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.
Valley’s Preschool to Grade 8 School
Dear Friends,
It’s wonderful to welcome you back for another exciting season at E.J. Thomas Hall! There is nothing quite like the magic of live performance—the thrill of seeing world-class artists on stage, the energy of the audience around you, and the shared joy that fills the theatre. We can’t wait to see our seats full again with our vibrant Akron community.
As always, your support is what keeps this incredible tradition alive. The Hall shines because of generous patrons and donors like you. With your help, we can continue to bring outstanding performances to Akron while maintaining and improving this beautiful space for generations to come. Please consider supporting us by visiting the E.J. Thomas Hall giving page through the QR code below or by joining the Flying Balcony Club for exclusive member benefits—your contribution truly makes a difference.
This season promises to be one of our most memorable yet! Broadway in Akron returns, alongside Broadway-adjacent gems, including Good Witch/Bad Witch: Diva Showstoppers—a spellbinding concert featuring Alli Mauzey, Broadway’s unforgettable Glinda, and Dee Roscioli, the most prolific Elphaba in Wicked’s history. And if you’re a music enthusiast, don’t miss Revisiting Creedence, carrying on the legacy of Creedence Clearwater Revival with the energy and authenticity that made CCR a worldwide phenomenon.
There really is something for everyone here at E.J. Thomas Hall this season, and we are so excited to share it with you. Thank you for being part of our story—your presence and your support are what make the Hall truly shine.
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.
There’s something for everyone coming to E.J. Thomas this Fall!
October 12
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience
Broadway, television and film star Robert Neary channels
Neil’s legendary voice, charm, and storytelling in a heartfelt tribute concert unlike any other. So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience is an evening packed with 24 classic hit songs, nostalgia, stories, multimedia, and trivia, and a finale that is pure Broadway caliber. Critical praise all across the internet and social media has called this show “The most authentic and professional tribute to Neil Diamond and delivers nothing short of a true Neil Diamond concert experience”— an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest recording artists in history.
October
19
The
Little Mermaid
acclaimed The Panto Company. Follow the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Of course there’s a handsome prince, an evil witch and boatloads of adventures along the way.
October
31
Dominate
The Storm
with Reed Timmer
NEVER STOP CHASING. It’s more than a motto—it’s the adrenalinefueled life mission of Dr. Reed Timmer, America’s most famous storm chaser.
The Little Mermaid splashes into EJ Thomas Hall for a live, interactive show packed with stunning scenery, colorful costumes, original songs you’ll be humming on the ride home, and lots of laughs. Moms, dads, grandparents—bring the kids and watch their faces light up as they become part of the story. This classic tale is brought to life by internationally
Join us this Halloween for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat evening. Timmer is an extreme meteorologist who specializes in intercepting the most powerful storms on the planet to collect valuable scientific data including intercepting over 1,000 tornadoes and 50+ hurricanes. With a legendary career in storm science, Dominate the Storm: A Heart-Pumping Evening with Reed Timmer America’s Most Famous Storm Chaser blends mindblowing storm footage, unbelievable survival stories, and cutting-edge meteorological data collection into an unforgettable live event.
November 1
Mamma Mania!
Sing and Dance along to “Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa Waterloo” with New York City’s Premier Abba Tribute. Whether you know the hits or just love the outfits, you should “Take a Chance” on this stellar cast of musicians
as they perform your favorite songs from Abba’s storied career. Mamma Mania includes former and current touring members of: Mamma Mia The Broadway Musical (Official North American Tour), Bohemian Rhapsody: The Queen Extravaganza, Britney Spears, INXS, The Weeknd, Rob Thomas and many more. A show for all ages, Mamma Mania will have everyone in your “Troup” feeling like a Dancing Queen!
November 8
Lisa Loeb & Joan Osbourne
Live In Concert
Two of the most powerful voices of a generation. One unforgettable night. “Stay (I Missed You)” meets “One of Us” LIVE on stage. Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne defined the sound of the ’90s— and they’re bringing that energy, heart, and harmony to Akron this fall for a special co-headlining concert. Gather your soul sisters, throw on that vintage flannel, and come relive the soundtrack of your college mixtapes. Whether you grew up with these songs or you’re discovering them now, don’t miss this rare chance to see these GRAMMY-nominated legends live on stage at E.J. Thomas Hall.
November 11–12
BROADWAY IN AKRON
Elf the Musical
Inspired by the hit film, Elf the Musical, is the heartwarming tale of Buddy, whose
life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. The New York Times, wrote, “The show has CRACKED THE CODE OF ALL-AGES COMEDY, the kind that will leave children and grownups equally helpless with laughter.” It’s a holiday classic, which The Daily Beast called, “a gift for kids and adults, and a very ‘sparklejollytwinklejingley’ night out!”
November 21
Mama I’m A Big Girl Now
Three of Broadway’s beloved leading ladies, 16 Broadway shows, 20 Years of Friendship, All in 1 Night! Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray) along with Tony Award nominees Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde), and Kerry Butler (Beetlejuice) bring us a dazzling array of popular songs that will have you laughing, crying, and reminiscing. It’s a night filled with all the sparkle and joy of Broadway… with Broadway hits from Hairspray, Legally Blonde, and Beetlejuice to Wicked, Xanadu, Gypsy, The Sound of Music, Grease, Tina Turner, Lion King, Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and many more!
November 22
Good Witch
Bad Witch:
The Broadway Witches
Bring the family and step into the world of Broadway enchantment with Good Witch/Bad Witch: Diva Showstoppers, a spellbinding concert starring two powerhouse performers from Wicked: Alli Mauzey, Broadway’s unforgettable Glinda, (a role she performed to critical acclaim on the Frist National Tour) and Dee Roscioli, (the most prolific Elphaba in the show’s history). Captivating audiences from coast to coast, Good Witch/Bad Witch flies in to E.J. Thomas Hall for one magical night. The Broadway Witches will perform your favorite songs from Wicked and many beloved musicals. One stage. Two legendary voices.
November 23
Revisiting Creedence
Get ready for a night of timeless Rock and Roll when former members of the legendary band 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. 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 unmistakenable swamp rock fire to E.J. Thomas, celebrating one of Rock’s greatest legacies. This ain’t your average rock show!
Celebrate the Holidays… Coming
December 4
Cirque Dreams
Holidaze
Cirque Dreams
Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family.
As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Guests will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity. Reimagined for 2025, Cirque Dreams Holidaze features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes making it the ultimate holiday gift!
December 13
The Doo Wop Project Christmas
Bring in the holiday season with Doo Wop Project’s Christmas classics and signature doo wop sound! With a hit PBS Special airing all over the country, four albums streaming on all major music platforms, and over ten years of playing sold out shows all over the country and the world, chances are you’ve already a DWP fan. The Doo Wop Project is America’s premiere doo wop group dedicated to preserving and expanding the genre of this great music we know and love, Doo Wop!
December 14
Carpenter’s Christmas
Relive the Carpenter’s timeless hits with classic holiday songs and fascinating stories woven in-between. A Carpenters Christmas is a fresh, original perspective of songs peppered with vignettes that captures the true quality and essence of The Carpenters as well as Helen’s cheeky British humor, stage presence and fascinating, unheard backstage stories. Helen’s distinctive voice settles in perfectly with lush arrangements of songs such as: “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “On Top of The World,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and Christmas classics such as “Merry Christmas Darling,” “The Christmas Song” and more.
December 15
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party
For 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world, An eagerly anticipated annual family show, Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party draws songs from their two albums. You’ll hear holiday classics like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,” an “Andrew’s Sisters” meets the blues arrangement of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Christmas originals, moving carols like “We Three Kings” and more. It’s a fun and quirky take on the holidays, just for you.
December 20
Tuba Christmas
TubaChristmas 2025 is back! Magical and musical, join the 45th annual holiday sing along hosted by tuba professor, Chris Blaha. Join the plethora of tuba players in ringing in the holidays by listening to and singing along to Christmas carols played by a group of tubas. For those who love the low brass oom-pah-pah, the stage will be full of musicians of all ages and experience— all decked out in the holiday spirit. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Admission is free, but seats fill up fast! And this year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Tuba concerts worldwide.
December 22
Judy Garland “We Need A Little Christmas” starring Debbie Wileman
Experience a holiday celebration featuring Debbie Wileman’s acclaimed tribute to one of the Greatest Performers of our time, Judy Garland. Debbie Wileman’s uncanny recreation of the sound of Judy Garland has gained over 1 million online views and she is now, direct from London, onstage to dazzle Judy’s fans as well as her new followers. Fresh off her new release, “I’m Still Here,” Debbie brings the holiday spirit, showcasing Judy’s old and new songs of the holiday that she would be performing if she were with us today.
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.
2025-26 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
OCTOBER
Thu 2 Knight Lecture with Connie Chung
Sun 12 So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience
Sat 18 Akron Symphony Orchestra: The Firebird
Sun 19 The Little Mermaid
Tue 21 Tuesday Musical: Marc-André Hamelin
Thu 23 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Dueling Pianos
Tue 28 University of Akron Collage
Fri 31 Reed Timmer (Dr. Reed Storm Chaser)
NOVEMBER
Sat 1 Mamma Mania!
Sat 8 Lisa Loeb & Joan Osborne
Tue-Wed Broadway in Akron: Elf the Musical 11-12
Sat 15 Akron Symphony Handel’s Messiah
Tue 18 Tuesday Musical: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300
Fri 21 Mama I'm A Big Girl Now
Sat 22 Good Witch/Bad Witch
Sun 23 Revisiting Creedence
Sun 30 Tuesday Musical: Christmas with Cantus
DECEMBER
Thu 4 Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Fri-Sun Annual Christmas Craft Show 5-7
Fri 12 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops
Sat 13 The Doo Wop Project Christmas
Sun 14 Carpenter's Christmas with Helen Welch
Mon 15 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party
Sat 20 TubaChristmas
Mon 22 Judy Garland "We Need A Little Christmas" Starring Debbie Wileman
2026 JANUARY
Sat 17 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Seventh
Tue-Wed Broadway in Akron: Mrs. Doubtfire 20-21
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
