EJ Thomas Hall 2018 Season

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Dear Patron, Welcome to our 45th season at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall!

We have an exciting year of diverse performances planned with world-class artists, cutting edge programming and many opportunities to see and hear the work of our talented University of Akron students. Our mission is to present performances that are fulfilling, technically remarkable, and inspirational in the finest artistic sense. We hope you, your family members and friends will enjoy many of them!

Our season begins with performances from our resident tenants: The Akron Symphony, Tuesday Musical and Playhouse Square. Among the highlights of this special season is Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox—spend an evening singing and moving as your favorite pop tunes are spun into old sounds. Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short will provide an unforgettable evening of laughter. Look for a night of magic, more humor and silliness with comedian Piff the Magic Dragon. For the holiday season, we have Cirque Dream Holidaze and Tuba Christmas. And, returning for another performance is Harry Potter and the Akron Symphony’s cinematic performance of “The Prisoner of Azkaban.”

With Playhouse Square, we are bringing the best of Broadway to the Thomas Hall stage.

This year, our Broadway in Akron series will feature “Rock of Ages,” “The Sound of Music,” “Finding Neverland” and “Something Rotten.”

We invite you to stay connected to Thomas Hall by visiting us online at UAevents.com and signing up for our weekly e-news. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/EJThomasHall for contests, pre-sale offers and more.

We begin this season, like every season, with gratitude. We have so many generous patrons and faithful audience members who would never miss a program.

EJ THOMAS HALL

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

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

2018-2019 Season

Wayne County

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Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations

One of a kind shopping and dining experiences in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country — less than an hour away!

428 W. Liberty St. Wooster, OH 44691 wccvb.com 1.800.362.6474 #getawayne

your performance will stick with us forever.

The arts serve as a source of inspiration for us all.

That’s why PNC is proud to support The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, home to Broadway in Akron, The Akron Symphony Orchestra, and Tuesday Musical Association.

©2018 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 4

GENERAL INFORMATION Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office .........................330-253-2488 Information Counter .........330-972-6828 General Information ..........330-972-7595 Website ...................................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 a 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 to enter the Hall.

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 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 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 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. continued on page 6

Committed to your health and the community.

World class care, close to home.

akrongeneral.org

330.344.2273

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 6

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.

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

Subscriber Lounge As a season subscriber to the Broadway in Akron performances, you not only “lock in” your seats from season-toseason, 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.

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: 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.

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

Read the program notes.

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

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

Theater Policies 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.

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.

Smoke Free/Tobacco Free – EJ Thomas Hall is a smoke and tobacco free building.

This includes e-cigarettes.

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

Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety.

For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at EJ Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows.

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.

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 Miles and Lucianna 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.

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 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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Music & Lyrics

Jill Winters & David Scott Scenic Design

Jon Craine Marketing Direction

Clarity Marketing Liz McFadden Act & Training Director

Youri Klepatsky

Costume Direction

Lighting Design

Katt Simon

Costume Design

Cirque Productions

Brad Haynes Exclusive Tour Direction

East Bank Entertainment Matt Chinn, President

Production Direction

Betsy Herst

Creative Consultant

Sean DeFreitas

Assistant Artistic Director

Heather Hoffman

Associate Choreographer

Alex Buckner

Music, Talent & Casting Director

Jill Winters

Created & Directed by

Neil Goldberg ___________________

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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............................................................................................................................. Humbug, Diablo Soldier ONCE UPON A DREAM.........................................................................Angel, Ice Queen, Dickens & Company SPINNING TIME.......................................................................................................Diablo Soldier & Ornaments MAJESTICAL................................................................................................. Spiraling Aerialists & Trumpeteers CHUGGIN’......................................................................................................Holiday, Winter & Christmas Elves ROCKIN AROUND............................................................... Skating Engineer, Caboose, Singers & Ornaments COOL AS ICE………………………………......................................................................... Ice Statue & Statuette WINTER WONDERLAND................................................................... Skipping Reindeer, Snowmen & Carolers DECK THE HALLS………………………………………………………............................. Candle Stacker & Elves SURPRISE..................................................................................................................................... Candle Tricks HOLD ON TIGHT............................................................North Pole Helper, Santa’s Helper, Singers & 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’ Foot Peddler, Elvis & Singers THE BIG SPIN...................................................................................................................... Spinner & Company A SPARKLING NEW YEAR........................................................................NYE Soldier, Soldierette & Company BOUNCE…………………………………………..............................…………………Bauble Juggler & Ornaments BAND TOGETHER…………………………………………………………..........................Elf, Band of Ornaments MARCH ON LINE......................................................................................................................Sway Line Guard PENGUINS................................................................................................................ Balancing Penguin & Flock HIGHER....................................................................................................................................Penguins Reprise HOLY NIGHT............................................................................. Flying Angels, Singers, Ornaments & Company ALL ABOARD..................................................................................................................The Holidaze 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.

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THE CAST OF ORNAMENTS Semen Belozertsev (Russia)................................... Humbug, Maestro, Sway Line Guard Michael C. Brown (USA).......................................................... Singing Dickens, Elf, Elvis Dmytro Bogodist (Ukraine).........................................................NYE Soldier, Lumberjack Sergiy Chmara (Ukraine)....................................................................... Fashionista, Time Jose Cuenca-Torres (Ecuador)........................................................Spiraling Aerialist, Elf Tyler DeBeauclair (USA).................................................... Skipping Reindeer, Ornament Victor Dodonov (Latvia)............................................. Candle Stacker, Balancing Penguin Alexandra Doman (USA)....................................................................... Singing Angel, Elf Irina Guseva (Russia).................................................................Foot Peddler, Mrs. Claus Ian Henry (USA)................................................................. Skipping Reindeer, Ornament Olga Ivanov (Ukraine)............................................................. Party Trickster Acrobat, Elf Kateryna Kalyta (Ukraine)..........................................NYE Soldierette, Candy Girl, Jewel Tomasz Kaskow (Poland).................................................................Ice Statue, Mr. Baker Ashenafi Kebebew (Ethiopia)...................................................... Candy & Cookie Flipper Anthony Klein (USA).......................................................... Skipping Reindeer, Ornament Polina Konovalova (Russia).......................................................................Santa’s Helper Melody Lieberman (USA)...............................................................Singing Ice Queen, Elf Salih Mahammed (Ethiopia).................................................Bauble Juggler, Candy Cane Byron Malquin-Castillo (Ecuador).....................................................Spiraling Aerialist, Elf Serhii Marchenko (Ukraine)................................................. Soaring Ribbon, Flying Angel Maria Fatima Martinez-Huertas (Spain)........................................ Ice Statuette, Tree Top Slava Petrov (Russia).............................................................. Party Trickster Acrobat, Elf Mariachiara Scarabelli (Italy)……………………………………......Fashionista, Mrs. Baker Matthew Scoville (USA)...................................................... Skipping Reindeer, Ornament Anna Shkliaeva (Russia).....................................................................Flying Angel, Jewel Bruke Tola (Ethiopia)..............................................................Cookie Flipper, Holiday Toy David Tystko (Ukraine).............................................................. Diablo Soldier, Ornament Ilia Zaichkin (Russia)........................................................... North Pole Helper, Poinsettia Holler Zavatta (Italy)…………………………......................... Skating Engineer, Ornament Kimberly Zavatta (Italy)........................................................ Skating Caboose, Ornament ____________________________________________________________________ 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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BEHIND THE SCENES Founder, Artistic Director................................................................................................................Neil Goldberg VP Creative, Music & Talent .............................................................................................................. Jill Winters Artistic & Choreography Direction............................................................................................ Heather Hoffman Associate Choreographer................................................................................................................Alex Buckner Creative Consultant.....................................................................................................................Sean DeFreitas Artistic Director’s Liaison.................................................................................................................Stacey Keller Director of Business Operations......................................................................................................Gina Damato Business Affairs & Logistics...............................................................................................................Brian Levitz Marketing Direction....................................................................................................................... Liz McFadden Marketing & Media Relations Manager......................................... .......................................................Lisa Horn Project Director................................................................................................................................... Dan Fisher Associate Designer....................................................................................................................... Linde Aseltine Production Designer & Technical Supervisor.................................................................................... Betsy Herst Lighting Designer............................................................................................................................Brad Haynes Original Lighting Design.................................................................................................................... Katie Bruce Artistic Coach/Rigger.................................................................................................................... Iouri Klepatsky Prop Master....................................................................................................................................Arnie Braman Costume Shop Director...................................................................................................................... Katt Simon Costume Design Team.................. Santiago Rojo, Francisca Reyes, Tetiana Chugai, Luisa Arias, Erin Charles Daily Business Liaison.................................................................................................................Wendie Carper “The Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation”.........................................................Allison Senser, Executive Director Project Coordinators.............................................................................. Ariane Badour-Williams, David Stauffer CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE TOURING COMPANY Company Manager.........................................................................................................................Landon Shaw Stage Manager..............................................................................................................................Megan Barrett Lighting Director ......................................................................................................................... Jennifer Crump Sound Engineer............................................................................................................................. Kevin Thurber Aerial Rigger...........................................................................................................................Roman Molchanov Prop Master.................................................................................................................... Carina Torres-Resendiz Head Carpenter..............................................................................................................................Aaron Adame Wardrobe Supervisor...............................................................................................................Jennifer Mohrman 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 Payroll Service...............................................................................................................................CAPS Payroll Public Relations..................................................................................................................Terri Lynn/Superstars Legal-Entertainment.................................................................................... Ross B. Rosen & Associates, PLLC Legal-Intellectual Property..................................................................................................... Lewis & Roca, LLP CIRQUE DREAMS SHOW BOOKING INFORMATION Exclusive Tour Direction......................................................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 CIRQUE PRODUCTIONS at DREAM STUDIOS 1985 N.W. 18 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-975-9525 www.cirqueproductions.com

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HOLIDAZZLE THROUGH THE YEARS… Cirque Dreams Holidaze is one of the nations most iconic and successful holiday shows ever produced. In 2006, Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg conceived and presented a Holiday show to replace the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that performed annually at the Grand Palace Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Many US theatre owners & presenters attended the show during its 5-week engagement.

Most believed there was not a successful business model to produce and present a 6-week touring Holiday show in the US. Since then, Cirque Dreams Holidaze remains an audience, family and fan favorite.

When the 2008 success of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy on Broadway exceeded all expectations, demand piqued for Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The show was to include elaborate stage sets, ornate costumes, holiday themed original and licensed music, extravagant production numbers, and a medley of diversified talent from around the world. Every element of the show would be designed to celebrate 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 and theatres to The Kennedy Center and the Grand Ole Opry House, popularity and demand grew evolving into multiple and simultaneous touring productions.

Today, the show features some of the best, never-before-seen, 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 throughout the world. In 2016 Cirque Dreams Holidaze began airing seasonally as a made for PBS television special. The show, artists, scenes, costumes, music and everything celebrated in the holiday season continues evolving bringing audiences, year after year, new and exciting holiday entertainment for the entire family.

With unparalleled critical acclaim and millions of fans across the country celebrating their holidays 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.

CIRQUE DREAMS ENTERTAINMENT BRAND Over 50 million people have experienced a Cirque Dreams brand show in theatres, casinos, theme parks, cruise lines, on Broadway and around the world. After decades of Entertainment Innovation, Cirque Dreams has garnered the praise of critics around the country from USA Today, Associated Press and the New York Times to CNN, Today Show and Fox & Friends. Founder Neil Goldberg has been declared “One of today’s leading theatrical impresarios” by The LA Times and “Uniquely ingenious” by the New York Daily News. The Cirque Dreams franchise is a global entertainment brand of popular shows throughout the world: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Illumination, Cirque Dreams & Steam, Cirque Dreams Epicurean & Cirque Dreams Unwrapped are just a few.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy remains one of the company’s original and most renowned, critically acclaimed productions. Proclaimed, “The grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas” by New York Magazine, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 2008 and was the first show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway. The show received a coveted, American Theatre Wing, Best Costume Design 5

nomination and furthered its critical acclaim in 2010 when pop icon Debbie Gibson performed the leading role of Mother Nature at the MGM Grand Theatre, Foxwoods, Connecticut. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy received the 2011 Brass Ring award for live entertainment excellence at Busch Gardens Tampa, was featured on an episode of MTV’s MADE and toured the world with United States Armed Forces entertaining over 100,000 troops and their families at 17 military installations throughout 10 countries.

Cirque Dreams has partnered with Sony ATV Music, MTV, American Express, MOMA, Microsoft, IBM, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott Corporation, Palace Resorts and more. Cirque Dreams shows have been produced for Disney, Busch Gardens and Six Flags theme parks and have appeared in casinos worldwide including MGM, Harrah’s, Caesars, Ballys, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Hilton Hotels and others. Performing in more than 500 US cities and over 30 countries, some prominent engagements have been at the Kennedy Center; the Grand Ole Opry House; Alte Oper House, Frankfurt, Germany; Salle des Etoiles, Monaco; and the Ministry of Bahrain Summer Festival.

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’ Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando and Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor.

Now in its 11th holiday season, Cirque Dreams will present 5 companies performing in over 30 US cities, including a return engagement at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville.

In 2005 the company opened Dream Studios, a 25,000sq.ft. facility supporting the brands growing demand and ensuring product quality, service and management. 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. Jill Winters, Cirque Dreams VP Creative, Music & Talent, 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. Dream Studios in-house rehearsal space trains over 250 artists yearly from around the world and composes 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 that have wowed audiences, theatres, fashion shows, museums and been featured amongst some of the top designer fashion showcases in the world.

Visit www.cirqueproductions.com

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2018-2019 Season EJ THOMAS HALL

A Thank You…

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.

Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.

uaevents.com

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.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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 EJ Thomas Hall to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at EJ Thomas Hall.

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 10

2018-2019 EJ THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OCTOBER 2018 SAT 10/13 Doo Whop Project 7:30pm SUN 10/14 Catapult: The Amazing Magic of Shadow Dance 3PM TUE 10/16 Tuesday Musical Les Violons du Roy 7:30PM WED 10/24 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Back in Black & White Tour 7:30PM THU 10/25 Knight Lecture Series—Ann Curry 7:30PM SAT 10/27 Confucius Institute 7PM NOVEMBER 2018 THU 11/1 Arlo Guthrie—Alice’s Restaurant— Back By Popular Demand 8PM FRI 11/2 Steve Martin and Martin Short 8PM SAT 11/3 Tuesday Musical: The Tell-Tale Heart Musical Ghost Story 7:30PM SUN 11/4 An Evening With: Stephen Marley Acoustic 8PM WED 11/7 UA School of Music: Collage 7:30PM THU 11/8 Simon and Garfunkel Story—50th Anniversary Tour 7:30PM FRI 11/9 The University of Akron: Akron A Cappella 8PM

SAT 11/10 TUE 11/13 WED 11/14 FRI 11/16 TUE 11/27 FRI 11/30

Piff the Magic Dragon 8PM Broadway in Akron: Rock of Ages 7:30PM Broadway in Akron: Rock of Ages ASO: Verdi and Valkyries 8PM Amy Ray and Her Band 8PM 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show

DECEMBER 2018 SAT 12/1 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show SUN 12/2 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show TUE 12/4 Broadway in Akron: Sound of Music 7:30Pm WED 12/5 Broadway in Akron: Sound of Music 7:30PM FRI 12/7 ASO: Home for the Holidays 7:30PM SAT 12/8 Tuba Christmas 10AM & 2PM SAT 12/8 NUANCE Holiday Show 8PM SUN 12/9 UA School of Music: Jingle Jazz 3PM SAT 12/15 The University of Akron Commencement 10AM SAT 12/15 The University of Akron Commencement 1:30PM TUE 12/18 Cirque Dreams Holidaze 7:30PM FRI 12/28 Akron Children’s Hospital Charity Ball 8PM

EJ THOMAS HALL

FEBRUARY 2019 SAT 2/2 UA Dance Institute: Snow Maiden 7:30PM SUN 2/3 UA Dance Institute: Snow Maiden 3PM SAT 2/9 ASO: La Mer 8PM TUE 2/12 Tuesday Musical: Lawrence Brownlee 7:30PM THU 2/14 UA School of Music: University of Akron Band Clinic FRI-SUN 2/15-17 Beyond the Stars Dance Competition SAT 2/23 ASO Pops: Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30PM TUE 2/26 Tuesday Musical: Joshua Bell 7:30PM

MARCH 2019 SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azaban in Concert 1PM SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azaban in Concert 7:30PM TUE 3/5 Broadway in Akron: Finding Neverland 7:30PM WED 3/6 Broadway in Akron: Finding Neverland 7:30PM THU 3/7 UA Foundation Lecture: Jim Clapper, Admiral Mike Mullen, and Lisa Monaco FRI 3/8 One Night in Memphis 8PM TUE 3/12 Tuesday Musical: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center 7:30PM SAT 3/16 ASO: Also sprach Zarathustra 8PM THU 3/21 UA School of Music: Jazzfest 7:30PM FRI 3/22 UA School of Music: Jazzfest 7:30PM SAT 3/23 One Funny Mother—Dena Blizzard 8PM THU 3/28 Tuesday Musical: Escher String Quartet 7:30PM SAT 3/30 Groundworks 8PM

2018-2019 Season

JANUARY 2019 TUE 1/15 RHPB: Sailesh 9:09PM SAT 1/19 ASO: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 8PM TUE 1/22 Tuesday Musical: Calidore String Quartet 7:30PM FRI 1/25 UA School of Music: Vocal-Choral Festival 4PM SAT 1/26 Vagina Monologues 8PM

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

I build by taking apart.

I see what I’m capable of.

I find solutions.

I ask bigger questions.

I make today count.

Contact us to schedule a personal tour today. admission@oldtrail.org | oldtrail.org/admission | 330.666.1118

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Big, world-changing moments.

Every day, at Old Trail School.

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

EJ THOMAS HALL STAFF Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA njm9@uakron.edu

Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu

Melissa Paul Special Projects mlpaul@uakron.edu

Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu

Patricia Donovan Theatre Manager patric3@uakron.edu

Thomas Stewart Technical Services Associate tstewar@uakron.edu

Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO

Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Volunteer at EJ Thomas Hall – Make Friends, Make Memories, Make a Difference Would you like to join our volunteer usher program? Our volunteer ushers greet patrons at the door or assist them to their seat while helping to enhance the theatre experience. Ushers generously give their time and talents to support and inspire performing arts at EJ Thomas Hall. Duties include reading tickets, scanning tickets and directing patrons to their seats.

As a team member you see a variety of programs while assisting the public. If you love to share your passion for the arts, we would love to have you on our team! For more information on our volunteer usher program call 330-972-7595 or volunteers@ejthomashall.com

2018-2019 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

“Volunteer ushering at EJ Thomas Hall rewards me with one interesting experience after another!”—Carol, volunteer usher.

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

Located on the top floor of the Hall, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. Memberships include such perks as: Reserved or complimentary parking Food and beverage vouchers Access to special club members services 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.

If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club contact Margo Ohlson at 330-972-7170 or mohlson@uakron.edu.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

BRAVO! ($1,500+) Mr. and Mrs. Miklos Gaspar Julia Myers Randy and Mary Jo Worthington STANDING OVATION ($750+) Barbara J. Crucs Thomas J. Dudek Wes and Linda Van Fossen Arlene Nettling

APPLAUSE DuWayne and Dorothy Hansen Dr. Judit Puskas and Dr. Gabor Kaszas Virginia B. Wojno-Forney Michael and Virginia Hoffman Dr. Thomas and Connie Repko

Don rumm studios & gallery 437 CROUSE ST. AKRON 330.253.6268 4

uaevents.com

RAVE ($500+) Dr. James and Barbara Noonan Drs. Thomas J. and Diane Vukovich Molly Plaskett Jay R. Hershey Roger Read Nathan and Karen Mortimer Marcia Adair/Richard Edwards Marianne Uhl Patricia S. Brown Leslie and Kevin Christensen Chuck and Sue Walker The James T. Hindel Family Mr. and Mrs. James W. Trenta Jim and Louise Kuhns Harvey

EJ THOMAS HALL

Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provides 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.

2018-2019 Season

FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

DONDRUMMSTUDIOS.COM

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2018-2019 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

uaevents.com

2018-2019 Season EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

uaevents.com

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Live Life Your Way Ohio Living Rockynol is located on 15 acres of beautiful park-like grounds, creating a perfect setting for early morning walks, fresh air, and family and social gatherings by the ponds. )RU RÉŁ FDPSXV DGYHQWXUHV 2KLR /LYLQJ 5RFN\QRO LV ZLWKLQ PLQXWHV RI renowned museums, quality theater and entertainment, professional sporting events, shopping, and numerous golf courses.

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