Beechmont Neighborhood Association

Iroquois Amphitheatre: A Neighborhood Institution Returns

Sep 08, 2003

Built in 1938 and valued at $200,000, the Iroquois Amphitheatre cost less than $50,000 to build. The South Louisville institution?’s ups and downs over the years brought the amphitheatre to 2001 when an $8.6 million renovation began. How times change . . . Or do they?
With the grand reopening of the Iroquois Amphitheatre this summer, the physical structure and amenities have certainly changed; however, it is a place still filled with history, tradition, drama, music, and laughter.
The Iroquois Amphitheatre got is beginnings when Barry Bingham, Sr., then-editor of The Courier-Journal and Louisville Times, along with John Hoagland, a manager for the newspapers, formed the Louisville Park Theatrical Association. They set out to raise funds to build an outdoor theatre for ?“light opera.?” Once ground was broken, the structure went up in less than three months and opened on Independence Day, 1938 to full houses and a few good years before the strain of World War II made casting and transportation difficult.
Over the years, the Amphitheatre enjoyed periods of growth and prosperity, but the growing popularity of television, then the Vietnam War took its toll until the Iroquois Amphitheatre Association was formed in the mid-1970s. Many hours of volunteers?’ hard work, along with funding from the City of Louisville, enabled the amphitheatre to be brought back to its glory. Also essential during that time was the move by Metro Parks to form the Iroquois Park Players (later to become Music Theater Louisville) which began staging musicals in the early 1980s.
The latest renovation was a major one, including new dressing rooms, restrooms, offices, ticket and concession areas, and perhaps most importantly, a new roof covering the stage and half of the seating. The seat total climbed from 1,800 to more than 2,400. There is also increased wing space to allow for larger, more elaborate sets and props, and improved lighting and sound.
Opening with a special musical revue called ?“Homecoming?” in July and a production of ?“The Wizard of Oz?” in August, the Iroquois Amphitheatre has restored the sound of music to South Louisville. So call Music Theatre Louisville at 589-4060 for ticket information, grab your insect repellant, and head out for an evening of entertainment under the stars. It?’s the stuff traditions are made of.
Julie Brackett
jjbrackett@earthlink.net