Broadway in Louisville kicks off 2026 with a trio of unforgettable productions that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. From Jazz Age glamour of The Great Gatsby to Disney magic with Beauty and The Beast and pulse-pounding Irish dance with Riverdance, these shows promise a winter of must-see theater.
The Great Gatsby – February 10-15 –Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
The Roaring Twenties return to Whitney Hall when The Great Gatsby arrives February 10-15, 2026 — an opulent new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel. With its blend of romance, longing, and dazzling spectacle, this production offers far more than nostalgia: It’s a fully modern musical interpretation of one of literature’s most enduring stories.
Set in 1922, the show follows mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, whose glittering parties mask a private pursuit of lost love Daisy Buchanan. Narrated through the watchful eye of neighbor Nick Carraway, the musical moves between shimmering excess and quiet emotional reckoning, capturing the tension between aspiration and reality that defines Fitzgerald’s world.
Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen’s score infuses the era’s jazz pulse with contemporary musical sensibilities — lush orchestrations, driving rhythms, and ballads that reflect the story’s emotional depth without feeling museum-bound. Paired with Kait Kerrigan’s crisp book, the production strikes a balance between faithful adaptation and fresh dramatic energy.
Director Marc Bruni’s staging, lifted from the Broadway run, unfolds across a fluid, revolving set that shifts from Gatsby’s palatial mansion to shadow-lit gardens and vibrant speakeasies. Projections wash the stage in art-deco color, while the ensemble — decked in period glamour — moves with the polish and precision of a world on the brink of change.
What emerges is a production that’s visually rich, musically captivating, and emotionally resonant. Gatsby’s green-light dreams feel newly urgent, a reminder of the hopes we chase and the illusions we protect. For Louisville audiences, it’s an invitation to step into the Jazz Age for an evening — champagne shimmer, soulful storytelling, and a classic American tragedy reframed for a new generation.
Tickets are already moving quickly; visit Louisville.Broadway.com to secure your seat. Gatsby’s world may be built on illusions, but this production offers the real thing: a night at the theater that lingers long after the lights fade.
Beauty & The Beast – March 10-15
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – March 10-15 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
The tale as old as time takes the stage at Whitney Hall March 10-15, 2026, when the 30th anniversary tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast brings its signature blend of romance, grandeur, and theatrical magic back to Louisville. This celebrated production revisits the iconic story with renewed energy, honoring the original while embracing the scale and sophistication of today’s Broadway tours.
At the heart of the musical is Belle, the intelligent and independent young woman whose compassion transforms both a cursed Beast and the enchanted castle he inhabits. Their journey unfolds amid a rich tapestry of humor, heart, and emotional discovery — supported by the unforgettable Menken, Ashman, and Rice score that has defined an entire generation of musical theatre: “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” and the haunting “If I Can’t Love Her.”
Director Robert Jess Roth’s staging remains true to the beloved Broadway production, but this anniversary tour enhances the spectacle with updated scenic design, elegant choreography, and atmospheric lighting that bring the castle and its enchanted inhabitants vividly to life. The waltzing ballroom, glowing enchanted rose, and bustling ensemble numbers create a visual experience that envelops audiences of all ages.
What sets this revival apart is its balance of grandeur and intimacy. Amid the ornate costumes, sweeping sets, and showstopping ensemble pieces lies a story grounded in empathy, courage, and transformation. The performances — particularly Belle and the Beast — give the familiar narrative renewed emotional resonance, speaking as powerfully to longtime fans as to first-time viewers.
For Louisville audiences, Beauty and the Beast offers a night of pure theatrical immersion: a celebration of timeless storytelling, soaring music, and the enduring belief that kindness can change even the darkest circumstances.
Tickets are available now at Louisville.Broadway.com. This anniversary tour is poised to charm, captivate, and remind us why this musical remains one of Disney’s most treasured creations.
Riverdance – March 24-26
Riverdance – March 24-26 (**Special 3-Show Run**) – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
From its thunderous ensemble numbers to its soulful solos, Riverdance remains an electrifying theatrical experience — athletic, emotional, and instantly uplifting. With only three performances, this limited run is a rare chance to see a cultural phenomenon renewed for a new generation. Tickets available at Louisville.Broadway.com.
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.