Sat 8/14 @ 6:30PM
Sun 8/15 @ 2-5PM
The Akron Civic Theatre, built in 1929, is one of the region’s most spectacular theaters, with its Moorish interior and its famous ceiling that depicts a night sky with stars and floating clouds. Many such theaters fell on hard times and were demolished. The Akron Civic fell on hard times and was restored and brought back to life, becoming a hub for events of all kinds in downtown Akron.
Recently, it completed another series of renovations and upgrades, and this week it’s celebrating its grand reopening. It starts with a series of shows at its new 200-capacity Knight Stage including Michael Stanley guitar player and solo singer/songwriter Marc Lee Shannon Wednesday August 11, internationally acclaimed virtuoso guitarist Neil Zaza on Thursday August 12 and Akron band the Scenic Route on Friday August 13.
The celebration culminates with two big evening this weekend: one a benefit for high rollers, the other a free chance for the general public to get a look at the changes.
The Spirits of the Civic benefit on Saturday August 14 starts at 5:30pm with a private VIP reception, followed at 6:30 by what’s described as “an immersive gala experience.” Its theme is “The Great Gatsby Gala,” referencing the era the theater was built. Live jazz and big band music will fill the air with appropriate sounds, signature cocktails an hors d’oeuvres will be served and there’ll be an online auction feturing more than 100 items and experiences.
At 7, dinner will be served, while ambient music and “amusements” will fill every space in the building. At 9, everyone will assemble in the main auditorium for “decadent desserts” and an “official celebration” which probably means speeches. The desserts should make those go down easily. Then there’ll be dancing to big band music under the starry ceiling, café seating for kibbutzers and karaoke elsewhere in the building. Tickets are $150 for the gala; $250 including the VIP reception.
Don’t have that kind of money? Come down on Sunday to gawk at the beautiful restoration that makes this old treasure glow again. The atmosphere will be less formal but there’ll be a lot going on, starting with a free family movie at 2:30, musical performances in the Grand Lobby and Knight Stage, self-guided tours, roaming artists and kids’ activities, and “Wild Oscar’s Funday” from 2:30-4pm. There’ll be ticket giveaways, free T-shirts to the first 50 people and free hot dogs, chips and beverages for all.
2 Responses to “Akron Civic Reopening Includes Fancy Gala and Community Open House”
Laszlo Gyorki
Bravo!
Xinthia
This is such wonderful news✨ The Akron Civic is a beautiful historic icon. So happy it has been restored to its original & magical glory. I remember watching movies there…a long time ago. The starlight ceiling has always been my favorite thing about the place. Such a wonderful warm feeling just being there. Hope it will be enjoyed by many generations to come .