Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University's summer professional theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, will open its 2022 season for in-person performances at full capacity on June 16. Porthouse will return this summer with productions of "Little Shop of Horrors," "Godspell," and "West Side Story."
Porthouse Theatre adheres to the policies and procedures set forth by Kent State University. At this time, those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear a face covering outdoors on any of our campuses. We strongly recommend that unvaccinated people continue to wear face coverings outdoors, particularly when they cannot maintain safe physical distancing from others.
Streaming options will be available for all three productions. More details on streaming will be released soon.
Porthouse's grounds will be open 90 minutes prior to each performance for picnics.
Subscription and Ticket Information
Information for Current Subscribers
Subscribers may renew their subscriptions online or by phone. For more information, visit https://www.kent.edu/porthouse/tickets.
New Subscriptions
New subscriptions are available via phone at 330-672-3884 or online at https://kentstateticketing.universitytickets.com/
For more information, visit https://www.kent.edu/porthouse/tickets.
Single Ticket Information
Single tickets for Porthouse Theatre's 2022 Season will go on sale on May 31, 2022 by phone at 330-672-3884 or online at https://kentstateticketing.universitytickets.com/.
Preview Thursday Tickets:
Center: $35
Left/Right Center: $32
Left/Right House: $30
OPENING NIGHT
Center: $48
Left/Right Center: $45
Left/Right House: $36
TUESDAY – SUNDAY
Please note, Young Professional prices are for those aged 19-25 and Children prices are for those aged 3-18.
Center: $45
Left/Right Center: Adult: $42, Young Professional: $25, Children: $15
Left/Right House: Adult: $34, Young Professional: $25, Children: $15
For more information, visit https://www.kent.edu/porthouse/tickets.
SEASON INFORMATION
Little Shop of Horrors June 16 – July 2, 2022
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Directed by Terri Kent
Choreographed by Martín Céspedes
Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith. Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director). Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization
We invite you to enjoy and witness the delicious rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors at Porthouse Theatre this summer. Directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, Little Shop of Horrors opens June 17 and runs through July 2. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors takes audiences to a florist shop on Skid Row where the meek Seymour dreams of his co-worker Audrey and discovers a very strange plant with an even stranger appetite. Based on the film by Roger Corman and Charles Griffith, Little Shop of Horrors is the comedic sci-fi musical that has captivated audiences for decades.
The Little Shop of Horrors production team includes assistant director Amy Fritsche, choreography by Martín Céspedes, music direction by Jennifer Korecki, costume design by Sarah Russell, lighting design by Jaemin Park, scenic design by Ben Needham, sound design by Annabell Mallard, props management by Dani Vanesse, and technical direction by Devin T. Gallo. Tom Humes is the production stage manager.
Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
GODSPELL
July 7 – 23, 2022
Book by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by EDGAR LANSBURY / STUART DUNCAN / JOSEPH BERUH
Directed by Dylan Ratell
Porthouse Theatre continues its 2022 season with Godspell. Directed and choreographed by Dylan Ratell, Godspell opens July 7 and runs through July 23. With book by John-Michael Tebelak, and music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." In Godspell a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
The Godspell production team includes music direction by Alex Marr, costume design by Victoria Mearini, lighting design by Jason Potts, scenic design by Devin Gallo, sound design by Annabell Mallard, props management by Dani Vanesse, and technical direction by Devin T. Gallo. Tom Humes is the production stage manager, Faith Roush is the stage manager.
Godspell 2012 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
West Side Story
July 28 – August 14, 2022
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Based on a Conceptions of Jerome Robbins
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Originally Produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Directed by Terri Kent
Choreographed by Martín Céspedes
Porthouse Theatre finishes its 2022 season with West Side Story. Directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, and Choreographed by Martín Céspedes, West Side Story opens July 28 and runs through August 14. With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
The West Side Story production team includes music direction by Jonathan Swoboda, costume design by Michelle Hunt Souza, lighting design by Cynthia Stillings, and props management by Dani Vanesse. Tom Humes is the production stage manager.
West Side Story is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
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Media Contact:
Joni Koneval, 330-672-0116, jkoneval@kent.edu