PAC unveils upcoming season
The announcement of the Broadway show, "Jersey Boys," the story of singer Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, drew immediate applause and was the cause of much excitement among the more than 400 guests at the ninth season unveiling at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas on May 18.
“Getting 'Jersey Boys' here was a real coup for David [Mitchell] and the staff,” said Dr. Brad Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas, who also is looking forward to “The King and I” on April 17, 2019. “I’m a fan of Broadway classics, especially anything Rodgers and Hammerstein.”
“My top pick would be the 'Jersey Boys,' and I’ve only seen it twice already,” Diane Bonvechio of Dover said.
She also was pleased that the two-night run, Oct. 2-3, would allow everyone who wants to see the show the opportunity to purchase tickets.
Rounding out the Broadway series is "Elf the Musical" on Nov. 7 and the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, "Rent," on Jan. 24, 2019.
Mitchell, PAC general manager, said the biggest issue when planning the season is the fact that there are so many good-quality acts from which to choose. Patron surveys once again helped guide the creation of the new season. Usually 1000-1400 surveys are returned each time, showing the high interest and support for the PAC. Mitchell takes all suggestions into consideration, sometimes emailing himself show requests that he receives while at the grocery store.
“It’s not my PAC; it’s your PAC,” Mitchell said. “My tastes are irrelevant.”
The PAC is the place to be this season if you like variety. There is something for everyone.
The originator of the “I Ain’t Doin’ It” videos shared online, comedian Heather Land will perform on Oct. 30. Land has garnered numerous followers online, but the audience will get to see the real person behind the videos and enjoy her clean comedy act focusing on the everyday.
The Cabaret Series, which features dinner and a show, will now pair its dinner menu with the show. The "Moustache Yourself," a gypsy jazz show, will be on Sept. 22 and will feature a French-inspired menu. The menu for the "Blue Drivers," a blues rock show, will offer barbecue. Menus for the two remaining Cabaret shows scheduled in 2019 will be announced at a later date.
The "Cirque Eloize Saloon" is scheduled for March 1, 2019, and is a musical acrobatic adventure for the entire family that will take you back to the Wild West.
One of the goals each season at the PAC is to do outreach programs with school students and connect them with national touring artists.
“This season we’ve been able to coordinate with three different artists to spend extra time in the area and have a real impact,” Mitchell said.
Those artists involved are Backtrack, a cappella group; composer and piano player Jason Farnham, who will visit local elementary schools; and Collision of Rhythm, which will offer a workshop for area high school percussionists.
Headlining the diverse music series are Grammy winners Michael W. Smith and Diamond Rio, country star Lorrie Morgan, and direct from Ireland, We Banjo 3, originators of Celtgrass music.
On May 1, 2019, the ABBA tribute group from Sweden, ARRIVAL, will perform. The group is considered by many as the best ABBA music show in the world.
David Victor, formerly of the band Boston, is the lead vocalist and guitarist for BOSTYX, which will recreate the music of Boston and Styx on Sept. 8.
The music series is a favorite of Richard and Janet Stoffer who traveled from Elyria to be part of the unveiling festivities. The Stoffers see several shows each season.
“We enjoy coming here, making a day of it and spending the night,” Richard Stoffer said. The couple also visits other attractions while in the area.
“The Performing Arts Center is one of the gems of Tuscarawas County,” Janet Stoffer said. “We’re fans.”
A complete list of performances and ticket prices are online at www.kent.edu/tusc/pac. PAC members will be able to purchase tickets to the 2018-19 season from May 18 to June 3. Presale packages of six shows or more can be purchased June 4-10. Single-show ticket sales will begin June 11. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Performing Arts Center box office, by calling 330-308-6400 or online at the website listed above. The box office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.