Set the stage for a lifetime of learning. From age 2 through Grade 8, children grow faster—intellectually, emotionally and socially—than at any other time in life. At Old Trail School, we make those years count. With age-appropriate challenge, meaningful relationships and inspired learning, our students build the confidence and curiosity to thrive—on any stage.
Dear Friends of E.J. Thomas Hall,
As we welcome a brand-new year, we are filled with hope, joy, and excitement for all that lies ahead. A new year brings fresh beginnings, shared moments, and the simple happiness of gathering together to experience live performance—and we are so grateful to celebrate it with you here at E.J. Thomas Hall.
While winter may be in full swing outside, inside the Hall we are warm with laughter, music, creativity, and incredible performances that help beat the winter blues. We have so much fun on the horizon! In February, we’re thrilled to welcome the energetic and unforgettable Blue Man Group, along with the hilarious and relatable Couples Therapy
Spring brings even more excitement, including family-friendly fun with The Cat in the Hat and the timeless sounds of Revisiting Creedence in April. There is truly something for everyone this season.
We invite you to explore our full lineup of upcoming performances at ejthomashall.com and make plans to join us often. Live performances have a special way of bringing people together, creating memories, and lifting spirits—and we are proud to share that experience with our community.
As always, your generosity is what keeps the Hall open, thriving, and filled with outstanding programming. If you are able, please consider using the QR code to make a donation. Your support truly makes a difference, and we are deeply appreciative. Thank you for being part of our E.J. Thomas Hall family. We wish you a joyful, healthy, and inspiring new year, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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.
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 330253-2488.
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.
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.
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.
In general:
n Read the program notes.
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 Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time.
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.
Warm up your winter at EJ Thomas
JANUARY 30
Singalong Broadway
Engaging hosts, with the use of karaoke tracks and displayed lyrics, have the audience singing along for this highoctane love letter to Broadway musicals. Medleys, solos, Broadway themed games, comedy and tons of audience participation Awkward Love Song (two complete strangers act out a love song on stage) and Diva Riff-Off (Audience divas sing the final riff of a hit song) allow audience members a chance to shine onstage! Grab your friends, dress up as your favorite Broadway characters, and get ready for an unforgettable night at Singalong Broadway!
FEBRUARY 3
The Blue Man Group
More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP comes to Akron with the highly anticipated return of the global smash hit Bluevolution, National Tour. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP—signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy—the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
FEBRUARY 4
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party
Get ready to rock around the clock with John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party®—the official, authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s final tour starring John Mueller, the acclaimed lead from Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, along with Linwood Sasser and Ray Anthony. This high-voltage show delivers over two hours of 1950s hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” and “Chantilly Lace,” performed with all the energy and charm that made them timeless.
FEBRUARY 14
Couples Therapy
Couples Therapy is an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment—a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv that is as funny as it is insightful. And fear not, guys and girls—this show equally laughs at the differences between men and women. Audiences go on a hilarious ride as a pair of married relationship experts attempt to help couples with their relationships but
as the show wears on we see that they have more problems than their patients!
FEBRUARY 28
Ohio Contemporary Ballet –Ballet Unbound
EJ Thomas welcomes Northeast Ohio’s most adventurous contemporary ballet company for what promises to be a remarkable evening of dance. Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly known as Verb Ballets) is an action-oriented company with an impressive repertoire, having collaborated with over 100 choreographers, commissioning new works while maintaining dance virtuosity and production excellence. Their dancers have captivated audiences with every performance and have been described by critics as “confidence and polish,” “athleticisim and artistry,” “bold,” “powerful” and “beautiful.”
There’s entertainment for everyone in the family this Spring
APRIL 1
The Cat in the Hat
Here’s an idea: Bring the whole family to the World’s Number 1 ‘The Cat in the Hat’ show for an experience they’ll never forget. Two bored kids (This was way before iPads). One rainy day (We’ve all had a few of those). And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat (Where was the background check for that babysitter?!) The Cat in the Hat interrupts this rainy afternoon with his unexpected visit to Sally and her brother’s cozy home. Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination. Expect laughs, surprises, and just a bit of delightful disorder!
APRIL 12
Mutts Gone Nuts
These dogs are super excited to be coming to E.J. Thomas this spring. You won’t believe your eyes! Come see a dozen of the world’s most talented fourlegged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular! The all-star lineup includes a Guinness World Record holder, an America’s Got Talent fan favorite, and a host of amazing rescue dogs that will dance, prance, flip,
and skip their way right into your heart. This Vaudeville comedy show, featuring trained rescue dogs, is as heartwarming as it is inspiring and promises to leave the audience howling for more.
APRIL 18
Revisiting Creedence
Get ready for a night of timeless Rock and Roll. Featuring former members of the legendary band, this powerful live show promises to deliver all the classic hits fans know and love—from “Bad Moon Rising” to “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”—with the energy and authenticity that made CCR a defining force in American music. When Creedence Clearwater Revival wanted to bring their legendary sound back to the stage, they knew exactly who to call. This ain’t your average rock show! Revisiting Creedence’s frontmen Dan McGuinness (lead vocal) and Kurt Griffey (lead guitar) performed with Rock royalty when they shared the stage with CCR legends Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford. Now they’re bringing that unmistakable swamp rock fire to E.J. Thomas. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening celebrating one of Rock’s greatest legacies.
APRIL 22-23
STOMP
Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP—the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music, and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying
rhythm. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
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 E.J. Thomas Hall was designed in part by Dr. Vern O. Knudsen, Los Angeles, world renowned physicist, UCLA chancellor emeritus and acoustical expert, who also checked the acoustics of the building and “tuned” it after it was completed. Dr. Knudsen considered the entire Hall a musical instrument. He designed the unique system of sound dispersal with a range of various acoustical devices built into the structure to handle the differing requirements of a concert hall, opera house or Broadway show, and intimate
theater. The hall is programmed to change at the push of a button on a console backstage.
n E.J. Thomas Hall’s ghost light was rescued from the Colonial Theatre when it was demolished in 1970. The Colonial Theatre was built in 1901-02 as a 1,600 seat playhouse, supposedly a replica of the old Lincoln Playhouse in New York. From vaudeville to motion pictures with a small Wurlitzer theatre organ to accompany the silent films, back to vaudeville during WWII and on to full time movies before closing, the ghost light now safeguards Broadway shows, UA student performances, lectures and a diverse range of performing artists.
n The sound-reflecting ceiling is the most unique and troublesome feature of the building, with E.J. Thomas Hall being one of the few halls in the world whose movable ceiling still functions. The 44 ton ceiling is composed of 3,800 interlocking steel panels, suspended in curved sections from a network of counterweighted cables attached to the Louis A. Witzman Counterweights in Goodrich Lobby with a combined weight of 47 tons. When the weights are all the way down, the ceiling is all the way up.
JANUARY
2026 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Fri 30 Broadway Singalong
FEBRUARY
Tue 3 The Blue Man Group
Wed 4 Winter Dance Party
Sat 7 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Gospel Meets Symphony
Tue 10
Tuesday Musical: Imani Winds and Boston Brass
Sat 14 Couples Therapy
Wed-Thu Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN 18-19
Sat 28 Ohio Contemporary Ballet: Ballet Unbound MARCH
Tue 3
Tuesday Musical: Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio
Sat 7 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Mozart & Vivaldi
APRIL
Wed 1 A Cat in the Hat
Sat 11 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Appalachian Spring
Sun 12 Mutts Gone Nuts
Sat 18 Revisiting Creedence
Tue 21
Tuesday Musical: Renée Fleming in “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene”
Wed-Thu Stomp 22-23
Sat 25 University of Akron Steel Drums
MAY
Sat 9 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Carmina Burana
JUNE
Wed 24 Arcadia 2026: Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
About the Hall
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, built by The University of Akron (UA) and a group of dedicated community leaders, opened in October 1973 to rave reviews. Occupying three acres on the western edge of the UA campus adjacent to downtown, this $13.9 million facility is owned and operated by UA for use by students and faculty of UA and by community and civic organizations active in the performing arts.
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.
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 past several years, the arts program has invested millions in the Akron arts, including funding for a new national choreography center at The University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge.
The University of Akron and E.J. Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of E.J. Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to 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.
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
Ms. Marcia Adair and Mr. Dick Edwards
Ms. Elizabeth Bartz
Mr. Kurt D. Bazil
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Jami Brookhart
Mr. Tim and Mrs. Karla Caton
Mr. and Mrs. Thane Cook
Mr. Thane and Mrs. Faith Cook
Mrs. Barbara J. Crucs
Dr. Scott and Mrs. Julianne Dudek
Dr. Thomas J. Dudek
Ms. Dora M. Eleo
Ms. Eva A. Gaspar
Mr. Miklos and Mrs. Lorita Gaspar
Mr. Terry and Mrs. Mitzie Ginn
Mrs. Mary E. Hatcher-Bray
Mr. Robert W. and Mrs. Karen A. Heffley
Ms. Sharon Hershey
Mr. David M. and Mrs. Kathleen M. Hoppe
Mr. William and Mrs. Connie Humble
Dr. Dianne K. Kauffman
Mrs. Louise M. Kuhns Harvey
Rev. John Thomas J. Lane
Mrs. Joyce K. Lange
Mr. Thomas R. Luck
Ms. Nancy L. McKnight
Mr. Marc B. and Mrs. Sharon R. Merklin
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Michelle Murphy
Mrs. Arlene Nettling
Mr. Michael J. and Mrs. Julia H. Pasternak
Mr. Blake and Mrs. Kimberly Rawson
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Repko
Ms. Keli Schimelpfenig
Ms. Christine A. Sedensky
Dr. Michael J. and Mrs. Kathyrn F. Seider
Mr. Frederick J. and Mrs. Susan C. Spring
Mr. Robert L. and Mrs. Cynthia J. Tedrow
Ms. Barbara R. Terlizzi
Drs. Thomas and Diane Vukovich
Mr. Thomas A. Waltermire
Mr. Edward H. Williams
CORPORATE
Ginn Advertising LLC
Junior Women’s Civic Club
Lucky Shoes, Inc.
State & Federal Communications, Inc.
*All donors listed in alphabetical order as of 7/1/24
