Kentucky Opera

10/13/2026

Join us for Youth Opera Project auditions! We are auditioning for an opportunity to be a part of the Holiday Cabaret, a Spring Scenes Showcase, and "The Child and The Spells." We can't wait to hear you!

10/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for opening night of The Barber of Seville! Hearing your laughter fill The Brown Theatre was the best welcome home we could have asked for.

If you missed it, there’s still time to experience the fun. Join us Sunday afternoon for the final performance of Rossini’s beloved comedy, 80s style.

The Barber of Seville | Sunday, October 11 at 2 PM | The Brown Theatre

Tickets at kyopera.org

10/10/2026

This International Stage Management Day, we’re celebrating the best team in the biz (unbiased opinion). The Barber of Seville Production Stage Manager Hailli Ridsdale and Assistant Stage Managers Anazha Santiago and Lauren Anhalt. Thank you! You make us great! 💕

10/09/2026

You heard it here first! The Barber of Seville is fun, colorful and "rad" – exactly the responses we're hoping for.

There are only two opportunities to see this 80s-inspired production of Rossini's iconic comedy. Come out October 9 and 11 to The Brown Theatre for The Barber of Seville!

10/09/2026

Seventeen years ago, Ben Robinson stood on The Brown Theatre stage as a Kentucky Opera Studio Artist. This weekend he’s back, this time as director. Ben talked with Great Day Live about bringing Kentucky Opera home to one of Louisville’s most cherished spaces, a theatre where so many people have their own memories and even their own favorite seats.

As Ben puts it, this is a re-blossoming for Kentucky Opera, and starting with one of the silliest, most incredible operas ever written feels just right.

10/09/2026

to the 2008–09 season, when a young Ben Robinson took the stage covering the role of Frederic in Kentucky Opera's The Pirates of Penzance. Tonight, Ben brings us back to The Brown Theatre as director of The Barber of Seville, his directorial debut with Kentucky Opera.

There’s something special about coming back to the place that helped shape you. So many of you have your own memories of this theatre, and tonight we get to start making new ones together.

10/09/2026

Need a refresher on The Barber of Seville before this weekend's performances? We're here to help!

But don't let the rap beat fool you: This is still the classic Rossini score you know and love. We're just adding some 80s flair (and fashion)!

The Barber of Seville
October 9 & 11
The Brown Theatre

Tickets available now!

10/09/2026

Here it is, your first official look at The Barber of Seville! Welcome to an over-the-top 1980s day spa, where everyone is a little too concerned with how they look. It’s the perfect setting for Rossini’s comedy of disguises and schemes, as Figaro helps Count Almaviva win Rosina away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo.

Rossini’s score, sung in the original Italian, fits this world beautifully. Opening night is tonight and there are only two performances, so don’t wait too long to get your seats.

The Barber of Seville | Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM & Sunday, October 11 at 2 PM | The Brown Theatre

Tickets at kyopera.org

Photos by Andrew Kung.

10/09/2026

Where does an 80s Barber of Seville get its wardrobe? Costume Designer Donna Lawrence-Downs started with a collection of inspiration images, then went shopping at some of Louisville’s wonderful vintage stores.

Take a look inside the costume shop with Donna, and a big thank you to our wardrobe team for bringing it all together.

10/08/2026

Ben Robinson stopped by WHAS Radio to talk with Terry Meiners about The Barber of Seville and about coming home to Kentucky Opera, where he got his start as a Studio Artist. They covered plenty of ground, including whether calling it "The Barber of Seville by Taylor Swift" would sell more tickets. Give it a listen, then come see the real thing this weekend.

Ben Robinson is making his stage directing debut with the company as it returns to the Brown Theatre to open its season with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.Ben spoke with WHAS Radio's Terry Meiners about this homecoming. Ben participated in Kentucky Opera’s Studio Artist program...