EJ Thomas Hall 2019/2020 Season by Live Publishing

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2019-2020 Season 2

Dear Friends, Greetings from The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall. We are extremely excited to welcome you to another wonderful season. Two members have been added to our team so you will see new faces around the Hall—Christin Gambill and Joe Shannon. Christin is our front-of-house manager, and Joe is our production manager. We are eager for you to meet them, and we know they are eager to meet you. We are sure you will find them to be talented, passionate, and very motivated, and we are thrilled to have them with us. The Hall also experienced a lighting upgrade which will make your experience more comfortable. With generous donations from private individuals and our Flying Balcony Club, we have replaced over 100 of the high lobby lights with new energy efficient LED fixtures and installed LED accent lighting. The Hall is shining brighter than ever! E.J. Thomas Hall’s 2019-2020 Season has something for everyone. This season also offers wonderful tributes to long time favorites like Channeling the King, John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party,” and Piano Men—A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. From the classics Fiddler on the Roof and The Color Purple to the newly touring Beautiful and Waitress, this season’s Broadway in Akron is not to be missed! The new Family Series offerings include The Greatest Pirate Story (N)ever Told, Dinosaur World, and T’was the Night Before Christmas. Be sure to join us before each performance for activities in the Lobby. Our Holiday shows will positively get you in the spirit. The annual return of Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a beloved and must-see performance. Rounding out the festive line up, we have A Carpenters Christmas, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party, and Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. We hope you are as excited as we are for the upcoming season. Whether you’re a long-time patron or first-time attendee, we know that great live entertainment has the ability to enrich lives. We hope that you’ll make E.J Thomas Hall a regular part of your entertainment journey as we experience an adventure together. Enjoy the show,

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

Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations

Celebrating the arts and the joy they bring to life every day.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to support - and enjoy - the performing arts at E.J. Thomas Hall. Thank you for the joy you help bring to our community every day. pnc.com

2019-2020 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 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.

n Unless instructed to do so by the performers, do not talk, hum, sing along or beat time. n Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety. n For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at EJ Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows. n In the event of an emergency, ushers and other members of the staff will advise audience members as to the appropriate procedures to exit the theater as quickly and safely as possible. Patrons needing special assistance should contact the ushers.

Interested in renting EJ Thomas Hall for that special occasion or performance? Please call 330-972-7595 or email ejthomas@uakron.edu.

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

n Smoke Free/Tobacco Free – EJ Thomas Hall is a smoke and tobacco free building. This includes e-cigarettes.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Subscriber Lounge As a season subscriber to the Broadway in Akron performances, 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 performances and during intermission. Season subscribers also receive complimentary parking for performances, get priority offers to special events and have a personal Ticket Office contact for ticket exchange and replacement services.

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.

EJ THOMAS HALL

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

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.

2019-2020 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.

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2019-2020 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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9/6/19 5:22 PM

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON 2019-2020 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

Explore the impact first ladies have made on the political and cultural lives of our nation.

Admission $7 adult | $6 Senior | $5 Child

Includes: l Self-guided tour of the Education and Research Center exhibits l Guided tour of the home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley l Free parking

Museum Hours 9am - 4pm

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**OPEN LATE**

1 W. Exchange St. 330-475-1600 JOIN US BEFORE OR AFTER THE SH Monday thru Saturday 11 am—11 pm Sun 10 visit our website at briccorestaurants.com for Just to Blocks From EJ ThomasKent Halland the M locationsAkron in Fairlawn, 1 W. links Exchangeour St., Downtown 330-475-1600 Visit our website at briccoakron.com for hours and links to our locations in Fairlawn, Kent and the Merriman Valley.

>> > JOIN US BEFORE OR AFTER THE SHOW > > > Monday thru Saturday 11 am–11 pm Sun 10 am–11 pm

2019-2020 Season

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Scenic Design

Jon Craine Scenic Design

Jon Craine Marketing Direction

Liz McFadden

Act & Training Director

Youri Klepatsky Act & Training Director

YouriArtistic Klepatsky Assistant Director Heather Hoffman Assistant Artistic Director Heather Hoffman

Costume Direction

Katt Simon Costume Direction

Katt Simon Public Relations Consultant Laurie Fultz

Lighting Design

Katie Bruce

Lighting Design

KatieTour Bruce Exclusive Direction

Laurie Fultz

East Bank Entertainment Exclusive Tour Direction Matt Chinn, President East Bank Entertainment

Production Direction

Creative Consultant

Public Relations Consultant

Betsy Herst Production Direction

Betsy Herst Associate Choreographer Alex Buckner Associate Choreographer Alex Buckner

Music, Talent & Casting Director

Jill Winters Music, Talent & Casting Director Jill Winters

Created & Directed by Created & Directed by Neil Goldberg

Matt Chinn, President Sean DeFreitas

Creative Consultant

Sean DeFreitas Costume Design Cirque Productions Costume Design Cirque Productions

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Clarity Marketing Marketing Direction Liz McFadden Clarity Marketing

Jill Winters &Lyrics David Scott Music & Jill Winters & David Scott

EJ THOMAS HALL

Music & Lyrics

Neil Goldberg ___________________

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___________________

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL

Once upon a dream, time awoke suddenly… he turned, smiled and gave a wink… then saw the ornaments no longer asleep. ACT I - WAKING UP THE SEASON ARISE.................................................................................................................................... Prelude To A Dream ONCE UPON A DREAM............................................................................................ The Ornaments Awake SPINNING ORNAMENT............................................................................................................ Twirls In Dance MAJESTICAL..........................................................................................................................Spiraling Aerialists CHUGGIN’.............................................................................................................................................. All Aboard ROCKIN AROUND..................................................................................................Skating Around The Tree COOL AS ICE………………………………................................................................................. Twisting In Elegance WINTER WONDERLAND............................................................................................................. Toss & Frolic DECK THE HALLS……………………………………………………….....................................................Pedaling Around HOLD ON TIGHT......................................................................................................... Santa’s Puppet Parade LIFTING GIFTS………………………………………………………....................................................... Tangled & Soaring SHIMMERING...................................................................................................................... Swirling Ornaments SYMPHONY OF BELLS................................................................................................. Maestro’s Symphony GINGERBREAD FLIP..............................................................................................Flipping, Baking & Rising ACT II - MORE SEASONS DREAMINGS ARE YOU LISTENING............................................................................................................................Entr’acte WEATHER CHANGING....................................................................................................... Costume Illusions JINGLE ROCK……………………………….............................................................................Balance Upside Down THE BIG SPIN................................................................................................................................... Ring Around A SPARKLING NEW YEAR................................................................................................ Gymnastic Adage BOUNCE………………………………………….................................................................. …………………Bauble Juggling BAND TOGETHER…………………………………………………………..................................March of the Ornaments MARCH ON LINE........................................................................................................................... Sway Balance PENGUINS............................................................................................................................... Slipping & Sliding HIGHER................................................................................................................................................Defy Gravity A JOYFUL NIGHT........................................................................................................................ A Starry Flight ALL ABOARD................................................................................................... A Joyful Holiday Celebration THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION

2019-2020 Season

For information on all tour dates and other Cirque Dreams shows, visit cirqueproductions.com or contact us at 954-975-9525 “Jingle Bell Rock” (Joe Beal and Jim Boothe) © 1957 (renewed) Chappell& Co., Inc. (ASCAP) All rights Reserved. Used By Permission. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Johnny Marks) Used by Permission of St. Nicholas Music. “Winter Wonderland” By Felix Bernard and Dick Smith WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) MUSIC CLEARED BY BZ/RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS, INC. All artists, scenes and songs are subject to change at producer’s discretion.

Way�e Count�

2019-2020 Season

Spend the day in Amish Count�� — enjoy our many unique att�actions, one-of-a-kind shopping oppor��nities, far�-fresh foods & locally-craﬅed spirits and beer.

EJ THOMAS HALL

www.wccvb.com 1.800.362.6474

#getawayne

Proudly Serving

”

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

SUNDAY BRUNCH

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THE CAST The company of Cirque Dreams artists showcase multiple costumes and perform a variety of roles during the Cirque Dreams Holidaze journey. Listed below are their featured performances. Kit Asfeldt (USA)...........................................................................................................Dickens & Elf Vocalist Semen Belozertsev (Russia)........................................................................ Bell Maestro, Sway Balancer Lorenzo Bernardi (Italy)..........................................................................................................Elegant Twister

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Dmytro Bogodist (Ukraine)...................................................................................................Adage Gymnast Amanda Carmine (USA)...............................................................................................................Acrobatic Elf Sergiy Chmara (Ukraine)..................................................................................................Costume Illusionist Jose Cuenca-Torres (Ecuador).........................................................................................Spiraling Aerialist Roman Duchak (Ukraine).................................................................................................. Frolicking Juggler Andrey Elkin (Ukraine)..................................................................................................................Acrobatic Elf Irina Guseva (Russia).......................................................................... Mrs. Claus, Upside Down Balancer Kateryna Kalyta (Ukraine).................................................................................................... Adage Gymnast Tetyana Karpenko (Ukraine)............................................................................................ Frolicking Juggler Denes Katona (Hungary)........................................................................................................Bicycle Pedaler Ashenafi Kebebew (Ethiopia)................................................................................... Foot Flipping Cookie Amit Kenigshtein (Israel)....................................................................................................... Twirling Dancer Vladimir Kholodov (Russia)........................................................................................................Acrobatic Elf

EJ THOMAS HALL

Philippa Lynas (USA)...............................................................................................Ice Queen & Elf Vocalist Salih Mahammed (Ethiopia).................................................................................................. Bauble Juggler Byron Malquin-Castillo (Ecuador)...................................................................................Spiraling Aerialist Serhii Marchenko (Ukraine)......................................................................... Tangled Ribbon, Starry Flyer Lisa O’Donnell (USA).....................................................................................................................Acrobatic Elf Kayla Petrille (USA).......................................................................................................... Angel & Elf Vocalist Serhii Rybak (Ukraine)....................................................................................................... Frolicking Juggler Mariachiara Scarabelli (Italy)…………………………………….................................................Costume Illusionist Anna Shkliaeva (Russia)................................................................................................................. Starry Flyer Robert Stan-Madrigal (Romania)......................................................................................Slipping Penguin 2019-2020 Season

Bruke Tola (Ethiopia).................................................................................................... Foot Flipping Cookie

Oleksandr Tsaryov (Ukraine)......................................................................................................Acrobatic Elf Holler Zavatta (Italy)…………………………...................................................................................... Rockin Skater Kimberly Zavatta (Italy)............................................................................................................. Rockin Skater The use of any audio or video recording device and the taking of photographs with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn all electronic devices, cellular phones, beepers and watches to the off position.

2019-2020 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2019-2020 Season 14

BEHIND THE SCENES Founder, Artistic Director..................................................................................................................... Neil Goldberg VP Creative, Music & Talent ...................................................................................................................... Jill Winters Artistic & Choreography Direction..............................................................................................Heather Hoffman Associate Choreographer.......................................................................................................................Alex Buckner Assistant Choreographer....................................................................................................................Daniel Z. Smith Creative Consultant............................................................................................................................... Sean DeFreitas Artistic Director’s Liaison........................................................................................................................ Stacey Keller Director of Business Operations.......................................................................................................... Gina Damato Business Affairs & Logistics......................................................................................................................Brian Levitz Marketing Direction................................................................................................................................. Liz McFadden Public Relations Consultant......................................................................................................................Laurie Fultz Studio Production Manager............................................................................................................... Matt Kleinhenn Production Designer & Technical Supervisor..................................................................................... Betsy Herst Lighting Designer......................................................................................................................................... Katie Bruce Artistic Coach/Rigger.......................................................................................................................... Iouri Klepatsky Prop Master.................................................................................................................................................Arnie Braman Costume Shop Director............................................................................................................................... Katt Simon Costume Design Team................................... Francisca Reyes, Tetiana Chugai, Luisa Arias, Erin Charles, .....................................................Linde Aseltine, Nina Gonzalez DeTerra, Audrey Lewis, Jessica Goldberg Associate Prop Designer.......................................................................................................................Linde Aseltine Daily Business Liaison.......................................................................................................................... Wendie Carper “The Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation”..................................................Allison Senser, Executive Director Project Coordinators............................................................................ Ariane Badour-Williams, David Stauffer CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE TOURING COMPANY Stage Manager.................................................................................................................................... Juliana Crawford Company Manager...................................................................................................................... Christopher Holmes Lighting Director .................................................................................................................................Thomas Owings Sound Engineer................................................................................................................................... Elizabeth Turner Aerial Rigger..................................................................................................................................... Roman Molchanov Prop Master...........................................................................................................................................Robyn Monkarsh Head Carpenter......................................................................................................................................... Felipe Cuesta Wardrobe Supervisor............................................................................................................................... Shian Jordan Lighting Equipment.................................................................................................................................. Christie Lites Sound Equipment...............................................................................................Show Systems Inc., Frank Snipes Trucking.............................................................................................................................................................. Janco Ltd. Aerial Rigging Support.................................................................................................................. Chicago Flyhouse Film & Video Production................................................................................................. LP Media, Reel Media HD Voiceovers............................................................................................................Karen Lounsbury, Alfonso Guerra Illustration.......................................................................................................................Nelli Leventhal, Greg Bistolfi Payroll Service............................................................................................................................................. CAPS Payroll Social Media..................................................................................................RoseByrd Designs & Belle Strategies Public Relations......................................................................................................................... Terri Lynn/Superstars Legal-Entertainment....................................................................................... Ross B. Rosen & Associates, PLLC Legal-Intellectual Property...........................................................................................................Lewis & Roca, LLP CIRQUE DREAMS SHOW BOOKING INFORMATION Exclusive Tour Direction.............................................. Matt Chinn/East Bank Entertainment 718.285.7044 Casinos, Corp. Sales & Brand Partnerships..............................................Shirley Crane 954.975.9525 x250 Special Events.................................................................................................................................954.975.9525 x260 General Inquiries......................................................................................................... info@cirqueproductions.com CIRQUE PRODUCTIONS at DREAM STUDIOS 1985 N.W. 18 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-975-9525 www.cirqueproductions.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Contact us to schedule a personal tour. admission@oldtrail.org | oldtrail.org | 330.666.1118 For children ages 2 to Grade 8

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THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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EJ THOMAS HALL

Creative expression plays a leading role in each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic experience at Old Trail School. Exposure to the arts allows students to develop distinct passions and interests, while learning how to raise their voices in classrooms, on the stage, and in life.

2019-2020 Season

Small moments. Big experiences.

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2019-2020 Season 16

HOLIDAZZLE THROUGH THE YEARS… Cirque Dreams Holidaze is one of the nations most iconic and successful holiday shows ever produced. In 2006, Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg conceived and presented a Holiday show to replace the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that performed annually at the Grand Palace Theatre in Branson, Missouri. Many US theatre owners & presenters attended the show during its 5-week engagement. Most believed there was not a successful business model to produce and present a 6-week touring Holiday show in the US. Since then, Cirque Dreams Holidaze remains an audience, family and fan favorite. When the 2008 success of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy on Broadway exceeded all expectations, demand piqued for Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The show was to include elaborate stage sets, ornate costumes, holiday themed original and licensed music, extravagant production numbers, and a medley of diversified talent from around the world. Every element of the show would be designed to celebrate the holiday season combining tradition, spectacle, and imagination with song, variety and amazement. As audiences continued to flock to Cirque Dreams Holidaze shows in cities throughout the country from local performing arts centers and theatres to The Kennedy Center and the Grand Ole Opry House, popularity and demand grew, evolving into multiple and simultaneous touring productions. Today, the show features some of the best, never-before-seen, unique and diversified artists from 6 continents, along with astounding variety acts of all kinds, many of which have been featured on America’s Got Talent and similar TV talent shows throughout the world. In 2016 Cirque Dreams Holidaze began airing seasonally as a made for PBS television special. The show, artists, scenes, costumes, music and everything celebrated in the holiday season continues evolving, bringing audiences, year after year, new and exciting holiday entertainment for the entire family. Now in its 12th touring season, the one and only Cirque Dreams Holidaze will tour and perform throughout the United States with 6 companies in over 60 US cities. With unparalleled critical acclaim and millions of fans across the country celebrating their holidays at a Cirque Dreams Holidaze show, the greatest variety show on the planet continues to be an annual holiday event. CIRQUE DREAMS ENTERTAINMENT BRAND Over 50 million people have experienced a Cirque Dreams brand show in theatres, casinos, theme parks, cruise lines, on Broadway and around the world. After decades of Entertainment Innovation, Cirque Dreams has garnered the praise of critics around the country from USA Today, Associated Press and The New York Times to CNN, Today Show and Fox & Friends. Founder Neil Goldberg has been declared “One of today’s leading theatrical impresarios” by The LA Times and “Uniquely ingenious” by the New York Daily News. The Cirque Dreams franchise is a global entertainment brand of popular shows throughout the world: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Illumination, Cirque Dreams & Steam, Cirque Dreams Epicurean & Cirque Dreams Unwrapped are just a few. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy remains one of the company’s original and most renowned, critically acclaimed productions. Proclaimed, “The grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas” by New York Magazine, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 2008 and was the first show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway. The show received a coveted American Theatre Wing, Best Costume Design nomination and furthered its critical acclaim in 2010 when pop icon Debbie Gibson performed the leading role of Mother Nature at the MGM Grand Theatre, Foxwoods, Connecticut. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy received the Brass Ring award for live entertainment excellence at Busch Gardens Tampa, was featured

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

Visit www.cirqueproductions.com

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In 2005 the company opened Dream Studios, a 25,000 sq.ft. facility supporting the brands growing demand and ensuring product quality, service and management. The complex has since expanded with scenic, prop and creative workshops. The operation includes multiple creative departments, designers, and an operating team for design, technical, music, production, casting, choreography, sales, administration, travel, visas, product management, marketing, international business relations and more. Jill Winters, Cirque Dreams VP Creative, Music & Talent, is one of the only U.S. professional judges invited to juried circus and performing arts festivals throughout the world, engaging the brand with over 10,000 of the newest, most unique and innovative artists annually from across the globe. Dream Studios in-house rehearsal space trains over 250 artists yearly from around the world and composes all the original and amazing acts currently employed in Cirque Dreams shows. A complete wardrobe, design and manufacturing facility is housed within the complex and has produced over 15,000 award-winning costumes that have wowed audiences, theatres, fashion shows, museums and been featured amongst some of the top designer fashion showcases in the world.

EJ THOMAS HALL

Sony/ATV Music and Cirque Dreams’ partnership generated the creation of the musical touring production “Cirque Dreams Rocks.” “Cirque Dreams & Dinner” shows began performing in 2010 in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and continue performing year-round adding 3 new shows in 2017. Cirque Dreams Unwrapped continues performing in partnership with Marriott Hotels’ Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando and Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor. An all new Cirque Dreams Holidaze – Deck The Halls – stage spectacular will open this season in the new bubly™ theater at Gaylord Rockies, Colorado.

2019-2020 Season

on an episode of MTV’s MADE and toured the world with United States Armed Forces entertaining over 100,000 troops and their families at 17 military installations throughout 10 countries.

tuesday musical expect great music

Joshua Bell WITH

Tuesday, February 25 EJ Thomas Hall

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Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

330-761-3460 | tuesdaymusical.org 17

uaevents.com 2019-2020 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Sunday, December 22, 2019

America’s Favorite Holiday Tradition! In 1984 Mannheim Steamroller released Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the holiday music industry. Already a multi-platinum recording artist through its Fresh Aire series, founder Chip Davis decided to record an album of Christmas music combining the group’s signature mix of renaissance instruments with rock & roll beats. The resulting album was a runaway hit and propelled Mannheim Steamroller to become the #1 Christmas music artist in history. This year is the 35th Anniversary of the group’s annual Christmas tour, making it the longest running consecutive tour in music industry history. The nationwide tour has become a holiday tradition along with decorating the tree, exchanging presents and spending time with friends and family. www.mannheimsteamroller.com

Often characterized as a Renaissance Man, Chip is the author of several childrens books and just released his latest Childrens/YA book, “The Wolf and The Warlander”. The trilogy is the story of two unlikely friends, Seti the Wolf and Ghost, the Warlander Horse, two of the many animals on his 150-acre farm just outside Omaha, NE. His farm also houses a number of other horses, an additional timber wolf, a family of ducks along with other natural critters throughout the surrounding woods.

www.mannheimsteamroller.com

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His three children all have a variety of musical talents. His 20-year old daughter has performed as a lead singer in several bands and is featured on the Mannheim Steamroller LIVE album. His 28-year old daughter is a special performance vocalist and works in the competitive equestrian arena. Chip’s 23-year old son, an accomplished guitarist, has performed on record tracks.

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While Chip no longer performs as a member of the band due to cervical disc damage, he continues to have 100 percent involvement in the Christmas concerts including creative and production direction of the entire tour. Between the two bands Mannheim Steamroller is bringing their renowned holiday tradition to 77 cities for 96cperformances this year.

EJ THOMAS HALL

Chip Davis is the genius behind Mannheim Steamroller and the driving force of American Gramaphone, the largest independent record label in the country. His now-classic Fresh Aire series and unmatched Christmas album sales have brought him international renown. Chip combines the dynamics of musical mastery and technical wizardry to create a style often described as “18th Century Rock-n-Roll.” He named the band Mannheim Steamroller for the 18th century musical technique that we know today as the crescendo. To date he has 19 gold, 8 multi- platinum and 4 platinum certified records, placing him among an elite group of artists such as Jay-Z and U2.

2019-2020 Season

About Chip Davis: Visionary, Creator, Arranger and Producer

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2019-2020 Season 20

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 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. Founded by brothers Jack and Jim Knight, newsmen who owned the Akron Beacon Journal, Knight Foundation fosters more informed and engaged communities. The foundation’s arts program works to make art general in Knight communities, so that a range of programming is seen and felt across the city. Knight invests in some of the city’s anchor arts institutions, helping them better engage the public, and in smaller initiatives through the Knight Arts Challenge, which funds the best ideas for the arts. Over the past several years, the arts program has invested millions in the Akron arts, including funding for a new national choreography center at The University of Akron and support for grassroots efforts through the challenge. 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.

JANUARY 2020 Sat 18 ASO: Mahler Fifth 8:00pm Sun 19 Dinosaur World 3:00pm Tue 21 Tuesday Musical: Gabriela Montero’s Westward 7:30pm (Stage Door Performance) Wed 22 RHPB: Sailesh 9:09pm Fri 24 Broadway’s Next Hit Musical 8:00pm Fri 31 Vagina Monologues 8:00pm

Advertise in EJ Thomas Hall Programs Contact Ruth Krise 330.714.2704 rkrise@livepub.com

437 CROUSE ST. AKRON 330.253.6268

DONDRUMMSTUDIOS.COM

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Don Drumm studios & gallery

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

APRIL 2020 Sat 4 Groundworks 8:00pm Tue 14 Tuesday Musical: Junction Trio 7:30pm Sat 18 Steel Band 40th Anniversary 8:00pm-10:00pm Wed 22 Tuesday Musical Fuze Series: Ann Hampton Callaway - Jazz Goes to the Movies (Stage Door Performance) 7:30pm Fri 24 Riverdance - 25th Anniversary Show 7:30pm Sat 25 Riverdance - 25th Anniversary Show 1:30pm & 7:30pm Sun 26 Riverdance - 25th Anniversary Show 1:00pm & 6:30pm Tue 28 Waitress 7:30pm Wed 29 Waitress 7:30pm

EJ THOMAS HALL

FEBRUARY 2020 Sat 1 Hotel California with The Akron Symphony 8:00pm Sat 8 ASO: Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30pm Tue 11 The Color Purple 7:30pm Wed 12 The Color Purple 7:30pm Sat 22 ASO: Mozart Requiem 8:00pm Tue 25 Tuesday Musical: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with violin virtuoso Joshua Bell 7:30pm

MARCH 2020 Sat 14 Recycled Percussion 8:00pm Thu 19 JAZZFEST 7:30pm Fri 20 JAZZFEST 7:30pm Sat 28 ASO: Appalachian Spring 8:00pm

2019-2020 Season

2020 EJ THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Stream or Download Free with Your Library Card Movies Magazines Music Audiobooks Ebooks Browse online or in the app

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 Christin Gambill Front of House/Patron Services cnw27@uakron.edu Joe Shannon Production Manager jshannon@uakron.edu Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Patricia Donovan Technical Services Associate patric3@uakron.edu Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu

2019-2020 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

Thomas Stewart Technical Services Associate tstewar@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 “Volunteer ushering at EJ Thomas Hall rewards me with one interesting experience after another!”—Carol, volunteer usher.

EJ Thomas Hall is a treasure – for arts, for culture, for The University of Akron, and for the region! Located on the top floor of the Hall, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. Memberships include such perks as: n Reserved or complimentary parking n Food and beverage vouchers n Access to special club members services n Program recognition—and much more!

2019-2020 Season

FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

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.

If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club, contact Christin Gambill at 330-972-7595 or cnw27@uakron.edu.

STANDING OVATION ($750+) Mark & Sandra Auburn Barbara Crucs Eric Jones Linda & Wes Vanfossen Tom & Shirley Waltermire

Advertise in EJ Thomas Hall Programs

Anniversary Season CHILDREN'S CHOIR PROGRAM METROPOLITAN CHORUS AKRON CITY GOSPEL SINGERS

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Contact Ruth Krise 330.714.2704 rkrise@livepub.com

RAVE ($500+) Laura Ball Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Thane & Faith Cook Tom Dudek Duwayne & Dorothy Hansen Jay Hershey Michael & Virginia Hoffman Marc & Sharon Merklin Nathan & Karen Mortimer Roger Read Thomas & Diane Vukovich William & Lesley Waldman Chuck & Sue Walker

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

BRAVO! ($1,500+) Miklos & Lorita Gaspar Michael Kaludy Thomas Luck Julia Myers Randy & Mary Jo Worthington

EJ THOMAS HALL

Last year, Flying Balcony Club memberships generously funded a new ACT curtain—the brightly lit red curtain that patrons see before every performance. The previous curtain was nearly two decades old, torn and faded, and had water damage. Thanks to memberships, patrons will be greeted by a new curtain that is illuminated prior to every performance with the Flying Balcony Club logo—a special reminder of the group’s generosity.

330.434.SING(7464) | SummitChoralSociety.org

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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