uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Dear Patron, Welcome to our 45th season at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall! We have an exciting year of diverse performances planned with world-class artists, cutting edge programming and many opportunities to see and hear the work of our talented University of Akron students. Our mission is to present performances that are fulfilling, technically remarkable, and inspirational in the finest artistic sense. We hope you, your family members and friends will enjoy many of them! Our season begins with performances from our resident tenants: The Akron Symphony, Tuesday Musical and Playhouse Square. Among the highlights of this special season is Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox—spend an evening singing and moving as your favorite pop tunes are spun into old sounds. Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short will provide an unforgettable evening of laughter. Look for a night of magic, more humor and silliness with comedian Piff the Magic Dragon. For the holiday season, we have Cirque Dream Holidaze and Tuba Christmas. And, returning for another performance is Harry Potter and the Akron Symphony’s cinematic performance of “The Prisoner of Azkaban.” With Playhouse Square, we are bringing the best of Broadway to the Thomas Hall stage. This year, our Broadway in Akron series will feature “Rock of Ages,” “The Sound of Music,” “Finding Neverland” and “Something Rotten.” We invite you to stay connected to Thomas Hall by visiting us online at UAevents.com and signing up for our weekly e-news. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/EJThomasHall for contests, pre-sale offers and more. We begin this season, like every season, with gratitude. We have so many generous patrons and faithful audience members who would never miss a program.
EJ THOMAS HALL
Thank you for your support of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at The University of Akron.
Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO
2018-2019 Season
Wayne County
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Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations
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your performance will stick with us forever. The arts serve as a source of inspiration for us all. That’s why PNC is proud to support The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, home to Broadway in Akron, The Akron Symphony Orchestra, and Tuesday Musical Association.
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 4
GENERAL INFORMATION Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office .........................330-253-2488 Information Counter .........330-972-6828 General Information ..........330-972-7595 Website ...................................uaevents.com
Ticket Office
Guest Services
Advance tickets are available at the EJ Thomas Hall Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 am-4 pm. On days of shows the Box Office is open two hours prior to show times.
Assistive Listening System The Williams Personal Assisted Sound System is available at the McCormick Information Counter for all performances. This is a special receiver with headphones or loop to enable a listener to hear the spoken word more clearly.
Tickets may also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at Ticketmaster outlets. There is a per ticket service charge and handling fee for all Ticketmaster purchases. Discounts are not available. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the Hall. Refunds – Please check your tickets carefully, as all sales are final. Exchanges are not permitted. Refunds are given if an event is canceled and are refunded to the original purchaser at the point of purchase. Beware of Ticket Scalpers EJ Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties. Tickets to EJ Thomas Hall events may not be resold at a premium. Tickets ordered within nine (9) days of the performance will be held at Will Call. A photo ID is required to pick up Will Call tickets. Gift Certificates are available and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase. Cancellations, postponed events, or inclement weather – On rare occasions severe weather may cause EJ Thomas Hall to cancel or postpone an event. Event cancellation information is available by calling The University of Akron emergency information number at 330-972-SNOW (7669.) You may also visit our website, Facebook page, or Twitter for the most upto-date information.
Accessible Seating EJ Thomas Hall has seating for patrons in wheelchairs and special needs at Entry 10 in the Orchestra and Entry 14 on the Grand Tier level. Patrons needing assistance to their seat may stop at the Information Counter in McCormick Lobby. An usher will assist you with wheelchair transportation to your seating area. Requests should be made when ordering tickets by calling the Ticket Office at 330-253-2488. Handicap Parking There are a limited number of handicap parking spaces available in the EJ Thomas Hall parking deck. Additional spaces are located in Lots 26 and 27, directly across from the Hill Street entrance. Show a valid H/C permit and traffic police will direct you to the nearest spot. There is a $5 charge for all parking. Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building. Family Events Some events at EJ Thomas Hall are specifically designed for children and families and we encourage you to enjoy these events. For performances not suitable for young children, parents are asked to use discretion. continued on page 6
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 6
Seating Latecomers Please note the curtain time printed on your tickets as performances begin promptly. Latecomers will be seated at a suitable pause in the program. This includes patrons who leave the auditorium before or during a selection. Intermission Intermissions are 20 minutes in length. Lobby lights will flash as your signal to return to your seat for the start of the performance. ATM PNC Bank has an ATM located in the Ticket Office Lobby for your convenience. Food and beverage service is cash only. Subscriber Lounge As a season subscriber to the Broadway in Akron performances, you not only “lock in” your seats from season-toseason, but you also enjoy live music, snacks and a private bar in Goodrich Lobby before the performance and during intermission. Season subscribers also receive complimentary parking for the performances, get priority offers to special events and have a personal Ticket Office contact for ticket exchange and replacement services. For a Wonderful Evening … Live performance is truly magical; art created from the energy flowing between people on both sides of the curtain. When you attend a show, you are part of the experience. There is no rewind or instant replay at a live event. In general: Leave home early enough to find parking and locate your seats before the performance begins. Remember to allow time for poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, road construction and parking congestion, especially on school nights. Safety First – Listen to the pre-show announcements and note the emergency exit routes. Read the program notes. When in doubt, ask the ushers. They are here to help. Following these general rules of the theater will ensure that everyone can enjoy the show.
Theater Policies Cameras or any other recording devices are not permitted – this includes cell phones. Please silence all electronic devices as a courtesy to both other audience members and the performers. Patrons on emergency call status should leave their name and seat location at the Information Desk so that we may reach you during a pause in the performance. Smoke Free/Tobacco Free – EJ Thomas Hall is a smoke and tobacco free building. This includes e-cigarettes. Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time. Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety. For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at EJ Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows. In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.
Interested in renting EJ Thomas Hall for that special occasion or performance? Please call 330-972-7595 or email ejthomas@uakron.edu.
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Caring isn’t just reserved for doctors and nurses. Akron Children’s Hospital is able to improve the lives of children like Miles and Lucianna because of caring people like you. Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a positive impact on our patients. What moment will you help make possible? Please give at akronchildrens.org/donate.
uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season
Edwin J. “Eddie” Thomas, 1899-1986 Born in 1899, the son of an East Akron postman, “Eddie” Thomas started with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1926 as a stenographer and worked his way up to President at age 41 (1940), Chief Executive Officer (1956) and Chairman of the Board (1958). Upon his retirement in 1964, at a time where most people would have put their feet up and relaxed, Thomas, who had been a Director of The University of Akron since 1952, turned his energies toward the future of Akron itself. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Area Progress Board he helped raise large sums of money to pump life into “the old hometown.” Projects focused on downtown redevelopment became a reality and his dedication to the United Fund and other local charities helped untold numbers of Akron residents. Even today, The E. J. Thomas Foundation continues to support many local charities and benefits the community. So persuasive were his powers and his personality that in 1967 Goodyear made a pacesetting gift of $1.25 million, the largest ever given to the University at the time, to name the performing arts hall on its campus in his honor. At the July 30, 1968 groundbreaking, Mr. Thomas and Norman P. Auburn, President Emeritus, made the following remarks: “This building will provide an inspiration for all those who labored over the years to keep the light of culture burning in Akron. This structure reflects the inspiration of Norman P. Auburn and all of the trustees, the campaign workers and the donors who have worked so hard to get it.” —Edwin J. Thomas “The opening of the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is another evidence of the splendid town and gown relationship in Akron. This majestic structure will now serve as a cultural bridge, linking together a thriving community and a great University. All of us who worked over the years to bring this worthy project to fruition are grateful to the thousands of donors whose gifts turned a dream into a reality.” —Norman P. Auburn, president emeritus, The University of Akron (1973)
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2018-2019 Season EJ THOMAS HALL
A Thank You…
Founded by brothers Jack and Jim Knight, newsmen who owned the Akron Beacon Journal, Knight Foundation fosters more informed and engaged communities. The foundation’s arts program works to make art general in Knight communities, so that a range of programming is seen and felt across the city. Knight invests in some of the city’s anchor arts institutions, helping them better engage the public, and in smaller initiatives through the Knight Arts Challenge, which funds the best ideas for the arts. Over the past several years, the arts program has invested $11 million in the Akron arts, including funding for a new national choreography center at The University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge.
Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.
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The University of Akron and EJ Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of EJ Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to recognize the leadership of Hodding Carter, III, former president, CEO and trustee and his predecessors Creed Black, C. Colmery Gibson and Ben Maidenburg. Special recognition is also extended to Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of EJ Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded EJ Thomas Hall to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at EJ Thomas Hall.
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2018-2019 Season 10
2018-2019 EJ THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OCTOBER 2018 SAT 10/13 Doo Whop Project 7:30pm SUN 10/14 Catapult: The Amazing Magic of Shadow Dance 3PM TUE 10/16 Tuesday Musical Les Violons du Roy 7:30PM WED 10/24 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Back in Black & White Tour 7:30PM THU 10/25 Knight Lecture Series—Ann Curry 7:30PM SAT 10/27 Confucius Institute 7PM NOVEMBER 2018 THU 11/1 Arlo Guthrie—Alice’s Restaurant— Back By Popular Demand 8PM FRI 11/2 Steve Martin and Martin Short 8PM SAT 11/3 Tuesday Musical: The Tell-Tale Heart Musical Ghost Story 7:30PM SUN 11/4 An Evening With: Stephen Marley Acoustic 8PM WED 11/7 UA School of Music: Collage 7:30PM THU 11/8 Simon and Garfunkel Story—50th Anniversary Tour 7:30PM FRI 11/9 The University of Akron: Akron A Cappella 8PM
SAT 11/10 TUE 11/13 WED 11/14 FRI 11/16 TUE 11/27 FRI 11/30
Piff the Magic Dragon 8PM Broadway in Akron: Rock of Ages 7:30PM Broadway in Akron: Rock of Ages ASO: Verdi and Valkyries 8PM Amy Ray and Her Band 8PM 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show
DECEMBER 2018 SAT 12/1 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show SUN 12/2 38th Annual Christmas Craft Show TUE 12/4 Broadway in Akron: Sound of Music 7:30Pm WED 12/5 Broadway in Akron: Sound of Music 7:30PM FRI 12/7 ASO: Home for the Holidays 7:30PM SAT 12/8 Tuba Christmas 10AM & 2PM SAT 12/8 NUANCE Holiday Show 8PM SUN 12/9 UA School of Music: Jingle Jazz 3PM SAT 12/15 The University of Akron Commencement 10AM SAT 12/15 The University of Akron Commencement 1:30PM TUE 12/18 Cirque Dreams Holidaze 7:30PM FRI 12/28 Akron Children’s Hospital Charity Ball 8PM
EJ THOMAS HALL
FEBRUARY 2019 SAT 2/2 UA Dance Institute: Snow Maiden 7:30PM SUN 2/3 UA Dance Institute: Snow Maiden 3PM SAT 2/9 ASO: La Mer 8PM TUE 2/12 Tuesday Musical: Lawrence Brownlee 7:30PM THU 2/14 UA School of Music: University of Akron Band Clinic FRI-SUN 2/15-17 Beyond the Stars Dance Competition SAT 2/23 ASO Pops: Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30PM TUE 2/26 Tuesday Musical: Joshua Bell 7:30PM
MARCH 2019 SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azaban in Concert 1PM SAT 3/2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azaban in Concert 7:30PM TUE 3/5 Broadway in Akron: Finding Neverland 7:30PM WED 3/6 Broadway in Akron: Finding Neverland 7:30PM THU 3/7 UA Foundation Lecture: Jim Clapper, Admiral Mike Mullen, and Lisa Monaco FRI 3/8 One Night in Memphis 8PM TUE 3/12 Tuesday Musical: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center 7:30PM SAT 3/16 ASO: Also sprach Zarathustra 8PM THU 3/21 UA School of Music: Jazzfest 7:30PM FRI 3/22 UA School of Music: Jazzfest 7:30PM SAT 3/23 One Funny Mother—Dena Blizzard 8PM THU 3/28 Tuesday Musical: Escher String Quartet 7:30PM SAT 3/30 Groundworks 8PM
2018-2019 Season
JANUARY 2019 TUE 1/15 RHPB: Sailesh 9:09PM SAT 1/19 ASO: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 8PM TUE 1/22 Tuesday Musical: Calidore String Quartet 7:30PM FRI 1/25 UA School of Music: Vocal-Choral Festival 4PM SAT 1/26 Vagina Monologues 8PM
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
I build by taking apart.
I see what I’m capable of.
I find solutions.
I ask bigger questions.
I make today count.
Contact us to schedule a personal tour today. admission@oldtrail.org | oldtrail.org/admission | 330.666.1118
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Big, world-changing moments. Every day, at Old Trail School.
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
EJ THOMAS HALL STAFF Nathan J. Mortimer, CPA njm9@uakron.edu
Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu
Melissa Paul Special Projects mlpaul@uakron.edu
Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu
Patricia Donovan Theatre Manager patric3@uakron.edu
Thomas Stewart Technical Services Associate tstewar@uakron.edu
Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO
Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Volunteer at EJ Thomas Hall – Make Friends, Make Memories, Make a Difference Would you like to join our volunteer usher program? Our volunteer ushers greet patrons at the door or assist them to their seat while helping to enhance the theatre experience. Ushers generously give their time and talents to support and inspire performing arts at EJ Thomas Hall. Duties include reading tickets, scanning tickets and directing patrons to their seats. As a team member you see a variety of programs while assisting the public. If you love to share your passion for the arts, we would love to have you on our team! For more information on our volunteer usher program call 330-972-7595 or volunteers@ejthomashall.com
2018-2019 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
“Volunteer ushering at EJ Thomas Hall rewards me with one interesting experience after another!”—Carol, volunteer usher.
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EJ Thomas Hall is a treasure – for arts, for culture, for The University of Akron, and for the region! Located on the top floor of the Hall, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. Memberships include such perks as: Reserved or complimentary parking Food and beverage vouchers Access to special club members services Program recognition—and much more!
Last year, Flying Balcony Club memberships generously funded a new ACT curtain—the brightly lit red curtain that patrons see before every performance. The previous curtain was nearly two decades old, torn and faded, and had water damage. Thanks to memberships, patrons will be greeted by a new curtain that will be illuminated prior to every performance with the Flying Balcony Club logo—a special reminder of the group’s generosity. If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club contact Margo Ohlson at 330-972-7170 or mohlson@uakron.edu.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
BRAVO! ($1,500+) Mr. and Mrs. Miklos Gaspar Julia Myers Randy and Mary Jo Worthington STANDING OVATION ($750+) Barbara J. Crucs Thomas J. Dudek Wes and Linda Van Fossen Arlene Nettling
APPLAUSE DuWayne and Dorothy Hansen Dr. Judit Puskas and Dr. Gabor Kaszas Virginia B. Wojno-Forney Michael and Virginia Hoffman Dr. Thomas and Connie Repko
Don rumm studios & gallery 437 CROUSE ST. AKRON 330.253.6268 4
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RAVE ($500+) Dr. James and Barbara Noonan Drs. Thomas J. and Diane Vukovich Molly Plaskett Jay R. Hershey Roger Read Nathan and Karen Mortimer Marcia Adair/Richard Edwards Marianne Uhl Patricia S. Brown Leslie and Kevin Christensen Chuck and Sue Walker The James T. Hindel Family Mr. and Mrs. James W. Trenta Jim and Louise Kuhns Harvey
EJ THOMAS HALL
Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provides EJ Thomas Hall with a vital source of funding. Membership proceeds are used to make improvements at the Hall that otherwise would not be possible.
2018-2019 Season
FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP
DONDRUMMSTUDIOS.COM
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2018-2019 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
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2018-2019 Season EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
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