Derby City currently boasts more than a dozen theater companies and venues + is home to the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, which is the oldest ongoing celebration of Shakespeare’s work in the country.
So with that in mind, we thought we’d pull back the red curtains on a few upcoming musicals, plays, and ballets taking the stage this fall and winter. From new off-Broadway shows to classic holiday performances, allow us to usher you to your seat for these seven shows.
🎭 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
See it: Fri., Oct. 21-Sat., Oct. 22, Fri., Oct. 28-Sat., Oct. 29 + Mon., Oct. 31
Where: Time Slip Theatre, 1501 Story Ave.
This Butchertown-based nonprofit theater company is performing this timeless cult classic based on the 1975 horror musical starring Tim Curry not only in Louisville, but in Nashville, too.
🎭 “The Wedding Singer”
See it: Thurs., Nov. 17-Sat., Nov. 19
Where: Art Sanctuary, 1433 S. Shelby St.
Redline Performing Arts knows it’s a nice day for a white wedding, which is why they’re not only performing this musical rendition of the 1998 film of the same name, but also decorating the venue to look like a wedding reception so audience members can feel a part of the show. Bonus: VIP tickets come with a charcuterie board.
🎭 “Pretty Woman”
See it: Tues., Nov. 29-Sun., Dec. 4
Where: Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
Based on the 1990 film of the same name, this musical first premiered in Chicago in 2018 before taking Broadway — and now you’ll have the chance to see one of the most romantic stories of all time unfold live on stage in downtown Louisville. DYK: The musical features an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams.
🎭 “The Brown-Forman Nutcracker”
See it: Fri., Dec. 9-Fri., Dec. 23
Where: Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
Travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy during this holiday classic with the Louisville Ballet + live music performed by The Louisville Orchestra.
🎭 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
See it: Sat., Dec. 3-Sat., Dec. 17
Where: Bomhard Theater, The Kentucky Center
Follow the story of six misfit kids who volunteer to star in their town’s Christmas pageant performed by Louisville’s Chicken Coop Theatre Company.
🎭 “A Christmas Carol: Ghost Story”
See it: Wed., Dec.14-Fri., Dec. 23
Where: Bingham Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville
This year, Actors Theatre is pushing the boundaries of this haunting holiday adaptation by mixing live performance with a spirit world realized through motion-capture technology.
Bonus:
Go ahead and mark off a day in May 2023 to see Center Stage’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, a musical comedy that often includes real audience members competing in the fictitious spelling bee.
