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1150 W. Market St. | Akron, Ohio 44313 | ohioliving.org RN - EJ Thomas Ad 2017.indd 1
8/17/2017 3:51:15 PM
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to another exciting season at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. We hope that you enjoy performances here with family and friends, that you are amazed by the talent on stage and that each performance connects with you in a meaningful way. We have planned a variety of exciting programs this season. We hope you will save the date for such performances as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Cirque Holidaze, Letterman Christmas, Branford Marsalis, Verb Ballet, and so many others.
2017-2018 Season
Dear Patron,
As you entered the hall, we hope you noticed the improvements we have made. Regal wood panels have been installed on both sides of the lobby atrium walls, areas have received a fresh coat of paint, and new energy-saving LED lights have been installed. We are committed to preserving the integrity of the Hall for generations to enjoy.
As our season continues, stay connected with Thomas Hall by visiting our website at UAevents.com and signing up to receive our weekly e-news, and by liking our Facebook page (facebook.com/EJThomasHall) for contests, pre-sale offers and more. Thank you for supporting E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at The University of Akron.
Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA Vice President for Finance & Administration/ CFO
EJ THOMAS HALL
Thanks to the generosity of The Flying Balcony Club, a new red house curtain was purchased for the Thomas Hall stage. The curtain is colossal in size, with two panels that are each 38 feet high by 32 feet wide. To thank the members, a light will shine on the stage curtain to highlight the Flying Balcony logo before each performance.
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2017-2018 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office..........................330-253-2488 Information Counter..........330-972-6828 General Information...........330-972-7595 Lost and Found....................330-972-7595 Website........................ www.uaevents.com Ticket Office
Guest Services
Advance tickets are available at the EJ Thomas Hall Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 am-4 pm. On days of shows the Box Office is open two hours prior to show times.
Assistive Listening System The Williams Personal Assisted sound system is available at the McCormick Information counter for all performances. This is a special receiver with headphones or loop to enable the listener to hear the spoken word more clearly.
Tickets may also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at Ticketmaster outlets. There is a per ticket service charge and handling fee for all Ticketmaster purchases. Discounts are not available. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Refunds – Please check your tickets carefully, as all sales are final. Exchanges are not permitted. Refunds are given if an event is canceled and are made to the original purchaser at the point of purchase. Beware of Ticket Scalpers EJ Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties. Tickets to EJ Thomas Hall events may not be resold at a premium. Tickets ordered within nine (9) days of the performance will be held at Will Call. A photo ID is needed to pick up Will Call tickets. Gift Certificates are available and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase. Cancellations, postponed events, or inclement weather – On rare occasions severe weather may cause EJ Thomas Hall to cancel or postpone an event. Event cancellation information is available by calling The University of Akron emergency information number at 330-972-SNOW (7669.) You may also visit our website, Facebook page, or Twitter for the most upto-date information.
Accessible Seating EJ Thomas Hall has seating for patrons in wheelchairs and special needs at Entry 10 in the Orchestra and Entry 14 on the Grand Tier level. Patrons needing assistance to their seat may stop at the Information Counter in McCormick Lobby. An usher will assist you with wheelchair transportation to your seating area. Requests should be made when ordering tickets by calling the Ticket Office at 330-253-2488. Handicap Parking There are a limited number of handicap parking spaces available in the EJ Thomas Hall parking deck. Additional spaces are located in Lots 26 and 27, directly across from the Hill Street entrance. Show a valid H/C permit and traffic police will direct you to the nearest spot. There is a $5 charge for all parking. Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building. Family Events Some events at EJ Thomas Hall are specifically designed for children and families and we encourage you to enjoy these events. For performances not suitable for young children, parents are asked to use discretion.
Intermission Intermissions are 20 minutes in length. Lobby lights will flash as your signal to return to your seat for the start of the performance.
For a Wonderful Evening … Live performance is truly magical; art created from the energy flowing between people on both sides of the curtain. When you attend a show, you are part of the experience. There is no rewind or instant replay at a live event. In general: n Leave home early enough to find parking and locate your seats before the performance begins. Remember to allow time for poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, road construction and parking congestion, especially on school nights.
n Read the program notes.
n Patrons on emergency call status should leave their name and seat location at the Information Desk so that we may reach you during a pause in the performance n Smoke Free/Tobacco Free – EJ Thomas Hall is a smoke and tobacco free building. This includes e-cigarettes. n Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time. n Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety. n For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at EJ Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for selected shows. n In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.
Interested in renting EJ Thomas Hall for that special occasion or performance? Please call 330-972-7595 or email ejthomas@uakron.edu.
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n Safety First – Listen to the pre-show announcements and note the emergency exit routes.
Theater Policies n Cameras or any other recording devices are not permitted – this includes cell phones. Please silence all electronic devices as a courtesy to both other audience members and the performers.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Subscriber Lounge As a season subscriber to the Broadway in Akron shows, you not only “lock in” your seats from season to season, but you also enjoy live music, snacks and a private bar in Goodrich Lobby before the performance and during intermission. Season subscribers also receive complimentary parking for the performances, get priority offers to special events and have a personal Ticket Office contact for ticket exchange and replacement services.
Following these general rules of the theater will ensure that everyone can enjoy the show.
EJ THOMAS HALL
ATM PNC Bank has an ATM in the Ticket Office Lobby for your convenience. Food and beverage service is cash only.
n When in doubt, ask the ushers. They are here to help.
2017-2018 Season
Seating Latecomers Please note the curtain time printed on your tickets as performances begin promptly. Latecomers will be seated at a suitable pause in the program. This includes patrons who leave the auditorium before or during a selection.
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season
Edwin J. “Eddie” Thomas, 1899-1986 Born in 1899, the son of an East Akron postman, “Eddie” Thomas started with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1926 as a stenographer and worked his way up to President at age 41 (1940), Chief Executive Officer (1956) and Chairman of the Board (1958). Upon his retirement in 1964, at a time where most people would have put their feet up and relaxed, Thomas, who had been a Director of The University of Akron since 1952, turned his energies toward the future of Akron itself. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Area Progress Board he helped raise large sums of money to pump life into “the old hometown.” Projects focused on downtown redevelopment became a reality and his dedication to the United Fund and other local charities helped untold numbers of Akron residents. Even today, The E. J. Thomas Foundation continues to support many local charities and benefits the community. So persuasive were his powers and his personality that in 1967 Goodyear made a pacesetting gift of $1.25 million, the largest ever given to the University at the time, to name the performing arts hall on its campus in his honor. At the July 30, 1968 groundbreaking, Mr. Thomas and Norman P. Auburn, President Emeritus, made the following remarks: “This building will provide an inspiration for all those who labored over the years to keep the light of culture burning in Akron. This structure reflects the inspiration of Norman P. Auburn and all of the trustees, the campaign workers and the donors who have worked so hard to get it.” —Edwin J. Thomas “The opening of the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is another evidence of the splendid town and gown relationship in Akron. This majestic structure will now serve as a cultural bridge, linking together a thriving community and a great University. All of us who worked over the years to bring this worthy project to fruition are grateful to the thousands of donors whose gifts turned a dream into a reality.” —Norman P. Auburn, president emeritus, The University of Akron (1973)
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season 8
Sarah Chang
A Thank You… Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of EJ Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded the EJ Thomas Hall Endowment to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at EJ Thomas Hall. Founded by brothers Jack and Jim Knight, newsmen who owned the Akron Beacon Journal, Knight Foundation fosters more informed and engaged communities. The foundation’s arts program works to make art general in Knight communities, so that a range of programming is seen and felt across the city. Knight invests in some of the city’s anchor arts institutions, helping them better engage the public, and in smaller initiatives through the Knight Arts Challenge, which funds the best ideas for the arts. Over the past several years, the arts program has invested $11 million in the Akron arts, including funding for a new national choreography center at The University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge. The University of Akron and EJ Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of EJ Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to recognize the leadership of Hodding Carter, III, former president, CEO and trustee and his predecessors Creed Black, C. Colmery Gibson and Ben Maidenburg. Special recognition is also extended to Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.
TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. presents
Book by
Music & Lyrics by
HARVEY FIERSTEIN CYNDI LAUPER
Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth starring
SYDNEY PATRICK
LANCE BORDELON JOS N. BANKS ADAM DU PLESSIS HAYLEY LAMPART JOHN ANKER BOW
BRANDON ALBERTO DANIEL JOSEPH BAKER MONICA BAN ERIC STANTON BETTS NATALIE BRAHA DEREK BRAZEAU JEFFREY B. DUNCAN MADELINE FANSLER ANDREW HENDRICK BETHANY XAN JEFFERY TYLER JENT LINDSAY JOAN CHRIS KANE ETHAN KIRSCHBAUM ANDREW MALONE MADISON PUGH JACE REINHARD ERIC SHONK TONY TILLMAN ERNEST TERRELLE WILLIAMS Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
DAVID ROCKWELL
GREGG BARNES
KENNETH POSNER
JOHN SHIVERS
Associate Scenic Designer
Associate Costume Designer
Associate Lighting Designer
Associate Sound Designer
KEVIN DEPINET
JIM HALL
JEREMY CUNNINGHAM
DAVID PATRIDGE
Hair Design
Make-up Design
Associate Choreographer
Associate Director
JOSH MARQUETTE
BRIAN STRUMWASSER
RUSTY MOWERY
DB BONDS
Associate Hair Designer
Music Supervisor
Music Coodinator
SABANA MAJEED
ROBERTO SINHA
TALITHA FEHR
Casting
JOY DEWING, CSA JOY DEWING CASTING
Exclusive Tour Direction
Tour Marketing & Press
THE ROAD COMPANY
ALLIED TOURING
Technical Director
JAMES MILBURN
Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by
STEPHEN OREMUS Directed and Choreographed by
JERRY MITCHELL Direction Recreated by
DB BONDS
Choreography recreated by
RUSTY MOWERY
Original Broadway Production Produced by
DARYL ROTH HAL LUFTIG JAMES L. NEDERLANDER TERRY ALLEN KRAME INDEPENDENT PRESENTERS NETWORK CJ E&M JAYNE BARON SHERMAN JUST FOR LAUGHS THEATRICALS/JUDITH ANN ABRAMS YASUHIRO KAWANA JANE BERGÈRE ALLAN S. GORDON & ADAM S. GORDONKEN DAVENPORT HUNTER ARNOLD LUCY & PHIL SUAREZ BRYAN BANTRY RON FIERSTEIN & DORSEY REGAL JIM KIERSTEAD/GREGORY RAEBB GROUP/CHRISTINA PAPAGJIKA MICHAEL DeSANTIS/PATRICK BAUGHBRIAN SMITH/TOM & CONNIE WALSH WARREN TREPP and JUJAMCYNTHEATERS “KINKY BOOTS” is presented through special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, New York, NY. www.mtishows.com
uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
CAST
in order of appearance Mr. Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffrey B. Duncan Charlie Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lance Bordelon Nicola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hayley Lampart George. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Anker Bow Don. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam DuPlessis Lauren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Syndey Patrick Pat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethany Xan Jeffery Harry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethan Kirschbaum Lola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jos N. Banks Angels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Alberto, Eric Stanton Betts, Derek Brazeau, Tyler Jent, Tony Tillman, Ernest Terrelle Williams Trish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monica Ban Richard Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jace Reinhard Simon Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Malone Milan Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie Braha Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monica Ban, Natalie Braha, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Andrew Hendrick, Bethany Xan Jeffery, Lindsay Joan, Ethan Kirschbaum, Andrew Malone, Madison Pugh, Jace Reinhard, Eric Shonk
2017-2018 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
STANDBYS AND UNDERSTUDIES Understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
For Lola: Daniel Joseph Baker, Andrew Malone, Tony Tillman; For Charlie: Ethan Kirschbaum, Jace Reinhard; For Lauren: Natalie Braha, Lindsay Joan; For Nicola: Natalie Braha, Lindsay Joan; For Don: Andrew Hendrick, Eric Shonk; For George: Andrew Hendrick, Eric Shonk; For Simon Sr.: Daniel Baker; For Mr. Price: Andrew Hendrick, Eric Shonk; For Trish: Madeline Fansler, Madison Pugh; For Pat: Madeline Fansler, Madison Pugh; For Harry: Brandon Alberto, Jace Reinhard; For Richard Bailey: Brandon Alberto
DANCE CAPTAIN Chris Kane
SWINGS Chris Kane, Daniel Joseph Baker, Madeline Fansler The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.
B
THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION
Synthesizer Programmer: Randy Cohen Electronic Drum Programmer: Sammy Merendino Electronic Guitar Programmer: John Putnam Additional Programming: Jeff Roberts
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ORCHESTRA Music Director: Kevin Casey Associate Music Director / Keys 2: Garret Healey Guitars: Matt SanGiovanni, Nick Greathouse Bass: Kellie Nitz Drums: Aaron Drescher Reeds: Luke Meyer Violin / Viola: Eugene Kaler Trumpet: Christi Wans
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
ACT II “Entr’acte/Price & Son Theme” (Reprise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Company “What a Woman Wants”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Pat, Don, Ensemble “In This Corner”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Don, Pat, Trish, Angels, Ensemble “Soul of a Man”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie “Hold Me in Your Heart”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola “Raise You Up/Just Be”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Company
EJ THOMAS HALL
ACT I “Price & Son Theme”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Company “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Company “Take What You Got”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry, Charlie, Ensemble “Land of Lola”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Angels “Land of Lola” (Reprise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Angels “Step One”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie “Sex Is in the Heel”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Pat, George, Angels, Ensemble “The History of Wrong Guys”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren “Not My Father’s Son”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lola, Charlie “Everybody Say Yeah”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie, Lola, Angels, Ensemble
2017-2018 Season
MUSICAL NUMBERS
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season D
Lance Bordelon
Sydney Patrick
Jos N. Banks
Adam du Plessis
Hayley Lampart
John Anker Bow
Brandon Alberto
Daniel Joseph Baker
Monica Ban
Eric Stanton Betts
Natalie Braha
Derek Brazeau
Jeffrey B. Duncan
Madeline Fansler
Andrew Hendrick
Bethany Xan Jeffery
Tyler Jent
Lindsay Joan
Chris Kane
Ethan Kirschbaum
Andrew Malone
Madison Pugh
Jace Reinhard
Eric Shonk
Tony Tillman
Ernest Terrelle Williams
JOS N. BANKS (Lola) National Tours: INTLHAIR (Hud); The Color Purple (Harpo). Regional: Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane- Oak Brook, Porchlight Music Theatre. Film: Fox 20th Centuries “The Chicago Code” & Rise Against music video “Make It Stop” (Lead). Jos is also a multi-award-winning Artist & Costume Designer having interned at Teen Vogue Magazine (NYC) for his fashion designs / illustrations. Sending gratitude to God, his family, friends, T3 & PC for their unconditional love and support. Also, many thanks to the entire Kinky Boots team & Joy Dewing Casting. Be FEARLESS. Proverbs 3:5. Representation: Paonessa Talent Agency. www.josnbanks.com. @JosNBanks.
at Surflight; Damn Yankees (Applegate); Guys & Dolls (Nathan Detroit) with OCTC and the Ocean City Pops; Noises Off! (Lloyd) at the Palace Theatre; Spamalot (King Arthur) at Mac-Haydn. BRANDON ALBERTO (Angel) is so pumped to be living the dream traveling the US with Kinky Boots! Favorite credits include Shrek the Musical (int’l tour); Legally Blonde (Norwegian Cruise Line); Guys & Dolls (OSTC); Hairspray (NBFT). “HUGE thanks to the entire creative team! For my family, always.” Instagram: @balberto717. DANIEL JOSEPH BAKER (Swing) got his start on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” His recently released self-titled debut EP is available everywhere. Favorite credits: Sgt. Stubby OffBroadway; Sister Act the Musical in Ohio. “Thank you to TROIKA and the AMAZING Kinky Boots creative team. Love to my Affan… you are my life!!” danieljosephbaker.com. Instagram: @danieljosephbaker.
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SYDNEY PATRICK (Lauren) is stoked to join Kinky Boots! Originally from Miami, FL, recent credits include: MAMMA MIA! (WBT); the world premier of Disney’s Tangled: The Musical (DCL); Sheik/Sater’s workshop of Alice By Heart and Little Women (Theatre Aspen). Proud member of RANGE A Cappella. BFA Syracuse University. Infinite gratitude to her family and friends. For ERIC STANTON BETTS (Angel/Ensemble) is Chrissy.sydneypatrick.com. thrilled to be making his National Tour debut! Milan, MI to NYC to LA. Regional Credits: Hairspray; In ADAM du PLESSIS (Don) Originally from The Heights; La Cage; Annie Get Your Gun; Catch South Africa, Adam’s credits include Macbeth; Me If You Can; Fiddler; The Little Mermaid. “Thank Phantom of the Opera; Annie (TROIKA); Jesus you, always: Karl, Larry, David, Mom and Dad, Christ Superstar; The Last 5 Years; Fiddler on the Evan, and Edward <3! Tim Taylor, Joy Dewing, Rusty & Roof; Beauty and the Beast; CATS; Rock of Ages; TROIKA! This one’s for my guardian angels: Grandpa Boys in the Photograph. Leo, Melody Muzik, and Aunt Tanya! #JustBe!” @ StandsTooTall21. ericstantonbetts.com. HAYLEY LAMPART (Nicola) is thrilled to be on the road with the Kinky Boots National Tour! NATALIE BRAHA (Ensemble) First national Favorite credits include lead vocalist for NCL tour! Pace University Musical Theater class of World Cruise 17; Legally Blonde (Elle Woods); 2017. “Special thanks to Joy Dewing Casting and Tartuffe (Elmire); Zelda (Zelda Fitzgerald). Proud Al Silber. Love to my friends, fam, and Caleb.” graduate of Marymount Manhattan College. So much love and thanks to her incredibly supportive DEREK BRAZEAU (Angel/Ensemble) A Utah native, parents, family, friends, Dina Slawson, the Kinky Derek is thrilled to be sharing this wonderful story with Boots cast and creatives, and Joy Dewing casting viewers across the nation! International tour: Odyssey for this amazing opportunity. To new beginnings! Dance Theater. Regional Theater: Tuacahn Amphitheater with shows including Mary Poppins, Starlight Express, JOHN ANKER BOW (George) BA–Rider and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Education: BSA in University. National Tour: Ragtime (Henry Ford); music at DSU. He is eternally grateful for his family A Christmas Carol (Jacob Marley). Regional: Les and friends who continually encourage and support him. Misérables (Thénardier); Phantom (Cholet) for Prather Instagram: @derekbzoe. Entertainment; The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair)
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
MONICA BAN (Trish/Ensemble) is a graduate of Montclair State University where she received a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is also an alumni of both the William Esper and Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Favorite credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Golde); The Producers (Shirley Markowitz); Les Miserables (Mme. Thenardier); and Angry Housewives (Carol). “Thank you Mom and Dad. I would not be able to follow my dreams without your constant love and support. To my big brother Matt, thank you for well…everything!”
EJ THOMAS HALL
LANCE BORDELON (Charlie Price) Favorite credits: Joseph…Dreamcoat (Joseph, FRP); Saturday Night Fever (Bobby C.; National Tour); We Will Rock You (Galileo/Kashoggi u/s, RCCL/Queen Theatrical). Regional: Les Miserables (Feuilly); Hairspray (Sketch); 9 to 5; Evita. Workshops: Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell (Blake, NYC); Gift of the Magi (Jim, Arkansas Rep). B.A. and Master’s degree from LSU. “Huge thanks to Todd and Nikki at ATB, and lots of love to family and Seba. Ti Amo.” LanceBordelon.com. @LanceBordelon.
2017-2018 Season
WHO’S WHO
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2017-2018 Season F
WHO’S WHO JEFFREY B. DUNCAN (Mr. Price/Ensemble) From Minnesota. Jeffrey just completed his 8th National tour of Annie (not consecutively–whew!!!) where he played FDR 1,713 times. Other National Tours include: Ragtime (Henry Ford); Oklahoma (Pa Carnes). He sends love to all his friends and family, and the MVMC (Shotgun Ball). “Remember to love each other. Brush your teeth. Drink lots of water.” MADELINE FANSLER (Swing) hails from Telluride, CO and moved to NYC after graduating from Vanderbilt University. Credits include Chicago (Velma) at Potsdam Music Theatre; Dogfight (Marcy) at 5th Floor Theatre; and the world premier of Hit Her with the Skates (Tonya) at UCPAC. madelinefansler.com. ANDREW HENDRICK (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the Kinky Boots family! National Tour credits: Bullets Over Broadway (1st Nat’l); Jekyll and Hyde The Musical (Bishop of Basingstoke. Regional Credits include Sister Act (White Plains PAC, Joey); 1776 (Engeman Theatre, Livingston); The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis); Spelling Bee (Barfee); and Avenue Q (Brian). Andrew is also producing associate with Broadway Records, a label which received the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album for The Color Purple. “Endless thanks to About Artists, Van Dean, friends and family!” BETHANY XAN JEFFERY (Pat/Ensemble) Company (Jenny *cover) at LCT starring Neil Patrick Harris; Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick); The Addams Family (Alice Beineke); The Little Mermaid (Ursula); Merrily We Roll Along (Mary); etc. TV/Film: “What Would You Do?” Education: Pace, BFAs Musical Theatre/Acting. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, MFA. Interlochen Arts Academy. TYLER JENT (Angel/Ensemble) is so grateful to be a part of this production. Credits: PD in Home Street Home (Eugene O’Neill Theater Center); Mark in A Chorus Line (Weston Playhouse); Park Keeper/Ensemble in Mary Poppins (LEXington Theatre Company); Traveling Salesman/Ensemble in The Music Man starring Betsy Wolfe and Will Chase (Cincinnati Pops). Graduate of CCM Musical Theatre. “Special thanks to About Artists, my family, and everyone in my life who raises me up. For Max.”
CHRIS KANE (Dance Captain, Swing) is thrilled to make his national tour debut with Kinky Boots! New York: Castle Walk (NYMF). Cruise Ship: Fred Casely in CHICAGO (RCCL). Regional: Victor/ Victoria (Ogunquit Playhouse); Grease (Theatre by the Sea); West Side Story; Hairspray *D.C.; Seven Brides *D.C.; CATS (Prather Entertainment). Thank you to his agent, Dave, Joy Dewing Casting and the entire creative team. Love to friends and family! @dancingkane. ETHAN KIRSCHBAUM (Harry/Ensemble) is delighted to be part of the Kinky Boots cast. Regional credits: Biloxi Blues (Ivoryton Playhouse); the NY regional premier of Heathers (Whiteplains Performing Arts). Thank you to his family for their love and support, as well as the creative/casting team! ANDREW MALONE (Simon Sr./Ensemble) recently appeared in Asolo Rep’s The Great Society; Marriott Theatre’s How to Succeed...; Jeff Award winners Dreamgirls (Porchlight) and Direct From Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys (Raven Theatre) where Andrew won Broadway World’s Best Actor award. Other credits include: Seaweed in Hairspray; Audrey II in Little Shop, Richie A.C.L., and Mitch Mahoney in Spelling Bee. Andrew is a proud graduate of AMDA-NY. “Thank you Joy, Dede, and Wendy! ‘You can change the world when you change your mind.’ bigmouthtalent.com. ajnspired.com. Instagram: @angryactor. MADISON PUGH (Ensemble) Professional credits: Theatre Aspen: Dear Edwina (Annie); MAMMA MIA! (Swing). Madison would like to thank her family, especially Mom, Dad, Kelsey, Charlie, and Caroline for believing that God always has bigger and better plans! JACE REINHARD (Richard Bailey/Ensemble) is thrilled to join the Kinky Boots company! Regional: The Buddy Holly Story (Buddy); Legally Blonde (Emmett); Parade (Frankie/Young Soldier); Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings (Jinx). Thanks to his incredible wife, Amanda, his family, friends and teachers. “All glory to God!”
ERIC SHONK (Ensemble) is honored to be part of Kinky Boots as his first National Tour! Previous credits include The Barnyard Follies Soundtrack, Tecumseh! and The Producers.AtYoungstown State University he performed in The Spitfire Grill; Cox and Box; Tribunal; Rent; and LINDSAY JOAN (Ensemble) Regional: First Date many others. Eric also does voiceover work with the (Alison, Woman #2); The Addams Family (Wednesday Youtube group Starforce Media. Special thanks to Addams); Beauty and the Beast (Belle); Next family, teachers and friends for always helping to keep to Normal (Natalie Goodman); Les Miserables a smile on his face.” (Eponine); Spring Awakening (Ilse). She is currently a signed recording artist with Sony Music & InRage TONY TILLMAN (Angel/Ensemble) is so Entertainment. “Special thanks to; Mama, Yael, Russell, proud to be joining the Kinky Boots family. He Karyn, and my amazing producers, Ebony andAutomatic is a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Vanderveer!” lindsayjoan.com. @lindsayjoanofficial. Performing Arts High School and an alum of Virginia Commonwealth University in Theater Performance. Some of his favorite credits include Eddie in the National Tour of MAMMA
ERNEST TERRELLE WILLIAMS (Angel/ Ensemble) is extremely excited to travel the country and perform in a show he’s always dreamed of being in with this cast and crew. Off-Broadway: Cherchez La Femme. Regional: Hairspray (Seaweed); Spring Awakening (Ernst); Sunset Boulevard (Myron/Sheldrake); Alice in Wonderland (King of Hearts). Dance: Post Concert Dance Company (Soloist/Choreographer). BFA: LIU Post (Dance) A huge thank you to the cast and creative team, as well as his mom for endless support. @erniecanv.
CYNDI LAUPER (Composer and Lyricist) is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning (for her Kinky Boots score) artist, who after 30 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million albums, has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move. With her first album, She’s So Unusual, Lauper won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and became the first female in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album. Since then, Lauper has released 10 additional studio albums, with her most recent, the Grammy-nominated Memphis Blues, ruling the Billboard Blues Chart for 14 consecutive weeks to become the best-selling blues album of 2010. Overall, during her storied music career, Lauper has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, seven American Video Awards and 18 MTV Awards. She recently captured her journey through music and life in her New York Times best-selling autobiography, Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir. As an actress, Lauper made her Broadway debut in The Threepenny Opera alongside Alan Cumming in 2006. She has appeared in numerous television shows, including “Mad About You” (Emmy Award) and “Bones” and films including The Opportunist with Christopher Walken, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, Life With Mikey, Off and Running and Vibes. Lauper also continues her philanthropic work through her foundation, the True Colors Fund.
HARVEY FIERSTEIN (Playwright) is the author of the recent Broadway hits Newsies (Tony nom.) and Casa Valentina (Tony nom.), as well as Torch Song Trilogy (Tony, Drama Desk and Obie awards), La Cage aux Folles (Tony and Drama Desk awards), A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations), Safe Sex (Ace Award), Legs Diamond, Spookhouse, Flatbush Tosca, Common Ground and more. His political editorials have been published in the New York Times, TV Guide and the Huffington Post and broadcast on PBS’s “In the Life.” His children’s book, The Sissy Duckling (Humanitas Award), is now in its fifth printing. As an actor, Mr. Fierstein is known worldwide for his performances in films including Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day and Bullets Over Broadway; on stage in Hairspray (Tony Award), Fiddler on the Roof, La Cage aux Folles and
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Torch Song Trilogy (Tony Award); and on TV shows such as “Smash,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Good Wife,” “Cheers” (Emmy nomination), “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” and “Nurse Jackie.”
EJ THOMAS HALL
MIA!; Seaweed in Hairspray on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; Angel in RENT; Donkey in Shrek the Musical. He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.
2017-2018 Season
WHO’S WHO
100 Years of Excellence mdrouin@theelms.org G
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WHO’S WHO JERRY MITCHELL (Director/Choreographer) received the Tony Award in recognition of his choreography for the 2013 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots, for which his direction was also recognized with a Tony nomination. In the 33 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with more than 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions. His Broadway debut as a choreographer was for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, followed by The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination), Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), La Cage aux Folles (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination) which he also directed, Catch Me If You Can, and on the West End, Love Never Dies and the current hit Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which he also directed. Most recently, Jerry received the Drama League’s Founders’ Award for Excellence in Directing and the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers. Twenty-three years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He continues to serve as executive producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Fire Island Pines, Las Vegas (Peepshow, which had a five year consecutive run) and London (West End Bares).
drels, Flower Drum Song (Tony nomination), Side Show, Bye Bye Birdie. New York: The Wizard of Oz, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Merry Widow (NYC Opera), Pageant (NY and London, Olivier nomination). Regional: Robin and the 7 Hoods, Mame, Allegro (Helen Hayes Award). TDF Young Master Award. KENNETH POSNER (Lighting Design) More than 50 Broadway play and musical theater credits. Designs extensively Off-Broadway, for resident theaters and touring productions throughout the United States as well as internationally. Selected Broadway credits: Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Catch Me If You Can, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, If/ Then, Pippin, Cinderella, Other Desert Cities, The Merchant of Venice, The Coast of Utopia/Shipwrecked, Side Man, The Odd Couple, Glengarry Glen Ross, …Charlie Brown, The Little Foxes and Wicked. Recipient of Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Obie awards.
JOHN SHIVERS (Sound Design) Broadway: Kinky Boots (2013 Tony Award recipient), Bonnie & Clyde, Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway, Sister Act, 9 to 5, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays. Regional: The Nutty Professor, Tales of the City, Emma, Robin and the 7 Hoods. Other credits include The Lion King, Mary Poppins, The ProducSTEPHEN OREMUS (Music Arranger/Orchestra- ers, Hairspray, Aida, Titanic, How to Succeed in tor) Broadway: Kinky Boots (2013 Tony Award for Best Business… (’95), The Who’s Tommy and Guys and Orchestrations and 2013 Grammy Award); The Book of Dolls. “Love to my beautiful gem.” Mormon (2011 Tony and Drama Desk awards for coorchestrating and 2012 Grammy Award). Worldwide JOSH MARQUETTE (Hair Design) Broadway/Offmusic supervisor/arranger of Wicked; music supervisor/ Broadway/West End: Aladdin, First Date, Kinky Boots, vocal arranger/orchestrator of Broadway productions/ The Book of Mormon, Elf, Dogfight, The Best Man, tours of The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q, All Shook Look Back in Anger, The Drowsy Chaperone, Pig Farm, Up and 9 to 5; co-producer (with Dolly Parton) of 9 to The… Trailer Park Musical, Altar Boyz, Mamma Mia! 5 Broadway cast recording (Grammy nomination); con- West Coast: Robin and the 7 Hoods, Peep Show, Minductor and contributing arranger for the Oscar-winning sky’s, Vanities. Other N.Y.: Show Boat at Carnegie Hall, Disney film Frozen. Encores!; No, No, Nanette and Follies, numerous Juilliard productions. National tours: Book of Mormon, The DAVID ROCKWELL (Scenic Design) designed Drowsy Chaperone, Barbie Live! Television: “30 Rock.” sets for Lucky Guy, Catch Me If You Can, Hairspray (Tony, Drama Desk nominations), Legally Blonde RUSTY MOWERY (Associate Choreographer) (Drama Desk nomination), The Normal Heart, A Free Thrilled/blessed to be working with Jerry Mitchell again! Man of Color, The Rocky Horror Show (Drama Desk Rusty is associate choreographer for Kinky Boots Broadnomination), All Shook Up (Drama Desk nomination) way, Legally Blonde London and U.K. tour. Production and the Academy Awards (2010 Emmy Award). He dance supervisor of Hairspray on Broadway and first nais the founder of Rockwell Group, a New York-based tional tour. Rusty appeared on Broadway in Hairspray, architecture and design firm. Honors include the Pratt Legally Blonde, Seussical, Ragtime, Cats. Love to Barry Institute Legends Award, Cooper-Hewitt National and family. Design Award and Presidential Design Award. D.B. BONDS (Associate Director) is thrilled to be conGREGG BARNES (Costume Design) Broadway: tinuing his association with Jerry Mitchell after workSomething Rotten! (2015 Tony nomination), Tuck Ever- ing with him as an actor in the national tours of Legally lasting (2016 Tony nomination), Aladdin, Kinky Boots Blonde and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. D.B is the associate (2013 Tony nomination, 2016 Olivier Award), Follies director of Kinky Boots on Broadway. (2012 Tony Award, Drama Desk), Elf, Legally Blonde (2007 Tony nomination), The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award), Dirty Rotten Scoun-
KATHY FABIAN (Props Supervisor) has created props for more than 50 Broadway productions. Recent credits include The Realistic Joneses, If/Then, Rocky, Bridges of Madison County, I’ll Eat You Last, Lucky Guy, Chaplin, Nice Work If You Can Get It, A Streetcar Named Desire, Stick Fly, The Normal Heart and The House of Blue Leaves.
FORESIGHT THEATRICAL (Management Consultant) is comprised of partners Allan Williams, Aaron Lustbader and Mark Shacket who oversee and supervise The Phantom of the Opera, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, Tuck Everlasting and American Psycho on Broadway, worldwide management of Kinky Boots, and Million Dollar Quartet in Las Vegas.
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JOY DEWING CASTING (Casting Director) Casting credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, dance companies, and a gazillion tours! Current tours: 42nd Street, Mamma Mia!, Rent, The Wizard of Oz, and Cheers Live on Stage! Past tours: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (starring Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young), In the Heights, Cats, Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar (starring Ted Neeley), Movin’ Out, West Side Story, Catch Me If You Can, Bring It On.
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ALLIED TOURING (Tour Marketing & Press) is a full-service engagement management agency representing Broadway tours and other live touring events across North America. Current tours: An American in Paris, The Book of Mormon, Bright Star, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Elf the Musical, The Humans, Kinky Boots, Motown the Musical, RENT, School of Rock, Something Rotten!, and Irving Berlin’s White ROBERTO SINHA (Music Supervisor) Broadway: Christmas. Upcoming tours: Charlie & the Chocolate Big Fish, Bullets Over Broadway, Violet, It Shoulda Factory,Groundhog Day, and The Scenario. Been You. National tours: Kinky Boots, Elf, Cinderella. Off-Broadway: Red Eye of Love. Roberto serves MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL as music director for the Broadway Dreams Founda- (www.mtimusicalworlds.com) is one of the world’s tion, a non-profit national performing arts education leading dramatic licensing agencies, protecting program. Graduate of Penn State (M.F.A. music di- the rights and legacies of composers, lyricists recting) and Florida State (B.M. piano performance). and book writers. MTI’s core business is issuing Proud member of AFM 802. licenses, scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to schools as well as amateur TALITHA FEHR (Music Coordinator) strives daily and professional theatres across the globe. With to carry on the contracting traditions of her mentor, over 400 classic and contemporary show titles Sam Lutfiyya. Broadway: A Christmas Story. Na- from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and London’s West tional tours: Sister Act, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, West End, MTI shows have been performed by 60,000 Side Story, Evita, Catch Me If You Can, Come Fly theatrical organizations in the US and in over 60 Away, Mamma Mia!, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, countries worldwide. mtishows.com. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Movin’ Out, and 101 Dalmatians. International tours: West Side Story, Sound JESSICA WALLING (Production Stage Manager) is of Music, Swing!, Cinderella, The King and I. Other: thrilled to be back on the road this time touring with The Pirate Queen, 2010 Winter Olympics Ceremo- Kinky Boots. Most recently, she was a stage manager nies. on the National Tour of Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus and the International Tour of Walking With NEURO TOUR (Physical Therapy) provides per- Dinosaurs, the Arena Spectacular. She also works forming arts physical therapy and is honored to be with USA Gymnastics as a talent coordinator and frepart of Kinky Boots. Neuro Tour has provided back- quently spends her summers in Colorado working as stage treatment to more than 80 musical theater pro- an assistant production manager at the Aspen Music ductions. Credits include: Broadway: The Lion King, Festival and School. She is a proud graduate of CCM Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Off-Broadway: Stomp!, where she earned her BFA in Theatre Design and ProSleep No More. Tours: Movin’ Out, Billy Elliot, Mo- duction. She’d like to thank her family especially her town. Concerts: U2, P!nk and Katy Perry. parents for their unconditional support.
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WHO’S WHO DARYL ROTH (Producer) holds the singular distinction of producing seven Pulitzer Prize-winning plays: Anna in the Tropics, August: Osage County (2008 Tony), Clybourne Park (2012 Tony), How I Learned to Drive, Proof (2001 Tony), Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women and Wit. She has produced more than 85 award-winning productions including Buyer & Cellar; Caroline, or Change; Curtains; The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?; Love, Loss, and What I Wore; The Normal Heart (2011 Tony); A Raisin in the Sun (2014 Tony); The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; War Horse (2011 Tony). “Love to Steven, my wonderful family, Lucy and Leo ever in my heart.” DarylRothProductions.com. HAL LUFTIG (Producer) Winner of four Tony Awards and London’s Olivier Award, Hal Luftig has worked on and off Broadway for the past 25 years. Broadway: Evita, Catch Me If You Can, Come Fly Away, West Side Story, All My Sons, Legally Blonde, The Times They Are A-Changin’, Whoopi, Movin’ Out, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Annie Get Your Gun, High Society, The Diary of Anne Frank, The King and I, Moon Over Buffalo, Angels in America, Jelly’s Last Jam, The Secret Garden. He is currently developing the new musical The Last Goodbye, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet featuring the music of Jeff Buckley. Hal has an M.F.A. from Columbia University and an ulcer from tension. TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT (Tour Management) has been an innovator in touring musical theater productions for over two decades, producing shows throughout North, Central, and South America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, the company is experienced in casino and leisure markets. Current and upcoming productions include An American in Paris, The Bodyguard, Love Never Dies, On Your Feet!, School of Rock, The Color Purple, Kinky Boots and the Asian tour of Sister Act. With strong ties to the Broadway community, TROIKA prides itself on delivering top quality productions to audiences worldwide. Please visit us at www.troika.com.
Last; Rocky; Kinky Boots (Broadway). Trustee, New York Presbyterian Hospital. INDEPENDENT PRESENTERS NETWORK (Producer) is a consortium of 50 of the nation’s leading Broadway presenters who skillfully manage a subscription base of 350,000 throughout America. Recent Broadway/London/U.S. tours: Matilda, Cinderella, Pippin, Jekyll & Hyde, Leap of Faith, La Cage aux Folles, Wonderland, 9 to 5, Ragtime, Frost/ Nixon, Legally Blonde, The Color Purple, Spamalot, Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands and Sleeping Beauty. CJ E&M (Producer) is Korea’s leading entertainment company in live entertainment, film, broadcasting and music. Broadway and West End credits include Kinky Boots, Big Fish, The Bodyguard, Let It Be, The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Barefoot in the Park and The Woman in White. JAYNE BARON SHERMAN (Producer) Broadway: Side Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony), Of Mice and Men, Kinky Boots (Tony), The Normal Heart (Tony), Elling, 33 Variations and A Raisin in the Sun. Also, This Is Our Youth (Sydney Opera House), Carousel (West End) and It Shoulda Been You. Film/TV: Love Is Strange, In the Life, “DTLA.” JUST FOR LAUGHS THEATRICALS (Producer) CEO Adam Blanshay, Chairman Gilbert Rozon. Subsidiary of Just for Laughs. Broadway: The River, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Bullets Over Broadway, Rocky, Twelfth Night/Richard III, Kinky Boots. U.S. tour: Pippin, Evita. London: Made in Dagenham. Thanks to Hal. hahaha.com.
JUDITH ANN ABRAMS (Producer) Highlights: two Tonys and an Olivier Award for Kinky Boots and Spring Awakening. Other credits include Annie Get Your Gun; Chita Rivera in The Visit and The Dancer’s Life; It’s Only a Play; The Audience; The River; Matilda (investor). 2016: Producer, Come From Away. Tony JAMES L. NEDERLANDER (Producer) voter, the American Theatre Wing. For CR, Rio and Jon. President of Nederlander Organization, son of James M. JudithAnnAbramsProductions.com. Nederlander (Chairman). Producing credits: If/Then, I’ll Eat You Last (Bette Midler), Rocky, Spider-Man: Turn YASUHIRO KAWANA (Producer) Broadway: Off The Dark, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, West Side First Date, Let It Be, Kinky Boots (Tony Award), Story, Next to Normal. Upcoming: The Elephant Man Evita (Tony nomination), Catch Me If You Can (Tony starring Bradley Cooper; On Your Feet!-the Gloria and nomination), Come Fly Away, Legally Blonde. OffEmilio Estefan story. Broadway: Here Lies Love. He has presented Let It Be, Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles, The Full Monty, TERRY ALLEN KRAMER (Producer) Credits: Fosse in Japan. Sugar Babies; Me and My Girl; The Goat… (Tony Award); Movin’ Out (Tony Award); Who’s Afraid of JANE BERGÈRE (Producer) Currently on Virginia Woolf?; Cyrano; Dirty Dancing; West Side Broadway: Kinky Boots (Tony). Upcoming: You Can’t Story; Fiddler…; The Addams Family; The Merchant Take It With You. Past highlights: Rocky; Annie; Twelfth of Venice; Race; Promises, Promises; Spider-Man…; Night/Richard III; Driving Miss Daisy; War Horse Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Evita; I’ll Eat You (Tony); Clybourne Park (Tony); A Little Night Music;
PATRICK BAUGH (Producer) is proud to help bring Kinky Boots and its message of inclusion to audiences around the U.S. “Just be who you want to be!”
LUCY AND PHIL SUAREZ (Producer) Phil executive produced many iconic commercials; Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” video; trailers for Dreamgirls, A Chorus Line, Evita. He and Jean-Georges own numerous restaurants. Lucy’s time has been devoted to philanthropic works. She provided the impetus for venturing into Kinky Boots. Happy to be part of the KB family.
TOM AND CONNIE WALSH (Producer) Broadway: Kinky Boots (Tony), First Date. Tour: Evita. Supporters of nonprofit performing arts in Seattle. Board members: 5th Avenue Theatre, Pacific NW Ballet. Thanks Hal.
BRIAN SMITH (Producer) Currently with Warner Bros. Television. Broadway: Kinky Boots (Tony), Evita, Catch Me If You Can. N.Y. Innovative Theatre Award winner, Outstanding Director. Love to N.Y.C.
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WARREN TREPP (Producer) has produced Evita, Legally Blonde, Movin’ Out and Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway. His proudest production is his BRYAN BANTRY (Producer) Last century: son, Warren Edward, a credit he shares with his wife Greater Tuna, You Can’t Take It With You, Aren’t We Jâlé. All, Street Corner Symphony. Recent: Kinky Boots JUJAMCYN THEATERS (Producer) looks B’way (Tony Award), Here Lies Love. forward to welcoming you to one of our five Broadway theaters where current productions include the RON FIERSTEIN & DORSEY REGAL (Producers) are proud to help bring the great en- Tony Award-winning Best Musicals Kinky Boots, The tertainment and important message of Kinky Boots Book of Mormon, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and to the stage. Ron is an author, a long-time music Murder and Jersey Boys. Join us at Jujamcyn.com business executive and Harvey’s brother, lawyer and Givenik.com. and business manager. Dorsey, his wife, is a partner in the N.Y. law firm of Hoguet Newman Regal & AMUSE INC. (Associate Producer) is a leading talent agency and production company in Japan. Kenney. AMUSE has joined in several Broadway musicals JIM KIERSTEAD (Producer) Broadway: Kinky including Kinky Boots. Boots (Tony), Pippin (Tony), Side Show, You Can’t Take It With You, Rocky. Off-Broadway: Yank!, Thrill Me. Special thanks to our team!
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HUNTER ARNOLD (Producer) is a producer, entrepreneur and the founder of the New Musical Creative Collective, an organization committed to aiding the development of works from emerging artists. Broadway: It’s Only a Play, Kinky Boots, Mothers and Sons, The Bridges of Madison County and more. Upcoming projects: Somewhere in Time, Gettin’ the Band Back Together.
EJ THOMAS HALL
All My Sons; Curtains; Glengarry Glen Ross (Tony); GREGORY RAE (Producer) is a gay activist and producer. Past projects: The Normal Heart (2011 Caroline, or Change; Metamorphoses. Tony), Clybourne Park (2012 Tony), Bare, Hedwig janebergereproductions.com. (2014 Tony). Upcoming: Allegiance, Found. ALLAN S. GORDON & ADAM S. GORDON (Producer) Allan has received Tony Awards for Rent, BB GROUP (Producer) based in Germany, is Death of a Salesman, Hairspray, Spamalot, Kinky among the market leaders in developing, producBoots and Pippin. Allan’s career spans the fields of ing, managing and promoting premium live entertheater, law, investment banking, real estate and ven- tainment in Europe and beyond. bb-promotion. ture capital. Together, their credits include After Mid- com. night, Evita, Peter and the Starcatcher, Pippin, The Pee-wee Herman Show, Cry-Baby and Flashdance. CHRISTINA PAPAGJIKA (Producer) Productions include Lee Daniels’ The Butler starring Oprah WinKEN DAVENPORT (Producer) Broadway: It’s frey and Forest Whitaker and the upcoming The FamOnly a Play, Kinky Boots, Mothers and Sons, The ily Fang starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman and Bridges of Madison County, Macbeth, Godspell and Christopher Walken. more. Created “Be a Broadway Star” board game and iPhone app At the Booth. For more, read his blog MICHAEL DESANTIS (Producer) is a longtime TheProducersPerspective.com. Upcoming: Gettin’ theater producer/investor, involved in Broadway, rethe Band Back Together, Somewhere in Time and The gional, touring and West End productions. Go see a show! Great White Hope.
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STAFF FOR KINKY BOOTS
For TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT
GENERAL MANAGEMENT TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT
Chief Executive Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall A. Buck Chief Operating Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael J. Orsino Chief Financial Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Jones General Managers. . . . . . . . . . Jim Lanahan, Karen Berry, Mark Johnson Assistant General Managers. . . . . . Arnie VandeBrake, Jay Krause Senior Production Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Dieli Production Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna E. Bate Assistant Production Manager. . . . . . . . Ártemis López Marketing Consultant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Katz Booking Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doria Montfort Budgeting & Forecasting Manager. . George Lamberty Senior Accountants. . . Lourdes Castillo, Jessica Moore Accounting Clerks. . . Marite Espinoza, Electra Walker Warehouse Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Garrish Operations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Carey Office Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaquille Stewart
GENERAL MANAGER/COMPANY MANAGER
Mark Johnson MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT FORESIGHT THEATRICAL Aaron Lustbader Allan Williams Mark Shacket Alan Wasser Mark Barna PRODUCTION MANAGER James Milburn TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Scott Orlesky TOUR MARKETING & PRESS ALLIED TOURING Marya K. Peters Andrew Damer Jacqueline Smith Anne Waisanen Sarah Dahlberg Jennifer Gallagher Meghan Kastenholz Anne Dailey Meyer Scott Praefke
CREDITS
Scenery and Scenic Effects built, painted, electrified and automated by SHOWMOTION, INC., Milford, CT; Additional Scenery by GREAT LAKES SCENIC STUDIOS; Lighting Equipment from PRG LIGHTING; Rigging Equipment from CHRISTIE LITES; Sound Equipment by MASQUE SOUND; Specialty Props by PROPSTAR, EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION DAEDALUS DESIGN AND PRODUCTION, TOM CARROLL SCENERY, INFINITE SCENIC LLC., and TD THE ROAD COMPANY PRODUCTION; Costumes by ERIC WINTERLING, INC., Stephen Lindsay, Brett Sirota LYNNE BACCUS, DONNA LANGMAN COSTUMES www.theroadcompany.com LLC., TRICORNE INC., GILIBERTO INC., PETE’S PRINT SHOP, POLLY ISHAM KINNEY, BY BARAK CASTING LLC.; Millinery by RODNEY GORDON, INC.; Custom JOY DEWING CASTING Fabric Painting & Printing by JEFF FENDER STUDIOS Casting Director. . . . Joy Dewing, CSA and GENE MIGNOLA, INC.; Custom Shoes & Boots by T.O. DEY; Onstage guitars courtesy of TAYLOR GUITARS; PRODUCTION STAGE Soft Goods by I. WEISS THEATRICAL SOLUTIONS; MANAGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JESSICA WALLING Scenic Painting by SCENIC ART STUDIOS; Trucking by Assistant Company Manager...Matthew Fruitman JANCO LTD.
Assistant Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . Brandon Martin Music Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Casey Dance Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Kane Properties Coordinator. . . . . . Kathy Fabian/Propstar Assistant Lighting Designer. . . . . . . . . Mitch Fenton Moving Lighting Programmer. . . . . . . Chad Levebvre Production Electrician. . . . . . . . . Stephanie Freed Production Sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucas Indelicato HEAD CARPENTER. . . . . . . . . RAFAEL SILVA Assistant Carpenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hillard Head Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel Schulman Assistant Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Stefanson Head Properties Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . Emily Steger Head Sound Engineer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Lutz Assistant Sound Engineer. . . . . . . . Franck Francois Wardrobe Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Wade Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor........ Hayley King Hair and Make-Up Supervisor. . . . . . Alana Bonner Physical Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEUROTOUR Production Photography. . . . . . . . . Matthew Murphy Creative Services.. . . . . . Allied Integrated Marketing Debbie Allamong, Doug Blemker, Eric Stormoen Web/Social/Digital Agency. . . The Marketing Division Bob Bucci, Maris Smith, Nic Dris
SPECIAL THANKS Custom red pumps courtesy of Kenneth Cole. Cyndi Lauper wishes to thank her collaborators: Sammy James Jr., Steve Gaboury, Rich Morel and Tom Hammer, Stephen Oremus. www.kinkybootsthetour.com Makeup provided by
The musicians employed in this production are members of the American Federation of Musicians.
Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E) The Director-Choreographer is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union. United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre.
This production is produced by a member of the Broadway League in collaboration with our professional union-represented employees.
SEPTEMBER 2017 SAT 9/16 Tuesday Musical: Prelude Concert 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 SAT 9/23 ASO: Opening Night, The Slavic Soul 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 THU 9/28 Wynton Marsalis 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25
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NOVEMBER 2017 WED 11/1 University of Akron School of Music, Collage 2017 7:30pm GA $12, $6 non UA students, UA students free with ZIP CARD FRI 11/3 Bob Dylan 8 pm $125, $79.50, $55 TUE 11/7 Dirty Dancing Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 11/8 Dirty Dancing Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 11/11 Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone – In Concert 1 pm Reserved $82, $72, $62, $52, $42 SAT 11/11 Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone – In Concert 7:30 pm Reserved $82, $72, $62, $52, $42 SAT 11/18 ASO: Pictures at an Exhibition 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SUN 11/19 Wild Kratts Live! 1 pm Reserved $103 VIP, $46, $36, $26
EJ THOMAS HALL
OCTOBER 2017 SUN 10/1 DanceCleveland Koresh Dance Company 3 pm Reserved $47, $42, $32, $27 FRI 10/6 ASO: Die Meistersinger 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 TUE 10/10 Kinky Boots Broadway In Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 10/11 Kinky Boots Broadway In Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 FRI 10/13 Rumors: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac 8 pm Reserved $20 SAT 10/14 Second City Touring Company 8 pm Reserved $28 THU 10/19 Tuesday Musical: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25
FRI 10/27 Josh Rzepka Quartet featuring Theron Brown, Jordan McBride, and Zaire Darden 8 pm $20 SAT 10/28 ASO: Video Games Live 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $37, $25
2017-2018 Season
2017/2018 EJ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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DECEMBER 2017 FRI–SUN 12/1–3 Holiday Craft Show FRI 12/8 ASO: Home for the Holidays 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SAT 12/9 Tuba Christmas 12 pm & 2:30 pm SAT 12/9 NUANCE 8 pm TUE 12/12 Cirque Dreams Holidaze 7:30 pm Reserved $97, $65, $55, $35 WED 12/13 The Lettermen Holiday Show 7 pm Reserved $40 SUN 12/17 Carol of the Kings: Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular 7:30 pm Reserved $35, $25 SAT 12/30 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30 pm Reserved $75, $60, $45, $10 JANUARY 2018 FRI 1/12 McCartney Project 8 pm SAT 1/20 ASO: Brahms Second Symphony 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 TUE 1/23 Tuesday Musical: Chamber Music Society 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25
FEBRUARY 2018 SAT 2/3 Vagina Monologues 8 pm $10 FRI 2/9 ASO: Petrushka w/NEOS Dance Theatre 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 FRI–SUN 2/16-18 Beyond the Stars Dance Competition SAT 2/24 ASO: Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 MARCH 2018 SAT 3/3 Groundworks 8 pm THU 3/8 Tuesday Musical: Andreas Haefliger 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 SUN 3/11 ASO: Youth Philharmonic 3 pm WED 3/14 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD THU 3/15 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD
2017-2018 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
WED 11/29 Tuesday Musical: Vienna Boys Choir 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25
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I build by taking apart.
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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8/30/2017 1:13:12 PM
· Stream music and movies
· Access e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines · Improve skills with online learning tools
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MAY 2018 TUE 5/1 Jersey Boys Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 5/2 Jersey Boys Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 5/5 ASO: Verdi’s Requiem 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25
Take the Library with you.
EJ THOMAS HALL
APRIL 2018 SAT 4/7 University of Akron School of Music Presents U of A Steel Drum Band 8 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD SUN 4/8 University of Akron School of Music Presents Monster Pianos 2 3 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD TUE 4/10 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Reserved $77.50, $62.50, $40, $20 WED 4/11 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm Subscriber Prices $295, $245, $175, $40 SAT 4/14 ASO: Jazz Meets Symphony 7:30 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 SUN 4/15 University of Akron Greek Life Songfest 3 pm WED 4/18 Tuesday Musical: Brentano String Quartet 7:30pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 FRI 4/20 NUANCE Spring Concert 8 pm MON 4/23 Branford Marsalis 7:30 pm FRI 4/27 Verb Ballets 8 pm SUN 4/29 University of Akron School of Music Presents Big Band Dance 3 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD
Akron-Summit County Public Library Mobile App
2017-2018 Season
FRI 3/16 University of Akron School of Music Presents Jazzfest 18: Blue is More 7:30 pm GA $12, non UA students $6, UA students free with ZIP CARD SAT 3/17 Tuesday Musical: Tribute to Sarah Vaughan 7:30 pm Reserved $45, $40, $25 FRI 3/23 ASO: Planet Earth 8 pm Reserved $60, $47, $37, $25 WED 3/28 Tuesday Musical: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25
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EJ THOMAS HALL STAFF Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO njm9@uakron.edu Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu Melissa Paul Patron Services Manager mlpaul@uakron.edu
2017-2018 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Patricia Donovan Theatre Manager patric3@uakron.edu
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Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu Thomas Stewart Technical Services Associate tstewar@uakron.edu Volunteering at EJ Thomas Hall Do you ever wonder how to become a volunteer usher? If you enjoy sharing the arts with the public, helping them have a memorable experience, and making new friends, then consider becoming a volunteer usher at EJ Thomas Hall. As a team member or a substitute usher, you see a variety of programs while assisting the public, from children’s shows to Broadway, Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical concerts to graduations. Contact Melissa Paul, Patron Services Manager at 330-972-6316 for more information. Many volunteers have served for 15 years or more and thoroughly value the friends they have made and their contribution to the arts in Akron.
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Located on the top floor, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. New memberships begin at just $250 and include such perks as: n Reserved or complimentary parking n Food and beverage vouchers n Access to special club members services n Program recognition—and much more!
Last year, Flying Balcony Club memberships generously funded a new ACT curtain—the brightly lit red curtain that patrons see before every performance. The previous curtain was nearly two decades old, torn and faded, and had water damage. Thanks to memberships, patrons will be greeted by a new curtain that will be illuminated prior to every performance with the Flying Balcony Club logo—a special reminder of the group’s generosity.
RAVE ($500+) Marcia Adair and Dick Edwards Virginia Wojno-Forney James and Barbara Noonan Thomas and Diane Vukovich Molly Plaskett Jay Hershey Roger Read James Hindel Marianne Uhl Dianne Kauffman Nathan & Karen Mortimer Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Charles & Sue Walker Barbara A. Vensey Sherryl & Steve Owen APPLAUSE ($250+) Duwayne and Dorothy Hansen Marc and Sharon Merklin Judit Puskas and Gabor Kaszas John & Carolyn Kline Tom & Shirley Waltermire James & Paula Trenta Michael & Virginia Hoffman Thomas Luck Connie and Thomas Repko Faith and Thane Cook Barbara Banks and Phyllis Fitzgerald
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If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club contact Melissa Paul, Flying Balcony Membership Services at 330-972-6316 or mlpaul@uakron.edu.
STANDING OVATION ($750+) Mark and Sandra Auburn Thomas Dudek Wes & Linda Van Fossen
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provided EJ Thomas Hall with a vital source of funding. Membership proceeds are used to make improvements at the Hall that otherwise would not be possible.
BRAVO! ($1,500+) Randy and Mary Jo Worthington Miklos And Lorita Gaspar Julia Myers Kevin & Laura Crucs
EJ THOMAS HALL
EJ Thomas Hall is a treasure – for arts, for culture, for The University of Akron, and for the region!
2017-2018 Season
FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL
Some Trivia and History
Above: EJ Thomas Hall. Right: 2017 renovations to the hall.
Have you ever wondered why the ACT Curtain and seats of most theatres are red? The tradition of using red for the ACT Curtain and seat covers of a theatre began in the nineteenth century. It could be that red is the color of opulence and grandeur, since, at one time, its use was restricted only to royalty. However, a more likely explanation is that red is the first color lost to our sight in low light conditions. This makes it easier for our eyes to adjust to the darkness of the theatre. Why is the room where the actors wait called the Green Room? The direct answer is that no one knows for sure because it is such a long standing tradition the origin of the phrase has been forgotten. Some explanations are: n Green is the easiest color on your eyes. n Green is a calming color and puts the actors at ease before going onstage. n The room was painted green to relieve the eyes from the glare of the stage. n In Shakespeare’s time, the room where the actor’s waited to go onstage was filled with greenery because it was believed the moisture in the plants helped the actor’s voices. n Many actors are nervous before a performance and may be nauseous and look “green.” Perhaps they were sent to the Green room while they waited. n In Shakespeare’s time, the stage area was known as the “Green” because it was usually a grassy area. The Green Room was the room closest to the stage or green.
2017-2018 Season
And the most likely explanation…
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n Before modern makeup was invented, the makeup actors used had to be cured or it would crack. Before the makeup was cured it was said to be “green” or uncured and the actors were sent to the Green room to sit quietly while their makeup dried. Many actors use the phrase “break a leg” before a performance, a way of wishing their fellow actors good luck before the show. But where did this phrase come from? Theatre has many superstitions, one of which is wishing someone good luck will actually backfire and give the actor bad luck in his performance. So by saying “break a leg” you can wish someone well without jinxing them. But back in the days of vaudeville, not every performer went on stage in front of the audience every night. If you remained backstage, you were not paid. The side curtains on a theatre stage are known as “legs.” When you go out in front of the audience, you enter from the side, and “breaking the leg” means you are now
Just as on sailing ships, it is bad luck for an actor to whistle on or off stage. Original stage crews were hired off ships in port, theatrical rigging having is origin in sailing rigging. Sailors used coded whistles to communicate. When the sailors became theatre riggers they used the same coded whistles to communicate scene changes. Actors who whistled could confuse them and cause mistakes in scene changes that could be dangerous to actors and crew alike.
EJ Thomas Hall occupies three acres on The University of Akron campus and was built at a cost of $13.9 million. Ground breaking was July 30, 1969. The cornerstone was laid on July 21, 1971, with the official grand opening October 9 and 10, 1973. “Initium,” by Carlos Chavez, was commissioned by the Akron Symphony Orchestra for the opening of the EJ Thomas Hall by the members of Witan in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Louis Lane, musical director and conductor of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, directed its performance in world premiere on October 9, 1973. The original score is on display in the Goodrich Lobby.
Located Located within within the the heart heart ofofthe ofthe the Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Valley Valley Located within the heart Cuyahoga Valley
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
The Orchestra and Choral shell is the gift of the Tuesday Musical Association, given in memory of Mary Z. Schumacher of the Quaker Oats family whose generosity helped make these concerts possible. The shell is also used for Akron Symphony Orchestra concerts, lectures and many other performances. The shell moves on air casters to be put in place on the stage.
EJ THOMAS HALL
The sound-reflecting ceiling is the most unique and troublesome feature of the building, with EJ Thomas Hall being one of the few halls in the world whose movable ceiling still functions. The 44 ton ceiling is composed of 3,800 interlocking steel panels, suspended in curved sections from a network of counterweighted cables attached to the Louis A. Witzman Counterweights in Goodrich Lobby with a combined weight of 47 tons. When the weights are all the way down, the ceiling is all the way up.
2017-2018 Season
in front of the audience receiving pay. So wishing an actor “break a leg” is wishing them a good paid performance.
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