9/8/2011 - West Side Leader
By Kathleen Folkerth
DOWNTOWN AKRON — The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall’s Broadway in Akron series is bringing several shows to the city for the first time this season.
“My Fair Lady,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Color Purple” are all new for Akron audiences. And “Rock of Ages,” a musical that brings the rock of the 1980s to the stage in all its leather-clad glory, will make its Northeast Ohio debut on the E.J. Thomas stage.
“It did well on Broadway and when it was offered to us, we were beyond thrilled,” said Beth Lynch, press and promotions manager for E.J. Thomas.
“Rock of Ages,” currently being made into a motion picture with Tom Cruise and Russell Brand, is set on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in 1987 and features the music of Journey, Styx, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar. It began its Broadway run in 2009 and moved this year to the Helen Hayes Theatre there. It comes to Akron Nov. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale Oct. 7.
“My Fair Lady” is the first Broadway in Akron performance Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and 21 at 8 p.m., with tickets on sale Sept. 9. Lynch said the show is a new production of the classic musical.
“The Color Purple,” a musical of the Alice Walker book and Steven Spielberg film, takes the stage in Akron Feb. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m., with tickets on sale Nov. 25. Tickets are also on sale that day for “Fiddler on the Roof,” which comes to Akron March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 at 8 p.m.
Lynch said E.J. Thomas officials also are thrilled to have two shows scheduled with the Blue Man Group June 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. This is the first time the act is coming to the theater, she said. Tickets are on sale Nov. 25.
The hall also has a special holiday performance Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. with Chip Davis’ The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller. The concert combines beloved holiday music with state-of-the-art multimedia effects. Tickets are on sale Sept. 11.
The hall’s Variety Series kicks off with jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and is followed by Javier Colon Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.
Colon appeared at UA earlier this year in a free show at the Stage Door before going on to win the NBC singing competition “The Voice,” Lynch said.
“After he appeared here this last February, he turned around and looked at the main auditorium and said, ‘Next time I come here, I want to play the big room,’” she said.
The performance art and dance of MOMIX comes to the hall Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. That performance is in conjunction with DANCECleveland, Lynch said.
UA’s Homecoming weekend will feature two big performances. Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock will perform Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. On Oct. 8 at 9 p.m., comedian and UA alumnus George Wallace takes the stage.
E.J. Thomas’ Stage Door series, which brings acts to a more intimate setting with the audience on stage, returns for the fifth year with music and laughs.
The laughs come from the Capital Steps, who will bring their political humor to town Oct. 16 for two shows, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
The Stage Door’s musical acts include pianist George Winston in concert solo Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. Also, in partnership with Keepers of the Art, modern R&B artists Amel Larrieux (Nov. 5), Anthony David (Feb. 11) and Dwele (May 12) will take the stage, with all shows at 8 p.m.
For a complete schedule and more information on all 2011-12 shows at E.J. Thomas, go to www.uaevents.com or call 330-972-7570.
