Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio - Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre, located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, will present its 55th season during summer 2023 with "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "The Marvelous Wonderettes" and "The Prom."
Directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, with choreography by Martiń Ceśpedes, and music direction from Jennifer Korecki, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opens June 9 and runs through June 24. With book by Burt Shevelove and Larrry Gelbart, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is Broadway’s greatest farce: light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent; one of the funniest musicals ever written. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" takes comedy back to its roots, combining 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. It is a nonstop laughfest. As the opening song announces, “Something for everyone, a comedy tonight!”
Directed and choreographed by Amy Fritsche with music direction from Jonathan Swoboda, "The Marvelous Wonderettes" opens June 30 and runs through July 15. It was written and created by Roger Bean, with musical arrangements by Brian William Baker, orchestrations by Michael Borth, and vocal arrangements by Bean and Baker. "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a smash Off-Broadway hit that takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy — four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ’50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover” and “Stupid Cupid.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their 10-year reunion. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, "The Marvelous Wonderettes" will keep you smiling in this trip down memory lane!
Directed by producing artistic director Terri Kent, with choreography by Martiń Ceśpedes and music direction from Alexandre Marr, we close with "The Prom," running July 21 through Aug. 6. With music by Matthew Sklar, book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, and lyrics by Beguelin, "The Prom" is a winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical. Broadway Direct describes this musical as: …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. Eric van Baars will return this summer to play the role of Barry.
Subscriptions go on sale in February 2023, by phone at 330-672-3884.
Single and group tickets go on sale May 22, 2023. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Porthouse Box Office, located in the Roe Green Center lobby of Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, online at porthousetheatre.com or by phone at 330-672-3884.
###
Media Contact:
Jen Crabtree, jcrabt13@kent.edu
"A Funny Thing…Forum " is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com
"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
“The Prom” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com