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Successful Inaugural Season Continues at New Performing Arts Center
Posted March 28, 2011 | Sarah Lack
Inside the new facility
In its inaugural season, the new Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas has traveled to Oz with Dorothy, danced along with Swan Lake and Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, and laughed at the antics of Whose Line Is It Anyway? stars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood. And, the season isn't over yet.
The $17.5 million, 50,000-square-foot facility in New Philadelphia, has seen sell-out crowds in the first half of its inaugural season, which started in November 2010 and runs through April.
"We are extremely pleased by the positive response from our region and around the state about our Performing Arts Center and schedule of events," says Dr. Gregg Andrews, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State University at Tuscarawas. "Ticket sales for this inaugural season are surpassing our expectations. Our patrons are also generous in sharing their comments about the positive experiences they have had attending events in this spectacular, world-class facility."
Mike Morelli, general manager of the Performing Arts Center, has been hard at work bringing exciting and diverse acts to perform in the new facility's 1,100-seat theatre, and attendance at this season's shows has exceeded expectations.
"We've seen 15,000 people come through the venue," says Morelli. "It's been outstanding."
As the last half of the season begins, Morelli hopes to end with a bang.
"I'd like to continue to see sell-out crowds and outstanding attendance," he says. "We have some great shows coming up, and we're pleased to have added STOMP for two dates in May."
Additional scheduled shows for the remainder of the 2010-2011 season include Clint Black, Avenue Q, Percussion Group Cincinnati and The Improvised Shakespeare Company.
Tickets for the remaining shows can be purchased by calling 330-308-6400 or visiting the box office, located in the Performing Arts Center. The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.tusc.kent.edu/pac.
By Sarah Lack