This theater, officially known as the W.L. Lyons Brown Theater, is adjacent to the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and it's one of the last "Grand Dames" of yesteryear in the downtown Louisville vaudeville district. It holds at least 1,400 patrons comfortably and the shows vary from Disney productions to comedy and holiday specials. In addition to the Louisville Palace Theatre, the Brown is an architectural marvel with its ornate details inside and outside, something hardly seen in theaters constructed today.
The historic Louisville Palace from 1928 is a remnant of yesteryear, where once there stood several theaters along 4th Street, this extant one still stands. After its initial opening as a vaudeville palace, the theater converted itself over the years as a spot for films. It was only in the late 1994 when the theater reconverted itself back into a full-fledged performance venue. With acts as varied as ballet and bluegrass to comedy and touring Broadway shows, it's Louisville's classic hub for performing arts once again.
Since it was established in 1964, the Actors Theatre of Louisville has received numerous accolades and awards as an outstanding non-profit resident theater. The stage hosts performances throughout the year and in addition to these creative theatrics, the troupes offer apprentice and internships programs, workshops and tours to the general public. The productions range from lighthearted themes and subjects to more avant-garde and political ones. Productions here definitely offer something for everyone.
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts showcases some of the biggest names in theater, dance, and music. Home of the Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, Stage One, and the Louisville Orchestra, the center's season also includes the hottest touring Broadway shows. Comprised of four theaters, from the 2,406-seat Robert S. Whitney Hall to the far more intimate 319-seat MeX (black box) Theater, the center's venues are as diverse as its artistic lineup. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts' outreach programs work year-round to bring a wealth of arts programs to the community.
The Bomhard Theater is named after the founder of the Kentucky Opera. Bomhard is a classy events venue, seating 619, featuring a M1D Meyer Sound system for sound reinforcement.