Entering its 16th season, the Carson Center has now welcomed more than 1.8 million people through its doors for performances, meetings and events. This state-of-the-art performance venue inspires audiences and performers alike, shining a spotlight on the ongoing cultural experience in Paducah, Kentucky!
The Art of Performance in Paducah
Surrounded by landmarks, attractions, restaurants and unique lodging, the Carson Center overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in Historic Downtown. In fact, the Williams Family Terrace affords the public to access one of the most stunning views of the rivers from above.
Follow the tree-lined path to the box office and into the lobby where a larger-than-life mural map of the Four Rivers Region awaits to greet you. This two-story mural features a patchwork overlay, a nod to our river city's renown as Quilt City USA®.
Just beyond the mural, the majestic main hall seats 1,806. There's not a bad seat in the house as even the farthest from the stage is only 112 feet away!
Series Spotlight: Broadway & Beyond
One glimpse backstage at the "Wall of Fame" and you're sure to spot beloved entertainers like Bob Dylan and Jerry Seinfeld and famous productions like Blue Man Group, STOMP and Mamma Mia. More than 525 shows have graced the stage with many more in the wings as the Carson Center presents and hosts a potpourri of productions annually.
BROADWAY SERIES: The Carson Center Broadway Series is made up of must-see musicals, from classics like Fiddler on the Roof and recent Tony award winners like Bandstand on inaugural national tour this season. In fact, the Carson Center hosted touring musical tech rehearsals. With the 2019-20 season, Once On This Island will be the third production to launch a national tour from Paducah, joining White Christmas and Kinky Boots, both part of the 2018-19 season.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES: Engaging and experiential. Inspiring and immersive. Performing arts for youth and families are a Carson Center specialty. Family Series and First Stages programs cater to younger audiences while Class Acts are designed for school groups. This season, family-friendly offerings include Wild Kratts Live, Elf on the Shelf, Baby Shark Live and SpongeBob The Musical. For serious students of theatre, the Carson Center's Broadway workshops and summer camps are not to be missed.
MYRE SERIES: The Carson Center's signature faith-based series features traditional gospel, spiritual and choral music as well as comedians and contemporary Christian recording artists like Crowder. This season, the internationally renowned Vienna Boys Choir will present a patriotic Veterans Day performance while The Ten Tenors, an Australian music ensemble, will perform a unique combination of classical and contemporary music featuring ten-part harmonies.
PADUCAH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Celebrating its 40th season, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra is another important element of Paducah's performing arts scene. Under the direction of Maestro Rafaelle Ponti, the orchestra-in-residence at the Carson Center is comprised of professional musicians from over 30 communities! PSO brings classical music to life with guest performers and innovative thematic presentations like Cinema at the Symphony and the highly-anticipated Christmas Celebration.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Plan to experience Paducah and an upcoming performance. There's sure to be something coming soon to the Carson Center stage that speaks to you!
Shrek
SHREK is part of the 20th Anniversary Season of Broadway at The Carson Center. Tickets are currently only…
Come From Away
COME FROM AWAY is part of the 20th Anniversary Season of Broadway at The Carson Center. Tickets are currently…