Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway plays… what more can you ask for?!
Wonderful selection of plays throughout year. Clean theaters. Parking is (usually) easy and very safe.
Staff is helpful and outside of building is beautiful. Ive had a great experience every single time.

Is the concert venue at the Brown called Whitney Hall, too? I’ve mixed them up several times! Overall, great venue! Not a bad seat in the house!

From childhood field trips to Stage One productions, to Louisville Orchestra concerts, and the Broadway Series, I’m so glad we have this gem in town. It can get a bit crowded inside if multiple events are going on, but I love that the Center brings people downtown and showcases the arts.

The Kentucky Center has seen better days but it’s a mainstay of Louisville and deserves respect. Louisville’s always had a lot going on. It’s just that people weren’t paying attention. The food scene has *always* been incredible. Always. Spirits are a lynchpin of the city. I don’t know what the ‘Bourbon Trail’ boondoogle is but y’all do realize Brown-​Forman has been on 18^th for a billion years, right? The arts scene, too, has long been admirable — and not just for a city of Louisville’s size. Actors has attracted talent for ages. The Louisville Orchestra was briefly surpassed by the Louisville Youth Orchestra (when a dashing young violist was in its ranks). Ballet & Opera (yep, did that too) were vital parts of the city. But, despite the abundance of art, it was never so accessible as it was at the KCftA.
From the abstract art out front to the not-​as-​good-​as-​Bardstown-​Road Bristol it housed (surrounded by glass!), the Kentucky Center and I came on the Downtown scene together. As a kid, the steps leading into the center were like catnip. Many hours were spent playing on them and many time outs were given because of them. I saw my first musical at the Kentucky Center. I curated projects there. I did work there that earned me my Kentucky Colonel card. The Center has been a part of my life for a long time.
Nostalgia notwithstanding, I do recognize that the old girl is showing some age and could use some updates. The bathroom situation needs to reflect the popularity of the venue. They’re far too sparse for a building of this size and popularity. Parking, while abundant, is confusing and not well-​planned. Also, depending on how you enter the building you’re, likely, to be wandering the garage post-​show when all you want to do is go home. But these are trifling matters, in the larger scale. The views are unobstructed (balcony, main floor, loge, etc.) and the sound system is fantastic. Having not been to the Center for years, I saw Wicked there in late fall. I’d never seen the show but was familiar with the story/​soundtrack. I was quite impressed with the production and the caliber of the cast. Oh, and the theater was packed to capacity. This wasn’t a stop off destination. It reminded me why Louisville has been home to so many touring companies of top shows and why the Kentucky Center has been their home for years.
Look what we can do, Louisville.

I thought we were going to the Center of Kentucky, not the Kentucky Center. I was very confused and initially disappointed.
First, getting to the Kentucky Center wasn’t difficult and parking was a breeze. Sure, we paid for parking but it wasn’t a king’s ransom and the parking garage fed directly into the main lobby of the Center.
The Center is tastefully decorated with statues and artwork hanging on the walls. The lobby was a beautiful space to be in. It isn’t impossible for me to believe that you could have some manner of fancy, one percent event without going much further.
We were there to see a production of «Anything Goes» in the MEX Theater, which I believe was an ‘experimental’ venue. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house and the production was delightful.
It wasn’t difficult to find your way through the Center to the theater despite it being tucked away in a hidden corner of the complex. There was ample, and tasteful, signage to direct you where you wanted to be and to the restrooms.
While we climbed far, far too many stairs to get to the theater there was also the option to use the elevator. In addition to being accessible to the differently able, physically, they had assistance for the hearing impaired as well. No matter who you are or what your challenge may be it seems the Kentucky Center is ready to welcome you and wants you to enjoy what they have to offer.
I won’t be so adverse in the future to going to the Kentucky Center when there is something there I’d like to see or experience. I really feared that it would have the hassles of other downtown venues in similarly sized cities. I was happy and surprised that, despite a domestic terrorist organization meeting there as well, it was a successful and easy evening.

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is probably the main theater complex for Louisville and the home of our amazing Orchestra. It is located downtown on Main Street on the Ohio river.
The Kentucky Center has three performance spaces: the Robert S. Whitney Hall is the largest, is where the Orchestra performs, and where most of the larger shows are performed; the Moritz von Bomhard Theatre, which is a smaller space with about 600 seats for more intimate performances; and lastly the Boyd Martin Theatre, also known as the MeX which is a small space of about 139 seats.
The space itself has long open atrium with the box office and in-​house bar (The Kentucky Center Bar) on the right side as you walk in, with Whitney Hall on the other side. They also have some very interesting art work placed around the Kentucky Center. On a second level they have the Bomhard theater and they have a patio at the back of the Center with a view of the Ohio River.
I have taken the opportunity to visit the Kentucky Center on numerous occasions and have always been impressed. There are almost no bad seats in Whitney hall and the acoustics are amazing. The Kentucky Center also puts on a wide variety of shows including Broadway shows, one man performances, dance, arcobatics, the Ochestra, ballet, and musicals to name just a few and each year they put on an amazing and varied program.
There a few small negatives though. For Whitney Hall the rows are long and the seats are closely spaced, both with your neighbor and the seats in front and behind you. This means that as people are entering the theater you are either constantly having to stand up or having people or walk over your feet or bump into your knees (and doing it others as you try to find your seat) and they have a bar set up in the middle of the Kentucky Center during performances which really snarls up foot traffic during intermission. That being said, these are very minor complaints and you hardly notice the small seats because the performances are usually so riveting.
I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the Arts to see a performance at the Kentucky Center. They have so much to offer, that there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Clean and open layout. Very modern. The performing area is also very open, with lots of leg room. Well-​maintained bathrooms and overall facility.

We went to see Beauty and the Beast last night with students and staff from my school. It was amazing! It was so much fun to watch the students in awe of everything happening on the stage. Thank you Kentucky Center for providing a memorable experience for these kids for years to come!

This is an amazing place to see a performance. I go to a lot of performances by the Louisville Orchestra. The staff have always been incredibly friendly. There is a bar, and you can bring your drink to your seat for most performances. It’s $ 9 for any neat or on the rocks drink that isn’t the well.
Use the restrooms down the ramp from orchestra left during intermission– they are never very crowded.

HORRIBLE IDEA TO PURCHASE TICKETS AS A GIFT.
On Saturday I bought a set of 5 tickets as a christmas present for my wife. I told my daughter today, and the date chosen presents a problem, so I called to change the date. The tickets won’t be mailed for another two days, so it shouldn’t be a problem, should it? Of course, it is. First I was told there would be an up charge, which I agreed to pay, then was told they couldn’t do it at all. I understand the venue has the ability to set such rules, and they have done so. If you are intending to purchase a gift for Christmas, you might want to reconsider the Kentucky Center for the Arts, because it is not accommodating.

My first time here was for the Downton Abbey Season 6 screening event. The staff was friendly and the building itself was beautiful. The seats were clean and comfortable and not spaced so close together that you have no room move your legs. The acoustics were good for showing a video and hope to see what it’s like for a live performance someday soon

I love this venue. I’ve seen multiple shows here including wicked, the Book of Mormon and the nutcracker and I always enjoy my experience.
I generally prefer the balcony seating (being a short person) but for the Nutcracker, the floor seating is where it’s at! It’s awe inspiring watching the larger-​than-​life scenes rise from the stage.
I went to see the nutcracker tonight which was absolutely fabulous. The dancers were spot on and the scenery effects were truly magical (I mean that in both the visual sense and literally, there were magical elements involved!)
Every time I see a show here, I always come away with warm fuzzy feelings and great memories.
The parking is easy and refreshments aplenty!

I’m mostly going to review the shows I saw rather than the actual center.
Book of Mormon — A+. Music is creative and morbidly hilarious. More enjoyable if you’ve ever had dealing with Mormons or lived in Sal Tlay Ka Siti. I heard it was a bit uncouth but everything seemed fine enough until the song Hasa Diga Eebowai, then it starts to get really over the top. Not for those without senses of humour.
Wicked — B. It’s a very entertaining show but not nearly as clever as some I’ve seen lyrically or story wise. That said a few great songs, very good visually, and always great to hear good singers belt out some toons.
Nice theater, easy to see and hear.

The management of the show I attended was terrible. We were not sat until ten minutes prior to the start of a very popular show, and the lobby was very crowded. This does not allow for time to go to the bathroom or get concessions. During intermission, there were no calls giving us the time of start.
I hope to go again and have a better experience

The Kentucky Center For The Performing Arts is awesome! It’s a great facility that hosts many amazing shows as well as fun events like a free yoga class on Fridays. I moved here from an area without theatre, so my only experiences with Broadway have been the three shows I’ve seen at The Kentucky Center, but let me tell you, all three were awesome!
I have sat in the orchestra level (lower/​floor level, closest to the stage), the grand tier level (middle level), and the balcony (upper level). I truly don’t feel like there’s a bad seat in the house; however I don’t greatly recommend the balcony, as it is a bit high. You will still be able to hear everything perfectly, and you’ll be able to see well enough if you have good eye sight, but the view is definitely better from the grand tier or orchestra levels.
I also frequently attend a free yoga class at The Kentucky Center on Fridays. It’s aptly called «Free Yoga Fridays at The Kentucky Center.» It’s a great hour long class, from 12:00 — 1:00 p.m. that accommodates everyone from beginners to professional yogis. The class focuses on yoga postures, flow, and deep relaxation. My favorite thing about the class is that it honestly accommodates all levels. No matter your yoga experience you’ll feel comfortable and you’ll be supported in your movements. I highly recommend bringing your own mat and checking out this class if you have the chance!

What a great experience
Very exciting performances.
One great performance after the other.
Be sure to check there web site and pick out the show for you. Or as Ed Sullivan would have said (shoe). Lol
We just love the entry from Main. We think
It’s like walking into another world. It’s worth the visit just to see the entrance

The three stars I’m giving are misleading. Explanation below. If I could separate KY Ctr from The Broadway Series my review would look different.
The Broadway Series at Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts was disappointing this season, and Pippin was the worst show to end the season with. Had I not already purchased the next season’s Broadway Series tickets, I would not have re-​upped on the basis of this season, and most especially Pippin.
I have been to many productions there over the years, and have joined in standing ovations for many of them (though I do think Louisville is Ovation-​happy sometimes.) Pippin received only spotty stand-​up clapping at the end and no curtain calls. Apparently much of the audience — including my companions — agreed with my assessment.
I fully expected to enjoy Pippin, but it was tiresome, mean-​spirited and vulgar with too-​frequent inappropriate sexual gyrations. The circus emcee sang well, but got more strident and mean as the play wore on. The hero’s quandary grew tiresome and ludicrous. The best thing he did was his purposefully awkward dancing. The circus gyrations did not require such vulgarity to be spectacular. They were super talented performers who, except for said vulgarity, were a pleasure to watch. To rank the KY Center facilities, I would normally go higher than 3 stars, but since someone there chose the shows in this past Broadway series, they deserve part of the blame.
I would give this production of Pippin only 1 star, so the three star review is an average of the two marks. I certainly hope the next series is MUCH better.

Went to the lion king performance a few weeks ago with some friends and my fiancé. It was a wonderful experience! The show was amazing and our seats were excellent. It was however a little toasty in the balcony due to the closeness of the seats. Before the show we all decided to grab an adult beverage before going into the show. The bartender was very friendly and made some great drinks ;) Overall great show and wonderful experience! Thinking about attending more shows in the future.

I am currently a season ticket holder for Broadway Across America in Louisville, so I attend plays here at least 5 times a year. The venue is absolutely beautiful.
In the lobby there is a little bar so you could have a couple drinks prior to the show while watching the tvs. They have a space for shows to showcase souvenirs, which is nice and easy to access.
I don’t have the best seats in the house, but honestly, no seat is a «bad seat.» The venue is small enough that the plays still feel real intimate.
Parking can be tricky when getting out if you park at the center. I would recommend finding another parking structure, just to make it easier to leave when the shows are done.

My girlfriend has gotten season tickets to the Broadway shows the past couple of years. The last 2 shows, I have gotten the pleasure of joining her and I have been very impressed! The building itself is fairly spacious, so even when its a sold out show, you don’t feel cramped. The lighting and décor is very comforting and helps make your experience more enjoyable. If you arrive early, there is a bar in the lobby that serves food and alcohol and also has multiple TV’s to help pass the time. For each show, they have a booth in the lobby where you can purchase souvenirs related to what you are seeing that night. The shows themselves have also been excellent and were highly recommendable to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Live Music. Live Plays. Live Broadway Shows.
Whatever your fancy, you will be able to find it at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. I have seen a variety of shows here from The Nutcracker to Alton Brown Live to The Book of Mormon. I have always had an amazing experience. The volunteers that dedicate their time to the Center are always helpful and provide information on the best way to get to your seats. They make your visit to the Kentucky Center as seamless as possible. So go ahead and get your tickets to enjoy a show here, you won’t be disappointed.

Seeing shows at The Kentucky Center is always a pleasure. I have never felt like I had a bad seat and this past weekend was no exception. We went to see Ben Folds perform with the Louisville Orchestra and it was an amazing show. We sat in the balcony, towards the center back. Visibility was good and so was the sound. I am never disappointed! They had cash bars on each level, plus the main bar was open as well. The lines were a bit long at intermission but that can be expected with a sold out show (which Ben Folds apparently was). The bathrooms were clean and stocked too, which is always a plus.
I am happy to say we have such a classy place to enjoy shows and other events here in Louisville.

My husband and I started a tradition on our first Christmas together to see The Nutcracker each year. So far we’ve been in 2013 and again this year. Both times the production was absolutely amazing. It’s so worth the $ 32 a ticket to sit in the balcony– You can see the whole show from there! All employees that we ran into have been friendly and more than helpful in seating us. It’s a tradition we look forward to each Christmas now!

Definitely one of the nicer places to attend downtown for an event. When I think of The Kentucky Center, I normally think Broadway musicals although I’ve watched plays & concerts there as well.
The typical Broadway touring season at The Center usually consists of 5 different musicals. While awesome, I wish there were more shows touring through constantly.
I do see The Kentucky Center as being just one of the venues that make Louisville a spectacular city. There really isn’t a bad seat in the place. I’ve watched various shows in the main auditorium from the floor & the balcony. Although floor seats will give you the better view, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of the seats here.
My only complaint is that sometimes they’ll hold random private events. For example, over the summer I went to see a smaller play from a smaller local production company. The Center was also hosting a wedding and wouldn’t let us walk to where we needed to go to get out of the place through a normal entrance/​exit.
So 30 of us were trying to leave when one of the employees stops us (some 15 feet away from the door saying that we have to turn around). We turn around, another employee tells us to take the elevator down to an exit. Okay, fine. Some of us ride the elevator up only to be greeted by another employee that tells us we can’t get off on that floor & to go back down. It was one of the most unorganized situations I’ve ever been in.
Eventually, we got tired of being directed around like a herd of cattle and just walked past the employees to the exit! I placed this story in my review because anyone booking their show/​play/​concert there should definitely make sure The Center won’t make it difficult on their patrons by roping 60−75% of the facility off.

Okay Center deserves 5 stars. What a welcoming center for the arts. We are lucky to have this center in Louisville! Kudos to staff for always making my visits pleasurable.
If you like musicals NEWSIES will rock your socks off!

My husband and I decided to purchase season tickets for Broadway Across America in Louisville this year [their season is sooo much better than Indianapolis and my sister lives here so it all works out]. The first show included in the package was this weekend and while I wasn’t super excited about the show, I was excited to try out my season ticket seats, overall, it was a very positive first impression!
Due to bad traffic coming down 65, we were running later than we wanted, thanks construction. We were able to quickly and easily park in the garage attached to this, we will probably pay for this each time, it is just too convenient! We hurried into the theater and managed to make it about 2 minutes before show time, phew. Thankfully, the staff was fast and no one gave us dirty looks for cutting it so close. The lobby is nice and smelled like roasted almonds [I can’t believe I resisted buying some after the show]. There was a bar set up but we didn’t have time to stop for a drink.
The theater is pretty. What I really like is the sloping in the back part of the orchestra seating, makes seeing the stage very easy. It is a bit strange that the orchestra is just rows of seats with no middle aisle, but it works OK since the theater is smaller than others I have been in.
The balconies look very cool and quite sloped, I haven’t sat up there so I can’t speak for view though.
The cons? Seats are pretty narrow and not super comfortable, but they are what you would expect. Also, as the show went on it got colder and colder and I was freezing by the end, I could hear many people complaining as we were leaving. I really hope this was a fluke.
I am looking forward to the additional shows [aka the ones I am really excited about] later this year and next year!

When people ask me why I love Louisville so much, it never takes me long to start rattling off my ever-​growing list of what makes this city so special. On it include:
Local food.
Quaint small college and minority sports.
Locally owned boutiques/​shops.
Bikable.
Parks and greenery.
…[fill this list with your favorites]…and…
THE ARTS!
The arts are one of the many ways that makes this city stand out and edges it past some of the bigger cities I’ve visited. The Kentucky Center is definitely on the top of the list of incredible venues in Louisville. This year alone I’ve had the pleasure of watching Book of Mormon, seeing a ballet (with a few friends on stage!) and did yoga on the very same stage during my lunch break! Today I heard that Ben Sollee performed for the yogis during their afternoon lunch yogi sesh! Lucky! This place is finding more and more ways by the day to draw different crowds. And I’m loving every single bit of it! Keep up the hard work and tell your friends!