Audience Magazine | September 2024 | Louisville Arts & Entertainment by Audience502

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

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OH FALL, WHEN GREEN TURNS TO GOLD

There is nothing like a dream to create the future.”

– Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

Though the autumn equinox isn’t until the middle of this month, we feel like fall is in full swing as soon as the pools close on Labor Day. Plus, September officially starts most of our local performing arts groups’ new seasons, which signifies autumn even more than changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattés, as far as we’re concerned. “Sweat-a weath-a” and Halloween aren’t too far behind.

And we say, bring it on!

Speaking of bringing on the essence of fall, what better way to do that than with Kentucky’s finest nectar, bourbon! You have two opportunities to experience the magic of this unique form of barrel-aged American whiskey in September.

First up is Bourbon & Beyond, which infuses bourbon culture into a full-on music festival. Read some of the highlights on page 24. You can also support one of Louisville’s most treasured arts organizations, the Speed Art Museum, at its annual bourbon auction and fundraiser. Get the details on page 20

Visual art meets performance this fall, as Fund for the Arts bring back its Performance Villages at two prominent community arts festivals. Read more on page 22.

As we close out September, Broadway in Louisville will debut it 2024-25 season in epic fashion with one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Les Misérables, from October 1-6. Read our profile of one the lead actors on page 16, and find out why Les Mis is not just a story about love, redemption, and sacrifice, but also the survival of the human spirit.

For the latest arts and entertainment news, visit page 8, and for a preview of concerts, comedy, theater and more from now through the end of the year, check out our Event Outlook on page 11.

As always, we have our generous advertisers to thank for supporting Audience Magazine and allowing us to shine a spotlight on the Louisville arts community each month, at no charge to you.

Happy Fall, Y’all,

Amy & Doug

TICKET GIVEAWAYS SPECIAL INVITES SHOW PREVIEWS

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

Bourbon & Beyond

Daniel Chioco Fund for the Arts

Kentucky Tourism Arts & Heritage Cabinet Speed Art Museum

TO READ CURRENT AND PREVIOUS AUDIENCE PLAYBILLS AND PERFORMANCE GUIDES, GO TO ISSUU.COM/AUDIENCE502.

On the Cover: “Beggars at the Feast,” Matt Crowle as Thénardier and Victoria HustonElem as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables.

Photo by Matthew Murphy. Read more on page 16

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

Audience® Magazine is published by The Audience Group, Inc. 136 St. Matthews Avenue #300 Louisville, KY 40207 502.212.5177 | Audience502.com

THANK YOU, FROM TEAM KENTUCKY

DEAR PATRON,

The Beshear-Coleman administration and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet are dedicated to fostering and promoting the state’s rich arts heritage as well as continuing Kentucky’s long history of being a premier destination for all travelers to enjoy.

Our 13 agencies – including the Kentucky Arts Council, Department of Tourism, Kentucky Performing Arts, Governor’s School for the Arts, and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, among others – showcase the commonwealth’s unique and vibrant arts industry and its contribution to Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry.

The arts industry plays a key economic role in Kentucky, generating $6.1 billion annually in economic impact and supporting over 47,000 jobs throughout the commonwealth.

Kentucky lays claim to a tremendous creative legacy and serves as home to some incredible artists. At the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, we work to ensure that the arts include and represent every Kentuckian.

We are fortunate to have an arts champion in Gov. Andy Beshear, who is a true advocate for the creative industries and a committed supporter of our artists.

The future of Kentucky’s arts industry is incredibly bright, and you, as an arts patron, play an integral role. Whether you buy tickets to shows, sponsor organizations or events, or volunteer at the local theater, your support is vital.

Together, we are building our new Kentucky home, growing the commonwealth’s cultural riches to broaden our artistic legacy.

On behalf of Team Kentucky, thank you!

Lindy Casebier Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary

ARTS IN THE NEWS

(LOUISVILLE) AUDIENCE502 LAUNCHES ANNUAL ARTS SEASON

CALENDAR AND EXPANDS

Audience502 is excited to publish the inaugural Arts Season Calendar that features the full seasons of the major performing arts groups in Louisville, including Broadway in Louisville, Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Ballet, Kentucky Opera, Derby Dinner Playhouse and more.

Complimentary copies of the calendar will be available at the Kentucky Performing Arts venues, including The Kentucky Center and Brown Theatre, as well as Derby Dinner Playhouse, coffee shops and other select locations around the city. The group is also expanding its monthly magazine in 2024 to include four printed editions that will also be available at locations around the Louisville area, and a digital edition available at Audience502.com

(LOUISVILLE) STING ADDED TO BOURBON & BEYOND MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP

Seventeen-time Grammy Award-winning icon Sting is set to make his much-anticipated debut at the Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival held Sept. 19-22 at the Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. This adds to an already stellar line-up of over 100 bands and musicians that will perform on five stages over the weekend, including Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Dave Matthews Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Lyle Lovett, Whiskey Myers, and many more.

"While we will miss Neil Young at Bourbon this year, we’re excited to welcome a music legend, Sting, to the Bourbon & Beyond lineup. We've been trying to bring Sting to the festival since 2018, and it’s an incredible honor to have him join us for what will undoubtedly be our biggest and most unforgettable year ever." — Danny Wimmer, Founder of Danny Wimmer Presents.

(LOUISVILLE) BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF COME FROM AWAY IN JANUARY

The national tour of Come From Away returns to Louisville for a special, three-performance run at The Kentucky Center on January 11 and 12. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11, 2001, attacks. On that fateful day, 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. The characters in the musical are based

on actual Gander residents and the stranded travelers they housed and fed.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) THE GRATEFUL DEAD AMONG KENNEDY CENTER HONOREES

The Grateful Dead, one of the most iconic bands of our time, is being recognized by The Kennedy Center for a lifetime of achievement in the arts. They are part of the 47th Kennedy Center class and will be honored with an evening of tributes, testimonials and performances on December 8 at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS on December 23.

Starting out as a folk-infused quintet in psychedelic-era 1960s San Francisco, the Grateful Dead steadily morphed into a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful touring acts of all time.

“There’s a lot of ingredients that go into it,” drummer Mickey Hart said, when asked about the music’s longevity. “The fans say that the shows feel like home. It gives them that feeling of connectiveness and community and joy and love for life and the music.”

Currently calling themselves Dead and Company with guitarist John Mayer taking the late Jerry Garcia’s place, the band is in the midst of a several-month residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Other honorees include director Francis Ford Coppola, Jazz Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, blues legend Bonnie Raitt, and the legendary Harlem theater The Apollo, which has launched generations of Black artists.

(LAS VEGAS) THE EAGLES ANNOUNCE EXTENDED RESIDENCY AT THE SPHERE IN LAS VEGAS

The iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, The Eagles, recently announced an extended residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas with 20 shows taking place from September 2024 through January 2025. At each show, fans can expect “The ultimate connection” to the group’s iconic catalog — including their acclaimed 1976 “Hotel California” album — with an immersive live experience showcased on the venue’s 3D super sound-enhanced venue. Originally, there were just eight shows announced for September and October, but due to tremendous demand, additional dates were added for a total of 20.

FALL is in THE AIR

The fall calendar is getting spicy! Cooler temperatures are creeping in, making for a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like concerts, festivals, art fairs, and more. We are excited to bring you a list of some of our favorite events coming to Louisville in the next few months!

For a full list of performing arts and entertainment events in Louisville, check out our event calendar at Audience502.com.

SEPTEMBER

1-29

Jersey Boys

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Follow the evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. This award-winning musical takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and features electrifying performances of their chart-topping hits! Visit DerbyDinner.com for performance dates and times.

The 502s: Great American Road Trip

Pop/Folk/High Energy

Mercury Ballroom

The 502s are a lively indie folk band known for their infectious energy and heartfelt performances. Blending catchy

melodies with rich harmonies and spirited instrumentation, they create a joyous, foot-stomping sound. Their engaging stage presence and feel-good music make them a favorite at festivals and venues worldwide.

Art of Bourbon Speed Art Museum

Kentucky's premier bourbon auction. All proceeds support education programs and exhibitions at the Speed Art Museum.

Germantown Oktoberfest 2024

Hauck’s Handy Store

Germantown Oktoberfest 2024 is returning to Goss Avenue on Friday, September 13, with an expanded block party edition from Spratt to McHenry. Dust off your dirndl and lederhosen and get your drinking arm ready for the @SamAdams Stein Hoisting Contest, plus many more beer games and the Weiner Dog Races, too. Schnitzelberg’s own MonnikBeer Co.’s Kaiser Von Schnitzelberg will be flowing all night long, plus a special collaboration brew with Heine Bros. Coffee Co.

14

Louisville Orchestra

The Planets – Season Opener! Louisville Palace

Conductor: Paolo Bortolameolli; Piano: David Fray

Experience Gustav Holst’s stirring and beloved masterwork, “The Planets,” as well as Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 21” underneath the starry sky of the Louisville Palace.

19-22

Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival

Highlands Festival Grounds

Don’t miss the biggest music festival of the year with headliners like Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Hornsby, Cody Jinks, Whiskey Myers, Charles Wesley Godwin, and many more.

Steve Martin & Martin Short: The Dukes of Funnytown Comedy

Louisville Palace

Steve Martin and Martin Short have collaborated on the big screen, the small screen, and stages across America. They will bring their latest tour to Louisville this fall. Come hear them share stories, tell jokes, and even weave in some music for a show you won’t want to miss.

20 After Hours @ The Speed Art Museum

Every third Friday, the museum stays open until 10 p.m. Each After Hours event comes alive with an eclectic mix of music, performances, a cash bar plus food available by a pop-up from Marigold Catering, and of course art! Come experience the Speed after hours as you’ve never experienced it before. Every After Hours offers something different, exploring new themes and welcoming artists and entertainers of all kinds

91.9 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday: Dark Side of the Wall (Pink Floyd Tribute), Zaniah, + Flow Waterfront Park

This year’s Waterfront Wednesdays come to a close after another great season as Louisville’s favorite concert series. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the top Pink Floyd tribute bands with Dark Side of the Wall as well as Zaniah and + Flow to round out the season on the Waterfront with our friends from 91.9 WFPK.

The String Cheese Incident

Bluegrass/Rock/Jam Band

Louisville Palace

The String Cheese Incident is an American jam band known for blending genres like luegrass, rock, electronica, and funk.

Formed in 1993, they are celebrated for their improvisational live performances, eclectic sound, and devoted fan base, often drawing comparisons to the Grateful Dead and Phish in the jam band scene.

OCTOBER

1-6

Broadway in Louisville

Les Miserables

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Mis tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

3-Nov. 10

Dracula

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Professor Van Helsing must hunt down and destroy the evil Count Dracula, ending in a shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him. This adaptation, written by William McNulty, is an action-packed retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror. Visit DerbyDinner.com for performance dates and times.

4-6

St. James Court Art Show

Historic Old Louisville

A Louisville tradition, the St. James Court Art Show is a juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show featuring over 600 artists from around the United States held among the country’s largest collection of Victorian homes in the heart of historic Old Louisville. The 4-square block, outdoor art show takes place annually on the first weekend of October, featuring six unique sections at St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Fourth Street, Third Street, 1300 Section, and West End Baptist Church.

Violent Femmes

Punk/Rock

Paristown Hall

The Violent Femmes are an influential American folk-punk band known for their raw, acoustic sound and introspective lyrics. Formed in 1980, their music blends punk energy with folk melodies, highlighted by hits like “Blister in the Sun.” The band's unconventional style and rebellious spirit have earned them a dedicated cult following.

Marcus King: Mood Swings Tour

Blues/Southern Rock

The Louisville Palace

Marcus King is known for his authentic soulful blend of blues, rock, and Southern music. His powerful vocals and exceptional guitar skills have garnered widespread acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Louisville Orchestra: Brahms X Radiohead

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

Steve Hackman, conductor

Brahms X Radiohead is an epic symphonic synthesis of Radiohead’s album “OK Computer” and Brahms’

“First Symphony,” composed for a full symphony orchestra and three solo vocalists. The piece offers a reimagined experience of each work by seeing it through the lens of the other, exploring the explosive tension and deep pathos they have in common. Brahms’ 19th-century orchestral sound palette is used throughout, but woven in, superimposed, and inserted are the melodies and music of Radiohead.

Ballet Hispanico

Performance Art

Brown Theatre

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latine/ Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s cultural treasures. Its three main programs, the dance company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships, bring communities together to celebrate the multifaceted Latinx diasporas.

13-Dec.31

Derby Dinner Playhouse: A Wonderful Life

Don’t miss this adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film brought to vibrant theatrical life! This uplifting story follows the extraordinary lives of ordinary people and celebrates the innate goodness in us all. A holiday must!

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour

Comedy

Brown Theater

Two-time Grammy award winning comedian/actor/writer Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. He has performed throughout the world, including at Carnegie Hall and Broadway. His latest stand-up special, Tragically, I Need You, released earlier this year, has already surpassed 1.3 million views on YouTube.

18-20

Grateville Dead Music Festival: Celebrating a Decade Together

Brown Forman Amphitheatre at Waterfront Park

Don’t miss another year of celebrating the music of one of the most iconic bands in history, The Grateful Dead. Featuring regional and local tribute bands honoring the creative lyrics and eclectic sounds of bluegrass, folk, and classic rock, you are sure to have a full weekend of fun with a dozen bands and plenty of food and refreshments.

Louisville Orchestra

Carmina Burana

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall Conductor: Teddy Abrams Choir: Louisville Chamber Choir

Discover Carmina Burana and Michael Tilson Thomas’s “Meditations on Rilke,” with the Louisville Chamber Choir, a journey through music’s power and passion.

After Hours @ The Speed Art Museum

An Evening with Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned Comedy/Discussion

Brown Theatre

Ira Glass is the host and creator of the public radio program "This American Life." The show is heard each week by over 5 million listeners on public radio stations and the podcast.

Louisville Orchestra (UN)Silent Film: Nosferatu

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Back by popular demand, experience the classic Nosferatu, with a new score by Sebastian Chang, a fusion of cinematic horror and live orchestral innovation.

The Black Keys: International Players Tour

Rock/Blues YUM! Center

The Black Keys are an American rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001. The group consists of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). They began as an independent act, recording music in basements and self-producing their records. Eventually, they emerged as one of the most popular garage rock artists during a second wave of the genre’s revival in the 2000s.

Little Feat: Can’t Be Satisfied Tour

Classic Rock Louisville Palace

Little Feat is very possibly the last-manstanding example of what used to be the norm in American music, a fusion of a broad span of styles and genres into something utterly distinctive. They combined earthy, organic material with first-rate musicianship in a combination that transcends boundaries. Little Feat took California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly, and New Orleans swamp boogie and more, stirred it into a rich gumbo, and has been leading people in joyful dance ever since.

25-26

Louisville Orchestra

Star Trek: Musical Voyage Through The Stars

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall Conductor: Bob Bernhardt

Boldly go on an interstellar musical journey featuring the greatest hits of the Star Trek franchise.

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience Comedy

The Louisville Palace

For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo — known worldwide as the Long

Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime series, “Raising Spirits” — has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed on, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them — just in a different way. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is the awe-inspiring event you won't want to miss.

Behind the Scream - A Live Conversation with David Arquuette w. screening of “Scream”

Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center

Get ready for an unforgettable evening when David Arquette goes “Behind the Scream,” a thrilling live conversation featuring a special screening of the iconic horror film, “Scream,” followed by an in-depth moderated interview and Q&A with the legendary actor, who played the beloved character Dewey Riley in the franchise.

NOVEMBER

1-3

Louisville Ballet: Triple Take Brown Theatre

World Premiere by Adam Hougland | Music by Igor Stravinsky; Influences by Harald Uwe Kern | Music by Robert Schumann; 502 by Ching Ching Wong | Music by Jack Harlow

Hits of Louisville’s own Jack Harlow and symphonies of Stravinsky and

Schumann collide with electrifying new choreography in this mixed-repertory program. Featuring three world premieres by Artistic Director Harald Uwe Kern, Resident Choreographer Adam Hougland, and Ching Ching Wong, this collection of never-before-seen classical and contemporary works will keep you on your toes.

Craig Ferguson: Pants on Fire Comedy

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

Craig Ferguson is a multiple Grammynominated, Peabody and Emmy Awardwinning actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian with a diverse career that encompasses film, television, and the stage. He is a New York Times bestselling author and has recorded numerous stand-up specials for Netflix, Epix, Comedy Central, and Amazon. The wildly popular “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” ran on CBS for 10 years and remains a cult favorite on YouTube, racking up millions of views every year on fan posted bootleg clips.

The Bacchanal Speed Art Museum

Don't miss the Speed Art Museum's annual costumed cocktail party and one of the top social events of the year. Delight your senses with live performances, drinks and light bites, all through the immersive spirit of art and creativity.

Paul Thorn

Southern Rock/Blues

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

Paul Thorn is a charismatic singersongwriter known for his blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana. With a distinctive voice and witty, insightful lyrics, he crafts songs that resonate with authenticity and humor. Thorn's engaging storytelling and dynamic performances have earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Louisville Orchestra: Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Conductor: Bob Bernhardt; Additional appearance by: Rick Steves Combining Europe’s most stirring Romantic-era anthems with beautiful high-definition cinematography and Rick’s insights into European history.

15-17

Kentucky Opera: Madame Butterfly Brown Theatre

In a groundbreaking production presented in a bold new point of view, Puccini’s haunting score is filled with vulnerability, power, and emotion. This new production of one of opera’s most beloved works is created by an all-AAPI female creative team and directed by Mo Zhou. Music by Giacomo Puccini; Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa.

Know of a great concert, performance, or arts event we should share? Email the details to ddreisbach@theaudiencegroup.com.

For a full list of performing arts and entertainment events in Louisville, visit our Event Calendar at Audience502.com.

THE HEART OF VALJEAN

NICK CARTELL ON FATHERHOOD, LOSS, AND 1,200 NIGHTS OF LES MIS

by Daniel Chioco

Nick Cartell steps into the spotlight, alone on stage. For the audience, it’s a performance. For Cartell, it’s personal. After more than 1,200 performances as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, this role isn’t just a job, it’s a mirror. Every night, Cartell finds something new in the part: a glance, a note, a reaction. Each moment is a reminder that Valjean’s story is also his own.

It’s that kind of energy, authenticity, and vulnerability that audiences can look forward to when one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals, Les Misérables, comes to Louisville in October.

“If you haven't seen the show yet, take the leap. Come and join us,” Cartell says. “You'll come away thankful that you did, especially with everything happening in our world right now. An audience can come together, sit in one space and connect with these characters. There is a collective energy that comes with seeing theater.”

A TALE OF SURVIVAL & THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Les Misérables is a sweeping musical set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, exploring themes of justice, love, and redemption. At its heart is Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who embarks on a lifelong journey to find peace and purpose, all while evading the relentless pursuit of Inspector Javert. Valjean’s story is one of transformation, as he seeks to atone for his past and protect those he loves in a world filled with turmoil and hardship.



PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

Les Misérables October 1-6, 2024

Cartell's journey with Valjean began in grief. Just days after losing his mother, he first stepped into the role.

“When I started in 2017, I came to the show from a day of grief,” he says. “I lost my mom to ovarian cancer, which she’d been battling for five years. She’s the strongest woman that I’ve ever known.”

Today — now a father himself — his connection to Valjean has deepened.

"I know what it feels like to have your heart outside your body," he says, speaking of his daughter, who watched the show for the

[Audiences] expect to hear the iconic score, but they're taken off guard by how connected they are to the characters and stories. Yes, it's tragic, but we challenge our audience, ‘Will you join in our crusade?’ ”

− Nick Cartell

“Prologue” - Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

(L-R) Jake David Smith as Marius, Mya Rene Hunter as Éponine, Delaney Guyer as Cosette, Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.

PHOTO: BY MATTHEW MURPHY

first time when the tour stopped in Montreal. “She was two-anda-half when I started the show, and she’s four now.”

It's this personal connection that keeps the role fresh, raw, and real.

As Cartell puts it, Les Misérables is a story not only about love, redemption, and sacrifice, but also about the survival of the human spirit.

In addition to processing his own grief and becoming a father, Cartell acknowledges the role that the pandemic has played in how he approaches the role.

“We went through the collective pandemic,” he says, “which challenged everyone one way or another. You can connect in ways you never thought about before.”

People are fighting for a better life, fighting for rights for education, fighting for causes they believe in. Is the stage world of Les Misérables really that different from our own, Cartell asks?

“Audiences want to hear the music,” he says. “They expect to hear the iconic score, but they're taken off guard by how connected they are to the characters and stories. Yes, it's tragic, but we challenge our audience, ‘Will you join in our crusade?’ ”

LIGHT FINDS ITS STRENGTH IN THE DARK

In Les Misérables, Valjean is an outcast of society who is shown compassion by just one figure, the bishop. Through that singular experience, Valjean’s story becomes a journey of connecting with people and making their lives better.

“If Valjean was alive today, it would be the same story,” Cartell says. “He’d find a way to help his fellow man, his community. Maybe he’d be a teacher, maybe a minister. Maybe he’d work in a soup kitchen or philanthropic situation. Valjean is a leader, though he doesn’t want to be, but he becomes this man who is a leader – and I’ve taken a lot from that idea of making the lives of those around me better, making people feel included. I’ve felt more connected to my wife, my daughter.”

It’s this message of hope and resilience that resonates with audiences, new and old, young and new. Before Les Misérables opens in Louisville, the tour is in Boston, where a student group attended the show for a high school field trip.

“Whenever we have a student group watch the show, there are students who are already familiar with Les Mis in general or have seen the movie” but haven’t seen the show, Cartell says. “Well, there’s a moment on the barricade where a character dies, and you heard all these students gasp and scream ‘No!’ They’re just so connected to the story. It energizes everyone on stage because we know the audience is invested in the story.”

Indeed, Les Misérables has stood the test of time. The musical premiered September 1980, which means it will be just fresh off of its 44th birthday as it visits Louisville, and yet, it still affects audiences in ways that are quite profound.

ANOTHER STORY MUST BEGIN

With over 1,200 performances under his belt, Cartell still feels the responsibility of paying homage to the men who have played Valjean before him, from Colm Wilkinson to Hugh Jackman. Yet, it is a show that reinvents itself.

“Production gave me the freedom to create my own Jean Valjean,” Cartell says. “Audiences probably have their favorite Valjean, but I’m not trying to carbon copy other performances. I don’t have to play somebody else’s version; I get to play my version. It’s cool that I’m given that opportunity to do that every single night.”

From the incidental moments in-between the big numbers to the iconic moments like “I Dreamed a Dream,” Les Misérables is a riveting production for audiences of all ages. And as Cartell says, it’s a story meant to go with you, to be continued by audiences beyond the confines of the theater and into the fabric of our very lives.

Les Misérables runs October 1-6 at The Kentucky Center. Tickets are available by calling 502-584-7777 or online at louisville.broadway.com.

"One Day More" from Les Misérables

July 12, 2024–January 12, 2025

Enter an infinite world of wonder, mystery, and imagination.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrored Room– LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, on special loan from the Art Gallery of Ontario, explores ideas of “self-obliteration” through repetition and play with space, light, color, and time. This immersive presentation will mark the first time that a major work by Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929, Japan) has ever been on view in Kentucky.

Leading Sponsors:

Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun

Victoria and Paul J. Diaz

Susan and Allan Lavin

Exhibition season sponsored by:

Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein

Debra and Ronald Murphy

Sociable Weaver Foundation

Tickets at speedmuseum.org

©YAYOI KUSAMA. INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM –LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, 2017

Courtesy of the artist, David Zwirner, Ota Fine Arts, and Victoria Miro. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario

THE ART OF BOURBON

Speed Museum Annual Bourbon Auction: September 12

The Speed Art Museum’s annual bourbon auction offers bottles chock-full of liquid gold on its auction block, and this year is slated for another amazing display of extremely rare bottles that will pique the interest of collectors worldwide.

The museum recently unveiled the line-up for this year’s live online and in-person Art of Bourbon auction on September 12, and it will feature some of the rarest, most elusive, and soughtafter whiskeys in the world up for bid.

The live auction will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The online auction is free to bid but registration is required at artofbourbon.org .

In-person event tickets, which are $350, include a cocktail hour, bourbon tastings, and a seated dinner with a bourboninspired menu. Seating is limited, and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

Some of the auction highlights include:

• An Entire Pappy Vertical. Six bottles of Pappy signed exclusively by Julian Van Winkle III for this year’s auction. It’s Pappy. Period. It’s worth up to $30,000.

• A super rare 2017 Michter’s 25-yearold, expected to fetch up to $30,000. Why? Only 317 coveted 25-year bottles were ever produced that year.

• A special Old Forester from 1947 A true “dusty.” You’ll never see this

gem again. It’s one of the rarest bottles in the auction, and bourbon experts expect it to go for $20,000.

• The 1976 Bicentennial Commemorative Bourbon (16-yearold), distilled in 1959 at the original Willett Distillery. It’s considered “the bottle that started it all.” This auction darling could see $30,000 to $50,000. It’s awesome. It’s elusive.

• A 14-year-old Dowling Deluxe from the late 1960s with a fill-level that’s chef’s kiss. Its tell-tale dripping wax predates Maker’s Mark. IYKYK. Estimate: $5,000.

• Considered one of the top bottles in the auction, a bottle of Golden Wedding Whiskey from 1941 is

one-of-a-kind item and a chance to own a piece of whiskey history. It’s the sought-after unicorn that brings together the storied co-mingling from George T. Stagg, Schenley Industries, and Joseph Finch & Co. Estimate: $10,000.

• Maker’s Mark Private Selection Barrel Experience with the Speed Art Museum – Six guests partake in a personal tour of the National Historic Landmark distillery on Star Hill Farm led by a Private Select team member where you will go through the entire Private Selection process, reserved for only the most elite customers of Maker’s Mark. When the barrel matures nine weeks later, the bottle labels will feature

“We have the vintage and rare, and the new and unique. These sort of in-the-know bourbons don’t come up very often.”

the Speed Art Museum’s selection recipe. The winning bidder receives three cases, and the remaining bottles will be given to the museum and used by local artists and students to raise money for the museum.

• Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series Single Barrel selection. One of the very first 100 barrels produced in the Origin Series single barrel release. The Origin Series represents the first whiskeys that were entirely distilled, aged and bottled at this distillery and was voted the highest

rated bourbon in the world by the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Estimate: $20,000.

• The much-anticipated Green River Single Barrel Pick selection experience, one of the hot new bourbons in the industry. Estimate: $15,000- $20,000.

Now in its seventh year, the annual bourbon auction draws serious bourbon aficionados and collectors from around the globe, as well as those who view it as a passionate spectator sport.

The curation of this event is led by Wall Street Journal-bestselling author

and renowned bourbon critic Fred Minnick. Marc Abrams, a well-known bourbon expert based in Louisville, serves as this year’s event chair.

“Since 2018, I’ve worked closely with the Speed to auction the rarest whiskey bottles and experiences ever, raising millions of dollars for this institution,” said Minnick. All proceeds support education programs and exhibitions at the Speed.

“These rare whiskeys can make a huge impact on one of our country’s best art museums,” he added. “We have the vintage and rare, and the new and unique. These sort of in-the-know bourbons don’t come up very often.”

Prominent collectors show their support by either attending or donating bottles from their stash to this event.

“It’s not every day you can get your hands on these. You’re buying a piece of history in a bottle,” said Abrams. “And over the years, our auction followers have come to expect these iconic bourbons at this auction. After all, the Speed Art Museum is in bourbon country.”

Bill Menish will serve as the evening’s auctioneer.

To review the full auction catalog and purchase event tickets, visit artofbourbon.org .

BRINGING ART TO LIFE

PERFORMANCE VILLAGES RETURN TO PARISTOWN FALL ART FEST & ST. JAMES ART FAIR by Fund for the Arts

Fund for the Arts will host performing artists and arts organizations as part of two beloved community art festivals this fall: Paristown Fall Art Fest at the end of September at Paristown Arts and Entertainment District, and the St. James Court Art Show the first weekend in October in Old Louisville.

These local performance villages bring just a sampling of Louisville’s vibrant performing arts community to visual arts and craft fairs, regularly attended by thousands of locals and tourists alike.

Celebration of Arts, now in its second year, will take place in Christy’s Garden as part of Paristown’s Fall Art Fest, also now in its second year, on September 28, with programming throughout the day. Artists and arts organizations will present music, dancing, and theatrical arts onstage, with craft and engagement activities offstage. Celebration of the Arts is presented by Churchill Downs, with additional support from Passport by Molina Healthcare and Brown-Forman.

The Republic Bank Performance Village will take place from October 4 to 6 as part of the St. James Court Art Show. Now in its third year, this performance village has introduced local performing artists and arts groups to new audiences, giving just a taste of the incredible performing arts scene the region has to offer.

The St. James Court Art Show annually sees over 200,000 guests and was recently named the No. 1 “Best Fine Art and Design Show” by Sunshine Artist magazine. This performance village

ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS WILL INCLUDE*:

Ambo Dance Theatre

Cody Clark Magician

Crestview Studios

Drama by George

Drag Daddy Productions

Hui Kaululehua

Keen Dance Theatre

Kentucky Shakespeare

Louisville Academy of Music

Louisville Ballet

is presented by Republic Bank with support from Passport by Molina Healthcare.

“We are so grateful that our partners and sponsors have once again stepped up to bring these opportunities to life,” said Andre Kimo Stone Guess, Fund for the Arts President and CEO. “Paristown Fall Art Fest and the St. James Court Art Show bring incredible visual artists from near and far, and we’re excited to partner with them to highlight the talent in the performing arts community right here in Louisville and Southern Indiana. These artists make this a vibrant place to live and work, and we are thrilled to get them in front of new, art-loving audiences as part of these events.”

Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community by generating resources for, investing in, and supporting our local arts, artists, and arts organizations. For more information, visit www.fundforthearts.org

Louisville Folk School na Skylark MOVE.

Performing Arts Louisville

University of Louisville

African American Theatre Program

Urban x Dance

River Lotus Lion Dance

*Full schedules for each event are coming soon.

 Colorful costumes, music and dance representing the cultures of the world are just a few of the exciting things patrons can expect at this year's performance villages.

EVENTS WE LOVE

FESTIVAL FEVER

6th Annual Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival Ready to Roll with All-Star Line-up

September

19 – 22,

2024 | Highland Festival Grounds

From the moment the first announcement came out for this year’s Bourbon & Beyond music festival, fans have been on the edge of their seats for the final line-up and set times. Well, the wait is over, and the roster is stellar as advertised. Featuring music industry icons such as Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Dave Matthews Band, Sting, and more, tickets are few and far between, and it seems that we are in store for what will be another amazing weekend!

This year’s line-up is stacked again featuring dozens of legends and breaking stars, including headliners Sting and Beck on Thursday, Dave Matthews Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band on Friday, Zach Bryan and Cody Jinks on Saturday, and Tyler Childers and My Morning Jacket on Sunday, along with Matchbox Twenty, The National, Whiskey Myers, Black Pumas, The War On Drugs, The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Fleet Foxes, Young the Giant, Maren Morris, The Head and the Heart, Melissa Etheridge, Teddy Swims, and many more.

As in past years, there will be multiple stages all strategically placed around the festival grounds to allow for multiple bands to be playing at once, and to deliver the ultimate festival experience — including culinary and bourbon demonstrations and discussions.

The two main stages, the Oak Stage (on the left) and the Barrel Stage (on the right), will feature the headliners each night. They are located side-by-side, making it easy for concert goers to stay

in one spot and take in a lot of music. The other stages are located on the opposite side of the festival from the main stages to limit sound crossover and provide ample space for the crowd to spread out. They are called the Yonder, Beyonder, and Bluegrass Situation stages.

In addition to the all-star music line-up, guests will also get their full share of culinary and bourbon education, as well with leading chefs such as Chris Santos (“Chopped”), Edward Lee (“The Mind of a Chef”), Tiffani Faison (Food Network), Marc Murphy (“Chopped,” “World Central Kitchen”), Kelsey Barnard Clark (winner of “Top Chef” Season 16) and Louisville’s Noam Bilitzer (“Chopped”), to name a few.

When it comes to Kentucky Bourbon, fans will be entertained and educated with The Bourbon Experience hosted by bourbon expert Chris Blandford and

chef Amanda Freitag (“Top Chef” and “Chopped”). The experience will feature bourbon talent and celebrity guests, including world renowned bourbon expert Fred Minnick, and industry leaders from premium brands such as Pappy & Co, Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, Old Rip Van Winkle, and many more.

Other special guests participating in the culinary and bourbon programming include Mat Kearney, Melissa Etheridge, Jim Gaffigan, Charles Wesley Godwin, Derek Trucks, Molly Tuttle, Young The Giant, and more.

Fans can download the official Bourbon & Beyond App, which allows each user to personalize their schedules, learn more about the music, culinary and bourbon talent, view festival maps, and more.

Our top highlights for the weekend are listed on the next page.

Good times and good friends at Bourbon & Beyond in 2023.

PHOTO BY LEXIE ALLEY

THURSDAY, SEP. 19

HIGHLIGHTS*

Festival gates open at 11:30 AM with music beginning at 12:30 PM.

OAK STAGE

3:25 PM Lyle Lovett

5:00 PM Fleet Foxes

6:45 PM Matchbox Twenty

9:15 PM Sting

BARREL STAGE

4:15 PM The Wallflowers

5:50 PM Maren Morris

7:50 PM Beck

YONDER STAGE

4:55 PM Amanda Shires

6:05 PM Patty Smyth

7:25 PM Breland

9:15 PM Koe Wetzel

BEYONDER STAGE

4:20 PM Mapache

5:30 PM Suzanne Vega

6:40 PM The Record Company

8:20 PM Ole 60

BLUEGRASS SITUATION STAGE

6:10 PM Sister Sadie

7:10 PM Sam Bush Band

CULINARY STAGE

3:30 PM Smash & Grab: The Ultimate Burger Showdown with Eric Greenspan

5:15 PM K-Town Kings: Chefs

Danny Lee & Edward Lee

BOURBON STAGE

4:15 PM Single Barrel Pick and Sip

6:00 PM The Southern Trinity: Bourbon, Bacon and Butter

THE AUDIENCE GROUP PICKS

FRIDAY, SEP. 20

HIGHLIGHTS*

Festival gates open at 11:30 AM with music beginning at 12:30 PM.

OAK STAGE

3:15 PM JJ Grey and Mofro

4:45 PM Charles Wesley Godwin

6:35 PM Black Pumas

8:55 PM Dave Matthews Band

BARREL STAGE

2:35 PM Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

3:55 PM Melissa Etheridge

5:35 PM The Head And The Heart

7:40 PM Tedeschi Trucks Band

YONDER STAGE

2:25 PM The Castellows

3:35 PM Vincent Neil Emerson

4:45 PM Abraham Alexander

5:55 PM Cimafunk

7:15 PM Mat Kearney

8:55 PM Chris Isaak

BEYONDER STAGE

5:20 PM Dan Tyminski

6:30 PM Wyatt Flores

8:05 PM The Red Clay Strays

BLUEGRASS SITUATION STAGE

6:00 PM New Dangerfield

7:00 PM The Jerry Douglas Band

CULINARY STAGE

1:30 PM Rock & Roll Kitchen w/ Chef Amanda Freitag and Melissa Etheridge

3:15 PM Family Ties and Southern Delights: Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark and Charles Wesley Godwin

4:15 PM Cookin’ Up Amore: Chef Marc Murphy and Mat Kearney

BOURBON STAGE

5:00 PM Crafting Excellence: Music and Bourbon

6:00 PM Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bartender Showdown

SATURDAY, SEP. 21

HIGHLIGHTS*

Festival gates open at 11:30 AM with music beginning at 12:30 PM.

OAK STAGE

4:50 PM Sierra Ferrell

6:40 PM Whiskey Myers

9:15 PM Zach Bryan

BARREL STAGE

1:35 PM Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band

2:45 PM Niko Moon

5:40 PM Teddy Swims

7:50 PM Cody Jinks

YONDER STAGE

5:10 PM Son Volt

6:20 PM Soul Asylum

7:25 PM Allen Stone

9:15 PM Young The Giant

BEYONDER STAGE

5:45 PM Samantha Fish

6:55 PM Meg Myers

8:20 PM Wild Rivers

BLUEGRASS SITUATION STAGE

5:10 PM Mountain Grass Unit

6:10 PM Big Richard

7:10 PM Tony Trischka's EarlJam

CULINARY STAGE

1:45 PM Monk's Road – Chef Ciro Matteo Pirozzi

3:45 PM Tastes of Louisville: Chef Noam Bilitzer and Allen Stone

5:30 PM Mexican American Bollywood: A Flavor Explosion w/ Chef Claudette Zepeda and Young The Giant

BOURBON STAGE

2:30 PM Bourbon Legacy: Generations of Mastery and Innovation

Host: Chris Blandford; Guests: Fred Noe, Freddie Noe, Eddie Russell, Bruce Russell & Preston Van Winkle

4:30 PM Whiskey Warriors: Transition from Service to Crafting Bourbon

SUNDAY, SEP. 22

HIGHLIGHTS*

Festival gates open at 11:30 AM with music beginning at 12:30 PM.

OAK STAGE

4:45 PM Mt. Joy

6:35 PM The National 9:00 PM Tyler Childers

BARREL STAGE

4:00 PM The Beach Boys

5:35 PM The War On Drugs

7:40 PM My Morning Jacket

YONDER STAGE

4:55 PM Dexter & The Moonrocks

6:05 PM Cory Wong

7:20 PM Dinosaur Jr. 9:00 PM Milky Chance

BEYONDER STAGE

2:00 PM Tommy Prine

6:40 PM Lucius

8:05 PM X-Ambassadors

BLUEGRASS SITUATION STAGE 6:00 PM The Local Honeys

7:00 PM Yonder Mountain String Band

CULINARY STAGE

2:15 PM Comedy and Craftsmanship with Jim Gaffigan

3:20 PM The Firkin Podcast: Every Drink Tells A Story with Tommy Prine

*For a full line-up with times and stage assignments, as well as culinary events and panel discussions, visit BourbonandBeyond.com.