Audience Magazine | Louisville Arts & Entertainment | December 2021

A behind-the-scenes look into Louisville’s performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation.

magazine

DECEMBER 2021

Special thanks to our premium sponsors whose support lets us provide this publication at no charge to you.

PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE Ushering in a New Generation of CATS. Page 6 | LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA This January: A World Premier and Songs from the Silver Screen. Page 12 | LOUISVILLE BALLET A Timeless Story for All Ages. Page 16 | KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE An Exciting Lineup for the New Year. Page 20

Members see it all for free!

Advanced ticket purchase strongly encouraged.

Visit speedmuseum.org for details

October 7, 2021 – January 2, 2022 This exhibition examines the artwork that has shaped our collective imagination of the supernatural and paranormal and asks why America is haunted.

This exhibition is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Terra Foundation for American Art, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Support for this exhibition provided by: The Ford Foundation Alan and Shelly Ann Kamei David A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler Northern Trust Robert Lehman Foundation Lopa and Rishabh Mehrotra

Media sponsorship from:

Support for contemporary exhibitions comes from: Augusta and Gill Holland

Exhibition season sponsored by: Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein Paul and Deborah Chellgren Debra and Ronald Murphy

Image: Agatha Wojciechowsky American (born Germany), 1896-1986 aw 0323, 1963 Watercolor on paper Courtesy of the Collection of Steven Day, New York, NY

MAINTAINING THE MOMENTUM There’s theater in life, obviously, and there’s life in theater. − Charlie Kaufman

We think it’s fair to say that the life has officially returned to our beloved local performing arts community! Despite still wrestling with the challenges of COVID-19 and all the necessary precautions, Louisville’s arts groups have triumphantly staged dozens of shows for both local and national acts, and the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Last month WAITRESS, the first PNC Broadway in Louisville show to hit the stage in nearly two years, delighted audiences from all over the region. The beloved classic CATS is on deck for January. We’re excited to share a preview of the upcoming performance in this issue of Audience Magazine.

Speaking of classics, don’t miss Louisville Ballet’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker from December 11 to 23. This year’s performance preserves the legacy and enchantment of the original, while updating it for modern sensibilities.

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

There’s more to look forward in January from the Louisville Orchestra, when the incredible Teddy Abrams debuts his highly anticipated, first-ever concerto, to be performed by piano superstar — and Teddy’s former classmate — Yuja Wang.

Later in the month, Bob Bernhardt will share his favorite songs by iconic movie composer, John Williams. We’re proud to offer previews of both performances.

In this issue, you can also read an exciting announcement from Kentucky Shakespeare about their new season, as well as a preview of a “haunting” new exhibition at the Speed Art Museum.

Thanks, as always, to our loyal advertisers, who make these and other stories available to you, free of charge.

‘Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with tickets to the theater? They not only make great gifts, but your purchase also helps ensure the curtain will rise on our local performing arts organizations for years to come.

Happy Holidays,

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

– The Audience Group

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TABLE of CONTENTS DECEMBER 2021

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CATS

CELEBRATION IN SONG

16 THE BROWN-FORMAN NUTCRACKER

20 2022 SEASON UNVEILED

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SUPERNATURAL AMERICA

A U D I E N C E

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TICKET

GIVEAWAYS

SPECIAL INVITES

SHOW PREVIEWS Stay Connected with Sign up for our e-news and be the first to hear about ticket giveaways, special invites, email news alerts, show previews, reviews and the latest happenings in the performing arts scene in Louisville.

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE FREE!

A behind-the-scenes look into Louisville’s performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation.

PUBLISHER

The Audience Group, Inc. G. Douglas Dreisbach MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Higgs CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhonda Mefford SALES & MARKETING

G. Douglas Dreisbach CONTRIBUTORS

PNC Broadway in Louisville Louisville Orchestra Louisville Ballet Kentucky Shakespeare

To read current and previous Audience playbills and performance guides, go to issuu.com/audience502.

On the Cover: Louisville Ballet Company Dancer Leigh Anne Albrechta as Marie in the Snow Scene from The Brown-Foman Nutcracker. Photo

by Sam English, 2019. Read more on page 14.

GOT AN ARTICLE IDEA? Audience Magazine is a platform for the arts in Louisville. If you have an article idea or something you think we should cover, email ahiggs@theaudiencegroup.com © Copyright 2021. The Audience Group, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Audience® Magazine is published by The Audience Group, Inc. 136 St. Matthews Avenue #300 Louisville, KY 40207 502.212.5177 | Audience502.com N O V E M B E R

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PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

CATS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF 'MEMORIES'

by Amanda Kern

January 18-23, 2022

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NC Broadway in Louisville will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the cherished Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, CATS, at The Kentucky Center in January. Join the 75 million people worldwide who have delighted in the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY, MURPHYMADE

This full-length, 2 hour and 20 minute masterpiece enchants audiences of all ages. Alley cats and spoiled house cats alike come out to play on the enchanted night of the Jellicle Ball to tell their tales to the revered Old Deuteronomy in a dazzling display of song and dance.

Adapted from T.S. Eliot’s 1939 collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the performance doesn’t follow a traditional narrative plot. Instead, it’s a collection of vignettes that paint a fantastical picture of the elaborate and multifaceted world of cats from all walks of life, and the relationships they share with one another.

Original London and Broadway CATS director Trevor Nunn returns to the theater to bring this captivating musical event to new audiences. Longtime fans will applaud the original scenic and costume design by John Napier, an ode to the legacy production that first swept audiences off their feet at London’s West End in 1981, and again in 1982 at its first U.S. opening at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway, where it remained for 18 years.

The musical experienced a stunning revival in 2016 at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City, where a new generation found themselves charmed by the eclectic tribe of cats. Everyone will enjoy Webber’s beloved original score, which includes the timeless favorites Memory and Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.

Patrons shouldn’t be surprised to find themselves humming the unforgettable tunes for days and years to come.

Zach Bravo as Rum Tum Tugger in the 2021-22 national tour of CATS.

UPDATING & PRESERVING THE ORIGINAL Though everything remains in Napier’s realm of design, leaving the bones of the legacy production intact, there are fresh updates that keep the cast, crew, and viewer on their toes with each performance.

Set amid an epic dumping ground turned jungle gym for cats, the performance will stay true to its original scenic design while including all new lighting by Natasha Katz, celebrated for her work in the Broadway production of Aladdin. Audiences can also look forward to a few dazzling updates to Napier’s celebrated exuberant costume design, which seamlessly merges feline with

 Lauren Louis as Demeter, Chelsea Nicole Mitchell as Bombalurina, and the company of the 2021-22 national tour of CATS. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Murphymade.

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UPCOMING PERFORMANCES PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY, MURPHYMADE

Cats Jan. 18-23, 2022

Indalecio De Jesús Valentín as Old Deuteronomy and the company of the 2021-22 national tour of CATS.

Come From Away Feb. 15-20, 2022

human. A balance between classic and contemporary allows this production of CATS to usher in a new generation of theater enthusiasts while preserving the integrity of the production that seasoned fans fell in love with decades ago.

Hair and makeup supervisor Gabe Nunez explains that viewers can expect makeup that highlights the “natural skin tones of whomever is underneath.” With Napier’s creative guidance, this rendition of CATS seeks not to put a design on the actor’s face, but to emphasize the face of the actor beneath it all, moving toward a spirit of inclusion.

Mean Girls Mar. 22-27, 2022

In an effort to connect with a new generation of theatergoers, Andy Blankenbueher, of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, offers a modernized interpretation of the original choreography

by Gillian Lynne. While remaining driven by the distinctive personality of each cat, the dance numbers have been infused with contemporary movement.

But traditionalists will be pleased to still see plenty of references to Lynne’s choreographic design. Trained dancers today move their bodies to a different beat than dancers in the 1980s.

Blankenbueher succeeds in striking an equilibrium that creates harmony between the two generations.

Hamilton June 7-19, 2022

Anastasia Aug. 2-7, 2022

Tickets and info at: kentuckyperformingarts.org

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The production also welcomes fresh faces to the stage, including Zach Bravo as the wayward Rum Tum Tugger and kitten Bill Bailey, Tayler Harris as the feeble and forsaken Grizabella, Taylor James Rosenberger as antagonistic mystery cat McCavity and easygoing Plato, and Paul Giarratano as the magical tuxedo cat, Mr. Mistoffelees. Christopher Salvaggio brings high energy to the stage as the bubbly orange tabby, Skimbleshanks.

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The company of the 2021-22 national tour of CATS. Photo

By Matthew Murphy, Murphymade.

Benevolent Old Deuteronomy and the overweight Russian cat, Victor, are played by Indalecio De Jesús Valentín. Devon McCleskey makes an appearance as Munkustrap, the brave protector of the Jellicle Tribe. Rounding out the cast with some comical relief, Michelle E. Carter portrays the lazy, motherly housecat Jennyanydots.

the traveling cast and crew have been moved by the response they’ve received from audiences across the country.

A TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO THE STAGE

An air of gratitude accompanies each sold out show from coast to coast. Emotions run high each night, applause erupts in places it never has before, and standing ovations are plentiful.

America is ready to be back in the theater, and Broadway is grateful to oblige theater enthusiasts everywhere.

After more than a year away from the theater, communities are invited to gather once again in celebration of all that live theater performance has to offer. In the wake of the pandemic,

CATS will be at The Kentucky Center from January 18-23.

Get your tickets now at kentuckyperformingarts.org.

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4OPTIONS TO RENEW CAR TAGS Online | JeffersonCountyClerk.org

Telephone | (502) 569-3300 Drop-Box | At every Motor Vehicle location Mail-In | P.O. Box 33033

Louisville, KY 40232-3033

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STAND IN LINE

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PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

CELEBRATION IN SONG

LO KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A THRILLING DEBUT AND SOME FAMILIAR CLASSICS

by Amanda Kern

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January 7-8 & 15, 2022

UJA WANG PREMIERS TEDDY ABRAMS’ FIRST CONCERTO

January 7-8, 2022

One of the first shows in an exciting 2022 lineup will be held January 7 and 8, when charismatic piano superstar Yuja Wang will debut celebrated Music Director Teddy Abrams’ very first concerto. The world premiere of his highly anticipated concerto will showcase Abrams’ remarkable originality and invigorating leadership as a gifted maestro and composer. The Louisville Orchestra has performed 14 of his original works during his eight years as Music Director, including Unified Field (2016), The Greatest: Muhammad Ali (2017), and The Order of Nature (2018, in collaboration with Jim James from the band, My Morning Jacket).

To fully express his unique compositional voice in the concerto, Abrams will conduct an expanded orchestra that includes three saxophones, a drum set, an electronic keyboard, an electric guitar, and an electric bass. Sections of the piece draw from across several dynamic genres, including Latin Jazz, Bebop, and Funk. The piece begins with a full orchestral exposition, to be restated and adapted by Wang in a kind of call-andresponse conversation between orchestra and piano.

“The piano solo cadenzas are the hinges of this concerto,” Abrams explains. “They are meant to be a vehicle for Yuja Wang — all very tough, and all written out.”

PHOTO BY KIRK EDWARDS

The orchestra is pleased to present Abrams’ first full concerto written for piano and orchestra in “giant sonata form.”

He describes this enormous, 35-minute, quasi-classical concerto as if “Gershwin and Rachmaninoff got together and wrote a piece, but in the musical vernacular of the 21st century.”

He composed the piece for friend and former classmate, Yuja Wang, and it’s dedicated in her honor.

Yuja Wang

Classmates Reunite on the Louisville Stage Abrams has been conducting and composing since he was just 12 years old. As the youngest conducting student ever to be accepted into the esteemed Curtis Institute of Music, he developed and grew his musical talent around the best musicians of his generation. It was there in the early 2000s that Abrams first accompanied Wang on piano, and the two developed a friendship that has endured throughout each of their successful careers.

 Yuja Wang, celebrated pianist and friend of Teddy Abrams, will perform with the Louisville Orchestra January 7 and 8, 2022.

Photo by Ian Douglas.

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A favorite of orchestras and audiences alike, Bernhardt is celebrated for the lively gusto and deft talent he brings to the stage.

She plays with fluidity and mastery throughout each performance, serving jaunty playfulness in one moment and devastating passion in the next. Wang does it all in posh couture and stiletto heels, heightening the musical experience while giving the impression that she’s having as much fun as the audience. Her chemistry with accompanying orchestras is rapturous, creating pure magic that is achingly beautiful to behold. It’s no wonder she was named Musical America’s Artist of the Year in 2017 — the fervor she brings to the stage for each performance is infectious and uplifting.

With a comprehensive understanding of Wang’s magnificent range of style, Abrams proposed the composition of a concerto written expressly to showcase her sweeping musical strengths.

The resulting concerto is buoyant, populist, and fun, akin to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F. The program will conclude with the lush and solemn melodies of Rachmaninoff’s Tchaikovsky-inspired second symphony. Rich with vast tonal variety and exquisite musical phrasing, it’s sure to be a gorgeous conclusion to a uniquely brilliant and breathtaking performance.

BOB BERNHARDT CELEBRATES JOHN WILLIAMS January 15, 2022 Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt will celebrate his 40th season as part of the Louisville Orchestra with Irresistible John Williams on January 15. In this performance, Bernhardt selects his favorite musical hits from the iconic composer for an evening of the most memorable compositions in American film history.

Audiences can look forward to hearing beloved classics that have enchanted generations of listeners, including scores from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, and Star Wars. Even Harry Potter is expected to make an appearance (musically, of course).

As a personal friend of Williams, Bernhardt describes the experience of conducting his music as “a great delight, among the most fun concerts I get to do in my life.” The performance will be authentic, as Williams is known for producing his music note by note with his own hand.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA

Wang, known for her theatrical style and lively energy, dazzles her audience with gorgeous and powerful melodic lines.

Her interpretations are often sparkling and intense, bringing a crisp touch to renditions of classical pieces. With stunning versatility, Wang can pivot her stylistic execution from classical to contemporary within seconds in astounding displays of technical finesse.

Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt will celebrate his 40th season with the Louisville Orchestra.

A favorite of orchestras and audiences alike, Bernhardt is celebrated for the lively gusto and deft talent he brings to the stage. With experience conducting everything from educational concerts to opera, he brings a wealth of unique flair and expertise to the podium. Bernhardt boasts an eclectic mix of professional experiences over his extraordinary career before ultimately discovering his forte for Pops orchestra.

During his time with the Rochester Philharmonic, he held the distinguished title of Principal Conductor and Artistic Director.

Bernhardt has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Tucson Symphony, a Guest Conductor of the Kentucky Opera, as well as Music Director and Conductor of the esteemed Amarillo Symphony. He is a frequent guest of the Boston Pops, with invitations stretching all the way back to 1992.

His invitations to conduct come from across the nation, and include appearances at symphonies in Baltimore, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Seattle, Florida, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, among others. Bernhardt worked 18 consecutive seasons with the Kentucky Opera, and 19 seasons with the opera company in Chattanooga. He’s also been invited to conduct with the Nashville Opera. In his travels, Bernhardt has had the opportunity to work with Broadway stars and pop legends, including The Beach Boys and Wynonna.

The delightful combination of Williams’ music and Bernhardt’s mastery is sure to make for an unforgettable experience for the audience.

For more information or to purchase tickets for these or other Louisville Orchestra performances, click here.

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THE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES 3 SPECTACULAR EVENTS IN JANUARY

YUJA WANG PREMIERES ABRAMS CONCERTO The “MUST SEE” concert of the season FRI JAN 7 11AM | SAT JAN 8 8PM Kentucky Center

TEDDY ABRAMS CONDUCTOR OF THE YEAR Teddy Abrams is presented the Musical America 2022 Conductor of the Year Award SAT JAN 8 8PM Kentucky Center

BOB BERNHARDT CELEBRATES 40 SEASONS WITH LO Celebrate the irrepressible Bob Bernhardt with the irresistible music of John Williams SAT JAN 15 8PM Kentucky Center

Tickets & Information | 502.587.8681 | LouisvilleOrchestra.org L O U I S V I L L E

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FRANK AND PAULA HARSHAW | GLENVIEW TRUST | JUSTUS AND HELEN SCHLICHTING 15

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

THE BROWN-FORMAN

NUTCRACKER

THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC RETURNS TO THE KENTUCKY CENTER

by Eliza Metts

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Louisville Ballet tradition since 1963, their Nutcracker returns to The Kentucky Center for live performances this holiday season. A magical story for all ages, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker shines once again, with choreography by Val Caniparoli, beautiful performances by Louisville Ballet artists, and Tchaikovsky's masterpiece played live by the Louisville Orchestra, and the sweet addition of children's cast dancers from throughout the community.

Louisville Ballet artists are delighted to perform this beloved holiday experience for the first time since 2019. “We can't emphasize how exciting it is to be performing live and to bring back the magic of the season to so many in our community,” says Director of Marketing, Natalie Harris.

This feat of artistic collaboration between professional cast dancers, children’s cast ballet students, local craftsmen, set and costume designers, and orchestra musicians is not to be missed.

A TIMELESS STORY FOR ALL AGES

PHOTO BY SAM ENGLISH

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker tells a story for all ages about bravery, family, and the magic of belief. When young Marie is gifted a special Nutcracker doll at a Christmas Eve party by her godfather Drosselmeyer, a magician, she is filled with curiosity and delight — to the chagrin of her mischievous brother, Fritz.

After the party, as midnight sets in on Christmas Day, Marie is awoken to see that Drosselmeyer’s magic-making has incited a battle between the house mice and tin soldiers. When her Nutcracker comes to life, Marie assists him in defeating the Mouse King, and together they travel into the Snow Queen’s enchanted forest.

Louisville Ballet Company Artist Natalia Ashikhmina performing as The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker in 2019.

 Louisville Ballet Company Dancer Phillip Velinov as Herr Drosselmyer from The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

Photo by Sam English, 2015.

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This shift away from antiquated biases traditionally portrayed in the show was first seen in the New York City Ballet’s 2017 production. In a pledge to portray Asian cultures with positivity and nuance in art, Curran then signed Georgina Pazcoguin and Phil Chan’s petition, “Final Bow for Yellowface.” The petition calls for artistic organizations to renounce outdated caricature portrayals of Asian peoples in performance, particularly in The Nutcracker.

Pazcoguin and Chan write, “Continuing to present an 19th century view of Asians does not allow for character nuance for Asian American dancers today. If all audiences see is [caricature] from a bygone era as the only representation of Asians on stage, what message does that send to our Asian students who dream of dancing the Swan Queen? What does that say to the Asian audience members who want to see themselves on stage, only to find themselves as the butt of the joke?”

Louisville Ballet Children's Cast Toy Soldiers with a Rat from The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

Act II invites audiences into a realm beyond imagination. Marie and the Nutcracker visit the Land of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who throws a great party to honor the duo’s victory over the Mouse King. They are dazzled by performances from sweets around the world, including Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Caviar. Danish sheperdresses and little dancers with Mother Derby and her Jockeys add to the magic spectacle. Finally, the Sugar Plum fairy and her prince dance for Marie and the Nutcracker before bidding them goodbye, ending Marie’s enchanting Christmas morning dream.

Louisville Ballet’s exclusive The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is filled with magic, artistry, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, and distinctly Louisville touches. For the 13th year, Choreographer Val Caniparoli perfects the choreography, and proves with mastery over the art form that this year certainly won’t be his last.

“The first production of The Nutcracker that I was a part of was Lew Christensen’s iconic version, and later on Willam Christensen’s, whose version was the first complete production in the U.S., premiering on Christmas Eve of 1944,” says Caniparoli. “What I remember most strongly is the music for the snow scene: I just thought, ‘How gorgeous is this music?’ — and I’ve felt the same way about it for the last 48 years.”

“The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is the second version out of five that I choreographed,” Caniparoli adds. “Each version is very different, but I would say that the common thread is that I try to stay true to E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story and my inspiration of the Christensen brothers, with a slight nod to their Vaudeville ballet background and legacy.”

CHALLENGING HARMFUL STEREOTYPES Just as Louisville Ballet’s inaugural production of the 2021-22 season, Swan Lake, pushed boundaries on traditional ballet stereotypes on lightness and darkness of skin tone, Artistic and Executive Director Robert Curran breaks away from harmful anti-Asian stereotypes typically seen in the Chinese Tea Dance in Act II of The Nutcracker.

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Curran is proud to affirm Louisville Ballet’s commitment to artistically exploring nuance and complexity across cultures.

“I think we as a race have failed in [cultural appropriation] on a lot of fronts,” he says. “I want to make sure that I have access to many resources, like Phil, who can help me, guide me through issues."

Curran notes that Chan has been pleased with the ballet’s portrayal of Chinese culture in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

He “thought the Chinese dragons we use are very appropriate, not used gratuitously or inappropriately, and he was pleased with what we had done,” Curran says. “There are many versions that are very beautiful and respectful of Chinese tradition."

PRE-SHOW PERFORMANCES AND ACTIVITIES Aside from magical scenes and larger-than-life characters performed with Louisville Ballet’s expertise and skill, audiences can look forward to “Snow Zone Sweet Seats” and a decorated lobby featuring pre-show performances by community arts partners.

For the show’s youngest fans, Sugar Plum Parties have returned for pre-show fun before the December 18 and 19 matinees in The Kentucky Center’s Todd Hall. Participants will have the opportunity to join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends in the Land of Sweets for snacks, photo opportunities with Nutcracker cast members, activities, art projects, and a special Nutcracker Storytime.

With so much to look forward to, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is sure to be a staple in household holiday traditions for many years to come.

“I hope that the audience will continue to be entertained and, as if they are watching through children’s eyes, will leave their troubles and cares behind,” Caniparoli says. “Everyone should bring someone they love with them to share in the special joy of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.”

Tickets to The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, special Snow Zone seating, and Sugar Plum Parties are available at LouisvilleBallet.org or by calling (502) 583-2623.

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HOLIDAY MAGIC Returns to the Stage!

DECEMBER 11–23

THE KENTUCKY CENTER

Tickets + Information louisvilleballet.org | (502) 583-2623 L O U I S V I L L E

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PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

2022 SEASON

UNVEILED THE BARD'S TWELFTH NIGHT, RICHARD III, AND THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR HEADLINE THE FESTIVAL'S LINEUP

by Kentucky Shakespeare

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he 62nd season of Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park will run May 25 to August 7, 2022 — the longest professional run in company history. The season will include productions of Twelfth Night, Richard III, and The Merry Wives of Windsor, plus the Globe Players professional training program with Much Ado About Nothing, Late Night Shakes with the Louisville Improvisors, Shakespeare in Dance with the Louisville Ballet, and more to be announced at a later date.

2022 WINTER PRODUCTION January 27-February 5, 2022 The January production will be Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare’s R&J at the Henry Clay Theatre, a co-production with Pandora Productions, Louisville’s theatre exclusively dedicated to telling stories of LGBTQ+ communities. Find tickets and information HERE.

Zach Burell in Henry V. Photo

by Bill Brymer.

2022 SPRING PRODUCTION March 20-April 16, 2022 An indoor production is added to the season this spring. Kentucky Shakespeare will present King Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses at its headquarters at 616 Myrtle St. March 30 to April 16, 2022.

Stephanie Shine adapted all three Henry VI plays into this heart-stopping piece. While the work stands on its own, it’s also the lead in to the summer production of Richard III, which will complete the full history cycle Kentucky Shakespeare has been working on since 2017’s Richard II. Find tickets and information HERE.

2022 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS TOUR April 1-May 15, 2022 Kentucky Shakespeare will hit the road again this April with the six-actor Julius Caesar tour, coming to a park near you April 1 through May 15, 2022.

For more information about Kentucky Shakespeare, visit kyshakespeare.com.

 Mollie Murk and Tony Reimonenq III in Henry V. Photo by Bill Brymer.

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EXHIBIT PREVIEW

Dust, from Thought Forms, 2006 Fiberglass sculpture by Tony Oursler.

SUPERNATURAL AMERICA

THE PARANORMAL IN AMERICAN ART The Speed Art Museum is excited to host a new exhibition exploring the different ways in which America is haunted.

This groundbreaking exhibition, Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art, runs through January 2.

“Supernatural America brings together American artists from a wide range of artistic practice, cultures, and generations in an effort to question and make sense of the idea of the otherworldly and the unexplained,” says curator Erika Holmquist-Wall. “Whether these artists are drawing upon faith, folklore, or even experience, their work calls out the history and the truths that haunt this country.”

Spanning a chronology of the early 19th century through the present, Supernatural America will include more than 220 objects from paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, prints, 22

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photographs, furniture, clothing and textiles to videos, scientific instruments, and mediumistic/occult paraphernalia.

From Native American spiritual traditions to the Salem Witch Trials to Afrofuturism, the exhibition tracks this country’s complex and complicated relationship to the otherworldly.

Connecting on two enormous floors, it’s one of the largest exhibitions ever held at the Speed.

“Supernatural America includes well-known artists and objects alongside artists who will be new to art historical analysis, never before included in museum exhibitions of American art,” says Holmquist-Wall.

“Expanding the canon of American art to include the incredibly broad range of American artists that have been historically A U D I E N C E

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 Untitled, 1963. Watercolor and crayon on paper, 11 3/4 " × 8 7/8"

by Agatha Wojciechowsky from the collection of Steven Day.

excluded is important work,” she adds. “While our belief systems and experiences are different, the fascination with the otherworldly and a curiosity about the supernatural bind us in ways we’re still discovering.”

This exhibition is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Terra Foundation for American Art, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Support for this exhibition is provided by The Ford Foundation, Alan and Shelly Ann Kamei, David A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Northern Trust, Robert Lehman Foundation and Lopa and Rishabh Mehrotra.

The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky’s largest art museum.

It was founded in 1927 by Louisville philanthropist Hattie Bishop Speed with a belief in the power of art to change people’s lives. It is an independent and encyclopedic museum located on the campus of the University of Louisville with the mission to “invite everyone to celebrate art forever.” For more information, visit speedmuseum.org.

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EVENTS CALENDAR Audience is your connection to the performing arts and entertainment in Louisville.

Below are some of the events we are looking forward to in the coming months and we hope you enjoy them all!

For more of our preferred arts and entertainment recommendations, visit Audience502.com/audience-events

DECEMBER

JANUARY, 2022

CATS Ashley McBryde

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Pines of Rome Louisville Orchestra Classics Series Whitney Hall louisvilleorchestra.org

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Tommy Emmanuel 8PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org

FEBRUARY, 2022

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Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore present Happy Hollerdays 8PM, Bomhard Theater kentuckyperformingarts.org

11 & 18

The Best Christmas Pagent Ever StageOne Family Theater stageone.org

11 – 23

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker The Louisville Ballet Whitney Hall louisvilleballet.org

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Kentucky Opera Holiday Celebration 7:30PM, Brown Theatre kyopera.org

17

Fortune Feimster: 2 Sweet 2 Salty 6PM & 8PM, Bomhard Theater kentuckyperformingarts.org

17

David Sedaris 8PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org 24

Feb. 1 – Apr. 3 18-23 6

Ashley McBryde This Town Talks Tour 8PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org

8

Yuja Wang premieres Abrams Concerto Teddy Abrams, conductor 8PM, Whitney Hall louisvilleorchestra.org

CATS PNC Broadway in Louisville Whitney Hall louisville.broadway.com

19

Patty Griffin with Parker Milsap 8PM, Old Forester's Paristown Hall kentuckyperformingarts.org The Mavericks

5

Citizen Cope 8PM, Old Forester's Paristown Hall kentuckyperformingarts.org

11 & 13

Orfeo Kentucky Opera Brown Theatre kyopera.org

12

9

Gospel at the Symphony featuring Harry Pickens Louisville Orchestra 8PM, Whitney Hall louisvilleorchestra.org

MOMIX VIVA MOMIX 8PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org

14 & 15

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit 8PM, Louisville Palace LouisvillePalace.com

15

Irresistible John Williams Louisville Orchestra POPS Series Bob Bernhardt, conductor 8PM, Whitney Hall louisvilleorchestra.org

S U B S C R I B E

Kinky Boots Derby Dinner Playhouse derbydinner.com

T O

21

The Mavericks - 'En Español' World Tour 8PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org

23

Peter & The Wolf Louisville Orchestra Family Series 3PM, Whitney Hall louisvilleorchestra.org A U D I E N C E

F R E E !

15-20

Come from Away PNC Broadway in Louisville Whitney Hall louisville.broadway.com

16

Black Violin: Impossible Tour Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble 7:30PM, Brown Theatre kentuckyperformingarts.org

Infant 5 years old

5 years old 10 years old

10 years old 14 years old

Teens Adults

Storytellers

Storytellers

DramaWorks classes

DramaWorks classes

Acting Improv Performance Design

Adult Acting Improv Performance Design

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

October 30 November 20 January 8 February 19 March 12

DramaWorks classes Tiny Tales

Dragons Love Tacos March 26 April 22

October 30 November 20 January 8 February 19 March 12

DramaWorks classes Acting Improv Performance

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dec 6-18

Dec 6-18

Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly

Dec 6-18

Jan 29 - Feb 12

COME PLAY WITH US! www.stageone.org D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 1

25

Give the Gift of

Adventure this Holiday

PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM MEALS TO LODGING OR GIFT SHOP PURCHASES. Use the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Gift Card at the following state tourism locations: