EJ THOMAS HALL THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON ■ 2023-2024 SEASON
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As we embrace the festive season, we are filled with gratitude and warmth for the continued support and presence of each and every one of you. Happy Holidays! This time of year is truly enchanting, and it’s even more magical when shared with you, our cherished patrons. The joy and wonder that this season brings are not limited to the twinkling lights and shimmering decorations; they also take center stage at E.J. Thomas Hall. We are thrilled to see the faces of our younger audience members light up as they experience the holiday shows that have become a tradition for many of you. From the mesmerizing Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the big and soulful sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the harmonious performances of Akron Symphony’s Holiday show, the enchanting journey aboard the Polar Express, to the timeless classic, A White Christmas, our stage is set to transport you to a world of wonder and joy.
As we reflect on this magical time of year, we are thankful for our patrons who have made our journey possible over the past 50 years. It has been an incredible half-century, and we look forward to what the future holds with great anticipation. Thank you for being a part of our family, and may this holiday season fill your lives with the same joy and magic you bring to ours. Happy Holidays!
EJ THOMAS HALL
This holiday season, we encourage you to consider the gift of live entertainment. Experiences have a way of creating lasting memories that go beyond material possessions. We invite you to explore our website, ejthomashall.com, for a full list of upcoming performances. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, as the memories made at our hall will be cherished for years to come.
2023-2024 Season
Dear Valued Patrons,
With warmest regards,
Sep. 28–Oct. 1
Oct. 27–Nov. 9
Wright-Curtis Theatre
E. Turner Stump Theatre
Dec. 1–3
E. Turner Stump Theatre Dance ’23
PASSAGE by Christopher Chen
Feb. 16–25
CABARET Book by Joe Masteroff Based on the play by John Van Druten and Stories by Christopher Isherwood Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Apr. 5–7
E. Turner Stump Theatre
E. Turner Stump Theatre
Apr. 19–28
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations
Wright-Curtis Theatre
KENT Dance ENSEMBLE Concert
Musical Arrangements and Stories Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Steve Skinner Billy Aronson Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements Tim Weil
Dramaturg Lynn Thomson
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop
Tickets
330-672-2787 WWW.KENT.EDU/THEATREDANCE
EVERYBODY by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
ejthomashall.com
RENT Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
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2023-2024 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
ejthomashall.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office..........................330-253-2488 General Information...........330-972-7595 Website............................ejthomashall.com
Ticket Office
Guest Services
Advance tickets are available at the E.J. Thomas Hall Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 am-4 pm. On days of shows, the Box Office is open two hours prior to show times and is located in the parking deck.
Assistive Listening System With the help of generous donors, E.J. has installed new sound and lighting systems to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences. Our new Williams Assisted Listening system allows live audio streaming to personal hearing devices over Wi-Fi; a fantastic addition that will enable a more immersive and accessible experience for attendees. To access connect to WaveCAST App, open the app, select the “Discover by IP” option and enter “10.48.30.12” and you are connected.
Refunds – Please check your tickets carefully, as all sales are final. Exchanges are not permitted. Refunds are given if an event is canceled and are refunded to the original purchaser at the point of purchase. Beware of Ticket Scalpers E.J. Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties. Tickets to E.J. Thomas Hall events may not be resold at a premium. Tickets ordered within nine (9) days of the performance will be held at Will Call. A photo ID is required to pick up Will Call tickets. Gift Certificates are available and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase. Cancellations, postponed events, or inclement weather – On rare occasions severe weather may cause E.J. Thomas Hall to cancel or postpone an event. Event cancellation information is available by calling The University of Akron emergency information number at 330972-SNOW (7669.) You may also visit our website, Facebook page, or Twitter for the most up-to-date information.
Accessible Seating E.J. Thomas Hall has seating for patrons in wheelchairs and special needs at Entry 10 in the Orchestra and Entry 14 on the Grand Tier level. Patrons needing assistance to their seat may stop at the Information Counter in McCormick Lobby. An usher will assist you with wheelchair transportation to your seating area. Requests should be made when ordering tickets by calling the Ticket Office at 330253-2488. Handicap Parking There are a limited number of handicap parking spaces available in the E.J. Thomas Hall parking deck. Additional spaces are located in Lots 26 and 27, directly across from the Hill Street entrance. Show a valid H/C permit and traffic police will direct you to the nearest spot. Parking Event parking fees vary based on production contracts and lot availability may fluctuate.
2023-2024 Season
Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building. Family Events Some events at E.J. Thomas Hall are specifically designed for children and families, and we encourage you to enjoy these events. For performances not suitable for young children, parents are asked to use discretion.
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.
In general: n Read the program notes.
n Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety. n For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at E.J. Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows. n In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
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.
n Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time.
EJ THOMAS HALL
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.
Theater Policies n Cameras or any other recording devices are not permitted. Please silence all electronic devices as a courtesy to both other audience members and the performers.
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ejthomashall.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2023-2024 Season 6
Holiday Events
NOVEMBER 25, 2023 First Snow First Snow brings the spirit of the nation’s favorite rock holiday orchestra to audiences as an amazing tribute show for all ages! This unique Christmas music experience focuses on the musical & vocal precision that the famous American rock holiday orchestra is known for, with an elegant, exciting & engaging rock show. Every year First Snow has performed the show has gotten bigger and better than the years previous, and this season is going to be the best yet!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. With an original musical score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery, and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!
NOVEMBER 30, 2023 The Midtown Men After originating the lead roles of Jersey Boys on Broadway, The Midtown Men formed their skilled vocal group, specializing in 1960s hits, and of course, holiday favorites. They became the first vocal group formed from the principal cast of a successful Broadway show.
DECEMBER 10, 2023 Sparkly Bows and Mistletoe ’Tis the Season to Sparkle! Join “The Reflections” (Theresa Rose, Gill Kinsinger and Liz Simpson) as they take you on a musical journey to the past! This Musical Variety Show concert will feature stylistic reworked versions of your favorite holiday songs of Christmas past. By the end of the show, you’ll feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.
DECEMBER 6, 2023 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Cirque Dreams Holidaze has been entertaining its fans, young and old, for the better part of a decade, and now you can experience the magic for yourself!
The three-lady cast & full band will take you through various decades (the 40s through 70s), using humor, skits and beautifully unique vocal harmonies that will excite and entertain audiences of all ages!
2023-2024 Season EJ THOMAS HALL
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has always made writing original music a priority and the holidays are no exception. Rockabilly Christmas, Last Night (I Went Out With Santa Claus), Christmas Time in Tinsel Town, and the beautiful and reflective It Feels Like Christmas Time are the band’s take on the many feelings of the holidays. DECEMBER 15, 2023 Michael Cavanaugh The Broadway star brings his famous showmanship for a high-energy show filled with Christmas classics and modern holiday songs. The charismatic Grammy and Emmy nominee Michael Cavanaugh gained fame after he was hand-picked by Billy Joel to star in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. The talented pianist and singer has since performed concerts across the world, including major symphony orchestra specials. His interpretation of the modern rock/pop classics inspired Billboard to
ejthomashall.com
Fun arrangements of classics in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy style include Jingle Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and Winter Wonderland. The “Andrews Sisters” meets the blues in their version of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and the just-as-classic Heat Miser song transports listeners back to yet another beloved holiday television special. The band rips through Chuck Berry’s Run, Run Rudolph, Lou Rawls’ Merry Christmas Baby, and slows things down nice and easy for Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas. Expect detours to New Orleans for Frosty the Snowman and the Caribbean for a calypso-style A Party For Santa to keep
things interesting. The band also takes a moment to reflect on the beauty and spirituality of the holidays with their moving arrangement of We Three Kings.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
DECEMBER 12, 2023 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy For nearly 25 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world while their unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event. Drawing on a rich catalog of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s two full-length holiday albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its world-renowned live show and fun and quirky take on the holidays to you.
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ejthomashall.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2023-2024 Season 8
WE HAVE STORIES TO TELL
Holiday Events call him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook.” This holiday show combines modern Christmas songs like “Last Christmas” and “Wonderful Christmastime” with classic holiday hits like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to create a fun, rockin’ musical show for the yuletide season. Sprinkle in a selection of classic pop and rock songs by Billy Joel, Elton John and more, and even Scrooges will be dancing in their seats! DECEMBER 16, 2023 The Magical Polar Experience All Aboard for the Magical Polar Experience – an interactive movie experience unlike any other. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by musicians, a conductor, and stow-a-ways who will punch your tickets. You’ll then be seated where the fun will begin! Please come dressed in your pajamas and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF LEARNING
Watch the movie on the big screen, see live musical performances, dancers and prima ballerinas, the Northern Lights, a visit to the North Pole, a visit from the Big Guy, photo opportunities and plenty more surprises! DECEMBER 21-22, 2023 Rubber City Theatre: White Christmas Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round productions.
2023-2024 Season
H A P P IE R C HILDREN L E A R N B E TT E R.
EJ THOMAS HALL
Our comprehensive view of the child leads to an education that fosters healthy social-emotional and physical development, creativity and kindness.
Cuyahoga Valley’s Preschool to Grade 8 School Bath, Ohio | 330.666.1118
OldTrail.org 8/18/23 2:12 PM
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Old Trail School - 2023 EJ Thomas Program.indd 1
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ejthomashall.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2023-2024 Season
CHARITABLE GIVING
Akron Community Foundation is here to help generous families and individuals like you. Making your charitable dollars go the furthest toward the permanent good of our community is our number one goal.
Cash Isn’t the Only Option TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE NONPROFITS
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Can use gifts of life insurance, real estate, IRAs, appreciated stock and more
THE FUTURE IS UNPREDICTABLE—YOUR LEGACY SHOULDN’T BE. Together, with your advisors, we can help you navigate your way through your charitable giving options and determine which legacy giving options work best for you.
AKRONCF.ORG/PLANNEDGIVING
KSU MUSEUM
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Your Partner in
CALL US AT 330-376-8522
A LIFE IN STYLE: THE WARDROBE OF JAMES E. MULHOLLAND through Apr. 28, 2024 This exhibition tells the personal story of James E. Mulholland through a selection from his wardrobe. It is a reflection on how clothes are incorporated into a life.
Free admission for students 515 Hilltop Drive Kent, Ohio 44242 330-672-3450 www.kent.edu/museum
KNITTING BEYOND THE BODY through Aug. 1, 2024 The ancient craft of knitting is driving innovation today in unexpected ways. See how knitting is appearing in medicine, architecture, product design, research and of course, fashion.
Museum Hours
Mon.: Closed Tues. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.
Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of E.J. Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded E.J. Thomas Hall to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at E.J. Thomas Hall.
ejthomashall.com
Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
The University of Akron and E.J. Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of E.J. Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to recognize the leadership of Hodding Carter, III, former president, CEO and trustee and his predecessors Creed Black, C. Colmery Gibson and Ben Maidenburg. Special recognition is also extended to the late Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
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 millions in the Akron arts, including funding for a new national choreography center at The University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge.
2023-2024 Season
A Thank You…
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ejthomashall.com
2023-2024 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Weathervane Playhouse —2023-2024—
NOVEMBER Sat 18 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák & Tchaikovsky Sun 19 Blind Boys of Alabama Sat 25 First Snow Thu 30 The Midtown Men
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
DECEMBER Fri 1 Sat 2 Sun 3
43rd Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair
Tue 5 Tuesday Musical: The King’s Singers Wed 6 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Fri 8 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops
MUSICAL
Nov. 24–Dec. 17, 2023
Sun 10 Sparkly Bows and Mistletoe Tue 12 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Fri 15 Michael Cavanaugh Sat 16 The Polar Experience Thu 21 Rubber City Theatre: White Fri 22 Christmas Sat 23 Akron Tuba Christmas JANUARY 2024 Tue 9 The Greatest Love of All
EJ THOMAS HALL
Sat 13 Akron Symphony Orchestra: EarthQuaker & Mozart Sun 14 Ruben & Clay: Twenty Years
NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
January 11–21, 2024
Tue 30 Wed 31
Broadway in Akron: The Cher Show
FEBRUARY Sat 10 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Gospel Meets Symphony Tue 13 Tuesday Musical: Aaron Diehl Trio MARCH Sat 2 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Bruckner’s Fourth (Romantic)
2023-2024 Season
Tue 12 Tuesday Musical: Kyiv Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra
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APRIL
MUSICAL
Feb. 22–Mar. 17, 2024
WeathervanePlayhouse.com
330.836.2626
Sat 6 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky & Bowden Sat 20 Tuesday Musical: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25
Broadway in Akron: Clue A New Comedy
MAY Sat 11 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Mozart’s “Great” Mass
2023-2024 Season
About the Hall E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, built by The University of Akron (UA) and a group of dedicated community leaders, opened in October 1973 to rave reviews. Occupying three acres on the western edge of the UA campus adjacent to downtown, this $13.9 million facility is owned and operated by UA for use by students and faculty of UA and by community and civic organizations active in the performing arts.
EJ THOMAS HALL
The Hall also serves as home to The Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical Association, Children’s Concert Society and Akron Youth Symphony.
This three-level auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,955. One of the focal points of the building is the movable 44-ton ceiling which can close off either the Flying Balcony or both the Flying Balcony and Grand Tier creating a one, two or three level auditorium.
Striking a chord.
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Dinner & a Show Has Never Tasted
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Located in Goodrich Lobby and weighing in excess of 40 tons are the 27 chrome Witzman Counterweights which balance the ceiling in the house and are computer controlled. The configuration of the counterweights determines the position of the ceiling in the house. The entire transformation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
So Good Open until 1am or later
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ejthomashall.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2023-2024 Season 14
FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP E.J. 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! BRAVO! ($1,500+) Tim & Karla Caton Thane & Faith Cook Barbara Crucs Eva Gaspar Lorita & Miklos Gaspar Eric Jones Thomas Luck Dr. Roger T. & Sally Read STANDING OVATION ($750+) Dick Edwards and Marcia Adair Arlene Nettling Linda VanFossen Thomas & Diane Vukovich RAVE REVIEW ($500+) Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Faith Cook Thomas Dudek Robert Harris Louise Harvey Jay Hershey James & Lindsey Hindel Charles Kanganis Robin Konya George Leuca III Nancy L. McKnight Marc & Sharon Merklin Kyle S. Passmore Thomas & Connie Repko Keli Schimelpfenig Aaron Spaulding James and Paula Trenta Charles Walker Thomas A. Waltermire Virginia Wojno
Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provides E.J. Thomas Hall with a vital source of funding. Membership proceeds are used to make improvements at the Hall that otherwise would not be possible. If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club, contact Christin Shannon at 330-972-2440 or cnw27@uakron.edu.
PATRON Dale and Wendy Brott FirstEnergy Mike and Jennifer Saxon Sally and Roger Read Synthomer Foundation SUPPORTER LRMR Ventures Employers Health Mr. John & Dr. Sarah Adams Steinway Piano Gallery Cleveland The Beatrice K. McDowell Family Fund The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company The Lehner Family Foundation
E.J. THOMAS HALL STAFF Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Christin Shannon Front of House/Patron Services cnw27@uakron.edu Keli Schimelpfenig Marketing Manager keli@uakron.edu Joe Shannon Production Manager jshannon@uakron.edu
For the ! s y a d i hol 43 Furnace Street in Akron’s Northside District | 330.253.3808 | zeber-martell.com
Open 7 days for the holidays & complimentary gift wrapping w/purchase
TIC EXCELL TE ARTIS ENC A V E L E WITH E
E.J. THOMAS HALL
In honor of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall’s milestone anniversary, The University of Akron invites you to be part of our legacy and elevate the region’s artistic landscape with a gift. E.J. Thomas Hall has been a cultural gem for 50 incredible years, a place of inspiration, wonder, and transformation as professional talent, from around the world and homegrown, has brought joy to our community. Your generosity helps ensure this cultural treasure continues to thrive for generations to come.
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING E.J. THOMAS PERFORMING ARTS HALL? LEARN HOW: Kasey Willener Director of Development 330-972-7520 or kdw53@uakron.edu
TO GIVE NOW: n Visit uakron.edu/giving n Text UA to 41444 n Scan the QR code with your smartphone:
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The Campaign for The University of Akron
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2023 by The University of Akron – uakron.edu/eeo