Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Ӱҵ2023 Summer season at Porthouse Theatre continues! " ӰҵProm" will have its regional debut, right here at Porthouse Theatre. This show explores the golden rule, "love thy neighbor." " ӰҵProm" opens July 22 and runs through August 6, 2023, with a preview performance taking place on July 21.
Based on a book written by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and music by Matthew Sklar, " ӰҵProm" follows four Broadway stars who are in desperate need of a new stage. When they hear that there’s controversy around a small-town prom, they decide to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. Ӱҵtown’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow, however, one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Featuring uproarious laughs and show-stopping dance numbers, this new musical is about inspiring people to accept their differences, being the star you were always meant to be, and that immortal truth: There’s no business like getting in other people’s business.
Ӱҵformer director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Eric van Baars, will be returning to Porthouse Theatre in the role of Barry for “ ӰҵProm.” After 20 years as a faculty member and eight years as director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Eric van Baars retired in 2022. As executive producer of Porthouse Theatre, he directed, choreographed and acted in many shows. “‘ ӰҵProm’ is a fabulous musical with a great message, lots of laughs and a huge heart,” says Eric van Baars. “ Ӱҵstory touches me deeply. I'm thrilled to be back at Porthouse and collaborating with so many friends, both old and new."
" ӰҵProm" is directed by Porthouse producing artistic director, Terri Kent, music direction by Alexandre Marr, and choreographed by Martín Céspedes. Costume design by Molly Walz, lighting design by Jaemin Park, scenic design by executive producer Tony Hardin, and sound design by Bethy Winters. Ӱҵtechnical director is Jonathon Taylor and the props manager is Frankie Teuber. Tom Humes is the production stage manager.
Porthouse Theatre 2023 Season
Porthouse Theatre, Ӱҵ University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, invites you to LOL all summer long as it presents its 55th season during the summer of 2023 with "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," " ӰҵMarvelous Wonderettes" and " ӰҵProm."
Subscriptions are on sale now via phone at 330-672-3884 or online at .
Single and group tickets on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Porthouse Box Office, online at , or by phone at 330-672-3884. ӰҵPorthouse box office is located in the Roe Green lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH 44242. Ӱҵbox office hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Media Contact: Jen Crabtree, 330-672-0116, jcrabt13@kent.edu