Kentucky has a number of theaters to visit for shows of all types. But great live performances can be found outside the theater walls as well. And while Louisville and Lexington lead the way in productions, smaller cities also boast high-quality shows for all ages.
Venues
Louisville boasts a number of renowned theaters worth visiting. One of the most famous is Kentucky's designated state theater, the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Among its many honors, it holds a Regional Theatre Tony Award. Founded in 1964, the company presents almost 600 performances a year, with shows running almost every day during its season from late August to early May. Because the theater includes three separate stages, it's able to present up to seven performances in a single day, from matinées to late-night shows. The Actors Theatre of Louisville has been called "one of the finest acting companies in America" by The Irish Times.
Louisville is also home to the nationally-acclaimed Stage One Theatre, a theater especially for children and young adults. Tickets for student matinée performances and public weekend performances are available for purchase. In operation for over 61 years, Stage One sponsors productions for the enjoyment of both children and adults alike.
The Kentucky Center boasts a reputation for acclaimed performances of all types. Lectures, plays, and orchestral performances have all graced the stages of this Louisville playhouse since 1980. Indeed, the Center itself houses separate stages: the Robert S. Whitney Hall, the Moritz von Bomhard Theater, and the MeX Theater (Boyd Martin Experimental Theater). At a separate location, the historic Brown Theatre is also managed by the Kentucky Center. Each of these venues has its own distinct atmosphere and caters to unique performances specifically suited to its own confines. Some of the acts which have graced the stage include George Carlin, Mikhail Gorbachev, Pilobolus, the one-man comedy performance Defending the Caveman, Beauty and the Beast, and the AXIS Dance Company.
There are a number of exciting venues outside the Louisville area as well. Danville is home to the Pioneer Playhouse. Sporting a dinner theater and a campground, the playhouse is Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater, and has been named one of National Geographic's "100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life."
The Kentucky Repertory Theatre, located in Horse Cave, near Mammoth Cave National Park, performs plays primarily between autumn and Christmas. Listed on the National Historic Register, it's also the official State Repertory Theatre of Kentucky. The professional company produces a variety of plays during its season, ranging from classics to children's shows to new works by Kentucky playwrights.
Events and Festivals
The Iroquois Amphitheater, located in Iroquois Park, is home to Music Theatre Louisville. Dedicated to producing affordable, community-based theater, the group performs four to five different plays a year.
For fans of classic literature, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival performs various plays of the canonical author every summer in Louisville's Central Park. The country's oldest and most cost-efficient "Shakespeare in the Park" festival, all performances feature free showings to all attendees.
In addition to its regular production schedule, the Actors Theatre of Louisville also produces the annual Humana Festival of New American Plays. Started in 1976, the festival is dedicated to showcasing new and exciting works for patrons of all ages. Plays performed have won a multitude of awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the Pen Center USA West Award, and the Obie Award. Playwrights whose works have been performed include Adam Rapp, Steven Dietz, Theresa Rebeck, and Adam Bock.
The Kentucky Opera is located in Louisville as well, usually found performing at the Kentucky Center. Founded in 1952, it's one of the oldest opera companies in the country. The company strives to present innovative productions and debuts, as well as classic operas. Opera fans attending a show may want to arrive an hour early to take advantage of Opera Previews, during which music staff members tell the audience about the opera about to be performed. Other special programs include Lunch and Listen, where visitors enjoy lunch while Kentucky Opera insiders discuss the process of producing the shows; and Sights and Sounds at the Speed, which combines an opera preview with relevant art works, in association with the Speed Museum.
In Bardstown, visitors may visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The former plantation was an inspiration to songwriter Stephen Foster, who titled his song My Old Kentucky Home after visiting the grounds. Of particular interest to theater buffs is the production Stephen Foster – The Musical, performed nightly during the summer at the adjoining amphitheater. In 2007, the play Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was added to the schedule on alternating evenings.
Whether looking for a small, intimately-produced production or a large ensemble cast, the Bluegrass State has whatever type of theater your heart desires. From drama to stand-up comedy, opera to outdoor musical theater, you'll find it in Kentucky.
