Audience Magazine | Louisville Arts & Entertainment | June 2023

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

PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE Thoughts on To Kill A Mockingbird From the Lead Actress Page 6 KENTUCKY PERFORMING ARTS Chow Down on KPA's New VIP Food and Beverage Club Page 16

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

SUMMER IN THE ‘VILLE

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

As The Bard can attest, beauty and summer go hand in hand. This is the time of year when the sun is shining the brightest, the foliage is at its greenest, and the water in your favorite swimming hole is the most inviting.

We agree with ol’ Will that summertime doesn’t last nearly long enough, and that’s why we plan to do everything we can to make the most of this brief respite. That includes attending outdoor performances like Kentucky Shakespeare in the Park (naturally), Waterfront Wednesdays, and the myriad festivals in and around the Louisville area.

But as any native Louisvillian will tell you, we all need a break from the humidity during the hottest months, and what better way to do that than at one of our amazing local theaters?

In this issue of Audience Magazine, we highlight a few of the ways you can enjoy summer to the fullest and keep your cool at the same time. First, we encourage you to follow the journey of a young Louisville singing sensation from the comfort of your own airconditioned home on America’s Got Talent. Read our interview with 11-year-old D’Corey Johnson on page 12

Next up is a timeless classic novel reimagined for the stage, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. This story is one of our all-time favorites, and Aaron Sorkin’s production preserves the legacy of the original novel while making it relevant for today’s turbulent times. We interviewed the outstanding leading lady who has taken on the iconic role of Scout on page 6

We are also pleased to showcase a new offering at The Kentucky Center that will officially launch alongside Broadway’s Mockingbird this month — The Chef’s Table VIP Club. A ticket to the Club gives patrons exclusive access to a relaxing, one-of-a-kind food and beverage experience before the show. Learn more from the chef behind this innovative rewards program on page 16

If you’re looking for a topical drama with an important message, don’t miss “Helper” by Patrick Tovatt on stage at the Henry Clay starting June 30, brought to you by a group of Louisville theater veterans. Especially exciting is that one of the play’s stars is a familiar face on daytime TV. Read more on page 22.

These are just a few of the great options for performing arts lovers in June. For a complete calendar of events, visit our website at Audience502.com. Thanks to our generous advertisers for allowing us to be the top source for performing arts-related news, at no charge to you.

Stay cool,

Amy & Doug

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date.”

– Sonnet 18, William Shakespeare

WALKING IN SCOUT'S SHOES

*CHEF'S KISS*

The

PUBLISHER

G. Douglas Dreisbach

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Higgs

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhonda Mefford

SALES & MARKETING

G. Douglas Dreisbach

CONTRIBUTORS

Bunbury Theatre

Daniel Chioco

G. Douglas Dreisbach

Kentucky Performing Arts

Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet

Speed Art Museum

University of Louisville’s Archives and Special Collections

WALKING IN SCOUT'S SHOES

ACTRESS MELANIE MOORE TAKES ON ICONIC ROLE IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

by Daniel Chioco

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

June 20-25, 2023

The iconic character of Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s beloved masterpiece novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is stepping into the spotlight, brought to life by the dynamic talent of Melanie Moore in the acclaimed theatrical adaptation coming to Louisville June 20 to 25.

A Broadway veteran known for captivating performances in productions like Finding Neverland and Fiddler on the Roof, Moore takes on the complex role of Scout with unwavering dedication and an innovative approach.

With a background that spans across acting and dancing, including a stint on the popular TV show So You Think You Can Dance, Moore’s trajectory is as rich and diverse as the characters she embodies.

"I was more of a trained dancer and sang some growing up — never did theater when I was younger," she says. Her passion led her to New York City, where she branched out into acting and singing, eventually marking her Broadway debut.

In the Broadway rendition of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Moore navigates the intricate narrative through the three ages of Scout, tackling the profound themes of racial disparity and societal awakening with authenticity.

Drawing upon the enduring resonance of Harper Lee’s novel and the classic film adaptation, this new theatrical experience offers a fresh perspective. Guided by Aaron Sorkin’s transformative script, and with Moore leading the cast, To Kill A Mockingbird is poised to be a compelling and evocative theatrical journey.

UNRAVELING THE LAYERS

Scout Finch, the pivotal protagonist of Harper Lee's seminal novel, has been enchanting readers for generations. She is a character who presents an intriguing amalgamation of childlike innocence, a keen sense of justice, and a refreshing, unvarnished outlook on life's complexities.

In Sorkin's riveting adaptation for the stage, Moore has undertaken the formidable task of bringing this beloved character to life with a unique flair and deep understanding of Scout's essence.

"I do feel that there is an expectation and pressure to play this character in a certain way," Moore admits, acknowledging the weight of such a revered role.

However, her innovative approach involves an interesting exploration of Scout’s different ages, a device used in the play to emphasize the character's growth and introspection. This unique perspective allows her to explore Scout's narrative journey in a way that's rich, profound, and particularly engaging for audiences.

 Richard Thomas (“Atticus Finch”) and Melanie Moore (“Scout Finch”).

Photo by Julieta Cervantes.

Melanie Moore prepares for the role of Scout by connecting with her younger self.

PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES

Moore's approach involves tapping into her personal experience. “I grew up in the South and am from Georgia originally,” Moore says. “Most people would say they resonated with one of those three kids in the book, and I personally resonated with Scout."

Moore has worked hard to meticulously refine her role, respecting Scout's youthful innocence while capturing her progressive awareness of the world around her. "Scout, especially with the way the play is written, she can't know what she doesn't know until she knows it," says Moore. "Connecting to my younger self is how I prepare for this role nightly."

Though the play maintains the core elements that have made the character a literary icon, Moore’s Scout isn't a mere facsimile of previous portrayals. Moore’s portrayal emerges as a threedimensional figure, exuding palpable warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth. This is testament to Moore’s talent, the transformative power of Sorkin's script, and the timelessness of Harper Lee's character.

By breathing fresh life into Scout, Moore has succeeded in making the character her own, yet ever faithful to the spirit that Harper Lee originally crafted. In doing so, she reaffirms the perennial relevance of the classic story and the characters who dwell within its timeless narrative.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

It's a given that any production is a collective endeavor, but in the case of To Kill A Mockingbird, the chemistry among the cast is not just a necessity – it's the heart of the show.

The dynamic synergy of the Finch family forms the core around which the narrative revolves, and Moore, along with her co-stars, brings this familial unit to life with astonishing realism.

"With my two co-stars playing Jem and Dill, it feels like a real family," says Moore. These authentic bonds translate to their on-stage interactions, giving depth to the complex dynamics among the Finch children and their unique perspectives on the world. This rapport extends beyond the stage, with the actors often sharing a laugh during rehearsals and pushing each other to excel.

The bond among the characters is not limited to the children. The adult characters, including the enigmatic figure of Atticus Finch, Scout's wise and compassionate father, are essential to this equation. Moore shares her experience of working with Richard Thomas, the actor playing Atticus: "He's a dream to work with, and he's taught me so much. He truly embodies the character."

The portrayal of these complex relationships demands a certain finesse. However, the ensemble, under the guidance of their seasoned director, Bartlett Sher, navigates this intricate terrain skillfully. "Our director is brilliant at his craft, and he pushes us to delve deeper into our characters," Moore says.

The power of To Kill A Mockingbird lies in its exploration of the human condition through the lens of a small Southern town. The characters, in their distinct roles, bring forth diverse perspectives, each contributing to the evolving narrative. The co-stars' collaboration, fortified by mutual respect and

Richard Thomas, best known for his role as John-Boy on the popular 1970s TV show, The Waltons, argues his case as Atticus Finch.

PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES

shared commitment, is instrumental in portraying this depth and diversity.

This spirit of collaborative synergy brings a remarkable authenticity to the stage production. It resonates through the characters, the narrative, and ultimately, the audience's experience.

TIMELESS THEMES

Since its first publication in 1960, Harper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird has stood as a beacon of literature, shedding light on the injustices and moral complexities that underpin society. Its contemporary relevance, however, is what makes this story a perennially compelling narrative, resonating through generations and across various adaptations — from its original novel form to the silver screen and now, onto the stage.

Moore echoes this sentiment. "The themes still resonate today. It’s a story about empathy, understanding, and the loss of innocence," she says. "It’s an opportunity to remember how far we’ve come and yet how far we still have to go."

Sorkin's theatrical adaptation is mindful of this modern relevance. By weaving in contemporary dialogues and interpretations, it nudges the audience to view the classic narrative through a new lens. The play's powerful depiction of racial prejudice, through the unjust trial of Tom Robinson, continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the persistent racial disparities in society.

“Being a part of this show is like holding up a mirror to society, showing not only the dark past but also encouraging the audience to reflect on the present," says Moore.

Meanwhile, the compassionate wisdom of Atticus Finch, which continues to stir readers worldwide, finds new breath in the Broadway adaptation. His lessons to Scout and Jem about empathy and understanding are not just character dialogues — they're universal truths resonating across the theater's auditorium. "Sorkin's adaptation does more than retell a classic tale,” Moore says. “It prompts us to question, reflect, and empathize. It's a call to be better."

A NEW LENS ON A CLASSIC

The legacy of Harper Lee's novel isn't only carried by its profound themes, but also by its characters who have become synonymous with courage, empathy, and moral strength. It's this legacy that the latest Broadway adaptation embraces while offering something unique to its audience.

For Moore, the production is about "presenting these wellknown characters with an authenticity that respects the past but also acknowledges our present." The reinterpretation of Scout through her three stages of life adds an additional layer of complexity and humanity to her character, making her evolution even more compelling to witness.

In addition to a refreshing narrative perspective, the production also features a more diverse cast, aligning with the shifting landscape of contemporary theater. "This version of To Kill A Mockingbird is a reflection of the world we live in. It's diverse and inclusive, and that's a powerful message in itself," Moore says. The magic of Sorkin's script is brought to life with innovative staging, lighting, and sound design, immersing the audience into the world of Maycomb, Alabama, as never before.

A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED

As audiences sit in anticipation of the lights dimming and the curtain rising, they are not merely about to witness a stage adaptation of a beloved novel. They are about to embark on a journey through time, touching on themes as relevant today as they were over half a century ago.

Through the vibrant portrayal by Moore and the cast, To Kill A Mockingbird is more than a play – it's an urgent, timeless conversation. One that compels you to listen, reflect, and act. This makes the show not just a desirable ticket but an essential experience.

"This play is for everyone," says Moore. "It's a reminder of our shared humanity, our shared struggles, and our shared hopes. It’s a story about love, understanding, and justice."

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Moore and the exceptional cast in this powerful production of To Kill A Mockingbird Come join the conversation, bear witness to a classic reimagined, and leave with a renewed understanding of this enduring masterpiece.

To Kill A Mockingbird runs from June 20 to 25 at The Kentucky Center. Tickets are on sale now and available at Louisville.Broadway.com or by calling (502) 584-7777.

The themes still resonate today. It’s a story about empathy, understanding, and the loss of innocence. It’s an opportunity to remember how far we’ve come and yet how far we still have to go.

− Melanie Moore

LAKE CUMBERLAND STATE RESORT PARK

This summer, fish, boat, and ski in the "Houseboat Capital of the World"

As the days grow longer, the mind begins to wander to summer vacation plans. If you’re like many Kentuckians, your thoughts will turn toward Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Millions of visitors flock to the area in Jamestown each year to soak up the sunshine and spend lazy days on the water.

Known as “the Houseboat Capital of the World,” Lake Cumberland is the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. Boating opportunities abound, and the park marina offers rentals not only for houseboats, but for fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats, along with 100 open slips. As you cruise the lake, you will see scores of fellow boaters enjoying the water with friends and family. Special events like the Annual Lake Cumberland Thunder Run, Independence Day Celebration, and Lake Cumberland Raft-Up draw crowds from all around.

For fishers, Lake Cumberland offers largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, in addition to bluegill, crappie, rockfish, and walleye. Idle along the lake’s 50,250 acres as you cast a line

or two. If you happen to be visiting on June 3 and 4, you can take part in the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ annual Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required. Otherwise, you can book your fishing license through the department’s website, or on the Fish Boat KY app. Fishing equipment may be rented from the lodge.

Take a dip in Lure Lodge’s outdoor pool, which is now open for the summer. On rainy days, check out the indoor pool complex, which features a temperaturecontrolled pool, a hot tub, and a game room.

Families will enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Tennis courts, geocaching, and disc golf are other activity options. Drop by the Park’s Environmental Recreation Conservation Headquarters (PERCH) to view interactive nature displays and to pick up last-minute recreational items. Nearby, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor and Environmental Education Center provides a fun and informative stop.

Trek through the beech, oak, and hickory forests on a four-mile loop trail around the lodge area. For a shorter hike, take the one-and-a-half-mile trail for a lovely overlook of the lake. In the woods, you may see birds such as goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, hummingbirds, and pileated woodpeckers, among others. With scenic views of the lake, the lodge hosts 63 guest rooms, along with Rowena Landing Restaurant and The Wake Zone Lounge. Twenty-nine cottages are also available for rental. Both the lodge and cottages offer wireless internet access for guests. If you prefer being closer to nature, the park has 75 campsites and accompanying service buildings with showers and restrooms.

Don’t wait until the lodge is full — book your stay now at this popular site by reserving accommodations at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park at Parks.ky.gov. Be sure to check out Kentucky’s other 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.

An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council/ State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens.

BARDSTOWN MAIN STREET

LOUISVILLE’S SINGING SENSATION

Spotlight on 11-Year-Old D’Corey Johnson

by G. Douglas Dreisbach

After recently wrapping up a 51-city tour with Hits! The Musical, it sure seems like the sky's the limit for this talented young man.

When the opportunity came to perform for Simon Cowell and the judging panel for AGT’s 18th season, everyone encouraged D’Corey to give it a shot, and he absolutely took the opportunity and ran with it.

We caught up with D’Corey, his mom, Nakia, and his voice coach, Dionte Colbert to find out more about this Louisville singing sensation.

going into the sixth. And I love my life.

GDD: When did you first realize that you had a musical talent or a will to sing the way you do? And how has that developed?

DJ: When I was 4, my mom put me in the choir, and then when I started to grow up, she put me in LCCC Theater, and then they gave me the lead role to sing Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There.” When I hit the high note, I just knew that I was going to be a star. And the rest is history.

Getting on a stage in front of an audience is one of the hardest things imaginable for millions of people who suffer from performance anxiety, better known as stage fright. A psychological setback, it can often be overcome with determination and practice.

When we watched 11-year-old Louisvillian, D’Corey Johnson, walk on stage to perform for the judges and audience of America’s Got Talent recently, we saw a lot of confidence — and certainly no stage fright.

D'Corey has packed a lot of hard work into his young life. A few years ago, he got noticed on social media when he sang the national anthem for his school. That sparked interest from others, including local musician Mark Maxwell from the popular band, The Crashers. Mark became somewhat of a show business mentor to D’Corey, and they performed together at galas and events.

G. Douglas Dreisbach: Congratulations on your recent success with America’s Got Talent. D’Corey, how have you liked being in the spotlight thanks to your big debut?

D’Corey Johnson: I love it! It’s like — it’s a dream come true, you know?

GDD: Nakia, how has it been for you, trying to manage everything with the family, and keeping balance, day in and day out?

Nakia Johnson: It’s a huge task because I’m his stylist. I’m his hairdresser. I write his music. I have my own line. Then I have my other kids at home that I take care of, and then the traveling is a constant. But I love everything that I get to do for him.

GDD: D’Corey, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you go to school? What grade are you in?

DJ: Well, I’m D’Corey Johnson, the one and only. I’m 11 years old, and I’m homeschooled, and I love being homeschooled. I’m in the fifth grade and

GDD: D’Corey has worked with a few local singing coaches, including Rosetta Galloway and Turley Richards. He is currently working with Dionte Colbert. Dionte, you’ve got a singing sensation on your hands there. Tell us a little bit about what it’s been like working with D’Corey.

Dionte Colbert: It’s been an amazing journey to watch him because he came to me four years ago, and it has been great to watch his progression and to see him develop not only as a vocalist, but as a child in general.

GDD: At what age do you see most young singers start blossoming, and how will that change in the next few years? How do you coach your students to deal with their voices as they mature?

DC: All kids are different. Some mature faster than others. With D’Corey, now we’re going through something where his voice is getting deeper, so some of the songs he was able to sing and knock out of the park when he first went viral in 2021, we have to approach it differently

now. It’s more about picking the right songs that are in his range. And now, we’re looking at just him doing his own original music.

GDD: D’Corey, on the America’s Got Talent audition, why did you choose the song “Open Arms” by Journey?

DJ: The executive producers, the music directors — they actually chose “Open Arms” for me, so I didn’t choose it. But they told me to learn it, and I only had five days to send it off. To remind you, I was still on Hits! The Musical tour, so every chance I got to learn, I just learned it, and I just knew it, in like two days, three days. That’s how fast I catch on.

GDD: When you went onstage for AGT, you seemed really confident, you were ready to go. You talked to the judges very easily, and then you absolutely crushed it with the song. What were you feeling when you went out onstage? Did that feeling continue when you started to sing?

DJ: I was feeling very confident because I have performed in front of crowds at galas and my own concerts. Mark Maxwell actually took me up under his wing. His band is The Crashers and he has let me perform with him on stage. I got to perform “Tomorrow” from Annie on the stage with him.

GDD: When you finished the song, everybody was standing and cheering. Your favorite judge, Simon, asked you to sing the refrain without any background music, which can be really hard to do. You nailed it and absolutely blew the roof off. When he asked you to do that, were you taken aback? What was going through your mind?

DJ: I was just like, “OK, so I’m going to knock this out,” because I absolutely love singing a cappella. I actually started singing a cappella when I was very young.

GDD: So, you knew you could do it, and you knew you had it. Nakia, when he sang that part, the camera kind of panned over to you, and you just looked so proud. What was going through your mind, watching your 11-year-old son do what he loves and entertaining so many people?

NJ: Well, I knew, when Simon said a cappella — I knew he was going to hit it out of the ballpark anyway because when he was a kid, he started singing in my salon, singing for my clients, and he wouldn’t have any music. And actually, Dionte had to — because he sang so much without music — Dionte had to teach him how to sing with music. Also, the reason why Simon ended up asking him to sing a cappella is because when he started singing with the music, the crowd went crazy and just started screaming “golden buzzer, golden buzzer,” to where it drowned D’Corey out. You couldn’t even hear him sing, and you could barely hear the music, and that was when Simon was like, “OK, can you sing a cappella?”

And then they ended up drowning him out again. So, actually, people don’t know it, but D’Corey had to come back like 30 minutes later and re-sing everything all over again and then do it a cappella again, because the crowd went crazy, which is a good thing.

GDD: So, when he came out, the real time was like 30 minutes later?

NJ: Yeah, because they let the other acts go ahead and continue with their stuff, but then they came back, and then D’Corey had to redo it all over again. But the first time is when he was crying because he was so overjoyed with how the crowd took to him, and just the fact that you see the upstairs balcony and the downstairs, and everybody in the downstairs is just screaming and yelling and clapping and

 WATCH: D'Corey Johnson covers "Open Arms" by Journey auditioning for America's Got Talent in May 2023.

 WATCH: D'Corey Johnson stuns everyone singing the national anthem before the Titans Week 1 game against the New York Giants in September 2022.

giving him standing ovations. They didn’t even want to sit down.

My face was kind of serious because I was like, “Please stop,” because I wanted them to hear him sing. But they were screaming so loud. And I was thankful. I was thankful, but I was so happy that Simon ended up asking him to re-sing the song, so people could hear his voice and hear how beautiful he sounds. And I knew that D’Corey was going to knock everybody off their feet, because when Lester Holt came here, the news media, the cameramen — they started crying, and they were like, “This is what we need — people like him — that we need in the world to make a change.” I knew D’Corey had it all along.

GDD: D’Corey, I saw a clip where you had an early opportunity to sing the national anthem for your school. How did that come to be?

DJ: It was my birthday, and I asked the teacher, “Can I meet the principal?” Because I never met the principal. And she was like, “Yes,” so she introduced me to the principal, and I asked the

principal, “Can I sing the national anthem?” And she said, “One day,” so that one day came. She pulled me into her office. She said, “You ready?” I said, “I’m ready,” and the rest is history.

NJ: They were just coming out from Covid, so that’s why he hadn’t known the principal at that time.

GDD: What’s next for you? What are you working on?

DJ: I put music out. I have a song called “Beautiful Morning” and “I Wish” on all streaming platforms, and I’m going to work, work, work, work, work, until I become a star.

I’m going to the Beyoncé concert as well. She’s my idol, and I look up to her so much. GDD: Well, it’s been a pleasure having you on today and we will be pulling for you. Your path so far has been exciting and inspiring. What would you tell other aspiring singers, especially young singers, who haven’t taken the step to perform in front of others, but know that they have a talent? What would you tell them?

DJ: Never give up, because the haters are going to say that you can’t sing, or that you can’t do certain things, or they’re going to talk about the way you dress. Just believe in yourself because you can make it. I believe in you, and others will, too.

GDD: One last thing — before this interview, we reached out to our friends at Broadway in Louisville, and they knew who you were and were aware of your singing. We were able to work out some tickets for you to come see Wicked here in Louisville this fall. And from what I understand, that’s your favorite, right?

DJ: Yes! I love Wicked. I’ve never seen it before, but I love it because I’ve heard the music, and I just love it.

Congratulations, D’Corey! We wish you nothing but the best! For more Audience Interviews with local and national arts and entertainment icons, visit Audience502.com

Eats

The restaurants below are certified and recommended by Audience as premium places for pre-show dinner, drinks or mingling. Let them know we sent you!

THEN & NOW

400 block of West Jefferson Street, 1960 vs. 2022

Liberty National Bank, later Bank One, now JP Morgan Chase, is distinguished as the oldest bank still operating in Kentucky. Chartered in 1854 as the German Insurance Company, the banking functions separated in 1872 and became known as the German Insurance Bank. In 1918, during World War I, the bank joined other regional institutions to express patriotism through a name change.

Liberty Insurance Bank became Liberty National Bank in 1935 and remained a financial force in Louisville until it was purchased by Bank One Corporation in 1994. In 2004, Bank One was acquired by New York City-based JP Morgan Chase & Co. Since 2005, Louisville's oldest financial institution bears the name Chase.

The University of Louisville’s Archives and Special Collections Department collects, organizes, preserves, and makes available for research rare and unique primary and secondary source material, particularly relating to the history and cultural heritage of Louisville.

Audience Magazine is pleased to share the stories and photos of the collection through our content partnership with the group. Click here for more about the archives.

 Top: West Jefferson St. between 4th & 5th on south side, Louisville, Kentucky, 1960. Royal Photo Studio Collection.

*CHEF'S KISS*

THE KENTUCKY CENTER UNVEILS

VIP FOOD AND BEVERAGE CLUB

by G. Douglas Dreisbach

entucky Performing Arts, in partnership with Curved Apron Hospitality, is excited to launch The Chef’s Table: VIP Club at The Kentucky Center. This all-inclusive food and beverage pre-show and intermission experience gives patrons exclusive access to SCENE at the Center, The Kentucky Center’s premiere lounge space.

This general admission ticket add-on for select performances includes all-you-can-eat Chef’s Selection menu offerings, complimentary soft drinks, bottled waters, select beers and wines (two per guest included with purchase for individuals age 21 and older), private cash bar and specialty cocktails, exclusive restroom access, and an intermission dessert.

The experience promises “comfort and convenience with delicious food and beverages ready the moment you arrive. And don’t worry, we’ll get you to the show on time!”

The concept was created and perfected by Chef James Coogle, who is somewhat of a rock star on the culinary scene in Louisville. With experience at some of the top restaurants in town, including Jack Fry’s, Noosh Nosh, Captain’s Quarters and Omni Hotel, his attention to detail when creating the VIP Club program makes it a wonderful option for patrons who want to get to the venue early, relax and enjoy an unrushed pre-show experience.

We caught up with Executive Chef Coogle to get the scoop on what led to creating the program, how he came up with the menu and packages, and his expectations for the program.

G. Douglas Dreisbach: We are excited to hear about The Chef’s Table program, but first, tell us about you and your culinary background here in Louisville.

Chef James Coogle: I’ve been in the restaurant industry for about 15 years now. I started working in restaurants straight

out of high school, and just fell in love with it, fell in love with the pace, the camaraderie, just the consistency of it. Everything moves fast, but everybody’s working together. And then, I stepped away for a while because you hear, “Get a real job.” I went out in the real world and got a different kind of job, and realized it wasn’t for me. After about seven or eight years in middle management in manufacturing, I decided to just start over. I went to culinary school and quit my job and started all over on the line. Through hard work, dedication, and passion, I worked my way up through the ranks really quickly.

 Patrons enjoy delicious bites during the soft launch of The Chef's Table: VIP Club held in May. Photo by Stephen Cohen.

Executive Chef James Coogle created the The Chef's Table: VIP Club, an all-you-can-eat pre-show experience at The Kentucky Center.

I have been really fortunate to be able to work in some of these restaurants in the city and learn from some great people.

GDD: The creativity involved in putting together a typical menu or offering at a restaurant is pretty awesome. For The Chef’s Table program, tell us about how it came to be, and what went into creating some of the menu items.

CJC: We kind of brainstormed here together and tried to come up with some different concepts here in the past with shows. But we all know what that grind is like when you are trying to get to a show. You and your date or companion are trying to get ready, get dinner and go to the show, and a lot of the time you are rushing to get through it all.

We decided that we would like to bring those people here to The Kentucky Center to dine before the shows so they can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, not just for the show, but pre-show as well. The Kentucky Center itself is such a beautiful building with a great atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Louisville, so we want to get those people here, onsite, let them enjoy their meal and slow down a little bit, and then take in the show and a great evening.

We were really excited about developing the menus and getting the selections right. With some restaurants and some catering menus, things can become monotonous, especially when you’re consistently making the same food, the same items, every day, and then working in some specials. But with this, it really gives us the ability, every show, to cater to that audience and that show and make a specific menu, while trying to be mindful of the audience and cultural sensitivities at the same time.

It gives us the ability to play and really venture out of some of our comfort zones and offer the public some different types of food they haven’t seen, that collaborate with some of their favorite stories and characters at the same time.

GDD: There are a few different options, ranging from $30 for a heavy hors d’oeuvres menu, featuring some smoked pork nachos and mini hot browns, and then the next level is a $40 package with fried chicken, chicken tenders, and whatnot, and then the top offering is a $55 per person offering higher-end items like smoked brisket, bone-in chicken, and all of these feature a couple of glasses of wine or domestic beer and whatnot. It seems like you’ve hit all the bases and price points. What shows will the dining options be available for?

CJC: The offerings for the various shows will be on our website. When you go to purchase your show tickets, you’ll be prompted to purchase tickets for The Chef’s Table with information about pricing and what will be on the menu that night.

With our smaller shows, like a comedy show or smaller concert, we’ll be offering those small grab-and-go kind of things that will have a chef-attended table, and then some desserts and drinks. For our larger shows, like our Broadway runs, you will see a more robust menu with a higher price point.

Our To Kill A Mockingbird menu is going to reflect heavily on the Southern flavors and summer, fresh ingredients that will accent the season, and the show. Hopefully our patrons can make the correlation there between the show they have come to see and the food that’s in front of them.

GDD: Can people just show up and pay the night of the show?

CJC: We’re trying to get reservations in advance if possible. We are going to have some walk-in availability, especially when we first launch the program, and until our customers and patrons get used to the process. We have capacity for about 100 patrons per show for the exclusive VIP Club, so we really encourage those people to reserve in advance online so that we can be prepared to accommodate them to the best of our ability.

We believe this program will be popular and, as fun as it’s going to be, will really take off and fill up quickly.

GDD: What will be the first show to offer the program?

CJC: The first show will be for Broadway in Louisville’s To Kill A Mockingbird June 20 to 25, and tickets are on sale now for anyone interested in securing their spot.

GDD: Thanks again for your time today. In closing, is there anything you would like to add?

CJC: I would just encourage everybody to come out and see us. This is something unique and different we haven’t really seen in the city yet. With ever-changing menus and matching different variations of shows and backgrounds, I would just encourage people to come down and not only take in the arts and some great plays and shows and musicals, but also some good food.

For tickets and more information, visit KentuckyPerformingArts.org

JOIN THE CLUB

An all-inclusive food and beverage pre-show/ intermission experience at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, with exclusive access into SCENE at the Center. Amenity includes private restroom access.

Visit kentuckyperformingarts.org for additional information.

REFLECT, CONVERSE AND CONTEMPLATE

The Speed Art Museum presents Breonna Taylor: In the Garden

June 7-November 26, 2023

The Speed Art Museum is honored to present In the Garden, a special installation centered around Amy Sherald’s portrait of the late Breonna Taylor, a 26-yearold Black woman who was murdered by Louisville Metro Police officers who entered her apartment in March 2020.

In the wake of this event and other violent instances around the country, massive protests demanding justice and renewed social equality for Black and brown bodies commenced across the world.

In the Garden, which is sited throughout Galleries 1 and 2, is a special presentation mounted to invite reflection, dialogue, and community contemplation. This installation, which also features artworks by leading contemporary artists Anthony Akinbola, Firelei Báez, Andrea Bowers, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, vanessa german, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Ebony G. Patterson, Nari Ward, T.A. Yero, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, explores themes of loss, joy, injustice, growth, and sorrow.

“The Speed feels extremely privileged and humbled to serve as the steward of Amy Sherald’s portrait of Breonna Taylor,” says Tyler Blackwell, Curator of Contemporary Art. “Breonna Taylor’s story and legacy, as well as the ongoing quest for real justice to her memory looms large in our community and across the United States.”

In addition, Louisville artists Braylyn Resko Stewart and Sara Noori have been invited to create a site-specific mural in the museum’s galleries.

In the Garden was developed in close collaboration with Breonna Taylor’s family. Throughout the course of the installation, the Speed will offer public and community programming around the topics of personal and community healing, gun violence, and empowerment, beginning with After Hours on Friday, June 23.

Amy Sherald’s painting of Breonna Taylor was originally commissioned for Vanity Fair magazine’s September 2020 issue as a public memorial to Taylor’s life and the ongoing pursuit for social justice. In 2021, the portrait was jointly acquired by the Speed Art Museum in Louisville and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

In the Garden will be on view through November 26, 2023. Learn more about this installation and related programming at speedmuseum.org.

The Speed Art Museum is honored to present In the Garden, a special installation centered around Amy Sherald’s portrait of the late Breonna Taylor. The painting was originally commissioned for Vanity Fair magazine’s September 2020 issue as a public memorial to Taylor’s life and the ongoing quest for social justice. In the Garden is a special presentation mounted to invite reflection, dialogue, and community contemplation. This installation, which also features artworks by leading contemporary artists Anthony Akinbola, Firelei Báez, Andrea Bowers, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, vanessa german, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Ebony G. Patterson, Nari Ward, T.A. Yero, and Lynette YiadomBoakye, explores themes of loss, joy, injustice, growth, and sorrow.

Throughout the course of this installation, the Speed will offer public and community programming around the topics of personal healing, gun violence, and empowerment.

Learn More »

American, born 1973

Breonna Taylor, 2020

Oil on linen

137.2 x 109.2 cm / 54 x 43 inches ©

“Amy Sherald’s portrait of Breonna Taylor may prove to be one of the most important paintings of the 21st century.” —Forbes

Image: Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald. Courtesy of Amy Sherald.

Photo: Joseph Hyde

SHARING THE MESSAGE

Marci Miller of ‘Days of Our Lives’ fame joins Louisville production of ‘Helper’

Marci Miller, a three-time Emmy Award nominee known for her role as Abby Deveraux on the long-running daytime soap, “Days of Our Lives,” has joined the cast of Patrick Tovatt’s “Helper,” which will premiere June 30 at the Theater at the Henry Clay in Downtown Louisville. Miller is stepping back on stage after several years in television and independent film because she believes in the message of Tovatt’s play, which deals with the circumstances leading up to gun violence.

Set in a coffee shop in Helper, Utah, a chance encounter turns deadly as festering cultural resentments, racism, and the stresses of single parenthood collide and erupt in sudden, inexplicable gun violence. Three lives and an entire community are devastated in its wake as the past meets the present, and an uncertain future awaits in this moving new play.

“It’s a powerful and brilliant piece,” says Miller. “I’m playing a pregnant mother who has to make split-second choices with dire consequences. The issues raised in this play reflect what’s happening in society today, and we all need to face those issues head on.”

Directed by Steve Woodring with a set design by Emmy winner David Weller, the cast includes veteran actor Matt Orme and former Producing Artistic Director of Bunbury Theatre, Juergen Tossmann. Tossmann joined Tovatt, Woodring, and Orme to create a new theater company called 1NE-OFF Productions.

“Collectively, we have over 200 years of experience in the theater, and we thought the name fitting, since it may very well be the last play we produce,” says Woodring.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Bunbury Theatre, our company's fiscal sponsor, and that allows us to raise taxdeductible donations, with a portion of ticket sales going to community organizations,” says Orme. “We’re holding community engagement sessions after each performance, which will feature Louisvillians who are actively working to stop gun violence.”

THE HISTORY OF GUN VIOLENCE

Tovatt was raised on the mythology of the American West. He can trace his ancestral line through Helper, Utah, in the latter 19th century.

“I have had many ‘awakenings’ in my 82 years, among them that our national fixation conflating freedom with firearms is not only historically bogus but, as every newscast confirms, deadly,” he says.

In 1791, as a concession to slave-holding former colonies, the Second Amendment guaranteed rising abolitionist sentiment would not disarm slave patrols, adds

Tovatt. Fear of slave rebellion reigned in the South. Guns were expensive, relatively unreliable, and scarce.

“The ‘arms’ of the Second Amendment meant flintlock muskets but also swords, cudgels, and pikes — not AR-15s or Glocks,” Tovatt says.

“How we came to imagine the settlement of the country as a contest between stoic lawmen and pistol-packin’ outlaws is Hollywood, not fact,” he continues.

“Among the first acts of a frontier town’s civic governance was a gun control ordinance.” In fact, virtually every town in the Old West had a “no guns in town” ordinance.

“We once had a sane, civilized attitude toward instruments of death,” says Tovatt. “We have lost our way through pernicious mythology, the greed of the armaments trade, and the complete perversion of the Second Amendment. We suffer for it every single day.”

“In ‘Helper,’ we offer a play that impacts every one of us. Gun violence is all too real,” says Tossmann. “To be clear, Patrick Tovatt has crafted a play about guns, without the trappings of ‘gunplay.’ No gunshots, no bullets, no Hollywood glorification, only consequences that offer up questions.”

For those who miss Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Humana Festival of New American Plays, “Helper” aims to fill that void. The production opens June 30 and runs Thursdays through Sundays through July 16.

More information and tickets can be found at Bunburytheatre.org

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!

JUNE

10

Jackson Browne

8PM Louisville Palace Ticketmaster.com

June 15-25; July 11, 14, 19, 22

Kentucky Shakespeare Macbeth Central Park

KyShakespeare.com

18

Fleet Foxes: Shore Tour

8PM

Old Forester's Paristown Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

18

Ben Folds

7:30PM Louisville Palace Ticketmaster.com

20-25

PNC Broadway in Louisville: To Kill A Mockingbird

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall KentuckyPerformingArts.org

29

Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance

7PM

Brown Theatre KentuckyPerformingArts.org

June 29-July 9; July 13, 16, 20, 23

Kentucky Shakespeare Love’s Labor’s Lost Central Park KyShakespeare.com

June 30-July 2, 6, 9,

13-16

Bunbury Theatre

Helper

The Henry Clay BunburyTheatre.org

JULY

8

The Dead South w/ Special Guest Corb Lund

8PM

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall KentuckyPerformingArts.org

14

Tommy Emmanuel w/ special guest Richard Smith

8PM

Brown Theatre

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

23

Trae Crowder

7PM Brown Theatre

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

30

Shakey Graves & Lucius

7PM

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

AUGUST

4

The Rebirth: Chanson Calhoun Live

7PM

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

5

An Orchestral Rendition of Dr. Dre 2001

9:30PM

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

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