Cuyahoga Falls, OH – The 2023 Summer season at Porthouse Theatre continues! "The Prom" will have its regional debut, right here at Porthouse Theatre. This show explores the golden rule, "love thy neighbor." "The Prom" 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, "The Prom" 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. The town’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.
The former director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Eric van Baars, will be returning to Porthouse Theatre in the role of Barry for “The Prom.” 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. “‘The Prom’ is a fabulous musical with a great message, lots of laughs and a huge heart,” says Eric van Baars. “The story touches me deeply. I'm thrilled to be back at Porthouse and collaborating with so many friends, both old and new."
"The Prom" 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. The technical director is Jonathon Taylor and the props manager is Frankie Teuber. Tom Humes is the production stage manager.
Porthouse Theatre 2023 Season
Porthouse Theatre, Kent State 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," "The Marvelous Wonderettes" and "The Prom."
Subscriptions are on sale now via phone at 330-672-3884 or online at www.porthousetheatre.com.
Single and group tickets on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Porthouse Box Office, online at www.porthousetheatre.com, or by phone at 330-672-3884. The Porthouse box office is located in the Roe Green lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH 44242. The box 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