PERFORMING ARTS entucky’s oldest outdoor theater, Danville’s Pioneer Playhouse, is a wholly original experience of professional theater in a rustic setting, where a young John Travolta once came to learn the craft. A barbecue dinner with live music precedes the show. Stroll through the Antique Village and gift shop for children’s books by author Heather Henson, daughter of Playhouse founder Eben Henson. Musicals, comedies, dramas and … occasional puppets? Paducah’s award-winning Market House Theatre has been serving up community entertainment for nearly 60 years from its historic downtown location. Headlining musicians, Broadway productions, holiday favorites and arts exhibitions are on the playbill at Bowling Green’s Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center . Lexington’s Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center , originally opened in 1948 as a movie house, was an entertainment mecca that brought top Black entertainment featuring African American musicians and performers, including such marquee headliners as Ray Charles and Count Basie, to Black audiences. Today it presents “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour,” live on Monday evenings. In Louisville, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage honors the history and cultural contributions of African Americans through live music and performances. Tucked away amidst Newport’s bustling streetscape is the Falcon Theatre , a true “storefront” theater offering extraordinary arts experiences in an intimate setting. Mount Vernon’s Renfro Valley Entertainment Center is “Kentucky’s Country Music Capital” – an all-in-one entertainment destination with live concerts, a music store and RV park. Love to jam? Bring your acoustic instrument and join the bluegrass fun Thursday nights during Jammin’ on the Porch at the Historic Thomas House in Horse Cave. Built during the silent movie era of a century ago, Somerset’s Virginia – a 1922 movie theater named for the designer’s daughter – hosts theater productions, musical concerts, comedy acts and more for a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. Catch family-friendly comedies and grand old opry, Kentucky-style, at Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. Discover the Bluegrass State’s performing arts! kentuckytourism.com/culture/arts/performing-arts kentuckytourism.com 23
The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide 2023: Page 23
