EJ Thomas Hall 2019 Season

2018-2019 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 2

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

We have an exciting year of diverse performances planned with worldclass 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 and friends 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.

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

Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations

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

2018-2019 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 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

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.

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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: 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 Safety First – Listen to the pre-show announcements and note the emergency exit routes. n Read the program notes. n 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 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. 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 select shows. n In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.

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

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

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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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CineConcerts is one of the leading producers of live music experiences performed with visual media. Founded by producer/conductor Justin Freer and producer/writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts has engaged millions of people worldwide in concert presentations that redefine the evolution of live experience. Recent and current live concert experiences include Gladiator, The Godfather, It’s a Wonderful Life, DreamWorks Animation In Concert, Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Justin Freer has quickly become one of the most sought-after conductors of film music with a long list of full symphonic live to projection projects. He has appeared with some of the world’s leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From full-length movie screenings with live orchestra to music-interactive sporting event experiences to original 3D-environment holiday programming, CineConcerts is at the forefront of live entertainment.

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EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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Produced by CineConcerts Justin Freer..........................................President/Founder/Producer Brady Beaubien..............................................Co-Founder/Producer Director of Production....................................................Jeffery Sells Head of Publicity & Communications.....................Andrew Alderete General Manager.........................................................Nicolas Rehm Brand/Marketing/IP Acquisition..............................Ma’ayan Kaplan Brand/Marketing Manager.....................................Brittany Fonseca Brand/Marketing & PR Manager..................................Molly Kossoff Brand/Marketing Manager.....................................................Si Peng Office Manager...............................................................Gabe Cheng Worldwide Representation...............................WME Entertainment Music Preparation....................................JoAnn Kane Music Service Music Editing.....................................................................Ed Kalnins Playback Operation & Synthesizer Production..............iMusicImage Sound Remixing..................Justin Moshkevich, Igloo Music Studios Merchandising...................................................................Firebrand About Warner Bros. Consumer Products Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and logo © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

Studio 7 Ph Studio 7 Photography

Angelo Lemmo C h o re o g ra p h y

Saturday,2:00pm

Sponsored by

Canton Ballet Sponsored Barre Association by Canton Ballet Barre Association

4/14 Sunday,2:00pm Canton Palace Theatre Canton Palace Theatre

Cassandra Crowley

Cassandra Crowley

A r t i s t i c & E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o r

A r t i s t i c & E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o r

cantonballet.com | 330.455.7220 cantonballet.com | 330.455.7220

EJ THOMAS HALL

4/13 Saturday,2:00pm 4/13 4/14 Sunday,2:00pm

2018-2019 Season

Angelo Lemmo C h o re oInnovative! g ra p h y Compelling! Original!

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Performances at the beautifully restored Park Theatre

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magicaltheatre.org 565 W Tuscarawas Ave • Barberton

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JOHN JESENSKY - Conductor Composer/conductor JOHN JESENSKY earned his B.M. in Music Composition from the Hartt School of Music under the tutelage of composer Stephen Gryc, as well as leading wind ensemble conductor Glen Adsit. John was awarded his M.M. in Film Composition from New York University, where he studied with John Hughes’ longtime collaborator, composer/conductor Ira Newborn.

During his tenure at NYU, Jesensky’s score to Michael Daugherty’s short, Season’s Greetings won the Skirball Film Scoring Competition. Upon graduation, he was presented the Elmer Bernstein Award for Film Composition.

Several of his scores have made appearances and won awards at events such as the Cannes Film Festival, L.A. Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Hollyshorts Film Festival, D.C. Film Festival and Phoenix Film Festival.

During his conducting tenure, he has directed some of the finest ensembles within North America, South America and Europe in performance of concerts including Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage, The Godfather: Live, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Harry Potter Film Concert Series.

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Jesensky remains an active and prolific composer in Los Angeles, writing music for short and feature-length films, while also composing/conducting classical works for chamber and orchestral ensembles.

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OISES

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Visit us at our Open House on April 28 • 1 - 2:30 p.m.

2018-2019 Season

Big, world-changing moments.

Every day, at Old Trail School.

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JOHN WILLIAMS - Composer In a career spanning five decades, John Williams has become one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and for the concert stage, and he remains one of our nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices. He has composed the music and served as music director for more than one hundred films, including all seven Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, Superman, JFK, Born on the Fourth of July, Memoirs of a Geisha, Far and Away, The Accidental Tourist, Home Alone and The Book Thief. His 40-year artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg has resulted in many of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and successful films, including Schindler’s List, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Indiana Jones films, Munich, Saving Private Ryan, The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse and Lincoln.

His contributions to television music include scores for more than 200 television films for the groundbreaking, early anthology series Alcoa Theatre, Kraft Television Theatre, Chrysler Theatre and Playhouse 90, as well as themes for NBC Nightly News (“The Mission”), NBC’s Meet the Press, and the PBS arts showcase Great Performances. He also composed themes for the 1984, 1988, and 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. He has received five Academy Awards and fifty Oscar nominations, making him the Academy’s mostnominated living person and the second-most nominated person in the history of the Oscars.

He has received seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), twenty-three Grammys, four Golden Globes, five Emmys, and numerous gold and platinum records. In 2003, he received the Olympic Order (the IOC’s highest honor) for his contributions to the Olympic movement. He received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December of 2004. In 2009, Mr. Williams was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and he received the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists by the U.S. Government. In 2016, he received the 44th Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute – the first time in their history that this honor was bestowed upon a composer.

In January 1980, Mr. Williams was named nineteenth music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra, succeeding the legendary Arthur Fiedler. He currently holds the title of Boston Pops Laureate Conductor which he assumed following his retirement in December, 1993, after fourteen highly successful seasons. He also holds the title of Artist-in-Residence at Tanglewood. Mr. Williams has composed numerous works for the concert stage, among them two symphonies, and concertos commissioned by several of the world’s leading orchestras, including a cello concerto for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a bassoon concerto for the New York Philharmonic, a trumpet concerto for The Cleveland Orchestra, and a horn concerto for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, Mr. Williams composed and arranged “Air and Simple Gifts” especially for the first inaugural ceremony of President Barack Obama, and in September 2009, the Boston Symphony premiered a new concerto for harp and orchestra entitled “On Willows and Birches”.

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 In Shakespeare’s time, the room where the actors 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.” 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.

And the most likely explanation…

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

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.

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n Before modern makeup was invented, the actor’s makeup was actually 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.

The sound-reflecting ceiling is the most unique 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.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

n The room was painted green to relieve the eyes from the glare of the stage.

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 its 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

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.

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.

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 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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EJ Thomas Hall Some Trivia and History

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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.

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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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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 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 MARCH 2019 SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert 1PM

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EJ THOMAS HALL

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2019 EJ THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Don Drumm studios & gallery 437 CROUSE ST. AKRON 330.253.6268

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SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 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 APRIL 2019 THU 4/4 Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood 7:30PM SAT 4/6 ASO: Beethoven Symphony No 3 8PM THU 4/11 The University of Akron Dance Company 7:30PM FRI 4/12 The University of Akron Dance Company 7:30PM SAT 4/13 The University of Akron’s Steel Drum Band 8PM TUE 4/16 Miraculous: 7:30PM FRI 4/19 Cruel Intentions: the 90’s Musical Experience 8PM MAY 2019 SAT 5/4 ASO: West Side Story (Symphony Concert Version) 8PM SAT 5/11 The University of Akron Spring Commencement 10AM SAT 5/11 The University of Akron Spring Commencement 2PM SAT 5/11 The University of Akron Spring Commencement 6PM SUN 5/12 The University of Akron Spring Commencement 10AM SUN 5/12 The University of Akron Spring Commencement 2PM TUE 5/14 Broadway in Akron: Something Rotten 7:30PM WED 5/15 Broadway in Akron: Something Rotten 7:30PM THU 5/16 Akron Community Foundation: Concert and Conversations with Peter Buffet 7:30PM

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2018-2019 Season

Wayne County

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Advertise in the EJ Thomas Hall Programs Contact Ruth Krise 330.714.2704 for More Information

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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

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

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I build by taking apart.

I see what I’m capable of.

I find solutions.

I ask bigger questions.

I make today count.

Big, world-changing moments.

Every day, at Old Trail School.

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

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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: 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 is 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.

STANDING OVATION ($750+) Linda & Wes VanFossen Arlene Nettling Mark and Sandra Auburn Barbara Crucs

APPLAUSE Judit Puskas and Gabor Kaszas Virginia Wojno-Forney Tom & Shirley Waltermire Marc and Sharon Merklin Alexis R Adams Connie and Thomas Repko Michael & Virginia Hoffman Thomas Luck Carl Young

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RAVE ($500+) Thomas and Diane Vukovich Molly Plaskett Jay Hershey Marianne Uhl James & Paula Trenta Chuck & Sue Walker James & Lindsey Hindel Faith and Thane Cook

Marcia Adair and Dick Edwards Jim and Louise Harvey Nathan & Karen Mortimer Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Dianne Kauffman Kevin Lauterjung William & Lesley Waldman

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

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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.

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From The New York Times­—Ada Louise Huxtable

EJ THOMAS HALL

They got it all together in Akron. The trials and errors of a 15 year performing arts center building boom in the United States have finally produced a superb structure—the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

It happened in Akron, not in New York, where the performance halls of Lincoln Center look, and are, provincial by comparison, or in any of the cities that call themselves the country’s cultural capitals. This is a building of which any world capital could be proud.

Norman P. Auburn President Emeritus, The Univeristy of Akron This majestic structure will now serve as a cultural bridge, linking together a thriving community and a great University John Ballard, Mayor, City of Akron

2018-2019 Season

The opening of the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall marks a new era for Akron and the surrounding area

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For off-campus adventures, Ohio Living Rockynol is within minutes of renowned museums, quality theater and entertainment, professional sporting events, shopping, and numerous golf courses.

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