DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR SHOT 10 THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER 18 CELEBRATING ARTS IN NEIGHBORHOODS

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR SHOT

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL HAMILTON RETURNS TO LOUISVILLE

Are you aware that we're making hist'ry?

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of seeing the revolutionary (pun intended) musical Hamilton, this is your chance to be in the room where it happens. Lin-Manuel Miranda's masterpiece tells the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton (the face on the $10 bill) in an entertaining and emotionally charged style — and it's all happening on stage in the famed Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center from June 7 to 19.

This remarkable musical won 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is praised by critics and audiences alike. It's not hard to see why — the hip-hop musical style is unprecedented on Broadway stages, the performances are superb, and the story both uplifting and heartbreaking. Hamilton runs two hours and 45 minutes with one intermission, and is recommended for ages 10 and up due to strong language and suggestive situations.

Hamilton premiered in New York City in 2015. The show was an instant hit and quickly transferred to Broadway, where it has been running nonstop ever since — not unlike Mr. Hamilton's own prolific pen during the creation of the Federalist papers.

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

June 7-19

AN IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY

With book, music, and lyrics written by Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton paints a picture of America's past through a modern American lens. Based on Ron Chernow's acclaimed biography, the musical chronicles Alexander Hamilton's life as an immigrant from the West Indies who became one of the most influential figures in the American Revolution.

Award-winning director Thomas Kail and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler continue to work on the production as it tours the country with three, all-star casts named after some of Hamilton's most beloved family members — the Philip cast, the Angelica cast, and the And Peggy cast.

Kail has remained strictly faithful to the original production throughout the 2022 tour. And while this tour won't feature beloved original cast members like Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., or Daveed Diggs, the company headed for Louisville does feature a seasoned powerhouse of performers.

New York-born Pierre Jean Gonzalez stars as Alexander Hamilton, with Jared Dixon joining him as the two-faced Aaron Burr. Marcus Choi stars as the revered George Washington,

 Don't miss HAMILTON at the Kentucky Center-Whitney Hall, June 7-19, 2022.  Pierre Jean Gonzalez as Alexander Hamilton in the HAMILTON National Tour.

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Neil Haskell as King George.

Warren Egypt Franklin as Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, and Stephanie Jae Park as the loving and loyal Eliza Hamilton.

Hamilton's cast has traditionally been as diverse as America itself, and this tour is no exception. Most of the leads are people of color, giving everyone in the audience a chance to see themselves represented in our nation's founding.

HISTORY MIXED WITH STORYTELLING

Audience members relive every significant moment from Hamilton's lifetime, from his arrival in New York after being orphaned in the Caribbean to his death at the hands of Aaron Burr in their infamous duel. Miranda weaves a tapestry of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, George Washington, and more — all while rapping, singing, and dancing their way through American history.

Miranda leaves no stone unturned in retelling the life of Alexander Hamilton. Even his notorious extramarital indiscretions emerge as part of the musical's storyline. From beginning to end, the show examines how one man's choices and actions affected those around him — for better or for worse.

Miranda's award-winning score is just as revolutionary as his subject, drawing heavily from hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway musical stylings. The result is a fresh and modern sound, while still paying homage to the great American musicals of the past. The songs are catchy and infectious as they convey (mostly) historically accurate information about Hamilton's life and the history of early America. Did Hamilton really punch Princeton's bursar? No, but it certainly makes for some very clever wordplay.

The lyrics and score do justice to the real Alexander Hamilton's monumental intelligence and staggering verbal eloquence with their stacking internal rhymes and hard-hitting cadences. In an ode to contemporary masters of wordsmithery, Miranda honors American hip-hop moguls throughout the performance.

Miranda has confirmed many of these references in a series of tweets with fans. One reference alludes to the singalong favorite, "My Shot." The line, "I am not throwing away my shot," harkens back to the lyrics of Eminem's "Lose Yourself," in which the Detroit rapper proclaims, "You only get one shot."

Another homage to rap royalty emerges in "A Winter's Ball" when Hamilton reveals, "I'm only 19, but my mind is older," essentially verbatim from lyrics by Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

Even Angelica Schuyler takes a moment to honor past rap gods in "Helpless," when she finds herself remembering "those soulja boys," a wink to the Soulja Boy's timeless classic, "Crank That."

Stephanie Jae Park as Eliza Hamilton.

APPEAL ACROSS THE GENERATIONS

What makes Hamilton truly special is its ability to appeal to people of all ages. Whether you are a history buff or someone who doesn't know much about America's past, you will be captivated by the story and groundbreaking musical performances.

Miranda breaks the unspoken norms of traditional musical theater and blasts it into the 21st century. In doing so, he offers newer generations a chance to get excited about musical theater while maintaining enough integrity to captivate musical theater's older generations of fans as well.

Tickets are still available for this incredible show, but don’t be tempted to get a deal from a third-party site. For the best price and guaranteed authenticity, go to kentuckyperformingarts.org. Don't throw away your shot at witnessing the musical experience of a lifetime.

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

SOMETHING to CELEBRATE

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA BRINGS THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER WITH TWO MARQUEE CONCERTS

our friends at the Louisville Orchestra have been busy planning what will be a great summer of exciting sights and sounds around Kentucky. The fun kicks off with a free, outdoor family concert in Glasgow, Ky., Y on Wednesday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m. CST with the production of American Salute — Glasgow Concert on the Square. A Glasgow tradition since 1999, this concert is now back and better than ever. The Louisville Orchestra will perform under the leadership of Jason Seber, who currently serves as Associate Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. To celebrate Independence Day, the orchestra will perform patriotic selections, including the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “Washington Post March,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” A special tribute to veterans will be featured during the selection, “Armed Forces Salute,” which showcases the official march-pasts/songs of the six branches of the U.S. military. Family favorites will include music from the movies E.T., Jurassic Park, and Lincoln. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the whole family to enjoy the performance. Broadway the Clown will make an appearance, and food and beverages will be available for purchase at locations around Glasgow Square. Come early, as seating will be limited.

The event is made possible by the Concert on the Square Committee. John Williams

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Also, don’t miss your chance to hear the soundtrack of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi during a featured screening of the film. Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ musical score will be performed live by the Louisville Orchestra alongside the film at The Kentucky Center on July 2. This concert will also be led by acclaimed conductor Jason Seber.

Since the release of the first movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores.

Legendary composer Williams is well-known for scoring all nine of the Star Wars saga films, beginning with 1977’s A New Hope, for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Original Score. His scores for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker were each nominated for Best Original Score. For more information about both events and to purchase tickets, visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org.

AMERICAN SALUTE

Wednesday, June 29 | 7:30PM CST Glasgow Square, Glasgow, KY Free Family Concert

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI

Soundtrack Performed Live Saturday, July 2, 2022 | 7PM ET The Kentucky Center-Whitney Hall, Louisville, KY Tickets: $20-80, kentuckyperformingarts.org

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © TM

 Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt poses in front of Whitney Hall during a previous concert that featured the music of Star Wars, composed by John WIlliams.

CLASSICS SERIES Saturdays at 7:30PM The Kentucky Center NEW CONCERT START TIME! SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 OPENING NIGHT: Swing, Swagger & Sway Teddy Abrams, conductor Tessa Lark, violin Wynton MARSALIS: Violin Concerto in D Sofia GUBAIDULINA: Concerto for Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band Igor STRAVINSKY: Symphony in Three Movements

OCTOBER 15, 2022 TEDDY TALKS SCHUMANN Teddy Abrams, conductor Robert SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 4

Ruth Reinhart

NOVEMBER 19, 2022 TCHAIKOVSKY’S 4th Ruth Reinhardt, conductor Timo Andres, piano Modest MUSSORGSKY (arr. Rimsky-Korsakov): Night on Bald Mountain Thomas ADÉS: In Seven Days, Op. 25 Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4

POPS SERIES 7:30PM The Kentucky Center NEW CONCERT START TIME!

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 POPS OPENING NIGHT WITH KELLI O’HARA Bob Bernhardt, conductor Kelli O’Hara, vocalist NOVEMBER 26, 2022 HOLIDAY POPS Bob Bernhardt, conductor FAMILY SERIES Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • 11AM PHILARMONIA FANTASTIQUE: The Making of the Orchestra Teddy Abrams, conductor An animated sprite introduces the instruments of the orchestra in a film in concert performance. Composed by Mason Bates, sound design by Gary Rydstrom, and animation by Jim Capobianco.

COFFEE SERIES Fridays at 11AM The Kentucky Center

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 SWING, SWAGGER & SWAY Teddy Abrams, conductor Tessa Lark, violin Wynton MARSALIS: Concerto in D Igor STRAVINSKY: Symphony in Three Movements

OCTOBER 14, 2022 TEDDY TALKS SCHUMANN Teddy Abrams, conductor Robert SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 4

NIGHTLITES SERIES Fridays at 7:30PM Paul W. Ogle Center Indiana University Southeast

OCTOBER 14, 2022 TEDDY TALKS SCHUMANN Teddy Abrams, conductor Robert SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 4

NOVEMBER 18, 2022 TCHAIKOVSKY’S 4TH Ruth Reinhardt, conductor Modest MUSSORGSKY: Night on Bald Mountain Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4

DECEMBER 2, 2022 Handel’s MESSIAH Kent Hatteberg, conductor & chorusmaster Louisville Chamber Choir

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