EJ Thomas Hall 2016/2017 Season by Live Publishing

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2016-2017 Season 2

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On behalf of The University of Akron, we welcome you to EJ Thomas Hall, the University’s premier performing arts hall. As we celebrate another year, we want to begin by thanking, first and foremost, our loyal season ticket holders, regular theatre-goers, and those discovering EJ Thomas Hall for the first time. Our 42nd season is guaranteed to be a great one! The Hall will, once again, host numerous performances such as Vocalocity, THE ILLUSIONISTS–TURN OF THE CENTURY, Prague Philharmonia with Sarah Chang and concerts by The Akron Symphony Orchestra and Tuesday Musical Association. We will also offer many intimate Stage Door events.

Thank you again for being a part of The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall. You are truly our greatest asset, and we could not deliver or host the many events without your support.

Margo E. Ohlson Director Theatre Operations

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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

EJ THOMAS HALL

We are excited about our continuing collaboration with Playhouse Square, one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States outside of New York. This season’s Broadway in Akron includes the wonderful shows of Cinderella, Once, Rent, and Chicago.

2016-2017 Season

Welcome!

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2016-2017 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 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 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 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 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.

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. 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.

n Read the program notes.

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

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.

2016-2017 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 2016-2017 Season 6

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)

2016-2017 Season

The Hot Sardines

EJ THOMAS HALL

Sons Of Serendip

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.

Sponsored by the Knight Foundation, a series of innovative, edgy trend setters who broke stereotypes while generating critical acclaim for their artistry. The Hot Sardines and Sons Of Serendip were two of the groups that performed.

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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 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.

Don’t Miss

Take Photos with Santa and the Animated Rudolph

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Select evenings 5-8pm November 25-30 - December 1-30

714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 330.836.5533

2016-2017 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

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What will your child do in a day? Only everything.

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oldtrail.org Contact us to schedule your visit at admission@oldtrail.org. Connect with us

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NETworks PRESENTATIONS LLC

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

presents

music and lyrics

ENDA WALSH

GLEN HANSARD & MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ based on the motion picture written and directed by

JOHN CARNEY starring

SAM CIERI MACKENZIE LESSER-ROY CALEB ADAMS LILY CAPUTO JENN CHANDLER BARRY DEBOIS NYSSA DUCHOW LIAM FENNECKEN LYNN FLICKINGER ANYA GIBIAN ISAAC HAAS JOHN HAYS JULIA HOFFMANN MICHAEL KUROWSKI ANGEL LIN ALISON ROSE MUNN BRISTOL POMEROY ADAM HUEL POTTER LAUREN J THOMAS DAN TRACY GRANT ALAN WATKINS

EJ THOMAS HALL

book

scenic and costume design

lighting design

BOB CROWLEY NATASHA KATZ CLIVE GOODWIN STEPHEN GABIS STEWART/WHITLEY sound design

dialect coach

casting

associate director associate movement director resident music supervisor

SHAUN PEKNIC

associate scenic designer

FRANK MCCOLLOUGH

company manager

executive producer

JEFF MENSCH SETH WENIG

YASMINE LEE

FRED LASSEN

associate associate lighting designer costume designer costume coordinator

DAN WALKER

JEFFREY WALLACH

JIMM HALLIDAY

production stage manager tour press and marketing

JESS GOUKER

ALLIED LIVE

general manager

production manager

MARY K. WITTE

HECTOR GUIVAS

2016-2017 Season

original music supervisor and orchestrations

MARTIN LOWE STEVEN HOGGETT JOHN TIFFANY original movement by

originally directed by

Once was originally produced by Barbara Broccoli, John N. Hart Jr., Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf Productions and Robert Cole, in association with New York Theatre Workshop. 1

2016-2017 Season

MACKENZIE LESSER-ROY

LILY CAPUTO

JENN CHANDLER

EJ THOMAS HALL

CALEB ADAMS

SAM CIERI

BARRY DeBOIS

LYNN FLICKINGER

ANYA GIIBIAN

ISAAC HAAS

JOHN HAYS

JULIA HOFFMANN

MICHAEL KUROWSKI

ANGEL LIN

ALISON ROSE MUNN

BRISTOL POMEROY

ADAM HUEL POTTER

LAUREN J THOMAS

DAN TRACY

GRANT ALAN WATKINS

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LIAM FENNECKEN

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

NYSSA DUCHOW

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Ivanka...........................................................................................................................LILY CAPUTO Bank Manager .......................................................................................................JENN CHANDLER Cello, Guitar Guy.................................................................................................................................... SAM CIERI Guitar Ex-Girlfriend ......................................................................................................... NYSSA DUCHOW Violin, Percussion Švec .................................................................................................................... LIAM FENNECKEN Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Drum Set, Percussion Andrej ........................................................................................................................... ISAAC HAAS Electric Bass, Ukulele, Guitar, Percussion Billy................................................................................................................................. JOHN HAYS Guitar, Percussion, Ukulele Girl ....................................................................................................... MACKENZIE LESSER-ROY Piano Emcee............................................................................................................................... ANGEL LIN Guitar Baruška .......................................................................................................... ALISON ROSE MUNN Accordion, Concertina Da ..................................................................................................................... BRISTOL POMEROY Mandolin Réza.................................................................................................................. LAUREN J THOMAS Violin Eamon ............................................................................................................................ DAN TRACY Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Melodica, Harmonica MUSIC CAPTAIN—BARRY DeBOIS

2016-2017 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

MOVEMENT CAPTAIN—ADAM HUEL POTTER THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.

UNDERSTUDIES

Understudies and standbys never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance. For Guy—BARRY DeBOIS For Girl—NYSSA DUCHOW, JULIA HOFFMANN, ANGEL LIN For Andrej—CALEB ADAMS, MICHAEL KUROWSKI For Billy—ADAM HUEL POTTER, GRANT ALAN WATKINS For Baruška—LYNN FLICKINGER For Da—ADAM HUEL POTTER

For Eamon—MICHAEL KUROWSKI, GRANT ALAN WATKINS For Emcee—CALEB ADAMS, BARRY DeBOIS For Ex-Girlfriend—JULIA HOFFMANN For Réza—JULIA HOFFMANN For Švec—MICHAEL KUROWSKI, GRANT ALAN WATKINS For Bank Manager—ANYA GIBIAN

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers and watches.

ACT ONE

ACT TWO

“Sleeping” ...................................................................................................................................... Guy “When Your Mind’s Made Up” ........................................................................... Guy, Girl, Ensemble “The Hill”........................................................................................................................................Girl “Gold” (A cappella) ...............................................................................................................Company “The Moon” ...........................................................................................................................Company “Falling Slowly” (Reprise) .................................................................................. Guy, Girl, Ensemble

EJ THOMAS HALL

“Leave” .......................................................................................................................................... Guy “Falling Slowly” .................................................................................................................Guy & Girl “North Strand” ...................................................................................................................... Ensemble “The Moon” ....................................................................................................... Andrej (as Ensemble) “Ej, Pada, Pada, Rosicka” ..................................................................................................... Ensemble “If You Want Me” ................................................................................................ Guy, Girl, Ensemble “Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy” ................................................................................ Guy “Say It to Me Now” ....................................................................................................................... Guy “Abandoned in Bandon” ............................................................................................... Bank Manager “Gold” ....................................................................................................................... Guy & Ensemble

2016-2017 Season

MUSICAL NUMBERS

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uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2016-2017 Season

WHO’S WHO in the CAST SAM CIERI (Guy) was born in Boca Raton, Fla. After high school, Sam went from being a dueling piano player at The Mirage in Las Vegas to playing music in the New York City subways to pay the bills, and after a quick stint as a motorcycle salesman, he decided to come to the theater. Most recently Sam was seen in Rock of Ages as Drew. He is very excited to be involved in Once and would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support. MACKENZIE LESSER-ROY (Girl) is honored to join the cast and crew of Once. Regional: Spring Awakening (Wendla), Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), The Threepenny Opera (Jenny). The Boston Conservatory. Thanks to Stewart/Whitley Casting and Nancy Carson. Endless love for Mom and Dad. mackenzielesser-roy.com. JENN CHANDLER (Bank Manager). Regional favorites: Macbeth (Malcom/Cellist), 45 Seconds from Broadway (Megan Woods), The Mousetrap (Miss Casewell). Training: B.Mu. Cello Performance, BYU; M.A. Classical Acting, LAMDA. So much love and thanks to her family for their constant support and love! jennchandler.com. NYSSA DUCHOW (Ex-Girlfriend) started violin at five and graduated from the Webster Conservatory in musical theater. She’s fiddled all over the country as principle roles in Ring of Fire, Cotton Patch Gospel, and Almost Heaven. “Love to my guy in NYC.” LIAM FENNECKEN (Švec). Proud graduate: B.A. Theatre, Penn State. National tour: American Idiot (Ens., u/s Will). Peter Pan 360 (Smee/ Nana). Former member award winning a cappella groups, Penn State Statesmen and Hyannis Sound. Soundcloud.com/LiamFennecken ISAAC HAAS (Andrej). Off-Broadway: Peace Love and Cupcakes the Musical. Regional and NYC: Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Legend of Jim Cullen. Isaac graduated from CAP21 conservatory and enjoys acting, singing, songwriting and making doughnuts. Thanks to Mom and Dad for letting a loud, rebellious teenager pick up the guitar. JOHN HAYS (Billy) is elated to be kicking off his national touring debut with such an 5

amazing musical as Once! Regional: Grease (Roger), Rent (Roger), The Buddy Holly Story (Joe Mauldin, u/s Buddy), Ring of Fire (Mark), Pump Boys and Dinettes (Jackson), A Soldiers Play (Lt. Byrd). “Dedicated to my parents.” ANGEL LIN (Emcee, u/s Girl) is anything synonymous to the word “geek.” Recent tour: Kansas City Choir Boy (starring Courtney Love). Featured in Better to Live (Tribeca Film Festival 2015), a documentary about creating The Reality Show, a musical-sketch comedy tackling mental health issues for college students. B.F.A.: NYU Tisch. Love to everyone (you know who you are). angeldoesthings.com. ALISON ROSE MUNN (Baruška). Nat’l tour: The Taffetas (Peggy). Regional: The Who’s Tommy (Mrs. Walker); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Colgate); Hello, Dolly! (Mrs. Malloy); Cats (Grizabella) and Las Vegas’ Jubilee! (Principal Singer). Training: B.Mu, vocal performance, NYU. “Love to my ever supportive family.” alisonrosemunn.com. BRISTOL POMEROY (Da) is thrilled to be in this production of Once. Recent credits: Carefully Taught, Sleep in Safety, Boeing Boeing (Bernard), The Sun Shines East (Robert), Driving Miss Daisy (Boolie Werthan), That is How I Left (Mr. Bristol), On a Darkling Plain. TV: “The Americans” (co-star). Film: Marathon, FAT (starring Mel Rodriguez), 2 Sunny Days (Croatia), It’s not Funny Anymore. LAUREN J THOMAS (Reza) is thrilled to join the cast of Once! She recently returned from Turkey, teaching ESL and performing in Ankara. B.F.A. acting: Boston University, LAMDA. Regional favorites: The Sussman Variations (Miranda), The Tempest (Miranda). Love to Mom, Dad, Mert, Grace and Kate for being her rocks. Dedicated to Adrian, for stories and barefoot violin lessons. laurenjthomas.com. DAN TRACY (Eamon). Off-Broadway: Clown Bar (NY Times Critics’ Pick, NYIT Award nominee), Ivy & Bean, Byuioo. Regional: Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Nebraska Shakespeare. Film: Lifetime’s Little Women. Pipeline Theatre Company member. Creighton University. Thanks to Mom and Dad for everything important. dtracy.com.

CALEB ADAMS (u/s Guy, u/s Andrej) is thrilled to join the cast and crew of Once. Graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Credits include Broadway’s Rising Stars, 54 Below and Broadway Unplugged. Thanks to Caralie and Harris. Love to Mom, Dad and Anna.

BARRY DeBOIS (u/s Guy, u/s Emcee) is an engineer-turned-actor/singer/filmmaker. He’s fronted bands, acted on stages and performed on cruise ships around the world. Cofounder of production collective Bruth Media. “You better be you, and do what you can do.” barrydebois.com.

ANYA GIBIAN (u/s Bank Manager). OffBroadway: The Pirate La Dee Da (NY Times Critics’ Pick, Off-Broadway Alliance Award Best Family Show), The Velveteen Rabbit. NYC and regional: The Mysteries, Solina, The Flying Doctor by Moliere (over and over again). B.S. from Cornell University. anyagibian.com.

ENDA WALSH (Playwright) is an Irish playwright living in London. He is the winner of numerous international awards, and his work has been translated and produced worldwide. Recent plays: Misterman (Landmark, Ireland); Penelope, The New Electrical Ballroom, The Walworth Farce (all Druid Theatre, Ireland). Other plays: Chatroom, The Small Things, Bedbound, Disco Pigs. Shorter plays: How These Desperate Men Talk, Lynndie’s Gotta Gun, Gentrification, My Friend Duplicity, Room 303. Film: Hunger. Walsh was awarded the Tony Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for his work on Once. GLEN HANSARD (Music and Lyrics). Film: The Commitments, Once. Albums: Strict Joy, the soundtrack of Once (Academy Award, Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly”), The Swell Season, The Cost, Burn the Maps, Set List: Live in Dublin, For the Birds, Dance the Devil, Fitzcarraldo, Another Love Song. MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ (Music and Lyrics). Film: Once. Albums: The Swell Season, the soundtrack of Once (Academy Award, Best Original Song “Falling Slowly”), Strict Joy, Anar.

MICHAEL KUROWSKI (u/s Svec, Andrej, Eamon) recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago. Previous shows include Laura Wade’s Posh (Ed), American Idiot (Ensemble/ Band), among others. On screen cedits: Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino (Josh), Chicago Fire and “WTF News America.”

JOHN CARNEY (Writer and Director of the Film, Once) is a Dublin-based writer-director who came to the world’s attention following the box office hit and critically acclaimed musical feature film Once, which garnered multiple Independent Spirit, Sundance and Raindance awards. Previously, John was a bassist in the Irish rock

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JULIA HOFFMANN (u/s Girl, u/s Ex-Girlfriend, u/s Réza) is delighted to be a part of Once! She’s been in bands and theater productions across the country. Moscow Art Theater and National Theater Institute alumna, B.F.A. in acting from Shenandoah Conservatory. Love to her wonderful family and friends! juliamariehoffmann.com.

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LYNN FLICKINGER (u/s Baruška). Theater credits include: Carnegie Hall premiere of Fanny Lou (Mrs. Richards); Carousel (Nettie); Into the Woods (Witch); a solo career in Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. She plays Mrs. Gabor in the upcoming film adaptation of Spring Awakening.

GRANT ALAN WATKINS (u/s Billy, u/s Eamon, u/s Švec). Regional: Rock of Ages (Lonny); Dream a Little Dream (John Phillips); The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical (Jackie) at Actors Theatre of Charlotte; Coraline (Other Father/ Policeman) at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte; The Aliens (KJ) at PaperHouse Theatre. Much love to Mom, Dad and Jan.

EJ THOMAS HALL

LILY CAPUTO (Ivanka) is thrilled to make her theater debut in Once. A model turned actor, she has performed in film and commercials. Special thanks to Susan Liebesman and George Leo for always believing in me. “I love you Mommy, Daddy and all my brothers and sisters!”

ADAM HUEL POTTER (u/s Billy, u/s Da) is a displaced Kentuckian honored to be part of Once. Credits include Misery (Broadway), 54 Below, Broadway’s Rising Stars, Twelfth Night and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Circle in the Square Theatre School. SW Artists. SAGAFTRA. adamhuelpotter.com @AdamHuelPotter. “Love to Li’l Bit and Mom and Dad!”

2016-2017 Season

WHO’S WHO in the CAST

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2016-2017 Season

WHO’S WHO in the CAST band the Frames, where he met Glen Hansard. These musical roots continue to be evident in John’s work with his latest production, Can a Song Save Your Life?, heading into production in NYC. Other upcoming projects include Dogs of Babel for David Heyman and Nathan Kahane starring Steve Carell and a feature adaptation of M.R. James’s Casting the Runes for Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. JOHN TIFFANY (Director) won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for his work on Once. Recent work: The Glass Menagerie (Broadway and A.R.T.); Let the Right One In; Macbeth (also Broadway); Enquirer; The Missing; Peter Pan; The House of Bernarda Alba; The Bacchae; Black Watch (Laurence Olivier Award for Best Director, Critics’ Circle Award for Best Director); Elizabeth Gordon Quinn; Home: Glasgow (all National Theatre of Scotland); Jerusalem (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Las Chicas del Tres y Media Floppies (Granero Theatre, Mexico City; Edinburgh Festival Fringe); If Destroyed True, Mercury Fur, The Straits (Paines Plough); Gagarin Way (Traverse, Edinburgh). Education: University of Glasgow (M.A. in Theatre and Classics). Associate Director (National Theatre of Scotland, 2005–2012). Radcliffe Fellow (Harvard University, academic year 2010–2011). Associate Director (Royal Court). STEVEN HOGGETT (Movement). For Once, Steven won the Obie, Lortel and Calloway awards. Broadway: The Glass Menagerie (also A.R.T.), American Idiot, Peter and the Starcatcher (Lortel Award). West End: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. International: Rocky the Musical (Stage Entertainments), Rigoletto (Met Opera), The Full Monty (Sheffield), Let the Right One In, Black Watch (Olivier Award, Best Choreographer) (National Theatre of Scotland), The Light Princess (Royal National Theatre), What’s It All About (NYTW), Lovesong, Beautiful Burnout, Othello (TMA Award, Best Director) (Frantic Assembly, founding Artistic Director). MARTIN LOWE (Musical Supervisor, Orchestrations and Additional Material) was awarded Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk and Obie awards for his work on Once. Theater: Once (NYTW); Jedermann (Salzburg Festival); The Light Princess; War Horse; Caroline, or Change; Jerry Springer: 7

The Opera; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Nation (National Theatre); An Appointment with the Wicker Man; The Wolves in the Walls (National Theatre of Scotland/Improbable); Mamma Mia! (London, Tokyo, Seoul, international tour, Stockholm, Shanghai); The Full Monty; Once on This Island; Cats; Les Misérables (West End). Recordings: Once, Mamma Mia! (original London cast and movie soundtrack), Jerry Springer: The Opera. Martin was musical director for Mamma Mia! the movie (Universal). BOB CROWLEY (Scenic and Costume Design). Theater includes The History Boys (National Theatre; Broadway, Tony Award); Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Plantagenets (RSC, Olivier Award); Don Carlos (Met); Pavane and Anastasia (Royal Ballet); La Traviata (ROH); Alice in Wonderland (ROH, Canada). Broadway: The Coast of Utopia (Tony), Carousel (Tony), Disney’s Aida (Tony), Tarzan, Mary Poppins (Tony), The Year of Magical Thinking. Crowley won a Tony Award for his work on Once. Recipient of the Royal Designer for Industry Award and the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatrical Design. NATASHA KATZ (Lighting Design) won a Tony for her work on Once. She has designed extensively for plays, musicals, dance, opera and architectural installations in the U.S. and throughout the world. Recent Broadway: Motown, Follies, Hedda Gabler, Sister Act, The Addams Family, The Coast of Utopia: Salvage, Aida and Beauty and the Beast. Awards: Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Broadway League Touring Award, Whatsonstage, The Lucille Lortel and The Ruth Morly Design Award. Natasha is thrilled to be working on Once again. CLIVE GOODWIN (Sound Design). Broadway: The Glass Menagerie, Once (Tony Award, Best Sound Design of a Musical). London West End: Once. Off-Broadway: Once (Lortel nomination for Outstanding Sound Design), What’s It All About. American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), Cambridge, Mass.: Pippin, The Glass Menagerie, Once, Prometheus Bound, The Blue Flower (IRNE and Elliot Norton awards for Best Sound Design of A Musical), Cabaret with Amanda Palmer. Worldwide: Sound designer/engineer for Radiohead, Underworld, Pulp. Film/television: Greetings from Tim Buckley, “Dancing

with the Stars” (BBC), “Later with Jools Holland” (BBC), “The Sound of Musicals” (BBC).

YASMINE LEE (Associate Movement Director) began her career on the concert dance stage per-

FRANK McCULLOUGH (Associate Scenic Designer) has contributed to the designs for more than 25 Broadway shows including Once, War Horse, The Book of Mormon, The Addams Family, The Coast of Utopia and others. Frank is originally from Evansville, Ind. and trained at Webster University in St. Louis. PETER HOERBURGER (Associate Lighting Designer). Recent Broadway ALD Credits: Betrayal (Barrymore Theater); Once (Broadway and West End); Scandalous (Neil Simon Theater); Bring It On (St. James Theatre); The Mountaintop (Jacob’s Theater); GhettoKlown (Lyceum Theatre); Elf (Al Hirschfeld Theatre); faculty at Purchase College. JESS GOUKER (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be joining the Once team this season. National tours: Beauty and the Beast (PSM, ASM). New York: False Solution (SM) at La Mama, ETC., Ocean in a Teacup (ASM) at The June Havoc Theatre, Wanderlust (SM) at The Tank. Regional: Weston Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse and North Shore Music Theatre. Graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey. ALLIED LIVE (Tour Press & Marketing) is a full-service marketing and advertising agency representing Broadway shows, national tours, performing arts institutions and experiential

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SHAUN PEKNIC (Associate Director). Associate Director: Once (Broadway, West End, National tour, Toronto). Select directing credits: Pulp Vérité (2015 Lee Strasberg Directing Fellowship); I’m A Lot Like You (Salty Brine’s Spectacular Living Record Collection); Comes a Faery (Nylon Fusion Theatre Company); Sherlock Holmes & the West End Horror (Cortland Repertory Theatre, nominated Best Director 2015 SALT Awards); One Night In New York! (Musical Theatre Factory); A Snowfall in Berlin (Nylon Fusion Theatre Company); Must Be The Music (ArsNova); Chaser (New York Fringe Festival); Aimless (Theatre Row); A Streetcar Named Desire (New York University). Shaun is an alumnus of NYU and the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and teaches directing at NYU/Playwrights Horizons Theater School.

FRED LASSEN (Resident Music Supervisor). Broadway: Porgy and Bess, South Pacific, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Cabaret, 42nd Street. Television: NBC’s “The Sound Of Music Live,” “Peter Pan.” Concerts: Laura Osnes, Ramin Karimloo, Lea Salonga, Sierra Boggess, Paulo Szot.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

STEWART/WHITLEY (Casting). Duncan Stewart CSA and Benton Whitley CSA. Broadway/ NY: On The Town, Pippin, Chicago The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, The Band Wagon, Carnegie Hall Sings, Pageant. West End/U.K.: Thriller Live, Menier Chocolate Factory. Tours: Flashdance, Anything Goes, Bullets Over Broadway, Elf, We Will Rock You, Once, The Duck Commander Musical. Upcoming: August Rush, Nerds, Prince of Egypt. Regional: American Repertory Theater, The Alley Theatre, Bay Street Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Royal Caribbean. Casting Associate: Andrea Zee CSA. stewartwhitley.com.

EJ THOMAS HALL

STEPHEN GABIS (Dialect Coach). Selected Broadway/Off-Broadway: Tribes, Magic/Bird, Look Back in Anger, Man and Boy, Bluebird, Through a Glass Darkly, Lombardi, The 39 Steps, A View From the Bridge, Lend Me a Tenor, Port Authority, Memphis, Jersey Boys, Coram Boy, Brief Encounter, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Doubt. Regional: Educating Rita (Huntington); Shirley Valentine, The Train Driver (Long Wharf). Selected film/TV: “Prime Suspect,” “Boardwalk Empire,” Salt, Across the Universe, “Bernard and Doris.”

forming in over 25 countries and in every state of the Union. She has worked as both choreographer and performer in film, television, video, theater, ceremonies and industrials. Select credits as Associate Choreographer include Once (A.R.T., NYTW, Broadway, First National Tour, all international productions), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Broadway), Rent (Broadway, National Tours), Pearl, Spring/River/ Flower/Moon/Night (Lincoln Center), Opening Ceremonies XXII Winter Olympic Games (Sochi), Amici Di Maria Felipe (Canale 5). Additionally, Tender Napalm (Movement Director, Off-Broadway), Momix, Across The Universe.

2016-2017 Season

WHO’S WHO in the CAST

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL

WHO’S WHO in the CAST entertainment entities. Current clients include Blue Man Group, The Book of Mormon, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Elf, Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Motown The Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Upcoming tours include Hamilton, An American in Paris, and Something Rotten! SETH WENIG (Executive Producer) has been with NETworks since its inception in 1995. He spearheaded the international tours of Fosse starring Ben Vereen and Ruthie Henshall. Seth has produced The Lincoln Center Theatre’s Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast and The National Theatre’s War Horse. Together with Cameron Mackintosh, Seth served as Executive Producer for both the U.S. and U.K. tours of the National Theatre’s My Fair Lady, The 25th Anniversary U.S. tour of Les Misérables and the new The Phantom of the Opera tour. He is most proud of his greatest productions—Marlo and Camden. NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS, LLC (Producer) from its inception nearly 20 years ago, has been an industry leading producer and manager of touring musical theater productions and remains committed to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide. Having toured over 60 productions throughout North America, NETworks is now expanding its tours into international markets including South America, Greece, Italy, Turkey and South East Asia. Current touring productions include Cameron Mackintosh’s The Phantom of the Opera, Dirty Dancing, Elf The Musical, Finding Neverland, Into the Woods, Once The Musical, The Sound of Music and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I. PRODUCTION STAFF FOR ONCE

2016-2017 Season

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Seth Wenig GENERAL MANAGEMENT GENTRY & ASSOCIATES, INC. Gregory Vander Ploeg Jamey Jennings, Mary K. Witte, Anne Cape PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT NETworks PRESENTATIONS LLC Jason Juenker Laura Dieli, Hector Guivas, Emma Downey 9

EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION THE ROAD COMPANY Stephen Lindsay Brett Sirota Magaly Barone Shawn Willet Jenny Kirlin Justine Spingler Garrett Holtz Allie Beik theroadcompany.com TOUR PRESS & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE ALLIED LIVE Laura Matalon Marya Peters Jennifer Gallagher Jacqueline Smith Doug Blemker, Mary Alyce Blum, Sarah Dahlberg, Andrew Damer John Gilmour, Meghan McDonald, Anne Dailey Meyer, Anne Waisanen CASTING STEWART/WHITLEY Duncan Stewart, CSA Benton Whitley, CSA Andrea Zee, CSA Dale Brown, CSA Eric Byrd Danny Dunitz COMPANY MANAGEMENT Company Manager ......................... Jeff Mensch TOUR PERSONNEL Production Stage Manager ..............Jess Gouker Associate Music Supervisor ............. Rob Preuss Associate Movement Director .......Katie Spelman Assistant Director ........................Victoria Flores Head Carpenter.................... Joshua DeBernardi Assistant Carpenters ............Robert J. DiCandia, John Seth Leach Head Electrician ........................ Justin M Petito Assistant Electrician ..............Jacob P. Brinkman Head Props.....................................Colin Howie Head Sound Engineer ......................... Ian Loftis Assistant Sound Engineer .............Colin Braeger Instrument Tech .............................Britt Reagan Head Wardrobe ......................... Jessica Simons Production Wardrobe .....................Lyndsi Sager Costume Assistant ..................... John Saunders Hair & Makeup Consultant ........... Caitlin Maxwell Moving Light & Video Programmer... Sean Beach Production Electrician .... Matthew Charles Hrinko Child Chaperone ............................Alicia Caputo Production Assistants .... Jen Howie, Mariah Young Child Permit Services ......On Location Education Alan Simon, Jodi Green Czech Dialect Consultant .............. Pavel Zustiak Social Media ..............................................AKA Website Design ..........................................AKA Production Photographer ............... Joan Marcus Accounting ............NETworks Presentations LLC Tour Accountant ..................... Laura Carey, CLA

2016-2017 Season

SPECIAL THANKS Stanley Center for the Arts, Utica, NY and John M. Fehlner, Jr.

International Booking Inquiries .................... National Artists Mgmnt. Alecia Parker

Financial Services and banking arrangements by SunTrust Bank

STAFF FOR NETworks PRESENTATIONS Chief Executive Officer............... Kenneth Gentry Chief Operating Officer ........... Scott W. Jackson President ........................................... Orin Wolf Executive Vice President Production ... Seth Wenig Executive Assistant/Assoc. GM ........Curt Owens Director of Finance ........................... John Kinna Controller ................................. Jennifer Gifford Executive Producers .................. Angela Rowles, Trinity Wheeler Director of Booking ............Charmaine McVicker Engagement Manager........Esther Schwarzbauer Director of Marketing/PR ..............Heather Hess Digital Marketing Strategist .......... Perrin Shapiro Senior General Manager ...Gregory Vander Ploeg General Managers ....................Jamey Jennings, Mary K. Witte Assistant General Manager................Anne Cape Senior Production Manager ..........Jason Juenker Production Managers ... Laura Dieli, Hector Guivas Assistant Production Manager ..... Emma Downey Music Coordinator ..........................John Mezzio IT Manager ........................................Tim Pizza Warehouse Manager ......................... Brad Korff Office Manager .........................Buddy Piccolino Administrative Assistants .............. Carroll Jewel, Kevin Persaud

MUSIC CREDITS “On Raglan Road” by Patrick Kavanagh is performed by kind permission of the Trustees of the Estate of the late Katherine B. Kavanagh, through the Jonathan Williams Literary Agency. “Gold” composed by Fergus O’Farrell, published by Yell Music Ltd. “Abandoned in Bandon” composed by Martin Lowe, Andy Taylor and Enda Walsh.

Original cast album now available on Sony Masterworks Souvenir merchandise designed and created by: The Araca Group araca.com or 212-869-0070 C.F. Martin and Company is the Official Guitar of Once Touring, LLC. oncemusical.com 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 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.

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CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery and scenic effects built, painted, and electrified by Show Motion, Inc., Milford CT. Lighting equipment from PRG Lighting. Video equipment from PRG Video. Sound equipment by Masque Sound®. Banjo built by Nechville Musical Products. Cellos and violins provided by Samuel Kolstein & Son; Hosiery and undergarments supplied by Bra*Tenders. Bill’s Music in Baltimore, Md.

Once on Tour rehearsed at Gibney Dance Studios

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Insurance Broker Services Maury Donnelly and Parr, Inc. Robert B. Middleton, Sr and Meghan Shriver

Tax & Financial Consulting, Accounting Services CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Linda Rubenstein, Pat Enverso, Pat Guerieri

EJ THOMAS HALL

Legal Services ............... David F. Schwartz, Esq HR and Payroll Services ... Human Resources inc. Merchandising The Araca Group/Meghan Rhoads Merchandise Manager.................... Mollie Turner Housing Services ... Lisa Morris, Road Concierge Travel Agency ............................Janice Kessler, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Bussing Services........................ Clarion Coach, Croswell VIP Motorcoach Trucking ..................................... Clark Transfer Physical Therapy.....Neuro Tour Physical Therapy, Inc. Carolyn M. Lawson Theater Displays ................... King Displays, Inc.

Akron Community Foundation invites you into a whole new world of giving: one that’s inspired, connected and deliberate. A Donor-Advised Fund at Akron Community Foundation helps you support the causes you believe in – now or in the future, here or across the country – while providing the maximum tax benefit at precisely the moment you need it. You also get local insight, responsive staff and more than 60 years of expertise. We help everyday people be philanthropists. Discover how a Donor-Advised Fund can help you at www.akroncf.org/fund.

SEPTEMBER 2016 SAT 9/24 Akron Symphony: Opening Night 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 TUE 9/27 Tuesday Musical: Emerson String Quartet 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25

JANUARY 2017 TUE 1/17 Prague Philharmonic with Sarah Chang 7:30 pm $47, $42, $27 SAT 1/21 Akron Symphony: Beethoven’s Ninth 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 WED 1/25 Tuesday Musical: Imani Winds 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25 FRI 1/27 Vocal Choral Festival Closing Concert 3 pm Free

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FEBRUARY 2017 SAT 2/4 Snow Maiden 7 pm $20 SUN 2/5 Snow Maiden 1 pm $20 FRI 2/10 Akron Symphony: The Firebird 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 FRI 2/11 Akron Acapella 8 pm $10 SAT 2/25 Gospel Meets Symphony 7:30 pm $55, $45, $35, $20

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

NOVEMBER 2016 TUE 11/1 Dave Ramsey: Smart Money 6:30 pm FRI 11/4 Akron Symphony Pops: National Parks: Sights and Sounds 7:30 pm $55, $45, $35, $20. SAT 11/5 Stephen Bishop – Stage Door 8 pm $39 TUE 11/8 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 WED 11/9 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 TUE 11/15 THE ILLUSIONISTS: TURN OF THE CENTURY 7:30 pm $58, $53, $48, $35.50 WED 11/16 THE ILLUSIONISTS: TURN OF THE CENTURY 7:30 pm $58, $53, $48, $35.50 FRI 11/18 Akron Symphony: From the New World Legacy of the Spirituals 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 SAT 11/19 Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band 8 pm $22, $18

DECEMBER 2016 FRI 12/2 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 12-7 pm $5, Seniors $4.50, Free to children 12 & under SAT 12/3 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 10 am-6 pm $5, Seniors $4.50, Free to children 12 & under SUN 12/4 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 10 am-4 pm $5, Seniors $4.50, Free to children 12 & under TUE 12/6 Once – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 WED 12/7 Once – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 FRI 12/9 Akron Symphony Holiday Pops: Home for the Holidays 7:30 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 SAT 12/10 Tuba Christmas 10 am & 2:30 pm – FREE SUN 12/11 Jingle Jazz 3 pm $12, $6 non-UA students, Free for UA students with card

EJ THOMAS HALL

OCTOBER 2016 FRI 10/7 Time Traveller: A Tribute to the Moody Blues – Stage Door 8 pm $20 SUN 10/9 DanceCleveland: Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company 3 pm $55, $45, $35, $25 SAT 10/15 Akron Symphony: The Planets + Sō 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 TUE 10/18 Old Jews Telling Jokes – Stage Door 7:30 pm $49.95 WED 10/19 UA Bands Gala Concert 7:30 pm Free FRI 10/21 330 Jazz Showcase featuring The Theron Brown Trio 8 pm $20, $10 UA Faculty/Staff/Students SUN 10/23 Vocalosity 8:00 pm $29.50, $24 WED 10/26 Collage 7:30 pm $12, $6 non-UA students, Free for UA students with card SAT 10/29 Sisters Back to School Catechism – Stage Door 8 pm $37

SUN 11/20 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood 2 pm $76, $46, $36, $26 TUE 11/22 Tuesday Musical: Dina Kuznetsova/Jinjoo Cho 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25 WED 11/23 Zach: Giving Thanks 8 pm SAT 11/26 Pretenders 8 pm $75, $55, $37.50

2016-2017 Season

2016/2017 EJ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2016-2017 Season 10

MARCH 2017 WED 3/1 Tuesday Musical: St. Petersburg Philharmonic 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25 MON 3/6 Five Irish Tenors 7:30 pm $42 MON 3/10 Odd Squad 7:30 pm FRI 3/17 Akron Symphony: NEOS Dance Theatre 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 WED 3/22 UA JazzFest ’17 John Fedchock – Stage Door 7:30 pm $12, $6 nonUA students, Free for UA students with card THU 3/23 UA JazzFest ’17 John Fedchock with UA Faculty – Stage Door 7:30 pm $12, $6.00 non-UA students, Free for UA students with card FRI 3/24 UA Jazzfest ’17 Closing Concert with Steve Tyrell 7:30 pm $25, $15 students FRI 3/31 GroundWorks Dance Theater 7:30 pm $25 APRIL 2017 SAT 4/1 GroundWorks Dance Theater 7:30 pm $25

TUE 4/4 Rent – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 WED 4/5 Rent – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 SAT 4/8 The University of Akron Steel Drum Band with guest artist Kendall Williams 8 pm $22, $20 Seniors, UA Faculty/Staff, $11 students THU 4/13 The University of Akron Dance Company 7:30 pm $14 FRI 4/14 The University of Akron Dance Company 7:30 pm $14 FRI 4/21 Akron Symphony Pops: Cirque de la Symphonie 7:30 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 WED 4/26 Tuesday Musical: Escher String Quartet 7:30 pm $45, $40, $25 MAY 2017 SAT 5/6 Akron Symphony: Mendelssohn’s Elijah 8 pm $55, $45, $35, $20 TUE 5/9 Chicago – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10 WED 5/10 Chicago – Broadway in Akron 7:30 pm $75, $60, $40, $10

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 Patricia Donovan Theatre Manager patric3@uakron.edu

2016-2017 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL STAFF

Dominic Cardarelli Senior Accounts Coordinator dc21@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.

ayne County

Wayne County, Ohio Downtown Dazzle to Country Calm

www.wccvb.com 1.800.362.6474

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Unique Kitchenware and Gifts for Cooking Enthusiasts 116 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691

330.601.1331

SHOP ONLINE any time at www.TodaysKitchenStore.com

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ENJOY A QUAILCREST CHRISTMAS

TODAY’S KITCHEN STORE

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

One of a kind shopping & dining experiences in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country — less than an hour away!

EJ THOMAS HALL

Lenny Pizzute Technical Services Associate pizzute@uakron.edu

uaevents.com 2016-2017 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

OUR MEMBERS MATTER

The members of EJ Thomas Hall’s Flying Balcony Club (FBC) are supporters of this region’s premiere performance venue. Through their support, each helps EJ enrich The University of Akron’s and the greater Akron community’s cultural life with the presentation of world-class performances and dynamic educational programs. Members for the 2016-2017 season are: BRAVO! ($1,500+) Miklos & Lorita Gaspar Randy & Mary Jo Worthington STANDING OVATION ($750+) Drs. Mark & Sandy Auburn Thomas J. Dudek Hank & Arlene Nettling Wes & Linda Van Fossen RAVE ($500+) Patricia Brown Kevin & Leslie Christensen Jane Delcamp Marcia Adair & Dick Edwards Barbara Banks & Phyllis Fitzgerald Mrs. Dorothy (Stephen) Farkas Dr. Howard Greene Jim & Louise Kuhns Harvey Jay R. Hershey James Hindel Sam & Marilyn Landers

Thomas R. Luck Dr. Alan Meshekow Nathan & Karen Mortimer Sherryl & Steve Owen Molly Plaskett Roger Read Kenneth Robinson Marianne Uhl Drs. Diane & Thomas Vukovich Virginia Wojno-Forney APPLAUSE ($250+) Faith & Thane Cook DuWayne & Dorothy Hansen Dianne Kauffman Kevin Lauterjing Marc & Sharon Merklin Dr. James & Barbara Noonan Dr. Judit E. Puskas, Dr. Gabor Kaszas Dr. Thomas & Connie Repko

A gorgeous venue at the top of EJ Thomas Hall, the private Flying Balcony Club is open to members and their guests one hour prior to all Main Stage events – including Broadway, Akron Symphony, and Tuesday Musical. The Flying Balcony Club offers a full service bar, elegant seating, delicious fare, VIP treatment through the FBC Membership Services’ direct phone line, and complimentary parking. Plus, depending upon the level selected, members receive exclusive amenities such as backstage tours and complimentary tickets to select events. Do you appreciate the arts and the role EJ Thomas Hall plays in the greater Akron area? By joining the Flying Balcony Club, you join a community dedicated to keeping the arts thriving. Your donation helps underwrite programming bringing a diverse range of new and established talent to Akron. Find out how you can become a member. Contact Flying Balcony Club Membership Services at 330-972-6316 or mlpaul@uakron.edu.

2016-2017 Season

Some Trivia and History

n EJ Thomas Hall was designed in part by Dr. Vern O. Knudsen, Los Angeles, world renowned physicist, UCLA chancellor emeritus and acoustical expert, who also checked the acoustics of the building and “tuned” it after it was completed. Dr. Knudsen considered the entire Hall a musical instrument. He designed the unique system of sound dispersal with a range of various acoustical devices built into the structure to handle the differing requirements of a concert hall, opera house or Broadway show, and intimate theater. The hall is programmed to change at the push of a button on a console backstage. n 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.

n 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

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n When the Hall was finished, Knudsen and theater consultant Dr. George Izenour spent four days making extensive tests of its acoustical properties and ceiling apparatus. Tests were made with live and taped sounds, including a .22 caliber pistol being fired from the stage and the reverberation times measured throughout the Hall. The variance was only 3.5 to 4 decibels, a discrepancy not even a trained ear could detect.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

n Before EJ Thomas Hall was built, the only places in Akron to house performances by touring companies were the Akron Civic Theatre and the Akron Armory, which was designed to drill troops.

EJ THOMAS HALL

Above: EJ’s ghost light. Left: Counterweighted cables.

uaevents.com THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON EJ THOMAS HALL 2016-2017 Season 14

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. n EJ Thomas Hall’s ghost light was rescued from the Colonial Theatre when it was demolished in 1970. The Colonial Theatre was built in 1901-02 as a 1,600 seat playhouse, supposedly a replica of the old Lincoln Playhouse in New York. From vaudeville to motion pictures with a small Wurlitzer theatre organ to accompany the silent films, back to vaudeville during WWII and on to full time movies before closing, the ghost light now safeguards Broadway shows, UA student performances, lectures and a diverse range of performing artists. n There is almost one acre – or more than 43,000 square feet of carpeting in EJ Thomas Hall. New carpet was installed for the 40th birthday makeover, as well as new furniture and paint in the lobby. Out of sight there is a new light board, projector and two additional follow spots. n If you go on Hill Street, look between the Pardee Lobby and Stage Door entrances for the iron rings that were used to chain the elephants when the circus came to EJ Thomas Hall in the 70s. John Kenley Players also performed summer stock and volleyball games were often played in Goodrich Lobby after the shows. n 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.

2016-2017 Season

EJ THOMAS HALL

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

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