Akron Civic Theater 2026

Season Program 2026 Akron Civic Theatre | Knight Stage | Goodyear Theater | Wild Oscar’s

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We put the boring in brilliant.

The Akron Civic Theatre puts the brilliant in Akron.

At PNC, we celebrate those members of our community who help make it shine more brilliantly.

Thank you for the difference you make every day.

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Brilliantly Boring since 1865 is a service mark of The PNC Financial Servicesakroncivic.com Group, Inc. ©2025 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

THANKS TO THESE FOUNDATIONS, BUSINESSES AND ICF FOUNDATION

B

BELL MUSIC COMPANY

est. 1935

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INDIVIDUALS FOR SUPPORTING THE AKRON CIVIC THEATRE! THE SISLER MCFAWN FOUNDATION

M.G. O’NEIL FOUNDATION

THE BERROTERAN GROUP, L.L.C.

Community & Government Affairs Experts

OUR THANKS TO THESE ADDITIONAL GENEROUS FOUNDATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT: Arthur Kelly Fund

Laura R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation

Brad & Alisa Wright

Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation

Brian & Emily Klink Bruce & Erica Greer Family Foundation C. Colmery Gibson Polsky Fund

Mary & Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable Trust

Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation Douglas L. Houck Charitable Fund

Michael Batu Ralph & Barb Palmisano Rogers Family Fund Shaw Foundation Fund

Glenn R. & Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation

Supelak Family Foundation

Henry V. & Frances W. Christenson Foundation

Thomas & Christy Fischer

John A. McAlonan Fund

Welty Family Foundation

Kurzweil Family Foundation To learn more about opprtunities for your business to support the Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, Goodyear Theater and Wild Oscar’s, contact Colette Taylor, development director, at 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com.

We strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in this publication.

However, if you identify any inaccuracies or omissions, please contact our offices at 330.572.7770. as of December 30, 2025

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Welcome

TO THE AKRON CIVIC THEATRE!

On behalf of our board of directors, Women’s Guild, volunteers and staff, welcome to the Akron Civic Theatre ... and the John, James and Clara Knight Stage, Wild Oscar’s and Goodyear Theater. Thank you for being here!

In 2021, the Civic completed the Staging the Future capital campaign, which raised nearly $9.1 million against a goal of $8.5 million. Thank you to more than 1,000 donors who made it possible!

Because of generous community support, we’re bigger, better and busier than ever. It’s a thrill to share everything that’s new with you! You can read all about our venues in this edition of the season program.

The Civic is shining brighter than ever as “The Jewel on Main Street.” The Knight Stage has

already become one of Akron’s favorite venues, and Wild Oscar’s is a charming, off-the-beatenpath micro-venue for theater, music and spokenword events. In addition, we’re programming and operating the historic Goodyear Theater with even more great arts and entertainment.

The Grand Lobby and Arcade have been restored to their original splendor. Our new box office will greatly improve your patron experience. And our plan to make the outside of the Civic as engaging as the inside has come to fruition: The murals on our building’s exterior walls enhance the neighborhood; the PNC Plaza hosts public and private events; and the large outdoor video screen brings the excitement of it all to life in big, bold living color.

Thanks for coming, and enjoy the show!

Stay Connected to facebook.com/AkronCivic the Akron Civic Theatre “Like” us on Facebook: Keep track of show announcements, take advantage of pre-sale opportunities and get chances to win tickets! Follow us on TikTok: @akroncivictheatre Follow us on Instagram: @akroncivic Follow us on LinkedIn: Akron Civic Theatre Sign up for our weekly email newsletter: www.AkronCivic.com Call our office at 330.535.3179 with your questions and comments.

Order tickets online at www.akroncivic.com or in person at our box office in the theater’s arcade at 182 S. Main St. in Akron. For questions, call the box office at 330.253.2488.

With deep gratitude to Erin Gulling, Janet Macoska & Guillermo Torres for capturing the energy of our productions and the beauty of our spaces.

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The Akron-Summit County Public Library is proud to support arts and culture in our community.

akronlibrary.org

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G Get Involved

WITH THE AKRON CIVIC THEATRE!

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you want to participate in the arts and have fun supporting your community? Do you enjoy meeting new people and making new friends? Many people — individuals, couples, families, corporate groups and groups of friends — are active volunteers at the Akron Civic Theatre. We are always looking for dedicated, courteous people to add to our volunteer crew. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Autumn Lombardi at 330.535.3179 or volunteer@akroncivic.com.

Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild Formed in 1966 and celebrating its 60th year in 2026, the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild has continuously played a crucial role in preserving and maintaining the theater. Members of the Guild sponsor fundraisers and manage and operate the theater’s gift store, Stage Left at the Civic. If you’re interested in becoming involved with an energetic group of people who love the Civic, contact our office at 330.535.3179.

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Self-Guided Tours

OF THE CIVIC

Through funding from the Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital campaign, the Grand Lobby and Arcade have been restored to their original splendor. To experience the transformation fully and to appreciate our history and the story behind our lavish decor, have a look around and check out some of the highlights!

When the Akron Civic Theatre — then known as Loew’s Theatre — opened on Saturday, April 20, 1929, more than 10,000 patrons turned out for a momentous day in local entertainment history. This elaborately designed, state-of-the-art theater was unlike any venue the city had ever seen. Today, it is one of a handful of remaining atmospheric theaters of its kind in the country.

What motived Marcus Loew to make such a large investment in Akron? In 1910, Akron’s population was 69,067. By 1920, thanks to booming industries, it had swelled to 208,435.

Akron was believed to be the fastest growing

city in America. Mr. Loew, owner of the largest theater chain in the nation at the time, visited Akron in 1925 to scout out a location for his new enterprise.

It All Started With the Arcade For the site of his new theater, Mr. Loew chose the abandoned Hippodrome Arcade at 182 S. Main St. Its construction began in 1918 and halted a few months later due to a lack of funding. “The Hipp,” as it was to be called, was envisioned by developer L. Oscar Beck as a concourse with 30 stores, offices, restaurants and an elegant movie theater, all occupying the akroncivic.com

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Every great performance begins with people At Huntington, we believe banking is about more than transactions.

It’s about helping families, small businesses and neighbors move forward with confidence. We’re proud to support the moments, on stage and off, that bring our communities together and make life richer.

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land along S. Main St., from W. Bowery St. to Canal Park. Unfortunately, the project got no further than a high-ceilinged tunnel and became known as “The Gateway to Nowhere.”

In 1926, Mr. Loew purchased the property at a sheriff’s sale for $143,000. His next move was to hire acclaimed European architect John Eberson, known for designing atmospheric theaters with twinkling, star-lit ceilings.

His Akron theater would include medieval carvings, authentic European antiques and Italian alabaster sculptures.

In June 1928, a crew from Franklin Brothers Co. of Akron arrived to raze the Hippodrome tunnel. Soon after, workers from the CraigCurtiss Co. of Cleveland began building a $2.3 million theater.

John Eberson bought this armoire, located on the Mezzanine level, on a European cruise. He collected pieces on his travels for use in his work.

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FROM THE ART OF THE DEAL

TO THE COURTROOM STAGE

THANK YOU TO THE AKRON CIVIC THEATRE AND THE ARTISTS WHO INSPIRE US ALL!

222 SOUTH MAIN STREET AKRON, OH 44308 I SUITE 400

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330.376.2700 I RALAW.COM

The Knight Stage presents concerts and dance and theatrical performances in an intimate setting.

The Arcade & Box Office At the entrance to the Arcade from S. Main St., the first point of interest is the box office kiosk, which is original to the theater. Imagine what it was like, back in the day, to sell movie tickets to thousands of people from this single purchase point.

In 2021, the Arcade was restored with its original colors, and all the artifacts were repaired, polished and painted. Check out the colorful art around the shadow boxes. As you walk through the Arcade, note the Star of David above every chandelier. You’ll see many more Judeo-Christian images inside the theater.

Eberson was born in Europe, which may explain why the plaster reliefs along the walls represent wars of Europe. The artillery is authentic. At the entrance to the Grand Lobby, note the English Tudor roses carved above the mahogany doors.

After operating out of what was essentially a closet for several years, the box office staff was

thrilled to move into a brand new space. The three customer service windows are original to the building, but the room behind them — with large windows overlooking Lock 3 — was added during the 2021 capital project.

A small lobby located on the South side of the Arcade, near the S. Main St. entrance, is new to the Civic. Check out the permanent public art display, part of our larger public art initiative that includes the large murals on the North- and South-facing exterior walls of the building. Read more about our murals and other planned public art beginning on page 35.

Introducing the Knight Stage Before you leave the Arcade, take a peek in the John, James and Clara Knight Stage, located in the historic Whitelaw building on the immediate North side of the Civic. Funded by a $4 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Knight Stage is a 200+ capacity akroncivic.com

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black box theater hosting concerts, musical theater productions, community events and much more. It’s also home to two of our community-based theater programs: Millennial Theatre Project and BOOM! Theater.

The Whitelaw building, constructed in 1885, was owned by Jacob P. Whitelaw.

This immigrant from Austria-Hungary ran a wholesale liquor business out of the building.

According to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Mark Price, “Whitelaw served Kentucky bourbon, Pennsylvania rye and Ohio brandy to passing canalboats, which carried his bottles from lock to lock.” He eventually opened a saloon in the building.

Take note of the whiskey mural by the window. That’s original to the building, and it was uncovered early in our restoration process. Also of artistic note in the Knight Stage are two Art Deco Skyscraper-style milk glass light fixtures that were recovered in the sub-basement of the Whitelaw building during a 2004 search by city officials. They were reinstalled in the building in 2021 during the restoration. In addition, the Knight Stage features a photography exhibit celebrating many of Akron’s performing arts icons.

The Grand Lobby The Grand Lobby is where the Staging the Future restoration really shines. What was already a spectacular space is now blazing with color as never before. You may remember a feature we used to call the “line of demarcation” near the doors to the Promenade. That line signified where the major 2002 theater restoration ended, leaving the Grand Lobby and Arcade unfinished.

Donations to the Staging the Future capital campaign took care of that problem. The restoration eliminated the line, making the Civic one seamless, spectacular work of architectural art.

When you enter the Grand Lobby, turn around and face the wall against the Arcade.

Statues in the lobby are reproductions of two famous statues found in the Louvre in Paris. To the left of the doors is Aphrodite,

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The view from the Mezzanine looking down the Grand Lobby’s gorgeous stairway highlights the expansive ceiling and John Eberson’s attention to detail.

Greek goddess of love and beauty. To the right is Artemis, goddess of the moon, wild animals and the hunt. These authentic Italian statues were donated to the theater in 1929. Look up at the mural of Coronado the Conquistador (fully restored in 2021), which was designed in the Michelangelo Studios for this theater.

Eberson liked to hide anything that was architecturally unattractive. The beautiful blue insets along the walls of the lobby disguise the heating and air conditioning vents. (Did you know that the Civic was the first public building in Akron to have air conditioning?) Also note the large deep blue-colored spaces above the ornate plaster mantels, which once featured gorgeous tapestries that, unfortunately, deteriorated over time.

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The staircase is fashioned after the one in Eberson’s Paris Opera House. You’ll notice several religious images in the lobby, most notably the monks above the Coronado mural and the staircase and the angels above the arches. You’ll also see diamond patterns throughout the venue. Common to Morrocan design, the diamond represents the “abstracted eye” and offers protective powers from the “evil eye.” On the left side of the room, past the staircase, check out the coffin along the wall.

It’s not clear why this piece is in the theater — maybe Eberson just wanted to add a touch of the macabre.

All of the Grand Lobby chandeliers were restored during the 2016-2017 season. These gorgeous lighting fixtures are original to the building.

The legend of Loretta the Parrot presides over the Grand Lobby. Back in the day, it was considered good luck to include bird imagery in the design of a theater. For instance, you’ll see aviary designs carved into the mantels and in the Dutch ink drawings above them. It was also good luck to have live birds flying around the theater.

Loretta was the Civic’s colorful, talkative and naughty mascot, a pampered macaw treated to weekly vet appointments for grooming and wing-clipping. She reigned supreme on her perch in the Grand Lobby. But one day she bit a patron. The patron sued. Loretta mysteriously disappeared and eventually returned in taxidermy form. If you look up to the left of the staircase, you’ll see our Loretta (The real Loretta!), still presiding over the theater. Look down at your feet and you’ll also see images of Loretta in the carpet. This carpet is a one-of-akind design made for the Akron Civic Theatre and installed during the 2002 renovation.

The Promenade The Promenade is the space between the

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Grand Lobby and the Auditorium. You’ll see a lot of the imagery from the Grand Lobby echoed here, such as the diamond designs in the stained glass windows. As you walk down the corridor toward the W. Bowery St. entrance, you’ll pass Stage Left at the Civic, the gift shop operated by the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild. The lobby by the Bowery entrance is not original to the building. It is part of an addition built during the 2002 restoration to install elevators and larger restrooms.

The Mezzanine Walk up the staircase from the Grand Lobby, and you’ll find yourself in the Mezzanine. Check out the ceiling. These are the original colors from 1929 and are intended to create the effect of a grape arbor (part of the Morrocan garden theme).

Each water fountain on this level features an astrological sign. The light fixtures next to the water fountains were originally Dixie Cup dispensers; you can see “Dixie” etched into the fixtures.

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The blue lamp shades along the walls were handcrafted in Italy. The chandeliers above are magnificent, with their chains covered in velvet.

moldings and golden stucco. The horseshoe arches in the doorways are a common feature of Moorish architecture.

The North and South Salons are where the original restrooms were located before the 2002 restoration. The restrooms were “glamour baths,” complete with attendants. No matter how glamorous they were, they could only accommodate eight men and five women at a time. The theater sat 3,500 people. In the restoration, the old restrooms were converted to two salons and a full-service bar. The atmospheric ceiling (Look up!) was added to tie in with the Auditorium. While you’re hanging out in the Salons, check out the historic photos of the theater — you can see the marvelous tapestries once on display in the Grand Lobby.

The interior of the theater is set one foot away from its outer wall, which is what once allowed city officials to toy with the idea of taking the theater apart and relocating it to another area of town. Sections of the walls are installed like puzzle pieces.

The Auditorium The Auditorium is where you’ll find the Civic in all its glory — and where the Moorish Revival style really shines. Eberson conceived an exotic Moorish garden and castle at night, with twisting columns, fanciful loges mounted on Romanesque arcades, cascading plaster

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Since the theatre opened in 1929, the Mighty Wurlitzer organ has been one of its most treasured features.

After decades of use, the instrument underwent a full restoration beginning in 2000. Thanks to the support of the ACT’s Organ Guild, more than 9,000 hours of labor over three years returned the organ to its original glory.

What is perhaps most memorable for patrons is our atmospheric ceiling. The ceiling depicts the January sky over Monaco on the Mediterranean Sea because the night sky at this time of year is at its brightest. There were originally 96 “stars” in the ceiling, and at every event, patrons were treated to the rising and setting of the sun before the night sky emerged and the show began. All the light bulbs for the stars were replaced with 180,000 fiber optics in the 1990s.

For More Information There’s so much more to learn about and see at the Civic! Take one of our free tours (watch the website at www.AkronCivic.com for dates) or stop by Stage Left in the Promenade to purchase a commemorative book on the history of the theater.

The Stage The Civic Stage is framed by an ornately decorated proscenium. Look at the rich imagery in the structure and the mermaids in the corners at the top left and right sides.

One of the Civic’s most cherished antiques is our Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The Mighty Wurlitzer almost didn’t make it here. In 1929, Mr. Loew purchased the organ to accompany silent films.

However, the movie industry changed, and it was decided that the organ would go to a theater in Boston instead. Luckily, Mr. Loew changed his mind and brought the Wurlitzer to Akron.

The Auditorium reflects the exotic Moorish garden and castle Eberson wanted to create.

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Akron is Rockin’

AT GOODYEAR THEATER! Today, the space features the theater, a gymnasium and other recreational spaces, classrooms and offices.

The programming lineup at Goodyear Theater includes a wide variety of concerts and family and comedy shows, as well as communitybased arts, culture and celebratory events.

The Akron Civic Theatre is now operating and programming Goodyear Theater, the beautiful and historic 1,462-seat venue located on the corner of E. Market St. and Goodyear Blvd. in The East End neighborhood.

Built in 1919, Goodyear Theater was upgraded in 2015-2016 with an investment of $3 million in renovations and acoustics and sound system improvements.

The theater is part of Akron’s historic Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company campus — 5.5 million square feet of buildings spread over 400 acres, constructed starting in the early 1900s. Designed by Walker and Weeks as one building, the hall was full of amenities and a bank to offer its employees facilities for mental, physical and social improvement.

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For a complete list of upcoming events, visit www.GoodyearTheater.com. Tickets for all events are available online, at the Goodyear Theater and Civic box offices, or by calling 330.253.2488.

a g o h a Cuy Valley SUPPO

AMHA is Proud to Support The Akron Civic Theatre!

AMHA Board of Directors Herman L. Hill, Executive Director

N N AT I O

Marco S. Sommerville, Chair

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Roberta E. Aber, Vice Chair John C. Fickes Grace D. Hudson

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING AFTER* THE SHOW? *or, before

PLACES TO EAT

THINGS TO DO

For all things downtown Akron: downtownakron.com

DOWNTOWN GUIDES

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! AKRONRUBBE RDUC KS.COM

SHINE BRIGHT

Support the Civic by contributing to our annual campaign.

Scan the code to learn more about how your gift can be directed.

Akron Civic Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

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Summit Metro Parks

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The Awesome Power

OF CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Greater Akron is blessed with a robust arts and culture scene — and the Akron Civic Theatre contributes to the spirit of collaborative creativity, diversity and inclusivity with four community-based theater projects.

The Akron Civic Theatre first embarked on community theater production in 2012, when it introduced the All-City Musical. The annual stage production engages high school students in the creation of a full-scale, professional-grade musical performed for a general audience.

The All-City Musical calls for an all-student cast and orchestra and several student crew members, drawn from Summit County’s public and private schools, as well as home-schooled teens. Participants are immersed in a unique educational experience, involving them in all aspects of the production and offering them the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers and theater professionals outside the school setting — on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.

Over time, over 1,000 Summit County students have participated since the project’s inception.

The success of the Civic’s inaugural production of “Hairspray” led to more successful productions, including “Ragtime,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Shrek the Musical,” Mary Poppins,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Aida,” “Peter Pan,” and “Oklahoma.” In June 2025, All-City presented “Newsies,” its second highest attended production next to 2016’s “Beauty and the Beast.” It looks forward to presenting “Mean Girls: High School Version” on the Main Stage in June 2026.

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In 2016, the Millennial Theatre Project evolved from the Civic’s experience in producing the All-City Musical. Staff became aware that teens who “age out” of local youth theater and traditional arts education programs are still interested in participating in the performing arts. Many struggle to find performance and production opportunities, especially in roles of artistic leadership.

MTP began as an effort to bridge the gap between youth and adult community theater opportunities for participants ages 18 to 35 (Millennials and Gen Zers), and to create a theatrical space for younger adult voices. The project expands Summit County’s arts menu to serve an under-represented demographic in community theater.

In January 2026, MTP staged a powerful, compelling production of “American Idiot,” and in March, an intriguing version of “Murder on

Pictured at top of page: All City Musical’s “Newsies” (2025), MTP’s “American Idiot” (2026); bottom right: All City Musical’s debut production of “Hairspray” (2012)

Proud sponsor of All-City Musical and BOOM! Theater Proudsponsor sponsorof of All-City All-City Musical and Proud and BOOM! BOOM!Theater Theater

We’re fun!

We’re social!

And wesupport support We’refun! fun! We’re We’re social! social! And We’re And we we support the Akron Civic Theatre! the Akron Akron Civic Civic Theatre! the Theatre!

Get involved with an active and fun group group of people people wholove love Getinvolved involvedwith withan anactive active and and fun fun Get group of of peoplewho who love and support the “Jewel on Main Street.” Become Become a memberofofthe the andsupport supportthe the“Jewel “Jewelon on Main Main Street.”

Street.” and Becomeaamember member of the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Women’sGuild.

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AkronCivic Civic Theatre Women’s Akron Guild.

The Guild organizes and hosts two fundraising fundraisingluncheons luncheonsannually annually TheGuild Guildorganizes organizesand and hosts hosts two fundraising The luncheons annually and founded, manages and the theater’s museum store, and founded, manages and staffs theater’s museum store, Stage and founded, manages and staffs the theater’s museum store,Stage Stage Leftat theCivic, Civic,located located in promenade.

Left atatthe the Civic, located in the the promenade. promenade.The Thestore storeisis isopen open Left The store open through intermission during many performances.

Proceeds from through intermission intermission during during many performances. performances. Proceeds Proceeds from fromour our through our eventsand andsales sales benefit benefit programming programming at the Civic! events at the Civic! events and sales benefit programming at the Civic!

Formore more information information about For about joining joiningthe the For more information about joining the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild, stop Akron Civic Civic Theatre Theatre Women’s Women’s Guild, Guild, stop stopby by Akron by Stage Left or call the Civic at 330-535-3179.

Stage Left Left or or call call the the Civic Civic at at 330-535-3179.

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the Orient Express.” Its season will round out in July with “Sister Act.” In addition, the company has premiered several original works by local playwrights: “(In) Dependent: The Heroin Project” by Kent State graduate Emelia Sherin; “Simply to Die For”, a four-part radio murder-mystery by C.J. Corl; and local playwright and former anchorman Eric Mansfield’s dramatic play, “Whitesville”.

Under the banner of MTP, “Say It Loud” is a dramatic presentation about experiences of race and racism in Greater Akron, written from the stories that playwrights Francine Parr and Maya Nicholson collected in interviews over a one-year period in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. “Say It Loud” consists of a series of monologues scripted directly from narratives gleaned from these sources, offering authentic representations of the feelings, frustrations, fears and suffering of community members from all walks of life.

The production has been staged nearly 25 times since 2020.

8 NURTURING KNEEDS G IN RN A LE SPECIAL

BOOM! Theater’s presentation of “Company” in 2025

In 2021, BOOM! Theater followed in the footsteps of the All-City Musical and MTP in that it, too, works with a niche demographic.

BOOM! presents musicals for a general audience with largely mature adult casts and creative teams (ages 50+).

“Senior theater” is, indeed, a thing. Over 800 known companies exist worldwide dedicated to this idea, but BOOM! is the only company of its kind in Northeast Ohio. Older adults comprise a high percentage of the audience for arts and culture fare, but they are not as often participants as the creators of arts and culture content, particularly on the theatrical performance side. BOOM! offers new opportunities for creative aging and provides a meaningful creative and social outlet for older adults. The project launched with “Cabaret” and continues to produce a beloved Christmas show annually to complement the spring production.

Its production of “A Christmas Carol” earned the 2025 Best Musical award from BroadwayWorld Cleveland.

Learn about the JB Way at our Admissions Info Sessions!

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The music. The drama. The artistry. The laughs. We’ve got it all.

As the center for arts, culture and entertainment, Akron and The University of Akron bring in more than 500 marquee events every year.

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1/22/24 11:37 AM

Akron Civic Theatre public art enlivens Akron Civic Theatre public art enlivens The Bowery neighborhood The Bowery neighborhood Akron Civic Theatre public art The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has beenenlivens truly transformationa NotCivic onlyTheatre’s do the new and renovated spaceshas further the Civic’s e Akron Staging the Futurephysical capital project beenenhance truly transformational.

The neighborhood enlivens The Neighborhood PUBLIC ART and culturalBowery value, but the public art thatBowery is part of the capital project t onlyentertainment do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s

Akron Civic Theatre

significantly impacts theStaging S.but Main Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into theSt. goal of ertainment andCivic cultural value, the public art that is part of capital project The Akron Theatre’s theSt./W. Future The murals onthe our sweeping exterior S. Main The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. nificantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s economic development strategy. capital project has new been and trulyrenovated transformational. and W. further Bowery enhance St. walls have put a beautiful Not only do the physical spaces the Civic’s ron’s entertainment economic development strategy. andsweeping cultural value, but S. theMain public that part of St. thewalls capital project Not only do the and renovated creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, The murals on new our exterior St.art and W.isBowery have put a beautif significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. St. Bowery which ties into the e murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St.Bowery and W. Bowery St. block, walls have put acreated beautiful physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s while additional public artworks by goal of creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from Akron’s economic development ative2023 stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from entertainment and cultural value, butstrategy. the public local an andeven regional artists create an created by local and regional artists create more engaging arteven experience 23 created byaround artists create an even more art experience art that is local part theregional capital significantly more engaging art experience inhave and around in and the Civic. project The murals onofand our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W.engaging Bowery St. walls put a beautiful and around Civic. impacts the the S. Main Bowery neighborhood, St. Bowery the Civic. creative stamp onSt./W. a revitalized while additional public artworks from block, created which ties theand goalregional of Akron’s 2023 byinto local artists create an even more engaging art experience economic development strategy. in and around the Civic.

MEET THE MURALISTS MEET THE MURALISTS

MEET THE MURALISTS

Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones Ouizi created the mural on MChen), E E(née T aka TChen), HOuizi E Maka UR A L (wee-zee), I Screated T S the Louise Jones (née (wee-zee), mural on the south side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock the south side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock 3.

Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise 3. Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, which canChen), be(née seen in public throughout thetheUnited States, Louise Jones aka spaces Ouizicreated (wee-zee), created the mural on Jones (née akaChen), Ouizi (wee-zee), the United mural on South side of which can be seen in public spaces throughout the States, the south side S.ofto the Civic, facingHer S. Main St.Ouizi andisoverlooking Lock from museums public parks. murals often depict sitethe Civic, facing Main St. and overlooking Lock 3. best known for from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict site3. isplants best known for her Her large-scale floral mural installations, and animals. affinity forbebotanical subjects herOuizi large-scale floral mural which can seen in public spaces specific specific plants and animals.

Herinstallations, affinity for botanical subjects which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia United States, museums to public parks.

Her murals continuesthroughout to grow,the stemming fromfrom an early introduction to Georgia from museums to public parks.

Her murals often depict siteO’Keeffe and fond memories of picking site-specific of plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects O’Keeffeoften and depict fond memories picking specificHer plants andmural animals.

Her affinity for native botanical subjects her grandmother.

Akron features plant life to the Cuyahoga continues to grow,features stemmingplant from an introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe s withfigs herwith grandmother.

Her Akron mural lifeearly native to the Cuyahoga continues to about grow, her stemming from an early introduction to Georgia Valley National Park.

Learn more work at ouizi.art. and about fond memories of picking figs with her grandmother. Her Akron mural ley National Park. Learn more her work at ouizi.art.

O’Keeffe and fond memories oftogether picking to create the mural on the Two muralists — El Mac Aiseborn worked o muralists — El life Mac and — worked together toLearn create theabout mural theat ouizi.art. features plant native toAiseborn theand Cuyahoga Valley—National Park. more heron work figs with her grandmother.

Her Akron mural features lifeanative to Cuyahoga north sideCivic, of the on W. St. Bowery St.4.atThe Lockartists 4. plant The artists spent week in Akron rth side of the onCivic, W. Bowery at Lock spent week inathe Akron Two muralists — ElPark.

Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to createand the absorbing mural on thethe North side vibe. of Valley National Learn more about her work at ouizi.art. in mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs Akron mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe.

Two muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a2020, week incompleting Akron in mid-July 2020, meeting They began work on their mural in September it in October 2020. ey began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. north side of the Civic,blended onand W. Bowery St. Lock 4. The a their week in Akron residents, taking photographs absorbing the at Akron vibe.

They began spent work on two artists have their signature styles together to create a mural work that e twoThe artists have blended their signature styles together to artists create a work that in September mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing theand Akron vibe. in 2020, completing itavailable in October 2020.

The two artists have blended their signature intermingles magically with light, changing in feeling throughout the day and ermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day They began on their in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. styles togetherwork to create a workmural that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling ht. night.

The two artists blended their signature styles together to create a work that throughout the dayhave and night. intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout day and El Mac (Miles Internationally renowned artist Elthe Mac El MacMacGregor) (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was El Mac night. was born in and remains based in Los Angeles.

He began was born in and remains based in Los Angeles.

He began born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals paintingpainting public murals and graffiti ingraffiti the mid-1990s and since and that since that public murals and in the mid-1990s and graffiti in theMacGregor) mid-1990s and since that time renowned has developed his unique Mac (Miles Internationally artist El Mac time hasEl developed his unique aesthetic and rendering style, time has developed hisvisual unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, visualborn aesthetic and rendering style, whichin utilizes repeating contour was in and remains based Los Angeles.

He began which utilizes repeating contour contour patterns. patterns.

His work His draws which utilizes repeating workon draws on patterns.

His work draws on influences from classical European art, social painting murals and graffiti mid-1990s and since that influences from public classical European art,in the social realism and influences from classical European art, social realism and time has developed his visual rendering style, realism and symbolism.

Heunique has been commissioned toand paint all over the symbolism.

He has beenhascommissioned to aesthetic paint to all over the over symbolism.

He beencontour commissioned paint all the which utilizes repeating patterns.

His work draws on world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions.

See more world, world, for museums, universities and other cultural forfrommuseums, universities and other cultural influences classical European art, social realism and of hisSee work at elmac.net. institutions. more of his work elmac.net. institutions.

See more of at hiscommissioned work at elmac.net. symbolism.

He has been to paint all over the Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti and fine AisebornAiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator,An graffiti writerwriter and fine art painter (“Ace-born”) illustrator, graffiti writer and fine world, for museums, universities and other cultural art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol for art See painter Aiseborn is forknown institutions. morefrom of his Los workAngeles, at elmac.net. murals often include aerosol portraits adorned with portraitsthat adorned with his classic one-brushstroke He creates with murals that often include aerosol techniques. portraits adorned Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine his classic one-brush-stroke Heto nature. creates geometric illusions that propagate at techniques. rhythms intrinsic He creates his classic one-brush-stroke techniques.

He art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for geometric illusions that throughout propagate atAngeles rhythms intrinsic has installed several murals Los —aton rhythms city streets,intrinsic geometric illusions that propagate murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned inwith to nature.

He has installed several murals throughout backyards, rooftops He and inhas a variety of unexpected places.

Seethroughout more of to onnature. installed several murals his classic one-brush-stroke techniques.

He creates Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops his workgeometric at aiseborn.com.

Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops that propagate rhythms and in a variety ofillusions unexpected places. Seeatmore of his intrinsic andnature. in a variety unexpected places.

See throughout more of35his He hasof installed several murals akroncivic.com work at to instagram.com/aiseborn. workAngeles at instagram.com/aiseborn.

Los — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops

Akron Civic Theatre PUBLIC ART

El Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the C

El Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the Civic’s exterior wall on W. Bowery St.

Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the Civic’s exterior wall on W. Bower Louise “Ouizi” Jones’ mural on the S. Main St. South-facing wall of the Civic

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INVEST ENGAGE INNOVATE LEAD

Civic’s exterior wall on W. Bowery St.

ry St.

Investing state and federal dollars, the Ohio Arts Council funds and supports quality arts experiences for all Ohioans to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Learn more about our grant programs and resources, find your next arts experience, or connect: OAC.OHIO.GOV.

Grantee Spotlight: OHIO DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN Guest artist Michael Kline presents a demonstration at the 2023 Functional Ceramics Workshop. Held at the Wayne Center for the Arts, this annual event is presented by Ohio Designer Craftsmen.

Image credit: Matt Nef akroncivic.com

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Scot Phillips’ mural (titled “Canal Boat and Workers”) on the S. Main St. South-facing wall of the Civic

Muralist and Akron resident Scot Phillips, owner of 25th & Lincoln Mural Co., spent several weeks in July 2023 painting an addition to the Akron Civic Theatre’s outdoor mural collection.

The murals were funded by the theater’s Staging the Future capital campaign.

Located on the wall along our new PNC Plaza on S. Main St., the installation is called “Canal Boat and Workers.” It is a reproduction of a photograph of the logging canal boat called “Veteran” and workers, taken sometime in the 1890s — just a stone’s throw away from the location of the mural.

“This is a perfect place and opportunity to highlight Akron’s industrial heritage,” said

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Phillips. “The image connects stories of industry and the past for today’s viewers as they travel along the canal on the Towpath and experience the new scenery in the Lock.”

Phillips’ work primarily implements handpainted halftone through a process called “dithering.” Halftone is a reprographic technique that simulates continuous-tone imagery through the use of dots, varying either in size or in spacing, thus generating a gradient-like effect.

This process is used in offset printing and screen printing, but Phillips recreates the dot pattern by hand, exchanging work normally completed by technology with that of human labor. Seen at a distance, the image becomes clearer, almost replicating a photograph. When photos are taken of it, the halftone tends to blend even more, giving an instant clarity to the image.

“Art creates a positive impact,” said Phillips, “and serves as a perfect opportunity to expand economic development in our community.”

Manuel Di Rita mural (titled “Urban Mirage”) located in Lock 4

“Urban Mirage,” a three-dimensional illusion mural, is the newest addition to the Akron Civic Theatre campus.

Commissioned by Curated Storefront with support from the Civic, the 2,000-squarefoot artwork integrates architectural elements with sculptural shapes to bend the viewer’s perspective.

Created by internationally renowned Italian street artist Manuel Di Rita, known as Peeta,

the mural was completed in October 2024 and is located in Lock 4. Peeta spent 20 days in Akron using a sprayer and a 135-foot lift to bring the piece to life. For the most dramatic view, he recommends standing at the top of Lock 4’s stairs on the Bowery sidewalk.

Curated Storefront founding director Rick Rogers, who previously collaborated with Peeta on the “Outside the Box” project in Akron’s Northside District, praised the artist’s signature style of anamorphic distortion. Peeta’s immersive murals and graffiti sculptures have been commissioned across Europe, North America and Asia since 1993. akroncivic.com

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CivicGo! membership lotsofofgreat greatperks, perks, including for for Knight Stage CivicGo! membership hashas lots includingfree freetickets tickets Knight Stage events, our Bonus Ticket Program, concierge ticket service for access to best-available events, our Bonus Ticket Program, concierge ticket service for access to best-available seats, Fastaccess Pass access avoid lines,invitations invitations to events likelike our our seats, Fast Pass thatthat letslets youyou avoid thethelines, tospecial special events annual Donor Appreciation Party, a monthly newsletter and much more.

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ENJOY THE THEATRE LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Become a CivicGo! member now and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits that will make your theater experience all the more special.

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THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS The CivicGo! Business Membership has all the great perks of individual membership and more. Enjoy a world of opportunities to promote your business, entertain your clients and customers and reward your employees! Become a business member of CivicGo! at www.AkronCivic.com/business or contact Colette Taylor, development director, at 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com.

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Caitlyn Bonhag

Todd Eisenman

Duane & Beth Ewing Patricia Lynn Felder Tim & Pam Fitzwater Kelley Marie Gifford Sean Michael Gilbow Larry Dean Glenn Jerry Gloekler Cristina Gonzalez Alcala Toby Gorant Kathy Graves Kerry & Carol Halee David & Kay Hansford Terry C. Hanson James & Chrissy Hardy Roseann Harper Jim & Shannon Harvey Gregory & Judi Hill Lisa M. Hilling Betty L. Hodgson Adam & Pam Holtz Rita Howard Carol A. Hulsemann Mark A. Jones akroncivic.com

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Bill Jordan & Laurel Winters

Sandra J. Schlub

Scott H. Ganyard

Jeffrey & Mary Kase

Pamela Scofield

Karen A. Heffley

Dr. and Mrs. C. William Keck

John K. Sederwall

Ken & Kathy Henson

Larry & Diane Kelley

Susan Shannon

Marcia Holcomb

Raymond & Sharon Kimberly

Randall D. Snure

Jason Horst

Brian & David Lamoda-Genét

Cecilia Sveda

Amy Freed Humbert

Parley C. Lane Jr.

Chris & Terri Sykora

Corey Johnson

Amy Lee

Colette Taylor

Theodore Kaden

Brant Lee

Melissa Taylor

Janet Karson

Marvin & Regran Leedy

Paul Thomarios

Kenneth Kovein II

Leanne Lipstreu

Manuel Underdown & Michael Mitchell

Nick Kundmueller

Jeff & Jane Louis Mike & Bonnie MacDonald Barb & Ed Marshall Joan May Martha S. Mazak David McCartney Julie McFarland William & Nancy McGrath Rob & Sharon McGregor Robert B. McPherson Jill Migone Samuel M. Moats III Phil Montgomery Kimberly Y. Morgan Stephen & Erin Myers Vickie Nagy Thomas Nikola Howard Parr & Laura DiCola Michael & Janet Pera Ron & Jean Powell Darlene Reeves Anna Richards Kristina Rinehart Jim & Carole Robinson Alma Rolenz Janet Saxon

Anne Varian Tracy Varner Nicholas & Carmela Varvaro Alexsa K. Wanchick Mario Weiss Melissa Wells Rik & Kathy Williger Hope Winer Janis A. Worley

CELEBRITY MAKERS Brian Allman Elizabeth M. Alloe Anonymous John & Linda Banasiak Lori Brown Nancy Carst Luanne Cobb Ken & Peggy Contrera Jenny Dieringer Jaylyn Douglas Katherine Drumm Corinne Duwe A.J. Falcone

The Lazzerini Family Brad Maguth Lindsey Maple Peter & Laurel Markovich Robin R. Massaro Mr. & Mrs. William P. Meyers Maryann Miller Sarah Newey Joshua Parks Mary Parr Amy Raubenolt The Raubenolt Family Michael & Dawn Rickman Gary & Robin Rouse Kamryn Russo Thomas M. Sabella AnnaMarie F. Schellin Todd & Jody Schweiger Mary Shaffer Ann Shane James & Susan Stevenson Christine Taggart Harry and Kathy Tipping Marc & Sylvia Trundle Edwin Upton Tyler Winiecki

To learn more about how you can support the Akron Civic Theatre through our Star Makers annual fund program, visit www.AkronCivic.com/starmakers or contact Colette Taylor, development director: 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com.

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as of December 30, 2025

Akron Civic Theatre

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board President Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D.

Thomas Fischer

Fischer Consulting Partners

Akron Community Foundation

Puspa Gajmer

Board Vice President Kimberly Morgan

Sue Henige

GOJO Industries

Board Secretary Demetrius LambertFalconer Summit Metro Parks

Gardens Wealth Management

Ismail Al-Amin Seth Apple

Walter Haverfield

SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors

Julie Brandle

Metis Construction Services

Rachel Bridenstine

Development Finance Authority of Summit County

Akron City Council

Amy Jordan

Emily Klink PNC

Assistant Technical Director

Michael Cordi

Raven Cunningham Operations

Debbie Feiler

Development Coordinator

Jennifer Ferguson Ticketing Director

Matt Jennings

Technical Director

Ivy Johnson

Development Assistant; Associate Director, Millennial Theatre Project & Arts Incubator; Producer’s Representative, All-City Musical

Autumn Lombardi

Phil Montgomery

County of Summit, Ohio

Abraham Nabors

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe

Gil Padula, MD

Bon Secours Mercy Health

High Road Touring

Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Booking Assistant/ Event Manager

Chris Ludle

Roberta Rogers

Laurie Cramer

Olivia Beal Newcomb

Robert Keith

inSITE Advisory Group LLC

Roetzel & Andress

Associate Director - Operations

750ML Wines

Erik Reynolds

Steven Cox

Molly Barnwell

Cleaning Supervisor

Communication Exhibits Inc.

Liz Pjesky

Sharon Connor

Box Office Client Services Manager

Amy Freed Humbert

City of Akron

Nichole Booker, PhD

Diamond Ardelian

Lisa Brosovich

Brian Lamoda-Genet

Keepers of the Art

Executive Director

Child Guidance & Family Solutions

Hudson Community Foundation

Board Treasurer Michael Batu

Ace Epps

Himalayan Music Academy

STAFF

Howard Parr

Angie Wells GPD Group

Special thanks to Louis Berroteran for helping the “Jewel on Main Street” shine throughout his 18 years of board service. as of December 30, 2025

Building & Facilities Supervisor Volunteer Coordinator

David Matheny

Marketing Assistant

Jill Migone

Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director & Office Manager

Beth Mullen

Human Resources Consultant

Caitlin O’Shea

House Manager Supervisor

Francine Parr

Artistic Director, Millennial Theater Project & Arts Incubator

Val Renner

Associate Director, Community Events & Special Programming, Artistic Director, BOOM! Theater

Sarah Rice

Food and Beverage Manager

Jane Startzman Events Manager

Keyanna Stubbs

Box Office Client Services Manager

Colette Taylor

Development Director

Jenee Valle

Accounting Director

Austin Vandegrift

Production Assistant, Community Events & Special Programming

Tim Williams Operations

Hannah Wright Marketing Director

akroncivic.com

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