Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, invites you to its season of miracles, in its 56th season Porthouse Theatre will present "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Nunsense" and "Annie" in the summer of 2024.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" opens June 14 and runs through June 29. The preview performance will take place on June 14. What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, “Jesus Christ Superstar” has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, “Superstar” follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. "Jesus Christ Superstar" is directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, music directed by Jennifer Korecki and choreographed by Martín Céspedes.
"Nunsense" opens July 5 and runs through July 13. A preview performance will take place on July 5. The book, music and lyrics were written by Dan Goggin, “Nunsense” is habit-forming! This riotous show is a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements, and a brand-new song, this madcap musical was recorded for television starring Rue McClanahan as the Mother Superior.
We are excited to have Kent State University and Porthouse Theatre alumna, Colleen Longshaw, back on stage this season as Sister Mary Hubert, head of the novices, to the Mother Superior. Colleen graduated from Kent State University’s Theatre and Dance program with a B.F.A and M.F.A. in acting. She has also previously performed at Porthouse Theatre in “Starmites,” “Hairspray,” “Once on This Island,” “Godspell” and “Big River.” Since graduation, she has gone on to perform in a variety of shows, including a national tour of “Kiss Me Kate” and off-Broadway work with New York Musical Theatre Festival.
"Nunsense" is directed and choreographed by former School of Theatre and Dance director and Porthouse Theatre executive producer, Eric Van Baars, with music direction by Jonathan Swoboda.
Our 2024 Porthouse season will close with "Annie," running July 19 through August 4. A preview performance will take place on July 19. With music by Charles Strouse, book by Thomas Meehan, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, "Annie" is based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. “Annie” has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
"Annie" is directed by Porthouse producing artistic director, Terri Kent, music directed by Alexandre Marr and choreographed by Martín Céspedes.
Subscriptions are on sale now via phone at 330-672-3884.
Single and group tickets are 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.