9/8/2011 - West Side Leader
By Kathleen Folkerth
DOWNTOWN AKRON — The Dog Whisperer, the Fab Four and the Red-Headed Stranger will grace the stage at the Akron Civic Theatre this season.
The historic theater’s officials just announced the 2011-12 season, with tickets for most events going on sale tomorrow, Sept. 9.
Executive Director Howard Parr said after last year’s expanded schedule, which brought a mix of national touring acts to the theater along with local community events, he realized that that’s exactly what Akron audiences respond to.
“We had great attendance at our national events and solid attendance at the local stuff,” Parr said.
For nationally known acts, the Civic is tending to attract Summit County residents as well as a significant number from Cuyahoga and Stark counties, Parr said. Community-based performances tend to attract mostly Summit County residents.
In crafting this year’s schedule, Parr said Civic staff continued to keep in mind offering a mix of events. The tickets for national events tend to be a little higher, but the community-based events allow the theater to offer a lower ticket price, making theater events accessible for almost everybody, he said.
This year, Parr said appearances from a group of Beatles tribute bands at Rubber City Beatlefest Oct. 8, Willie Nelson Oct. 18 and Cesar Milan (“The Dog Whisperer”) Feb. 3 are among the highlights.
Milan’s appearance will be similar to that of last season’s show with Buddy Valastro, known as “The Cake Boss,” which was a sellout, Parr said.
The Rubber City Beatlefest will feature Beatles memorabilia and four regional acts that play tribute to the Beatles: The ReBeats, Revolution Pie, The Liverpool Lads and The Nowhere Men.
Nelson’s appearance will be the first time the country superstar has played the Civic, Parr said. He was scheduled to play there last year, but the show was postponed.
Other national acts appearing are Widespread Panic Oct. 15, the Oak Ridge Boys with their Holiday Show Dec. 9 and the Golden Dragon Acrobats Feb. 24.
Local performers this year will include Ryan Humbert with the music of Roy Orbison Sept. 24 and his third annual holiday show Dec. 10, Zach Oct. 5, and vocalist Helen Welch with “Notes From the Silver Screen” Oct. 20 and “Christmas Under the Stars” Dec. 17.
The theater also is planning to host an all-city musical performance of “Grease” featuring students from all Akron high schools.
Parr said Firestone High School theater teacher Mark Zimmerman is set to direct the show, which is scheduled for June 16.
The show, which will allow students to come together to work on the project, is something there has been interest in doing in Akron for a while, Parr said.
Parr said he’s also excited about the upcoming Earth, Wind and Fire performance with the Akron Symphony Orchestra Sept. 24.
“It’s going to be huge,” he said. “It’s a combination of a community-based event with a national event. That will be very cool.”
Family events also are on the schedule. Local children’s musical group Zobapago will return Jan. 29, while the MadCap Puppets will present “Jack and the Gentle Giant” March 25. Local group YEPAW will perform its version of “The Wiz” March 31.
Another family event, the Festival of Nations, returns this year on Feb. 18. The event features music, dance and culture of different countries.
For complete details on tickets and the entire Civic Theatre schedule, go to www.akroncivic.com or call 330-253-2488. The Civic is located at 182 S. Main St.
