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Whether on stage or in your seat, the arts have the power to bring us together to experience an impactful encounter. This season we invite you to experience the performing arts in a meaningful way, right here at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas 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 continued partnership with Playhouse Square allows us to bring the best of Broadway to your neighborhood stage here at EJ. This year, our Broadway in Akron series completes the season with Hairspray. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event is back on tour! Finishing the season is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, and more at this everlasting showstopper!
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Our season continues with performances from our resident tenants: The Akron Symphony, Tuesday Musical and Playhouse Square. Among the highlights of this special season is a new twist on classic Motown! It’s a sparkling, electrifying night of the Motor City’s most famous hit songs, featuring celebrity pros from Dancing with the Stars. You’ll twist and shout to Motown with a Twist! Comedy legend Colin Mochrie will provide an unforgettable evening of laughter. Look for a night of family humor and silliness with Scooby-Doo and Madagascar Live! Celebrate those old memories but make plenty of new ones.
2021-2022 Season
Dear Patron
We invite you to stay connected to E.J Thomas Hall by visiting us online at ejthomashall. com and signing up for our weekly e-newsletter.
Thank you for your support of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at The University of Akron.
Margo E. Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations
About the Hall E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, built by The University of Akron (UA) and a group of dedicated community leaders, opened in October 1973 to rave reviews. Occupying three acres on the western edge of the UA campus adjacent to downtown, this $13.9 million facility is owned and operated by UA for use by students and faculty of UA and by community and civic organizations active in the performing arts.
This three-level auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,955. One of the focal points of the building is the movable 44-ton ceiling which can close off either the Flying Balcony or both the Flying Balcony and Grand Tier creating a one, two or three level auditorium. Located in Goodrich Lobby and weighing in excess of 40 tons are the 27 chrome Witzman Counterweights which balance the ceiling in the house and are computer controlled. The configuration of the counterweights determines the position of the ceiling in the house. The entire transformation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
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The Hall also serves as home to The Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical Association, Children’s Concert Society and Akron Youth Symphony.
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We round out this season, like every season, with gratitude. We have so many generous patrons and faithful audience members who never miss a program.
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2021-2022 Season
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Phone Numbers you should know: Ticket Office..........................330-253-2488 Information Counter..........330-972-6828 General Information...........330-972-7595 Website............................ejthomashall.com
Ticket Office
Guest Services
Advance tickets are available at the E.J. Thomas Hall Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 am-4 pm. On days of shows, the Box Office is open two hours prior to show times and is located in the parking deck.
Assistive Listening System 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 E.J. Thomas Hall is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties. Tickets to E.J. Thomas Hall events may not be resold at a premium. Tickets ordered within nine (9) days of the performance will be held at Will Call. A photo ID is required to pick up Will Call tickets. Gift Certificates are available and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase. Cancellations, postponed events, or inclement weather – On rare occasions severe weather may cause E.J. Thomas Hall to cancel or postpone an event. Event cancellation information is available by calling The University of Akron emergency information number at 330-972-SNOW (7669.) You may also visit our website, Facebook page, or Twitter for the most upto-date information.
Accessible Seating E.J. Thomas Hall has seating for patrons in wheelchairs and special needs at Entry 10 in the Orchestra and Entry 14 on the Grand Tier level. Patrons needing assistance to their seat may stop at the Information Counter in McCormick Lobby. An usher will assist you with wheelchair transportation to your seating area. Requests should be made when ordering tickets by calling the Ticket Office at 330-253-2488. Handicap Parking There are a limited number of handicap parking spaces available in the E.J. Thomas Hall parking deck. Additional spaces are located in Lots 26 and 27, directly across from the Hill Street entrance. Show a valid H/C permit and traffic police will direct you to the nearest spot. Event parking fees vary based on production contracts and lot availability may fluctuate. Accessible Restrooms Accessible restrooms are located at the bottom of both ramps on either side of the building. Family Events Some events at E.J. Thomas Hall are specifically designed for children and families, and we encourage you to enjoy these events. For performances not suitable for young children, parents are asked to use discretion. continued on page 6
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2021-2022 Season
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EJ THOMAS HALL
Make a moment like this possible.
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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2021-2022 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.
n Read the program notes.
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.
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.
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 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 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 – E.J. 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.
For a Wonderful Evening … Live performance is truly magical; art created from the energy flowing between people on both sides of the curtain. When you attend a show, you are part of the experience. There is no rewind or instant replay at a live event.
n Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions for safety.
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 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.
n Safety First – Listen to the pre-show announcements and note the emergency exit routes.
E.J. THOMAS ONLINE ejthomashall.com facebook.com/EJThomasHall twitter.com/EJThomasHall instagram.com/e.j.thomashall
n For your enjoyment, food and beverages purchased at E.J. Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select shows.
2021-2022 Season
Edwin J. “Eddie” Thomas, 1899-1986
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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.
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Volunteer at E.J. 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 E.J. Thomas Hall. Duties include reading tickets, scanning tickets, and directing patrons to their seats.
“Volunteer ushering at E.J. Thomas Hall rewards me with one interesting experience after another!”—Carol, volunteer usher.
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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 330-972-2440 or volunteers@ejthomashall.com
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2021-2022 Season
EJ THOMAS HALL
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1.800.362.6474 www.wccvb.com
JANUARY Tue 18 Drumline Thu 20 Piano Men
MARCH Tue 1 Tuesday Musical Harlem Quartet with pianist Aldo Lopez-Gavilan Sat 5 Akron Symphony Orchestra: EARTHQUAKER SYMPHONY Fri 18 Kulas Concert Series vocalist Diane Schuur Thu 24 Scooby-Doo Live!
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APRIL Sat 2 Akron Symphony Orchestra: SYMPHONIC DANCES Wed 6 The Electric Light Orchestra Experience Sat 9 The McCartney Project
MAY Wed 4 Tuesday Musical Association: Du Deco Ensemble Tue 10-Wed 11 C harlie and the Chocolate Factory: A New Musical Broadway in Akron Series Sat 14 Akron Symphony Orchestra: BAROQUE VIRTUOSOS JUNE Thu 9 The Masked Singer National Tour 2022 Sat 18 Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Meets Symphony
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FEBRUARY Tue 8 Tuesday Musical Association: Joshua Bell & Soprano Larisa Martinez Tue 15 Golden Girls Live! Tue 22 Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly – The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour
Tue 12-Wed 13 H airspray Broadway in Akron Series Fri 22 HYPROV with Colin Mochrie Wed 27 Motown with a Twist Thu 28 Madagascar LIVE! Sat 30 Akron Symphony Orchestra: THE CREATION
2021-2022 Season
2022 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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FLYING BALCONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP E.J. Thomas Hall is a treasure—for arts, for culture, for The University of Akron, and for the region! Located on the top floor of the Hall, the Flying Balcony Club is a members-only area that features a full-service bar and hors d’oeuvres on selected evenings. Memberships include such perks as:
2021-2022 Season
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n Reserved or complimentary parking n Food and beverage vouchers n Access to special club members services n Program recognition—and much more!
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Membership in the Flying Balcony Club also does something else: It provides E.J. Thomas Hall with a vital source of funding. Membership proceeds are used to make improvements at the Hall that otherwise would not be possible. If you would like to become a member of the Flying Balcony Club, contact Christin Shannon at 330-972-2440 or cnw27@uakron.edu. BRAVO! ($1,500+) Randy & Mary Jo Worthington Barbara Crucs Thomas Luck Arlene Nettling STANDING OVATION ($750+) Marcia Adair Linda VanFossen RAVE REVIEW ($500+) Robert Harris James Trenta Patricia Brown Faith Cook Kevin & Leslie Christensen Robin Konya Marc & Shorn Merklin Thomas Dudek Charles Walker Jay Hershey James & Lindsey Hindel Aaron Spaulding Thomas & Connie Repko James Harvey Charles Kanganis George Leuca III Keli Schimelpfenig Virginia Wojno Kyle S. Passmore Thomas A. Waltermire Dr. Roger T. Read Nancy L. McKnight
E.J. THOMAS HALL STAFF Margo Ohlson Director of Theatre Operations mohlson@uakron.edu Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@uakron.edu Christin Shannon Front of House/Patron Services cnw27@uakron.edu Keli Schimelpfenig Marketing Manager keli@uakron.edu Joe Shannon Production Manager jshannon@uakron.edu
Advertise in E.J. Thomas Hall Programs Contact Ruth Krise 330.714.2704 rkrise@livepub.com
Special appreciation is extended to the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation for the generous support of E.J. Thomas Hall. Knight Foundation has funded E.J. Thomas Hall to enhance programming, established the John S. Knight Lectureship at The University of Akron and continues to fund contemporary performers at E.J. Thomas Hall.
The University of Akron and E.J. Thomas Hall would like to thank John Palfrey, chairman of the foundation’s board, and Alberto Ibargüen, president, for their continued support of E.J. Thomas Hall. The University also wishes to recognize the leadership of Hodding Carter, III, former president, CEO and trustee and his predecessors Creed Black, C. Colmery Gibson and Ben Maidenburg. Special recognition is also extended to Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
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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.
2021-2022 Season
A Thank You…
Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.
Start Giving Today VISIT AKRONCF.ORG/DAF
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DON’T JUST MAKE DONATIONS—MAKE A DIFFERENCE Give to your own donor-advised fund and provide grants to the causes you’re passionate about. Grow your charitable impact today—and forever.
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