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EJ THOMAS HALL T H E U N I V E R S I T Y OF A K R O N ■ 2 0 26 - 2 0 27 S E AS O N

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D I S C O V E R E D.

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Welcome to E.J. Thomas Hall There is something special about gathering together in a theater. The lights dim. The room grows quiet. The curtain rises—and suddenly, for the next few hours, we share an experience that can only happen live.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Welcome to E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Whether you are here for a Broadway favorite, a concert, comedy, family entertainment, a speaker, or something completely unexpected, we are delighted to have you with us. Thank you for choosing to spend part of your day, your evening, or your weekend here at the Hall. Live entertainment matters. It brings us together. It makes us laugh, inspires us, surprises us, and creates memories that stay with us long after the curtain falls. There is an energy that comes from sitting in a room filled with other people—sharing the same music, the same story, the same moment—that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. And there is always something happening at E.J. Thomas Hall. From artists you know and love to performances you have yet to discover, we invite you to make the Hall part of your plans. Explore what is coming next, find your next night out, and discover something new at EJLive.com.

2026-2027 Season

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For more than five decades, E.J. Thomas Hall has been a place where Akron comes together. We are proud to be Akron’s world-class performing arts destination, and we are grateful to every artist, patron, student, family, volunteer, and community member who helps bring this remarkable place to life.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for supporting live entertainment. And thank you for being part of the E.J. Thomas Hall experience. The lights are on. The stage is ready. And there is always a place for you here. Enjoy the show! E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall EJLive.com Akron’s World-Class Performing Arts Destination

Margo Ohlson Executive Director, E.J. Thomas Hall

Say YES to the ultimate E.J. experience: JOIN THE

FLYING BALCONY CLUB 2026-27 SEASON

With a gift of $1,500, you can upgrade your entire evening, while ensuring E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall remains a world-class venue for years to come.

BENEFITS: n Reserved parking in the E.J. deck

n Exclusive amenities & event invitations

n Concierge ticketing service

n Tax-deductible impact*

Say YES and join today for the 2026-27 season! Scan the QR code, or contact KASEY WILLENER, Senior Director of Development, at 330-972-7520.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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GENERAL INFORMATION Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office....................................330-253-2488 General Information....................... 330-972-7595 Website.................................................... ejlive.com Ticket Office Advance tickets are available at the E.J. Thomas Hall Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 am-4 pm. On days of shows, the Box Office is open two hours prior to show times and is located in the parking deck. Refunds – Please check your tickets carefully, as all sales are final. Exchanges are not permitted. Refunds are given if an event is canceled and are refunded to the original purchaser at the point of purchase. Beware of Ticket Scalpers E.J. Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties.

2026-2027 Season

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Tickets to E.J. Thomas Hall events may not be resold at a premium.

Tickets ordered within nine (9) days of the performance will be held at Will Call. A photo ID is required to pick up Will Call tickets. Gift Certificates are available and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase. Cancellations, postponed events, or inclement weather – On rare occasions severe weather may cause E.J. Thomas Hall to cancel or postpone an event. Event cancellation information is available by calling The University of Akron emergency information number at 330-972-SNOW (7669.) You may also visit our website, Facebook page, or Twitter for the most up-to-date information. Guest Services Assistive Listening System With the help of generous donors, E.J. has installed new sound and lighting systems to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences. Our new Williams Assisted Listening system allows live audio streaming to personal hearing devices over Wi-Fi; a fantastic addition that will enable a more immersive and

accessible experience for attendees. To access connect to WaveCAST App, open the app, select the “Discover by IP” option and enter “10.48.30.12” and you are connected. Accessible Seating E.J. Thomas Hall has seating for patrons in wheelchairs and special needs at Entry 10 in the Orchestra and Entry 14 on the Grand Tier level. Patrons needing assistance to their seat may stop at the Information Counter in McCormick Lobby. An usher will assist you with wheelchair transportation to your seating area. Requests should be made when ordering tickets by calling the Ticket Office at 330-253-2488. Handicap Parking There are a limited number of handicap parking spaces available in the E.J. Thomas Hall parking deck. Additional spaces are located in Lots 26 and 27, directly across from the Hill Street entrance. Show a valid H/C permit and traffic police will direct you to the nearest spot. Parking Event parking fees vary based on production contracts and lot availability may fluctuate. Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building. Family Events Some events at E.J. Thomas Hall are specifically designed for children and families, and we encourage you to enjoy these events. For performances not suitable for young children, parents are asked to use discretion. Seating Latecomers Please note the curtain time printed on your tickets as performances begin promptly. Latecomers will be seated at a suitable pause in the program. This includes patrons who leave the auditorium before or during a selection.

For a Wonderful Evening … Live performance is truly magical; art created from the energy flowing between people on both sides of the curtain. When you attend a show, you are part of the experience. There is no rewind or instant replay at a live event.

Theater Policies n Cameras or any other recording devices are not permitted. Please silence all electronic devices as a courtesy to both other audience members and the performers.

n Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety. n For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at E.J. Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows. n In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.

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In general: n Read the program notes.

n Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time.

2026-2027 Season

Intermission Intermissions are 20 minutes in length. Lobby lights will flash as your signal to return to your seat for the start of the performance.

E.J. THOMAS ONLINE ejlive.com facebook.com/EJThomasHall • instagram.com/e.j.thomashall

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON ejlive.com 7

THANK YOU

Thank you to all the generous donors whose support helps sustain the vibrant cultural and artistic experiences at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.*

INDIVIDUALS** Anonymous Ms. Marcia Adair and Mr. Dick Edwards Dr. Sarah and Mr. John Adams Mr. William and Mrs. Kathleen Bailey Mr. Kurt D. Bazil Dr. Cecil Bergen Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Jami Brookhart Mr. Tim and Mrs. Karla Caton Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Carol Claflin Mrs. Faith Cook Mrs. Barbara Crucs Mr. Laurence and Mrs. Lisa Dean Mr. Dean and Mrs. M D. DePerro Dr. Scott and Mrs. Julianne Dudek Ms. Verna Friend Mr. John and Mrs. Mary Fulvimar Ms. Eva Gaspar Mr. Miklos and Mrs. Lorita Gaspar Ms. Shannon Gaspar Mr. Terry and Mrs. Mitzie Ginn Mr. Justin Green Mr. Larry and Mrs. Vivian Harpley Mr. Michael and Mrs. Laura Hartman Ms. Sharon Hershey Dr. David and Mrs. Linda Hoff Mr. David and Mrs. Kathleen Hoppe Mr. Carl Johnson

Mr. Ryan and Mrs. Elizabeth McHugh Ms. Nancy L. McKnight Mr. Marc and Mrs. Sharon Merklin Mr. Tim and Mrs. Cheryl Mitchell Mr. Oscar and Mrs. Melanie Morris Mr. Robert and Mrs. Michelle Murphy Mrs. Arlene Nettling Mr. Dennis Niedermyer Dr. Richard and Mrs. Cathy Parker Mr. Blake and Mrs. Kimberly Rawson Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Connie Repko Ms. Karen Scarpitti Ms. Keli Schimelpfenig Mr. Steven Sedlock Dr. Michael and Mrs. Kathyrn Seider Mr. Adam Novak and Mrs. Megan Shaw Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Susan Spring Mr. Brian Sykes Mr. Robert and Mrs. Cynthia Tedrow Ms. Barbara Terlizzi Mr. Norman Szylakowski and Mrs. Helen Trares Mrs. Linda Van Fossen Drs. Thomas and Diane Vukovich Mr. Thomas Waltermire Mr. Edward Williams and Mrs. Jane Wearstler Mr. Randall and Mrs. Mary Jo Worthington

CORPORATE

Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Rose Kleidon

Ginn Advertising LLC

Mr. Frank and Mrs. Nancy Kowar

Junior Women’s Civic Club

Mrs. Louise Kuhns Harvey

Lucky Shoes, Inc.

Mrs. Joyce Lange

Ohio Arts Council

Mr. Neal and Mrs. V Isabelle Lindsley*

The Carl J. and Margot A. Johnson Foundation

Mr. Thomas R. Luck

The Edwin J. Thomas Foundation

*All donors listed in alphabetical order. **All donors listed as of 7/1/26.

October 1

October 21 Behind the Scream A Live Conversation with David Arquette following a 30th anniversary screening of SCREAM

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Get ready for an unforgettable evening when David Arquette goes BEHIND THE SCREAM, a thrilling live conversation featuring a special 30th anniversary large screen screening of the iconic October 10 slasher horror film SCREAM, followed by an Boy Band Brunch with in-depth interview and Q&A with the legendary the Boy Band Project actor, David Arquette, who played the beloved character Dewey Riley in the franchise. His Boy Band Brunch with The Boy Band Project firsthand accounts make this a haunting night to is coming to E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, remember. A limited number of VIP tickets are October 10 at 11:30 AM, and yes, brunch is available, offering the best seats in the house INCLUDED. Get ready to party like it’s 1999. and an exclusive post-show photo-op with David Boy Band Brunch with The Boy Band Project brings the ultimate 90s and 2000s pop nostalgia Arquette. experience to E.J! These Broadway-trained performers reimagine NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Hanson, One Direction, 98 Degrees, and more with the kind of energy that will

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Back by popular demand! This isn’t just a singalong, it’s a Broadway takeover, so grab your friends, dress up as your favorite Broadway characters, and get ready for an unforgettable night at Singalong Broadway! This high-octane love letter to Broadway musicals has audiences singing along with the use of karaoke tracks and lyrics displayed on stage. The show is hosted by a male and female host who actively engage with the audience. Audience members and divas shine in special moments, medleys and solos. Expect favorite songs, Broadway themed games, comedy and tons of audience participation!

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Sing-A-Long Broadway

have you out of your seat and back in 1999 before you even finish your mimosa. All ages. Buffet brunch included. Cash bar available.

2026-2027 Season

There’s something for everyone in the family at E.J. Thomas this fall!

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October 24

October 30

Fake News: A Tribute to Huey Lewis

Dominate the Storm: An Evening with Reed Timmer

It’s hip to be square, and it’s even better when the music sounds this good. Fake News brings the electrifying live experience of Huey Lewis and the News to the E.J. Thomas Hall stage Fronted by Brad Alan, whose voice is a dead ringer for Huey Lewis himself, this 12-piece ensemble even recreates the legendary Tower of Power horns. With a 27-song setlist tracing the full arc of one of the 1980s’ most beloved bands, Fake News delivers the hits, the heart, and the pure fun of a Huey Lewis concert. Do not miss this one.

NEVER STOP CHASING. It’s more than a motto — it’s the adrenaline-fueled life mission of Dr. Reed Timmer, America’s most famous storm chaser. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Join us for a thrilling, edgeof-your-seat evening with the extreme meteorologist and field scientist who’s intercepted over 1,000 tornadoes and 50+ hurricanes, including both EF5 and Category 5 monsters. With a PhD in meteorology and a legendary career in storm science, Dr. Timmer blends mind-blowing storm footage, unbelievable survival stories, and cuttingedge meteorological data collection into an unforgettable live event.

October 25

2026-2027 Season

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Once upon a time in Akron... A beloved fairytale comes to life in this dazzling, Broadwaystyle ballet. Follow Snow White through an enchanting tale of a jealous queen, a magic mirror, a poisoned apple, and seven charming dwarfs, brought to the stage with hand-painted sets, elegant European costumes, and a cast of international dancers. Set to the sweeping score of Bogdan Pavlovsky, this two-act ballet blends classical artistry November 1 & 2 with family-friendly fairytale magic. A Sting 3.0 perfect afternoon Presented By Live Nation out for the whole All ticket sales and availability are managed family, ages 2 and exclusively through Ticketmaster and Live up. Nation. Sting’s “STING 3.0” world tour features the rock icon performing as a lean power trio alongside guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. The tour highlights raw arrangements of his classic solo work and Police hits, alongside new material like his single “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)”.

Collage 2026

November 7 Neko Case – Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour

October 20th at 7:30, Tuesday Musical presents Sphinx Virtuosi with mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges October 27 & 28 at 7:30, Broadway in Akron: The Bodyguard November 14th at 7:30, Akron Symphony Orchestra: Mozart’s Requiem November 17th at 7:30, Tuesday Musical presents: James (Zijian) Wei, Piano

Ring In the holidays with these shows! November 17th at 3:00, Tuesday Musical presents: A Chanticleer Christmas December 8th at 7:30, We Three Kings - The Irish Dance Sensation December 11th at 7:30, Akron Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops December 9th at 7:30, Cirque Dreams Holidaze December 13th at 4:00, Helen Welch’s A Little More Naughty Than Nice December 19th at 12:00 and 2:30, The 47th Tuba Christmas

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON ejlive.com

Grammy-nominated songwriter Neko Case brings her Neon Grey Midnight Green tour to E.J. Thomas Hall, with opening, special guest Destroyer (solo). Widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in American music, Case is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose work refuses easy categories. Her ninth studio album, Neon Grey Midnight Green, was recorded live with a full band and released to immediate critical acclaim, capturing the intimacy and unpredictability that define her shows. Beyond the stage, she is a New York Times bestselling author and the composer and lyricist for the new Thelma & Louise musical, premiering in London this fall.

October 17th at 7:30, Akron Symphony: Symphonie Fantastique

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Now in its 17th year—Collage takes you on an exhilarating musical and theatrical ride! Collage 2026 will keep you on the edge of your seat— it’s a fast-paced, non-stop performance featuring UA’s exceptional ensembles, student soloists, faculty, and a few surprises, for a 90-minute celebration of the Arts at UA! This event is generously supported by The Kulas Foundation. Presented by The University of Akron School of Performing Arts.

More from Broadway In Akron, Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical

2026-2027 Season

November 5

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Some Trivia and History n Before E.J. Thomas Hall was built, the only places in Akron to house performances by touring companies were the Akron Civic Theatre and the Akron Armory, which was designed to drill troops. n When the Hall was finished, Knudsen and theater consultant Dr. George Izenour spent four days making extensive tests of its acoustical properties and ceiling apparatus. Tests were made with live and taped sounds, including a .22 caliber pistol being fired from the stage and the reverberation times measured throughout the Hall. The variance was only 3.5 to 4 decibels, a discrepancy not even a trained ear could detect. n E.J. Thomas Hall occupies three acres on The University of Akron campus and was built at a cost of $13.9 million. Ground breaking was July 30, 1969. The cornerstone was laid on July 21, 1971, with the official grand opening October 9 and 10, 1973. “Initium,” by Carlos Chavez, was commissioned by the Akron Symphony Orchestra for the opening of the E.J. Thomas Hall by the members of Witan in

celebration of its 25th anniversary. Louis Lane, musical director and conductor of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, directed its performance in world premiere on October 9, 1973. The original score is on display in the Goodrich Lobby. n There is almost one acre – or more than 43,000 square feet of carpeting in E.J. Thomas Hall. New carpet was installed for the 40th birthday makeover, as well as new furniture and paint in the lobby. Out of sight there is a new light board, projector and two additional follow spots. n If you go on Hill Street, look between the Pardee Lobby and Stage Door entrances for the iron rings that were used to chain the elephants when the circus came to EJ Thomas Hall in the 70s. John Kenley Players also performed summer stock and volleyball games were often played in Goodrich Lobby after the shows. n The Orchestra and Choral shell is the gift of the Tuesday Musical Association, given in memory of Mary Z. Schumacher of the Quaker Oats family whose generosity helped make these concerts possible. The shell is also used for Akron Symphony Orchestra concerts, lectures and many other performances. The shell moves on air casters to be put in place on the stage.

NOVEMBER Sun-Mon Sting 1-2 Sat 7 Neko Case Sat 14 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Mozart Requiem DECEMBER Tue 8 We Three Kings – The Irish Dance Christmas Sensation Wed 9 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Fri 11 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops Sun 13 Helen Welch

FEBRUARY Thu 4 Arrested Development Sat 6 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Gospel Meets Symphony Sun 7 Mutts Gone Nuts Sat 13 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Four Seasons: Recomposed Wed 17 George Michael Reborn – A Tribute to George Michael MARCH Sat 6 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Emperor Concerto Sat 20 The Music of Taylor Swift – A Symphonic Tribute Sun 21 Menopause the Musical Tue 30 Burn the Floor Presents Maks and Peta APRIL Sat 10 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Debussy’s La Mer Mon-Tue The Wiz 26-27

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OCTOBER Thu 1 Broadway Sing Along Sat 10 The Boy Band Project – Boy Band Brunch Sat 17 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Symphonie Fantastique Wed 21 In Conversation with David Arquette Sat 24 Fake News - Huey Lewis Tribute Sun 25 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tue-Wed The Bodyguard – Musical 27-28 Fri 30 In Conversation with Reed Timmer

2026-2027 Season

2026-2027 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MAY Sat 8 Akron Symphony Orchestra – Tchaikovsky IV

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THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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A Thank You…

Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of E.J. Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded E.J. Thomas Hall to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at E.J. Thomas Hall. Founded by brothers Jack and Jim Knight, newsmen who owned the Akron Beacon Journal, Knight Foundation fosters more informed and engaged communities. The foundation’s arts program works to make art general in Knight communities, so that a range of programming is seen and felt across the city. Knight invests in some of the city’s anchor arts institutions, helping them better engage the public, and in smaller initiatives through the Knight Arts Challenge, which funds the best ideas for the arts. Over the About the Hall past several years, the arts program has invested millions in the Akron arts, including funding for E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, built by a new national choreography center at The The University of Akron (UA) and a group of dedicated community leaders, opened in October University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge. 1973 to rave reviews. Occupying three acres on the western edge of the UA campus adjacent to The University of Akron and E.J. Thomas Hall downtown, this $13.9 million facility is owned and would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of operated by UA for use by students and faculty the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, of UA and by community and civic organizations president, for their continued support of E.J. active in the performing arts. Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to The Hall also serves as home to The Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical Association, Children’s Concert Society and Akron Youth Symphony. This three-level auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,955. One of the focal points of the building is the movable 44-ton ceiling which can close off either the Flying Balcony or both the Flying Balcony and Grand Tier creating a one, two or three level auditorium. Located in Goodrich Lobby and weighing in excess of 40 tons are the 27 chrome Witzman Counterweights which balance the ceiling in the house and are computer controlled. The configuration of the counterweights determines the position of the ceiling in the house. The entire transformation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

recognize the leadership of Hodding Carter, III, former president, CEO and trustee and his predecessors Creed Black, C. Colmery Gibson and Ben Maidenburg. Special recognition is also extended to the late Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.

Income Today. More “YES” Tomorrow.

A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) from The University of Akron Foundation secures you guaranteed fixed payments for life — payments that don’t waiver with the market — while supporting the University’s mission for generations to come. And when your giving continues beyond your lifetime, it becomes a legacy that a student will carry forward for decades. GUARANTEED

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Learn how a CGA fits your financial and philanthropic goals. Contact Kimberly Zebedis, executive director of the Center for Gift & Estate Planning, at 330-972-2819 or kzebedis@uakron.edu, visit uakron.giftlegacy.com or scan the QR code.