.584.7777), and at the box office. $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to MERF, the Musician's Emergency Resource Foundation. 

Multiple Grammy Winner Esperanza Spalding brings Emily’s D+Evolution Tour to The Kentucky Center October 21; tickets on sale August 12.

 

Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble

Esperanza Spalding presents: Emily’s D+Evolution

Friday, October 21, 8 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202

 

Bassist, cellist, singer, and songwriter Esperanza Spalding was a musical prodigy, playing violin in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at age five. She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2011. 

In March 2016, Spalding released her fifth studio album, Emily’s D+Evolution. Although initially categorized as a Jazz artist, her new work appeals across multiple genres, including fans of Prince, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, David Byrne, Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Laurie Anderson, and Janelle Monae.

Video: “Good Lava” live (NPR Music “Front Row”) 

“a scorching Art Pop statement, ultimately a complex, funky prog-rock concept opera about love and identity” – Rolling Stone 

“exuberant, confrontational songs, …seething with the sort of ferocity that only comes from time spent alone, far away from the limelight” – Pitchfork.com

“a beyond-category masterpiece that sounds better than if Joni Mitchell hired Living Colour as her band and then grafted it all onto a hip-hop sensibility of sorts” – PopMatters.com

Tickets on sale to the public starting Friday, August 12, 10 a.m. The Kentucky Center is the official ticket service for this performance; don’t be fooled by scalping sites. Standard tickets available online, by phone (502.584.7777), and in-person at the box office (501 W. Main Street). Tickets start at $35, reserved seating, fees apply.

View upcoming Kentucky Center Presents events.

Create your Kentucky Center eClub profile to receive presale invitations for future Kentucky Center Presents events. New shows are booked throughout the year.