EJ Thomas Hall 2017/2018 Season

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8/17/2017 3:51:15 PM

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to another exciting season at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. We hope that you enjoy performances here with family and friends, that you are amazed by the talent on stage and that each performance connects with you in a meaningful way.

We have planned a variety of exciting programs this season. We hope you will save the date for such performances as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Cirque Holidaze, Letterman Christmas, Branford Marsalis, Verb Ballet, and so many others.

2017-2018 Season

Dear Patron,

As you entered the hall, we hope you noticed the improvements we have made. Regal wood panels have been installed on both sides of the lobby atrium walls, areas have received a fresh coat of paint, and new energy-saving LED lights have been installed. We are committed to preserving the integrity of the Hall for generations to enjoy.

As our season continues, stay connected with Thomas Hall by visiting our website at UAevents.com and signing up to receive our weekly e-news, and by liking our Facebook page (facebook.com/EJThomasHall) for contests, pre-sale offers and more.

Thank you for supporting E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at The University of Akron.

Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA Vice President for Finance & Administration/ CFO

EJ THOMAS HALL

Thanks to the generosity of The Flying Balcony Club, a new red house curtain was purchased for the Thomas Hall stage. The curtain is colossal in size, with two panels that are each 38 feet high by 32 feet wide. To thank the members, a light will shine on the stage curtain to highlight the Flying Balcony logo before each performance.

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2017-2018 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office..........................330-253-2488 Information Counter..........330-972-6828 General Information...........330-972-7595 Lost and Found....................330-972-7595 Website........................ www.uaevents.com Ticket Office

Guest Services

Advance tickets are available at the EJ 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.

Assistive Listening System The Williams Personal Assisted sound system is available at the McCormick Information counter for all performances.

This is a special receiver with headphones or loop to enable the listener to hear the spoken word more clearly.

Tickets may also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at Ticketmaster outlets. There is a per ticket service charge and handling fee for all Ticketmaster purchases. Discounts are not available. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

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 made to the original purchaser at the point of purchase.

Beware of Ticket Scalpers EJ Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties.

Tickets to EJ 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 needed 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 EJ 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 upto-date information.

Accessible Seating EJ 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 EJ 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. There is a $5 charge for all parking.

Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building.

Family Events Some events at EJ 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.

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 Leave home early enough to find parking and locate your seats before the performance begins. Remember to allow time for poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, road construction and parking congestion, especially on school nights.

n Read the program notes.

n Patrons on emergency call status should leave their name and seat location at the Information Desk so that we may reach you during a pause in the performance n Smoke Free/Tobacco Free – EJ Thomas Hall is a smoke and tobacco free building.

This includes e-cigarettes. 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 EJ Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for selected 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.

Interested in renting EJ Thomas Hall for that special occasion or performance?

Please call 330-972-7595 or email ejthomas@uakron.edu.

uaevents.com

n Safety First – Listen to the pre-show announcements and note the emergency exit routes.

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

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Subscriber Lounge As a season subscriber to the Broadway in Akron shows, you not only “lock in” your seats from season to season, but you also enjoy live music, snacks and a private bar in Goodrich Lobby before the performance and during intermission. Season subscribers also receive complimentary parking for the performances, get priority offers to special events and have a personal Ticket Office contact for ticket exchange and replacement services.

Following these general rules of the theater will ensure that everyone can enjoy the show.

EJ THOMAS HALL

ATM PNC Bank has an ATM in the Ticket Office Lobby for your convenience. Food and beverage service is cash only.

n When in doubt, ask the ushers. They are here to help.

2017-2018 Season

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.

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season

Edwin J. “Eddie” Thomas, 1899-1986 Born in 1899, the son of an East Akron postman, “Eddie” Thomas started with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1926 as a stenographer and worked his way up to President at age 41 (1940), Chief Executive Officer (1956) and Chairman of the Board (1958). Upon his retirement in 1964, at a time where most people would have put their feet up and relaxed, Thomas, who had been a Director of The University of Akron since 1952, turned his energies toward the future of Akron itself. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Area Progress Board he helped raise large sums of money to pump life into “the old hometown.” Projects focused on downtown redevelopment became a reality and his dedication to the United Fund and other local charities helped untold numbers of Akron residents. Even today, The E. J. Thomas Foundation continues to support many local charities and benefits the community. So persuasive were his powers and his personality that in 1967 Goodyear made a pacesetting gift of $1.25 million, the largest ever given to the University at the time, to name the performing arts hall on its campus in his honor. At the July 30, 1968 groundbreaking, Mr. Thomas and Norman P. Auburn, President Emeritus, made the following remarks: “This building will provide an inspiration for all those who labored over the years to keep the light of culture burning in Akron. This structure reflects the inspiration of Norman P. Auburn and all of the trustees, the campaign workers and the donors who have worked so hard to get it.”

—Edwin J. Thomas “The opening of the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is another evidence of the splendid town and gown relationship in Akron. This majestic structure will now serve as a cultural bridge, linking together a thriving community and a great University. All of us who worked over the years to bring this worthy project to fruition are grateful to the thousands of donors whose gifts turned a dream into a reality.”

—Norman P. Auburn, president emeritus, The University of Akron (1973)

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season 8

Sarah Chang

A Thank You… Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of EJ Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded the EJ Thomas Hall Endowment to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at EJ 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 $11 million 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 EJ Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of EJ 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 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.

Music & Lyrics

Jill Winters & David Scott Scenic Design

Jon Craine

Costume Design

Cirque Productions

Lighting Design

Marketing Director

Production Director

Act & Training Director

Jenn Sierra-Grobbelaar

Betsy Herst

Theatrical Booking

Katie Bruce

Youri Klepatsky

Creative Consultant

Matt Chinn

Sean DeFreitas

Executive Producer

VStar Entertainment Group

Executive Producer

AUA Private Equity Partners

Assistant Artistic Director

Heather Hoffman

Associate Director/Choreographer

Tara Jeanne Vallee

Music, Talent & Casting Director

Jill Winters

Created & Directed by

Neil Goldberg

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season B

Once upon a dream, time awoke suddenly…he turned, smiled and gave a wink…then saw the ornaments no longer asleep...…

WAKING UP THE SEASON ARISE.................................................................................. Balancing Soldier, Holiday Ringmaster ONCE UPON A DREAM..................................................... Angel, Ice Queen, Dickens & Company FLYING MARIONETTE....................................................Puppeteer, Marionette Doll & Ornaments MAJESTICAL............................................................................. Spiraling Aerialists & Trumpeteers CHUGGIN’ ALONG....................................................................... Holiday Elf, Winter Elf, Xmas Elf ROCKIN’ AROUND.......................................Skating Engineer, Caboose, Singing Elves, Spinners A COLD STRETCH..............................................................................................................Ice Man WINTER WONDERLAND............................................... Skipping Reindeer, Snowmen & Carolers CHEERS………………………………………………………........................Candle Balancer & Elves SURPRISE..................................................................................................................Candle Tricks HOLD ON TIGHT.................................................. Santa, Helper, Angel, Ice Queen, Elf & Puppets LIFTING GIFTS………………………………………………………...... Soaring Ribbons & Company SHIMMERING....................................................................................Jewels & Swirling Ornaments SYMPHONY OF BELLS.......................................................................................................Maestro GINGERBREAD FLIP............................................Flipping Cookies, Candies, Bakers & Company

MORE SEASONS DREAMINGS

ARE YOU LISTENING....................................................................................................... Entr’acte WEATHER CHANGING........................................................................... Fashionistas & Company JINGLE ROCK………………………………............................................Mrs. Claus’ Gifts & Singers A BIG ROCK REPRISE..................................................................................................... Company 2018.................................................................................................................Soldier & Soldierette BOUNCE…………………………………………...................... …………………Juggler & Ornaments BAND TOGETHER…………………………………………………………...... Elf, Band of Ornaments MARCH ON LINE.................................................................................................Sway Line Soldier PENGUINS...............................................................................................Wobbly Penguins & Flock HOLY NIGHT......................................................... Flying Angels, Singers, Ornaments & Company ALL ABOARD.............................................................................................................The Company THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION For information on all tour dates and other Cirque Dreams shows, visit cirqueproductions.com or contact us at 954-975-9525 “Jingle Bell Rock” (Joe Beal and Jim Boothe) © 1957 (renewed) Chappell & Co., Inc. (ASCAP) All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Johnny Marks) Used by Permission of St. Nicholas Music.

“Winter Wonderland”

By Felix Bernard and Dick Smith WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) MUSIC CLEARED BY BZ/RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS, INC. All artists, scenes and songs are subject to change at producer’s discretion.

your performance your performance will stick with us your performance will stick forever. with us will stick forever . with us forever.

PNC is proud to be a part of E.J. Thomas Hall’s 2017/2018 Performance Season. Because we believe

your performance will stick with us forever.

in andis support the arts can PNC proudeverything to be a part of E.J. accomplish.

Thomas Hall’s 2017/2018 Performance Season.

Because we believe PNC is proud to be a part of E.J.

pnc.com

in and support everything the arts can Thomas Hall’s 2017/2018 accomplish.

Performance Season. Because we believe in and support everything the arts can pnc.com accomplish.

pnc.com

©2017 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

©2017 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

©2017 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

PNC is proud to be a part of E.J. Thomas Hall’s 2017/2018 Performance Season. Because we believe

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season D

THE CAST OF ORNAMENTS Semen Belozertsev (Russia).................................................... Sway Line Soldier Tiffanie Calderon-Jorge (Portugal).................................................... Flying Angel Saundra Charles (USA)..........................................Ornament, Party Trickster, Elf Lei Chen (China)...................................................................................... Ice Man Sergiy Chmara (Ukraine)...........................................................Fashionista, Time Jose Cuenca-Torres (Ecuador)................................................. Spiraling Aerialist Victor Dodonov (Latvia)....................................... Candle, Penguin, Elvis Spinner Alexandra Doman (USA)…………………………………….........Singing Angel, Elf Joao Ferreira Godinho (Portugal)........................... Soaring Ribbon, Flying Angel Irina Guseva (Russia).................................................... Foot Peddler, Mrs. Claus Ian Henry (USA)...................................................................... Skipping Reindeer Ashenafi Kebebew (Ethiopia)..........................................Candy & Cookie Flipper Anthony Klein (USA)............................................................... Skipping Reindeer Sergey Korolev (Russia)........................................................... Puppeteer, Santa Alexandra Koroleva (Russia)......................................................... Santa’s Helper Adam Krause (USA)...............................................Ornament, Party Trickster, Elf Salih Mahammed (Ethiopia)................................................ Juggler, Candy Cane Byron Malquin-Castillo (Ecuador).............................................. Spiraling Aerialist Emanuel Medini-Conte (Italy).......................Balancing Soldier, Skating Engineer Micah Mims (USA)....................................................... Singing Dickens, Elf, Elvis Vlodomyr Osypov (Ukraine)................................................Ice Soldier, Mr. Baker Veronika Osypova (Ukraine)...........................Soldierette, Candy Girl, Ornament Ariel Rose (USA)............................................................... Singing Ice Queen, Elf Krysia Rousseau (USA).......................................................... Skipping Reindeer Alex Rubin (USA)...................................................Ornament, Party Trickster, Elf Mariachiara Scarabelli (Italy)........................................... Fashionista, Mrs. Baker Matthew Scoville (USA)........................................................... Skipping Reindeer Evangelia Silva-Alves (Portugal)............................................... Skating Caboose Bruke Tola (Ethiopia)....................................................... Ragdoll, Cookie Flipper Frank Vomero (USA)...............................................Holiday Ringmaster, Maestro

The use of any audio or video recording device and the taking of photographs with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn all electronic devices, cellular phones, beepers and watches to the off position.

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CIRQUE PRODUCTIONS at DREAM STUDIOS 1985 N.W. 18 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954.975.9525 www.cirqueproductions.com

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

CIRQUE DREAMS SHOW BOOKING INFORMATION Theatrical Engagement Services.....................Matt Chinn/East Bank Entertainment 718.285.7044 Casinos, Corp. Sales & Brand Partnerships............................... Shirley Crane 954.975.9525 x250 Special Events.................................................................................................... 954.975.9525 x260 General Inquiries................................................................................. info@cirqueproductions.com

EJ THOMAS HALL

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE TOURING COMPANY Company Manager....................................................................Benjamin-Michael Joseph Antipuna Stage Manager .......................................................................................................... Aaron Watson Lighting Director ............................................................................................................ Katie Bruce Sound Engineer.................................................................................................................Dan Miele Aerial Rigger........................................................................................................Roman Molchanov Prop Master.................................................................................................................Heather Craig Head Carpenter.................................................................................................... Anthony Colombo Wardrobe Supervisor..........................................................................................................Ruth Fink Lighting Equipment....................................................................................................... Christie Lites Sound Equipment........................................................................ Show Systems Inc., Frank Snipes Trucking............................................................................................................................ Janco Ltd. Aerial Rigging Support......................................................................................... Chicago Flyhouse Film & Video Production.......................................................................... LP Media, Reel Media HD Voiceovers............................................................................................................. Karen Lounsbury Illustration.............................................................................................Nelli Leventhal, Greg Bistolfi Accounting Support.................................................................................. Jacquelyn Aten Engstrom Payroll Service............................................................................................................ CAPS Payroll Public Relations...............................................................................................Terri Lynn/Superstars Legal-Entertainment................................................................. Ross B. Rosen & Associates, PLLC Legal-Intellectual Property...................................................................................Lewis & Roca, LLP

2017-2018 Season

BEHIND THE SCENES

Founder, Artistic Director.............................................................................................Neil Goldberg Creative Content Director, Music & Talent .......................................................................Jill Winters Associate Director/Choreographer..................................................................... Tara Jeanne Vallee Artistic & Choreography Direction..........................................................................Heather Hoffman Director of Marketing & Media Relations................................................ Jennifer Sierra-Grobbelaar Creative Consultant..................................................................................................Sean DeFreitas Artistic Director’s Liaison..............................................................................................Stacey Keller Business Manager........................................................................................................Gina Damato Business Affairs & Logistics............................................................................................ Brian Levitz Project Director..........................................................................Benjamin-Michael Joseph Antipuna Associate Designer.................................................................................................... Linde Aseltine Production Designer & Technical Supervisor................................................................. Betsy Herst Lighting Designer........................................................................................................... Katie Bruce Artistic Coach/Rigger................................................................................................. Iouri Klepatsky Prop Master.................................................................................................................Arnie Braman Costume Shop Director................................................................................................... Katt Simon Costume Design Team................................................................. Santiago Rojo, Francisca Reyes, ...............................................................................Chelsea Sorensen, Tetiana Chugai, Luisa Arias Daily Business Liaison..............................................................................................Wendie Carper “The Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation”......................................Allison Senser, Executive Director Project Coordinator.............................................................Ariane Badour-Williams, David Stauffer Stage & Production Management Assistant.................................................................Daniel Fisher

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season F

CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE In 2005, at a Broadway industry conference in NYC, Neil Goldberg proposed to many theatre colleagues the concept of producing an affordable, family friendly holiday stage show that would be able to tour and perform virtually every city throughout the United States. The idea was initially met with reluctance as audiences were deemed to be in the celebratory holiday spirit the months of November and December only, making both the investment and scale of any potential production a challenging business venture. At that time, there were limited holiday theatrical entertainment options, mostly local productions of classics and an occasional big city touring show. Neil Goldberg was determined to bring theatres across the country a holiday show inspired by his lifelong ornament collection, talent from around the world and the resources of the rapidly growing and popular Cirque Dreams entertainment brand…a holiday stage spectacle that would become the greatest variety show on the planet.

With perseverance and the 2008 success of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy on Broadway, the concept of Cirque Dreams Holidaze had growing interest and promise. Cirque Productions initially invested $1.5Million to produce the first touring production of Cirque Dreams Holidaze in 2008. The show exceeded all expectations and continued evolving over the years with production enhancements including new sets, elaborate costume additions, original and licensed music, larger scale production numbers, bigger casts and a medley of diversified talent from around the world. Every element of the show celebrated the holiday season combining tradition, spectacle, and imagination with song, variety and amazement.

As audiences continued to flock to Cirque Dreams Holidaze shows in cities throughout the country from local performing arts centers to The Kennedy Center, popularity and demand grew evolving into multiple simultaneous touring productions.

Today, the show is in its 10th anniversary season and features some of the best, never-beforeseen, unique and diversified artists from around the world, along with astounding variety acts of all kinds, many of which have been featured on America’s Got Talent and similar TV talent shows in other countries. The show, artists, scenes, costumes, music and everything celebrated in the holiday season continues evolving while Cirque Dreams Holidaze airs as a made for PBS television special throughout the country.

With unparalleled critical acclaim and millions of fans across the country celebrating their holiday season at a Cirque Dreams Holidaze show, the dream of producing the greatest variety show

on the planet has become a reality and iconic annual holiday event for families and audiences everywhere.

CIRQUE DREAMS ENTERTAINMENT BRAND In 1993, Cirque Productions was incorporated by founder Neil Goldberg, who previously owned and operated one of the country’s leading entertainment and event production companies producing shows throughout the world for Microsoft, GM, GE, Prudential, McKesson, Exxon, CocaCola, Pepsi and other Fortune 500 companies.

Highlight productions included AmEx’s centennial celebration, Super Bowl events, Miss Universe, Disney shows and productions for NBC, ABC and CBS. After researching, developing and producing an entertainment variety show for an international premier event entitled “Cirque Du Monde” (Circuses of the World), Cirque Productions, Inc. was formed with the vision of creating and producing cirque shows and experiences for corporate America and audiences. Attending one of these private performances, V.P. of Marketing for Bally’s Hotel & Casino, Joe Jimenez, immediately secured Cirque Productions in its first public engagement for 3 years in Atlantic City entitled “Cirque Ingenieux.”

In 2005 the company opened Dream Studios, a 25,000sq.ft. facility supporting the brands growing demand and ensuring product quality, service, management and expansion. The complex has since expanded with scenic, prop and creative workshops. The operation includes multiple creative departments, designers, and an operating team for design, technical, music, production, casting, choreography, sales, administration, travel, visas, product management, marketing, international business relations and more. An in-house rehearsal studio trains over 250 artists yearly from around the world and compose all the original and amazing acts currently employed in Cirque Dreams shows.

A complete wardrobe, design and manufacturing facility is housed within the complex and has produced over 15,000 award-winning costumes.

Jill Winters, Creative Content Director, Music & Talent for Cirque Dreams, is one of the only U.S. professional judges invited to juried circus and performing arts festivals throughout the world, engaging the brand with over 10,000 of the newest, most unique and innovative artists annually from across the globe.

To date, Cirque Dreams brand shows have been attended by over 50 million people in more than 350 U.S. cities and 20 countries. Partnerships have been forged with industry leaders and companies in strategic markets where Cirque Dreams shows appear. Broadway and touring shows have been presented in partnership with many including

EJ THOMAS HALL

The current portfolio of show titles include “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy”, “Cirque Dreams Revealed”, “Cirque Dreams Illumination”, “Cirque Dreams Coobrila”, “Cirque Dreams Pandemonia”, “Cirque Dreams Broadway”, “Cirque Dreams Rocks”, “Cirque Dreams Splashtastic”, “Cirque Dreams & Dinner”, “Cirque Dreams Unwrapped” and “Cirque Dreams Holidaze”. The Broadway hit “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy” remains one of the company’s most renowned, critically acclaimed productions, debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 2008, received an American Theater Wing nomination for the coveted Henry Hewes Award for Best Costume Design, featured pop star Debbie Gibson in 2010 performing the leading role of Mother Nature, received the 2011 Brass Ring award for entertainment excellence at Busch Gardens Tampa, featured on an episode of MTV’s MADE, entertained over 100,000 U.S. troops and their families throughout the world and is currently being reimagined and remounted for a future tour to be announced. Cirque Dreams recently joined VStar Entertainment Group of quality, family shows and experiences worldwide. Visit www. cirqueproductions.com

2017-2018 Season

Broadway Across America. Casino partnerships with MGM, Caesars, Harrah’s, Hilton and more have presented shows in top casinos throughout the world. Cirque Dreams brand shows have been produced for Disney, Busch Gardens and Six Flags theme parks. Sony/ATV Music and Cirque Dreams’ partnership generated the creation of the musical touring production “Cirque Dreams Rocks”.

“Cirque Dreams & Dinner” shows began performing in 2010 in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and continue performing year-round adding 3 new shows in 2017…Cirque Dreams Epicurean, Cirque Dreams Jungle fantasy and Cirque Dreams & Steam on Norwegian Epic, Breakaway and Getaway. Cirque Dreams Unwrapped continues performing in partnership with Marriott Hotels and Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando. Now in it’s 10th anniversary season, Cirque Dreams Holidaze will tour 2 companies performing in over 30 US cities as well as premiering a new 2017 production exclusively at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville.

Cirque Dreams’ partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment has generated performances at 17 military installations in 10 countries for U.S. service members and their families.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON uaevents.com G

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL

VStar Entertainment Group is one of the leading multi-concept entertainment platforms, producers and promoters of family-friendly theatrical productions, exhibits, installations and events.

Headquartered in the Twin Cities, VStar has presented more than 36,000 performances worldwide over the past 38 years, touring across 40 countries and entertaining nearly two million guests annually. The company owns, operates and promotes tours across the U.S. and internationally, including PAW Patrol Live!, a high-energy musical adventure based on the hit animated series that airs on Nickelodeon and is produced by Spin Master; Cirque Dreams, which combines a cirque-style of performance artistry with Broadway theatrics; and Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED, a prehistoric-themed educational exhibit with attractions for the whole family.

Other VStar (formerly VEE Corporation) productions have included Sesame Street LIVE, a Broadway-quality musical production produced in cooperation with Sesame Workshop for 37 years, Barney, Bear in the Big Blue House, Care Bears,

Curious George, Dragon Tales, Hello Kitty, Kidz Bop and My Little Pony LIVE! Through its stateof-the-art production facility, VStar also creates turnkey, in-house solutions, including custom fabricated exhibits, large-scale sets, scenery, 3-D installations, mascots and costumes, serving as a third-party resource for professional sports teams, Fortune 500 companies and experiential marketing agencies. For more information, including current tours and a complete list of service offerings, visit www.vstarentertainment.com.

Executive Producers, AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC (“AUA Equity”), based in New York, is an operationally-focused, lower middle-market private equity firm that makes equity investments in companies in the consumer, media and business services sectors with a particular focus on familyowned businesses or Hispanic-oriented companies located in the United States.

Special Holiday Wishes to all those affected by this year’s unexpected events, hurricanes and earthquakes.

Seasonal Delights Shop and be seduced by our urban gallery filled with original, finely

crafted art for living by Zeber-Martell

and some of the nation’s finest craft artists—

2017-2018 Season

jewelry, tabletop, lighting, glass, wall art, ornaments, plus sensational gifts for everyone this season.

zeber-martell.com

43 Furnace Street beside Marriott Courtyard Akron’s Northside District 330.253.3808 Holiday Hours start Nov. 24: Monday-Saturday 11-8, Sunday 12-5 Christmas Eve 9-4 H

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAT 9/16 Tuesday Musical: Prelude Concert 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 SAT 9/23 ASO: Opening Night, The Slavic Soul 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 THU 9/28 Wynton Marsalis 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

NOVEMBER 2017 WED 11/1 University of Akron School of Music, Collage 2017 7:30pm GA $12, $6 non UA students, UA students free with ZIP CARD FRI 11/3 Bob Dylan 8 pm $125, $79.50, $55 TUE 11/7 Dirty Dancing Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 11/8 Dirty Dancing Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 11/11 Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone – In Concert 1 pm Reserved $82, $72, $62, $52, $42 SAT 11/11 Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone – In Concert 7:30 pm Reserved $82, $72, $62, $52, $42 SAT 11/18 ASO: Pictures at an Exhibition 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SUN 11/19 Wild Kratts Live! 1 pm Reserved $103 VIP, $46, $36, $26

EJ THOMAS HALL

OCTOBER 2017 SUN 10/1 DanceCleveland Koresh Dance Company 3 pm Reserved $47, $42, $32, $27 FRI 10/6 ASO: Die Meistersinger 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 TUE 10/10 Kinky Boots Broadway In Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 10/11 Kinky Boots Broadway In Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 FRI 10/13 Rumors: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac 8 pm Reserved $20 SAT 10/14 Second City Touring Company 8 pm Reserved $28 THU 10/19 Tuesday Musical: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25

FRI 10/27 Josh Rzepka Quartet featuring Theron Brown, Jordan McBride, and Zaire Darden 8 pm $20 SAT 10/28 ASO: Video Games Live 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $37, $25

2017-2018 Season

2017/2018 EJ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

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DECEMBER 2017 FRI–SUN 12/1–3 Holiday Craft Show FRI 12/8 ASO: Home for the Holidays 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SAT 12/9 Tuba Christmas 12 pm & 2:30 pm SAT 12/9 NUANCE 8 pm TUE 12/12 Cirque Dreams Holidaze 7:30 pm Reserved $97, $65, $55, $35 WED 12/13 The Lettermen Holiday Show 7 pm Reserved $40 SUN 12/17 Carol of the Kings: Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular 7:30 pm Reserved $35, $25 SAT 12/30 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30 pm Reserved $75, $60, $45, $10 JANUARY 2018 FRI 1/12 McCartney Project 8 pm SAT 1/20 ASO: Brahms Second Symphony 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 TUE 1/23 Tuesday Musical: Chamber Music Society 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25

FEBRUARY 2018 SAT 2/3 Vagina Monologues 8 pm $10 FRI 2/9 ASO: Petrushka w/NEOS Dance Theatre 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 FRI–SUN 2/16-18 Beyond the Stars Dance Competition SAT 2/24 ASO: Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 MARCH 2018 SAT 3/3 Groundworks 8 pm THU 3/8 Tuesday Musical: Andreas Haefliger 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 SUN 3/11 ASO: Youth Philharmonic 3 pm WED 3/14 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD THU 3/15 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD

2017-2018 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

WED 11/29 Tuesday Musical: Vienna Boys Choir 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25

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I build by taking apart.

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8/30/2017 1:13:12 PM

· Stream music and movies

· Access e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines · Improve skills with online learning tools

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON uaevents.com

MAY 2018 TUE 5/1 Jersey Boys Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 5/2 Jersey Boys Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 5/5 ASO: Verdi’s Requiem 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25

Take the Library with you.

EJ THOMAS HALL

APRIL 2018 SAT 4/7 University of Akron School of Music Presents U of A Steel Drum Band 8 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD SUN 4/8 University of Akron School of Music Presents Monster Pianos 2 3 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD TUE 4/10 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 4/11 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 4/14 ASO: Jazz Meets Symphony 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SUN 4/15 University of Akron Greek Life Songfest 3 pm WED 4/18 Tuesday Musical: Brentano String Quartet 7:30pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 FRI 4/20 NUANCE Spring Concert 8 pm MON 4/23 Branford Marsalis 7:30 pm FRI 4/27 Verb Ballets 8 pm SUN 4/29 University of Akron School of Music Presents Big Band Dance 3 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD

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2017-2018 Season

FRI 3/16 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD SAT 3/17 Tuesday Musical: Tribute to Sarah Vaughan 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 FRI 3/23 ASO: Planet Earth 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 WED 3/28 Tuesday Musical: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25

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EJ THOMAS HALL STAFF Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO njm9@uakron.edu Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu Melissa Paul Patron Services Manager mlpaul@uakron.edu

2017-2018 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Patricia Donovan Theatre Manager patric3@uakron.edu

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Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu Thomas Stewart Technical Services Associate tstewar@uakron.edu Volunteering at EJ Thomas Hall Do you ever wonder how to become a volunteer usher? If you enjoy sharing the arts with the public, helping them have a memorable experience, and making new friends, then consider becoming a volunteer usher at EJ Thomas Hall. As a team member or a substitute usher, you see a variety of programs while assisting the public, from children’s shows to Broadway, Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical concerts to graduations. Contact Melissa Paul, Patron Services Manager at 330-972-6316 for more information. Many volunteers have served for 15 years or more and thoroughly value the friends they have made and their contribution to the arts in Akron.

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Located on the top floor, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. New memberships begin at just $250 and include such perks as: n Reserved or complimentary parking n Food and beverage vouchers n Access to special club members services n Program recognition—and much more!

Last year, Flying Balcony Club memberships generously funded a new ACT curtain—the brightly lit red curtain that patrons see before every performance. The previous curtain was nearly two decades old, torn and faded, and had water damage. Thanks to memberships, patrons will be greeted by a new curtain that will be illuminated prior to every performance with the Flying Balcony Club logo—a special reminder of the group’s generosity.

RAVE ($500+) Marcia Adair and Dick Edwards Virginia Wojno-Forney James and Barbara Noonan Thomas and Diane Vukovich Molly Plaskett Jay Hershey Roger Read James Hindel Marianne Uhl Dianne Kauffman Nathan & Karen Mortimer Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Charles & Sue Walker Barbara A. Vensey Sherryl & Steve Owen APPLAUSE ($250+) Duwayne and Dorothy Hansen Marc and Sharon Merklin Judit Puskas and Gabor Kaszas John & Carolyn Kline Tom & Shirley Waltermire James & Paula Trenta Michael & Virginia Hoffman Thomas Luck Connie and Thomas Repko Faith and Thane Cook Barbara Banks and Phyllis Fitzgerald

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If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club contact Melissa Paul, Flying Balcony Membership Services at 330-972-6316 or mlpaul@uakron.edu.

STANDING OVATION ($750+) Mark and Sandra Auburn Thomas Dudek Wes & Linda Van Fossen

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provided EJ Thomas Hall with a vital source of funding.

Membership proceeds are used to make improvements at the Hall that otherwise would not be possible.

BRAVO! ($1,500+) Randy and Mary Jo Worthington Miklos And Lorita Gaspar Julia Myers Kevin & Laura Crucs

EJ THOMAS HALL

EJ Thomas Hall is a treasure – for arts, for culture, for The University of Akron, and for the region!

2017-2018 Season

FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL

Some Trivia and History

Above: EJ Thomas Hall.

Right: 2017 renovations to the hall.

Have you ever wondered why the ACT Curtain and seats of most theatres are red? The tradition of using red for the ACT Curtain and seat covers of a theatre began in the nineteenth century. It could be that red is the color of opulence and grandeur, since, at one time, its use was restricted only to royalty. However, a more likely explanation is that red is the first color lost to our sight in low light conditions. This makes it easier for our eyes to adjust to the darkness of the theatre.

Why is the room where the actors wait called the Green Room? The direct answer is that no one knows for sure because it is such a long standing tradition the origin of the phrase has been forgotten. Some explanations are: n Green is the easiest color on your eyes. n Green is a calming color and puts the actors at ease before going onstage. n The room was painted green to relieve the eyes from the glare of the stage. n In Shakespeare’s time, the room where the actor’s waited to go onstage was filled with greenery because it was believed the moisture in the plants helped the actor’s voices. n Many actors are nervous before a performance and may be nauseous and look “green.”

Perhaps they were sent to the Green room while they waited. n In Shakespeare’s time, the stage area was known as the “Green” because it was usually a grassy area. The Green Room was the room closest to the stage or green.

2017-2018 Season

And the most likely explanation…

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n Before modern makeup was invented, the makeup actors used had to be cured or it would crack. Before the makeup was cured it was said to be “green” or uncured and the actors were sent to the Green room to sit quietly while their makeup dried.

Many actors use the phrase “break a leg” before a performance, a way of wishing their fellow actors good luck before the show. But where did this phrase come from? Theatre has many superstitions, one of which is wishing someone good luck will actually backfire and give the actor bad luck in his performance. So by saying “break a leg” you can wish someone well without jinxing them. But back in the days of vaudeville, not every performer went on stage in front of the audience every night. If you remained backstage, you were not paid. The side curtains on a theatre stage are known as “legs.” When you go out in front of the audience, you enter from the side, and “breaking the leg” means you are now

Just as on sailing ships, it is bad luck for an actor to whistle on or off stage. Original stage crews were hired off ships in port, theatrical rigging having is origin in sailing rigging. Sailors used coded whistles to communicate. When the sailors became theatre riggers they used the same coded whistles to communicate scene changes. Actors who whistled could confuse them and cause mistakes in scene changes that could be dangerous to actors and crew alike.

EJ 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 EJ 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.

Located Located within within the the heart heart ofofthe ofthe the Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Valley Valley Located within the heart Cuyahoga Valley

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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.

EJ THOMAS HALL

The sound-reflecting ceiling is the most unique and troublesome feature of the building, with EJ 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.

2017-2018 Season

in front of the audience receiving pay. So wishing an actor “break a leg” is wishing them a good paid performance.

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This moment brought to you by you.

Caring isn’t just reserved for doctors and nurses. Akron Children’s Hospital is able to improve the lives of children like Jordan because of caring people like you.

Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a positive impact on our patients.

What moment will you help make possible? Please give at akronchildrens.org/donate.