When the University of Akron announced its Broadway in Akron partnership with Playhouse Square in 2015, leaders for both organizations raved about the partnership’s impact. Six years later, that impact is evident, as this fall’s upcoming Broadway in Akron slate might be the best one yet. Before the new season begins Oct. 8 at E.J. Thomas Hall, here are three things to know.
It’s a stacked lineup.
This series lineup is — in a word — showstopping, as it features four classic musicals: Waitress, Anastasia, Hairspray and Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. From journeys of self-discovery to old classics, this year’s slate has something for everyone. “All of these shows have a great deal of heart,” says David Greene, senior vice president of programming at Playhouse Square.
There’s an appetite for Broadway in Akron.
It’s very clear that the residents of Akron enjoy Broadway theater. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series had over 3,000 season-ticket holders, a far cry from the 700 season-ticket holders the series had when it started in 2015. “We’re very passionate about Broadway and having the opportunity to give more people access to Broadway shows,” says Greene.
Playhouse Square is excited to continue to build on Akron’s theater scene.
After being forced to take a year off last season, Greene is excited to bring live shows back to Akron. “Driving economic impact to a community is always a good thing,” he says. “Theater impacts everyone differently.”
