EJ THOMAS HALL
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON ■ 2025-2026 SEASON
Set the stage for a lifetime of learning. From age 2 through Grade 8, children grow faster—intellectually, emotionally and socially—than at any other time in life. At Old Trail School, we make those years count. With age-appropriate challenge, meaningful relationships and inspired learning, our students build the confidence and curiosity to thrive—on any stage.
Valley’s Preschool to Grade 8 School
Happy Holidays from E.J. Thomas Hall
As we enter this joyful season, we’re reminded of the magic that comes from gathering with family and friends—sharing laughter, creating memories, and experiencing moments that stay with us long after the curtain closes. There’s truly nothing like enjoying the wonder of live performance together.
Here at E.J. Thomas Hall, we are grateful beyond measure for the dedicated patrons who champion the arts in the Akron community. Because of supporters like you, the stage remains a place where imagination thrives, where artists shine, and where audiences of all ages are inspired.
This is our time to shine—and with your generosity, we can continue to make a lasting impact for generations. A gift to E.J. Thomas Hall this holiday season is a gift that keeps on giving, supporting exceptional performances, community access, and the preservation of this beautiful space.
And don’t forget—tickets to any of our upcoming shows make a perfect present!
Whether it’s a beloved holiday tradition, a night of Broadway magic, or a concert that lifts the spirit, live entertainment is a gift from the heart.
As we reflect on the true meaning of the season—kindness, togetherness, and hope— we wish our entire theatre family a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. May your days be filled with warmth, joy, and just a little bit of stage sparkle.
Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to see you at the theater!
Warmest wishes,
Margo Ohlson Executive Director, E.J. Thomas Hall
GENERAL INFORMATION
Phone Numbers you should know:
Ticket Office .........................330-253-2488
General Information 330-972-7595
Website ...........................ejthomashall.com
Ticket Office
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.
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 up-to-date information.
Guest Services
Assistive Listening System
With the help of generous donors, E.J. has installed new sound and lighting systems to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences. Our new Williams Assisted Listening system allows live audio streaming to personal hearing devices over Wi-Fi; a fantastic addition that will enable a more immersive and accessible experience for attendees. To access connect to WaveCAST App, open the app, select the “Discover by IP” option and enter “10.48.30.12” and you are connected.
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 330253-2488.
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.
Parking
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.
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.
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 Read the program notes.
Theater Policies
n Cameras or any other recording devices are not permitted. Please silence all electronic devices as a courtesy to both other audience members and the performers.
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 E.J. Thomas Hall are permitted inside the theatre for select 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.
Ring in the Holidays at E.J. Thomas !
DECEMBER
5-7, 2025
The 45th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
Ring in the holidays with homemade arts, crafts and Christmas cheer!
For more than 45 years, the Christmas Arts and Crafts show has lit up the hall with merriment and shopping the first weekend in December. Bring your list and find something for everyone on it. This year’s show features over 110 professional artists and craftspeople!!
DECEMBER 12, 2025
Akron Symphony presents Holiday Pops
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a festive evening of music, joy, and community spirit. The annual Holiday Pops concert is packed with beloved holiday classics and a few surprises to keep you smiling all night long. Sing along to your favorite tunes, marvel at the dazzling sounds of the full Akron Symphony Orchestra and let the spirit of the season fill the hall. Perfect for the whole family, this cherished tradition is your chance to make unforgettable memories and start the holidays on a high note.
DECEMBER 13, 2025
The Doo Wop Project Christmas
Bring in the holiday season with Doo Wop Project’s Christmas classics and signature doo wop sound! With a hit PBS Special airing all over the country, four albums streaming on all major music platforms, and over ten years of playing sold out shows all over the country and the world, chances are you’ve already a DWP fan. The Doo Wop Project is America’s premiere doo wop group dedicated to preserving and expanding the genre of this great music we know and love, Doo Wop!
DECEMBER 14, 2025
Carpenter’s Christmas
Relive the Carpenter’s timeless hits with classic holiday songs and fascinating stories woven in-between. A Carpenters Christmas is a fresh, original perspective of songs peppered with vignettes that captures the true quality and essence of The Carpenters as well as Helen Welch’s cheeky British humor, stage presence and fascinating, unheard backstage stories. Helen’s distinctive voice settles in perfectly with lush arrangements of songs such as: “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “On Top of The World,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and Christmas classics such as“Merry Christmas Darling,” “The Christmas Song” and more.
DECEMBER
15, 2025
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party
For 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world. An eagerly anticipated annual family show, “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” draws songs from their two albums. You’ll hear holiday classics like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,” an “Andrew’s Sisters” meets the blues arrangement of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Christmas originals, moving carols like “We Three Kings” and more. It’s a fun and quirky take on the holidays, just for you.
DECEMBER 17, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Guests will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity. Reimagined for 2025, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes—making it the ultimate holiday gift!
DECEMBER
20, 2025
TubaChristmas
TubaChristmas 2025 is back! Magical and musical, join the 45th annual holiday sing along hosted by tuba professor, Chris Blaha. Join the plethora of tuba players in ringing in the holidays by listening to and singing along to Christmas carols played by a group of tubas. For those who love the low brass oom-pah-pah, the stage will be full of musicians of all ages and experience all decked out in the holiday spirit. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Admission is free, but seats fill up fast! And this year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Tuba concerts worldwide.
DECEMBER
22, 2025
Judy Garland “We Need A Little Christmas” starring Debbie Wileman
Experience a holiday celebration featuring Debbie Wileman’s acclaimed tribute to one of the Greatest Performers of our time, JUDY GARLAND. Debbie Wileman’s uncanny recreation of the sound of Judy Garland has gained over 1 million online views and she is now, direct from London, onstage to dazzle Judy’s fans as well as her new followers. Fresh off her new release, “I’m Still Here,” Debbie brings the holiday spirit, showcasing Judy’s old and new songs of the holiday that she would be performing if she were with us today.
Warm up the winter with
these not-to-be-missed
JANUARY 30, 2026
Singalong Broadway
Engaging hosts, with the use of karaoke tracks and displayed lyrics, have the audience singing along for this highoctane love letter to Broadway musicals. Medleys, solos, Broadway themed games, comedy and tons of audience participation Awkward Love Song (two complete strangers act out a love song on stage) and Diva Riff-Off (Audience divas sing the final riff of a hit song) allow audience members a chance to shine onstage! Grab your friends, dress up as your favorite Broadway characters, and get ready for an unforgettable night at Singalong Broadway!
FEBRUARY 3, 2026
The Blue Man Group
More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP comes to Akron with the highly anticipated return of the global smash hit Bluevolution, National Tour. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP—signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy—the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious
Coming Events!
absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
John Mueller’s
Winter Dance Party
Get ready to rock around the clock with John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party®—the official, authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s
final tour starring John Mueller, the acclaimed lead from Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, along with Linwood Sasser and Ray Anthony. This high-voltage show delivers over two hours of 1950s hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” and “Chantilly Lace,” performed with all the energy and charm that made them timeless.
FEBRUARY 14, 2026
Couples Therapy
Couples Therapy is an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment—a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv that is as funny as it is insightful. And fear not, guys and girls—this show equally laughs at the differences between men and women. Audiences go on a hilarious ride as a pair of married relationship experts attempt to
help couples with their relationships but as the show wears on we see that they have more problems than their patients!
FEBRUARY 28, 2026
Ohio Contemporary Ballet Ballet Unbound
EJ Thomas welcomes Northeast Ohio’s most adventurous contemporary ballet company for what promises to be a remarkable evening of dance. Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly known as Verb Ballets) is an action-oriented company with an impressive repertoire, having collaborated with over 100 choreographers, commissioning new works while maintaining dance virtuosity and production excellence. Their dancers have captivated audiences with every performance and have been described by critics as “confidence and polish,” “athleticisim and artistry,” “bold”, “powerful” and “beautiful.”
2025-26 E.J. THOMAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
DECEMBER
Fri-Sun Annual Christmas Craft Show 5-7
Fri 12 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops
Sat 13 The Doo Wop Project Christmas
Sun 14 Carpenter’s Christmas with Helen Welch
Mon 15 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party
Wed 17 Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Sat 20 Tuba Christmas
Mon 22 Judy Garland “We Need A Little Christmas” Starring Debbie Wileman 2026
JANUARY
Sat 17 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Seventh
Tue-Wed Mrs. Doubtfire 20-21
Fri 30 Broadway Singalong
FEBRUARY
Tue 3 The Blue Man Group
Wed 4 Winter Dance Party
Sat 7 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Gospel Meets Symphony
Select Nights Nov. 28 – Dec. 30
• Outdoor Light Displays
• Decorated Manor House
• Dazzle Light Show
• Hot Gingerbread Cookies and Cocoa
Tue 10 Tuesday Musical: Imani Winds and Boston Brass
Sat 14 Couples Therapy
Wed-Thu The Music Man 18-19
MARCH
Tue 3
Tuesday Musical: Marsalis-McAllisterAmes Trio
Sat 7 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Mozart & Vivaldi
APRIL
Wed 1 A Cat in the Hat
Sat 11 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Appalachian Spring
Sun 12 Mutts Gone Nuts
Tue 21
Tuesday Musical: Renée Fleming in “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene”
Wed-Thu Stomp 22-23
Sat 25 University of Akron Steel Drums
MAY
Sat 9 Akron Symphony Orchestra: Carmina Burana
• Poinsettias in the Corbin Conservatory
TOOK 250 YEARS
IT TOOK 250 YEARS
For the first time anywhere, never before assembled in one place, see over 100 examples of women shattering expectations, barriers, and conventions to make a lasting impact on the art world.
For the first time anywhere, never before assembled in one place, see over 100 examples of women shattering expectations, barriers, and conventions to make a lasting impact on the art world.
November 25, 2025 - March 1, 2026
November 25, 2025 – March 1, 2026 CantonArt.org/shattered-glass
Major Exhibition Event Celebrating CMA’s 90th Anniversary
For the first time anywhere, never before assembled in one place, see over 100 examples of women shattering expectations, barriers, and conventions to make a lasting impact on the art world.
These artists fought for their right to create art alongside male contemporaries, and Shattered Glass shines a light on the inspiring stories, achievements, and obstacles overcome by these amazing women across centuries.
Don’t miss this special exhibition experience, curated by the Canton Museum of Art with impressive loans from museums across the U.S. and CMA’s own collection!
Some Trivia and History
n Before E.J. 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.
n E.J. 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 E.J. 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.
A Thank You…
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.
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.
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 the late Dr. W. Gerald Austen, University of Akron Honorary alumnus, as former chairman and trustee of Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Learn more about the foundation at knightfoundation.org.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the generous donors whose support helps sustain the vibrant cultural and artistic experiences at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.
INDIVIDUALS
Ms. Marcia Adair and Mr. Dick Edwards
Ms. Elizabeth Bartz
Mr. Kurt D. Bazil
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Jami Brookhart
Mr. Tim and Mrs. Karla Caton
Mr. and Mrs. Thane Cook
Mr. Thane and Mrs. Faith Cook
Mrs. Barbara J. Crucs
Dr. Scott and Mrs. Julianne Dudek
Dr. Thomas J. Dudek
Ms. Dora M. Eleo
Ms. Eva A. Gaspar
Mr. Miklos and Mrs. Lorita Gaspar
Mr. Terry and Mrs. Mitzie Ginn
Mrs. Mary E. Hatcher-Bray
Mr. Robert W. and Mrs. Karen A. Heffley
Ms. Sharon Hershey
Mr. David M. and Mrs. Kathleen M. Hoppe
Mr. William and Mrs. Connie Humble
Dr. Dianne K. Kauffman
Mrs. Louise M. Kuhns Harvey
Rev. John Thomas J. Lane
Mrs. Joyce K. Lange
Mr. Thomas R. Luck
Ms. Nancy L. McKnight
Mr. Marc B. and Mrs. Sharon R. Merklin
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Michelle Murphy
Mrs. Arlene Nettling
Mr. Michael J. and Mrs. Julia H. Pasternak
Mr. Blake and Mrs. Kimberly Rawson
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Repko
Ms. Keli Schimelpfenig
Ms. Christine A. Sedensky
Dr. Michael J. and Mrs. Kathyrn F. Seider
Mr. Frederick J. and Mrs. Susan C. Spring
Mr. Robert L. and Mrs. Cynthia J. Tedrow
Ms. Barbara R. Terlizzi
Drs. Thomas and Diane Vukovich
Mr. Thomas A. Waltermire
Mr. Edward H. Williams
CORPORATE
Ginn Advertising LLC
Junior Women’s Civic Club
Lucky Shoes, Inc.
State & Federal Communications, Inc.
*All donors listed in alphabetical order as of 7/1/24
