Akron Civic Theatre 2025 by akronlifemag

SEASON PROGRAM 2025

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

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AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

Thanks to these foundations, businesses and individuals ...

Bruce & Erica Greer Family Foundation

ICF Foundation

Thomas & Lisa Mandel Family Foundation

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M.G. O’Neil Foundation

Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust KeyBank National Association, Trustee

Arthur Kelly Fund

Rogers Family Fund

The Sisler McFawn Foundation

... for supporting the Akron Civic Theatre!

Cohen Community Foundation

Ralph & Barb Palmisano

Supelak Family Foundation

Thomas Fischer

Joseph & Debbie Zarconi

Our thanks to these additional generous foundations for their support:

C. Colmery Gibson Polsky Fund

Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation

Douglas L. Houck Charitable Fund

Glenn R. & Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation

Henry V. & Frances W. Christenson Foundation

Laura R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation

Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation

Mary & Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable Trust

R.C. Musson & Katherine M. Musson Charitable Foundation

Welty Family Foundation

To learn more about opportunities for your business to support the Akron Civic Theatre, The Knight Stage 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.

Bell Music Co

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-beaten-path micro-venue for theater, music and spoken-word 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 will offer another engaging event space; and the large outdoor video screen brings the excitement of it all to life in big, bold living color. Enjoy!

Thanks for coming and enjoy the show! F

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you want to participate in the arts and have fun supporting your community? Do

Wayside Furniture has a long history of

Take a Self-Guided Tour 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 décor, have a look around and check out some of the highlights!

When the Akron Civic Theatre opened on Saturday, April 20, 1929 — then known as Loew’s Theatre — 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,

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At Huntington, we know the business of banking is about moving money responsibly. But we also know that behind the numbers there are always people. Human lives. Our families, friends and neighbors. It’s an honor to be part of the lives that help our communities prosper. And for that privilege, we thank you.

restaurants and an elegant movie theater, all occupying the 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.

(continues on page 15)

THE ARCADE & BOX OFFICE

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.

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 black box theater hosting concerts, musical theater productions, community events and much more. It’s also home to two of

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

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, Greek goddess of love and beauty. To the right is Artemis, goddess of the moon, wild

In this photograph of the grand staircase taken before the restoration, you can see the “line of demarcation” on the ceiling.

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.

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

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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 Mr. 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 wingclipping. 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-a-kind design made for the Akron Civic Theatre and installed during the 2002 renovation.

THE PROMENADE

The Promenade is the space between the 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.

The blue lamp shades along the walls were handcrafted in Italy. The chandeliers above are magnificent, with their chains covered in velvet. (Continues on page 21)

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 when the theater sat 3,500 people. In the restoration, the old restrooms were converted to two salons and a fullservice 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 AUDITORIUM

The Auditorium is where you’ll find the Civic in all its glory — and where the Moorish Revival style really shines. Mr. Eberson conceived an exotic Moorish garden and castle at night, with twisting columns, fanciful loges mounted on Romanesque arcades, cascading plaster moldings and golden stucco. The horseshoe arches in the doorways are a common feature of Moorish architecture.

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.

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,

the era in which the

was built.

The Art Deco designs on the sides of the seats reflect

theater

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.

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.

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. F

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

Akron is rockin’ at Goodyear Theater!

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. 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 community-based arts, culture and

celebratory events.

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. F

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Herman

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Photo Credit: Jerry Jelinek

Explore 6 parks, over 50 miles of trails and dozens of free programs each month.

This year, join us in creating a Greener Future! Visit bit.ly/SMPGreenerFuture to find the latest updates and how you can become involved.

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 and on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.

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 18-35 (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.

The Awesome Power of Creative Collaboration

Since MTP’s inception, more than 300 performing artists and 25 production team members have been involved in staging over 65 productions, including Rent, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, The Rocky Horror Show and many others. C

successful productions. The All-City Musical has staged Ragtime, Bye Bye Birdie, Shrek the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Peter Pan and Oklahoma! In June 2024, All-City will present Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Nearly 800 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. Over time, nearly 900 Summit County students have participated since the project’s inception. The All-City Musical has staged Ragtime, Bye Bye Birdie, Shrek the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Peter Pan and Oklahoma! In June 2025, All-City will present Newsies.

In 2016, the Millennial Theatre Project (MTP) 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

The Akron Civic Theatre first embarked on community theater production in 2012, when we introduced the All-City Musical. The annual stage production engages high school students in the creation of a fullscale, 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 and on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.

The success of the Civic’s inaugural production of Hairspray led to more

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.

In 2016, Millennial Theatre Project (MTP) 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,

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

Get involved with an active and fun group of people who love and support the “Jewel on Main Street.” Become a member of the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild.

The Guild organizes and hosts two fundraising luncheons annually and founded, manages and staffs the theater’s museum store, Stage Left at the Civic, located in the promenade. The store is open through intermission during many performances. Proceeds from our events and sales benefit programming at the Civic!

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

For more information about joining the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild, stop by

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.

performing artists and 25 production team members have been involved in staging over 35 productions, including Rent, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, The Rocky Horror Show and many others. After a run of Sweeney Todd in October 2023, MTP will be gearing up for the January 2024 production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.

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+).

In addition, the company has premiered several original works by local playwrights: (In)Dependent: The Heroin Project by Kent State graduate Emelia Sherrin; 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.

“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. In May 2025, BOOM! will bring the Tony Awardwinning musical Company to the Knight Stage.

The production has been staged nearly 20 times since 2020.

“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 has since presented La Cage Aux Folles, Scrooge The Musical and, in May 2023, Guys will be reprised in Peter Guys and Dolls

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.

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

Guest

Akron Civic Theatre public art enlivens

The Bowery neighborhood

The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. Not only do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s entertainment and cultural value, but the public art that is part of the capital project significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s economic development strategy.

The murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W. Bowery St. walls have put a beautiful creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from 2023 created by local and regional artists create an even more engaging art experience in and around the Civic.

MEET THE MURALISTS

Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones (née Chen), aka Ouizi (wee-zee), created the mural on 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, which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict sitespecific plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking

figs with her grandmother. Her Akron mural features plant life native to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more about her work at ouizi.art.

Two muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the north side of the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a week in Akron in mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe. They began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. The two artists have blended their signature styles together to create a work that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day and night.

El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals and graffiti in the mid-1990s and since that time has developed his unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour patterns. His work draws on influences from classical European art, social realism and symbolism. He has been commissioned to paint all over the world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions. See more of his work at elmac.net.

Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned with his classic one-brush-stroke techniques. He creates geometric illusions that propagate at rhythms intrinsic to nature. He has installed several murals throughout Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops and in a variety of unexpected places. See more of his work at insta

Louise “Ouizi” Jones’ mural on the S. Main St. south-facing wall of the Civic

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

Louise “Ouizi” Jones’ mural on the S. Main St. south-facing wall of the Civic

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

Muralist and Akron resident Scot Phillips, owner of 25th & Lincoln Mural Co., spent several weeks in July 2023 painting the newest 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 Scot. “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.”

Scot’s 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 Scot 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 Scot, “and serves as a perfect opportunity to expand economic development in our community.” F

JOE AUGUSTINE TRIO

Sundays, April 6, June 1, August 3, December 7, 2-4pm

Main Library Auditorium

Join us for an exciting year of jazz with Steinway artist Joe Augustine and fellow musicians Jim Rupp and Tim Powell. Delight in classics from the Great American Songbook, original pieces, and more!

This event is free and open to all. Seating is first come, first served. Parking is free in the Market/High St. Parking deck on weekends.

For questions or additional information, contact the Culture & AV desk at 330.643.9015 or cadiv@akronlibrary.org.

CivicGo! membership has lots of great perks, including free tickets for Knight Stage events, our Bonus Ticket Program, concierge ticket service for access to best-available seats, Fast Pass access that lets you avoid the lines, invitations to special events like our annual Donor Appreciation Party, a monthly newsletter and much more. What are you waiting for? Join CivicGo! at www.AkronCivic.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

DIAMOND

Steve Comunale & Jane Prem

The Marks Family Foundation - Steven & Jeannine Marks

Sean & Nancy O’Connor

Roger & Sally Read

EMERALD

William D. Byrd & Nancy

L. Byrd

John & Jill Judge

Bill Rogers

Mark Watkins

The Wright Family Foundation, a donoradvised fund of the

Hudson Community Foundation

GOLD

Mr. James Ahlstrom & Dr. Jacqueline TulodzieskiAhlstrom

John & Karen Bader Alan & Deb Casanova Charla

Christopher George L. Farris Benjamin A. Flaker

John Gasparovic

Dr. & Mrs. John

Gerstenmaier

Michael & Jean McGlinchy

Robert Norton

Scott Weiner

RUBY

Dr. Rebecca L. Angerstein

Ron & Claudia Bell

Steve Cox

Susan A. D'Amico Leon

Victor G. Davis

Terry & Katie Ellis

Nancy Facchiano

Jean & Don Fink

David & Cindy Glass

Simona Hall

Scott & Judy Hamilton

Bob & Darlene Haren

David E. Hunt

Martin Jakubow

David & Beth C. Jennings

Donald & Catherine

Johnson

Brian & Emily Klink

Tom & Carol Kloetzly

George J. Koroshazi

Jim & Susan Kotapish

Louise Kuhns Harvey

Thomas McCarthy

Ralph W. & Lorraine McCue

Bradley & Valerie McKitrick

Joyce Marie Mitchell

Kimberly Y. Morgan

Gary Mundson & Debbie Hosko

Derek Rinicella

Lewis Seikel III

Janus Susan Small Elinore

Marsh Stormer Christopher

P. Sullivan Sue Tran

Aaron Turnquist

Edward J. Udovich & Louise

A. Udovich

Tom & Diane Vukovich

Eddie & Jane Williams

Danny & Anna Zampelli

STERLING

Tyler Ash

Rachel Bridenstine

Laurie M. Cramer

David & Robyn Cutler

Craig & Leann Gillewater

James & Chrissy Hardy

Kimberly Haws-Falasco

Carol Hunt

Lisa Martinez

Brittany Michael

Philip Schuchter

Paul Smith & Maureen

Cooper

Steve M. Venezia

Sean Vollman

Thomas & Shirley

Waltermire

Mario Weiss

Doug Williams

John D. Zoilo

SILVER

Danny Abood

Drs. Sandy & Mark Auburn

Keith C. Boales

Jennifer Boswell

Larissa Brown

Janna Bruner

Kythryn Carr Harris

Betty Covert

Robert Milton Curran

Robert J. DeHoff

Linda Deitrick Sepesy

Helena Durachinsky

Elliot Dworkin

Jim & Maryann Eickelman

Louis Elsaesser

Melinda & Debra Fathe

Shawn Finegan

Frances E. Fischer

Timothy R. & Pam

Fitzwater

Henri Etta J. FletcherLockhart

Amy Freed Humbert

Kelley Marie Gifford

Sean Michael Gilbow

William Ginter

Jim & Shannon Harvey

Marcia Holcomb

Adam & Pam Holtz

Gerald C. Johnson

Evelyn Kidder

Steve Kormushoff

Brant Lee

Jeff and Jane Louis

John P. Markwood III

Joan May

Laura K. McDowall

Robert B. McPherson

Sheri Miller

Vickie Nagy

David Norman

Peloquin

William Possidente

Jo Ellen Pryce

Darlene M. Reeves

Valerie Saro

Pamela Scofield

David Seaberg

Susan Shannon

Ilene M. Shapiro

Chris & Terri Sykora

Frank A. Tigelman

Vicki Ulry

Tracy Varner

Constantine Vasilatos

Alexsa K. Wanchick

Melissa Wells

Rik & Kathy Williger

Virginia Wojno-Forney

Laurie Woodford

Janis A. Worley

ENJOY

Become a CivicGo! member now and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits that will make your theater experience all the more special. Individual memberships levels start at just $150.

Scan this code, or visit www.akroncivic.com/ individual, to explore the benefits to determine which level is right for you!

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.

Roetzel & Andress

GO! DIAMOND

Stifel

GO! EMERALD

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority

BFG Federal Credit Union

Harwick Standard Distribution Company

Thanks to Our Annual Star Maker Donors!

LEGEND MAKERS

Stephen Comunale & Jane

Prem

Cynthia Knight

David Logsdon

Stephanie Ramsay

Roger & Sally Read

Patricia Sawvel

Paul Thomarios

ICON MAKERS

Michael Batu

Laura DiCola

Thomas Fischer

James & Maureen Kovach

Neal Lindsley

Mary Anne Rothermel

Mark & Katie Smucker

SUPERSTAR MAKERS

The Ham & Beth Amer Fund, a donor-advised fund of Akron Community Foundation

Mary & Rollie Bauer

Janna Bruner

Nancy E. Grau Rutledge

Tom & Toni Haag

Susan Holick-Bade

Tom & Mary Ann Jackson

John & Susan Klein

Douglas Krapf

Ernie & Mary Kay Pouttu

Pete Rado

Richard & Alita Rogers

Peter & Nan Ryerson

John Saier

Sandra Smith

Neil Sudhakaran

LUMINARY MAKERS

Akrochem Corporation

Bruce & Sandy Bailey Nichole & Dante Book

Julie Brandle

Debra & Phil Canuto

Trina M. Carter

Judith M. Collins

Paul & Natalie Cooper

Annamarie Delong

Justine & Bob Fiehn

Russell L Fisher

Joni Fitch

Amy Freed Humbert

Nicholas Gehring

Philip F. George

George & Elaina Goodrich

Chris Haberny

Timothy Hanna

Kathleen Harvey

Todd Heinl

Jeff Hildreth

John & Jill Judge

Margaret Kanfer-Nabors

Patricia A. Laube

Becky McAdams

Ralph W. & Lorraine McCue

Brett & Anita Mooney

Kathy M. Moses Salem

Daria R. Murphy-Jevcak

Jeremy Owens

William & Caroline Parry

Jonathan T. Pavloff

Roberta Rogers

John & Joanne Rohrer

Jean Schooley

Tim Schwenk

Sam & Sandy Smith

Elinore Stormer

Skip Summerville

Quinten & Victoria Tifft

Theodore & Barbara Walter

LaMar & Karon Wyse

HERO MAKERS

Dimitri & Christina Agamanolis

Lisa Almenar

Mary Ann Lutz

Dina Anzevino

Brian Baird

Sandra Bartley

Michael Brillhart

Chris & Maryellen Burnham

Wayne Caldwell

John & Bonnie Childs

Lisa & Steve Coates

Laura Bailey Culp

Peter DeLong

George L. Downes Jr. & Beth

A. Downes

Rob Eshbaugh

Ernest & Bonnie Estep

Carrie Felder

Susan & Tyrone Grady

Timothy Hanna

Franklin & Patricia Harrah

Kriste Hatchett

Michael Hayes

Joe D. Henninger

Ken & Kathy Henson

Nina L. Hillery

John & Sheila Hutzler

Chuck Johnson

Charlie Karakis

David & Susan Kattan

Carolyn Kenady

Brian & David Lamoda-Genét

David & Lynne Lieberth

William Lowery

Tyler & Melissa Maddox

Lau Mar

Lisa Martinez

Robin R. Massaro

Joe Meadows

Juli Nagel

Tom R. Nahodil, Jr.

Judy Nicely

Philip Novy

Thanks to Our Annual Star Maker Donors!

Kyle S. Passmore

Michael & Janet Pera

Corrine Rakoci

Barbara Schubert

David & Adrienne Six

Jason Teehan

Susan Thomas

Linda Van Fossen

Patricia Warner

Mark Watkins

Westfield Insurance Foundation

Jon Wills

Jeffrey S. Zeiger

Jeff Zeiger

Michael Zimmerman

HEADLINE MAKERS

Roberta Aber

Tana Alexander

Allstate Anonymous

Caryn Armbruster

Elizabeth Bartz

William & Deborah Bauman

Sandra Becker-Neidert

Darlene Beecher

Daniel & Mary Jo Bethem

Autumn Bosch

Andrew Breeden

Alan Brendle

Winnie Brown

Larry H. Burns

Anne Lynett Clark

Susan A. Collins

Jack & Ann Cousins

Debbie Crockett

Eric & Marlene Czetli

Colleen Denholm & Chris Meyer

Carla Derr

Claudia Diaz

Brian Diehl

Patty Dorton

Thomas Ferguson

Jon Fiume

Dawn Gainer

Lorraine Gaughenbaugh

Larry Dean Glenn

Joan Gorant

David Gruver

Kerry & Carol Halee

Shirley Hamilton-Crislip

David & Kay Hansford

Terry C. Hanson

Douglas & Carol Hausknecht

Gregory & Judi Hill

Lisa M. Hilling

Paul Hirschfelt

Betty L. Hodgson

Russell Hofer

Robert Hoffman

Ed & Rita Howard

Carol A. Hulsemann

Vincent & Bonnie Johnson

Todd Jones

Bill Jordan & Laurel Winters

Mark & Katherine Julian

Jeffrey & Mary Kase

Bill & Ardith Keck

Larry & Diane Kelley

Brian & Emily Klink

Susan Korosa

Demetrius L. LambertFalconer

Amy Lee

Leanne Lipstreu

Allen J. Loew

Mike & Bonnie MacDonald

Marilyn Maddox

Edward & Barbara Marshall

Christine Amer Mayer

Martha S. Mazak

Gregory McCune

William & Nancy McGrath

Rob & Sharon McGregor

Jill Migone

Samuel M. Moats III

Laurie Morgan Schrank

Melanie Morris

Amelia Nauer

Thomas Nikola

Joan L. Norris

Dennis O'Connell & Holly

Barkdoll

Scott C. Overlock

Sherryl & Steve Owen

Ralph & Barb Palmisano

Donald L. Plusquellic

Mike & Linda Poinski

Ron & Jean Powell Lora

Ramsey-Labbe

Dave Reeves

Val Renner

James & Carole Robinson

Alma Rolenz

Patricia Ruf

Janet Saxon

AnnaMarie F. Schellin

Sandra J. Schlub

John Schmidt

John K. Sederwall

Veronica R. Sims

Randall D. Snure

Susan Summerville

Cecilia Sveda

Christine Taggart

Conor Tharp

Dawn Marie Trehan

Manuel Underdown & Michael

Mitchell

Anne Varian

Jack & Ellen Vollman

Tom & Diane Vukovich

Mary Kay Walter

Jeffery & Gillian Warmkessel

Jay & Angie Wells

Patricia M. Wilson

Hope Winer

Becky Wise

CELEBRITY MAKERS

Frank & Lisa Aglioti

Don & Kerry Albanese

Brian Allman

Elizabeth M. Alloe

Anonymous (6)

John & Linda Banasiak

Charles Bender

Ralph Blachly

Caitlyn Bonhag

Albert Brady

Barbara A. Bragiel

Lisa Brosovich

Lori Brown

Michael Brown

Dave Cackowski

Lee & Barbara Carino

Nancy Carst

Mikki Chris

Luanne Cobb

Kenneth & Margaret Contrera

Lowell & Cheryl Croskey

Douglas & Andrea Denton

Deb Deptuch

Liliana Diaz

Dawn Distler

James Dixon

Olivia Eastly

Duane & Beth Ewing

A.J. Falcone

Christy Fischer

Denise Flanagan

(continues on next page)

Thanks to Our Annual Star Maker Donors!

Hudson Fremon

Gregg Futey

Scott H. Ganyard

Nathan Geving

Gerald J. Glinsek

Steven Goodman

Kathy Graves

Bob & Darlene Haren

Karen A. Heffley

Malinda Heineking

Adam & Pam Holtz

Julie Iafigliola

Carl & Beverly Joyce

Janet Karson

James Koerner

Ronda Lawyer

Billie Leas

Christian Leckler

Marvin & Regan Leedy

Phil & Pat Lehnhart

Joseph Luckring

Peter & Laurel Markovich

Barrie Matonis

Sarah McCall

Gregg Mervis

William & Carol Meyers

Maryann Miller

Tabitha Moneskey

Fran Moore

Nicole Mullet

Erika Murphy

Dennis Murphy

Constance Nugent

Kristina Packard

Sophia Papich

Anne Peltier

Paul Perantinides

Michael Pickford

Clay & Nancy Rhinehart

Anna Richards

Ken Rocco

Daniel & Goldie Ross

Gary & Robin Rouse

Thomas M. Sabella

Mark & Lee Salerno

Brad Schroeder

Todd & Jody Schweiger

Alice Shepherd

Robert Sigsworth

Steven L. Smiseck

Shirley A. Smith

LaVonne Kay Stevens

James & Susan Stevenson

Janice Stottler

Cynthia Sullivan

Colette Taylor

Harry & Kathleen Tipping

Edwin Upton

Safiya X Von Brandt

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: Phone: 330-572-7770 Email: ctaylor@akroncivic.com

Akron Civic Theatre Board of Directors

Board President

Cristina González Alcalá, PhD Akron Community Foundation

Board Vice President

Brad Wright Roetzel & Andress

Board Secretary

Demetrius Lambert-Falconer Summit Metro Parks

Board Treasurer

Michael Batu

Gardens Wealth Management

Ismail Al-Amin Keepers of the Arts

Seth Apple

Walter Haverfield

Louis G. Berroteran The Berroteran Group

Nichole Booker, PhD SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors

Julie Brandle Metis Construction Services

Rachel Bridenstine Development Finance Authority of Summit County

Larissa Brown East Community Learning Center, Akron Public Schools

Sharon Connor Akron City Council

Michael Considine NORKA Beverage Co.

Laurie Cramer

Ace Epps JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Thomas Fischer Fischer Consulting Partners

Amy Freed Humbert Communication Exhibits, Inc.

Puspa Gajmer Himalayan Music Academy

Sue Henige

Oriana House Inc.

Amy Jordan Hudson Community Foundation

Emily Klink PNC

Phil Lopez Oswald Companies

Chris Ludle City of Akron

Kimberly Morgan GOJO Industries

Abraham Nabors Mustard Seed Market & Café

Gil Padula, MD UH St. Jo

Roberta Rogers

Howard Parr Executive Director

Diamond Ardelian Box Office Client Services Manager

Molly Barnwell Associate Director, Operations

Jennifer Ferguson Box Office Manager

Matt Jennings Technical Director

Ivy Johnson Office Coordinator/Administrative Assistant

Robert Keith Building + Facilities Supervisor

Jill Migone

Administrative Associate of Operations, Contracts, Development

Gail Moseley Box Office Client Services Manager B

Olivia Beal Newcomb Booking Assistant/Event Manager

Francine Parr Artistic Director, Millennial Theatre Project & Arts Inclusion Incubator

Val Renner Associate Director, Community Events

Sarah Rice Food & Beverage Manager Autumn

Volunteer Coordinator

Jane S

Events Manager

Jenée Valle

Tim Williams Operations + Maintenance