Broadway In Akron

        The lights start to dim, the pit starts playing the opening number, and you start getting butterflies in your stomach as the curtain rises and the stage is brought to life. You would think I’m talking about New York and the famous Broadway. But what if I told you I was talking about Akron’s own E.J. Thomas Hall?

The University of Akron and Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio have partnered to continue the series known as Broadway in Akron. Broadway in Akron is kicking off its third year here at E.J. Thomas Hall, with the first show of the season being six time TONY award-winning show, Kinky Boots. With music written by Cyndi Lauper and book written by Harvey Fierstein, this musical is sure to have you dancing along in your seat,  in awe of the performers doing back flips in six inch stiletto heels, and even shed a few tears.

Nathan Mortimer, the chief financial officer here at Akron, said that he wanted to prove that Akron is a lover of art by having this series come back to Akron.

Gina Vernaci, Playhouse Square’s Executive Producer, announced on October 11, 2017 that there were 2,109 season ticket holders for this year’s Broadway in Akron series of shows.

“It continues to grow every year!” she stated while looking out into the crowd as applause echoed through the hall.

Looking around, one can see people of all ages in attendance. Kelly Unger, a student here at the University and avid musical lover, spoke about what having this program means to her, “I think it’s a great partnership between the Cleveland Playhouse and Akron. The prices for tickets are amazing and it makes these award-winning shows more accessible to students and the Akron community.”

The shows scheduled for the rest of the year are Dirty Dancing, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Jersey Boys. Show times and prices can be found at uakron.edu/ej/broadway/ or, go to ticketmaster.com, and type in the show that you are looking for to purchase tickets.

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