E.J. Thomas Hall to celebrate 50 years of joining community through arts, cultural events

E.J. Thomas Hall, which sits on three acres on the western edge of the University of Akron's campus adjacent to downtown, created a bridge between the UA academic community and the citizens of Akron to enjoy lectures and live performances.

The seven-story hall, which opened in October 1973, was described then as a sculpture in concrete, glass and steel — one of the world's finest multipurpose halls in terms of design, acoustics and creative mechanisms.

The hall was named in honor of Edwin J. Thomas, former chairman and CEO of Goodyear and a university trustee since 1952.

As E.J. Thomas turns 50, a look at how the performing arts hall came to be

Now, half a century later, the Akron Symphony will celebrate E.J. Thomas Hall's 50th anniversary Sept. 29 by playing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was played on both opening nights in 1973. The celebratory weekend will also feature Broadway, TV, movie and recording star Kristin Chenoweth in concert Sept. 30. A Red Carpet Gala will be held in and outside the hall before Chenoweth's show.

Stars at E.J.: A look at 50 years of famous entertainers, speakers at E.J. Thomas Hall

Among those in attendance will be Edwin "Eddie" John Thomas, grandson of E.J. (Edwin Joel) Thomas, who will celebrate his grandfather's legacy with 27 family members. Eddie Thomas, born and raised in Akron, is co-trustee with Mercer of the Edwin J. Thomas Foundation, which continues to support the hall and other Akron organizations.

"I know how hard he worked to support Akron. He had great civic pride in Akron and he knew that it was a great place to live," said Thomas, who lives in Naples, Florida.

As E.J. Thomas' grandson, Thomas was at the hall's 1969 groundbreaking as well as the 1973 opening with his family. Last spring, his granddaughter Annabelle had her Revere High School graduation at the hall that bears his grandfather's name.

"It was a state-of the-art hall at the time that it was built. There wasn't anything like it in the world," Thomas said. "It was a real place for Akron to get together and to be proud of, and to this day I think they're still very proud of it."

Did you know?

Guests can purchase tickets for most shows at the E.J. Thomas Hall box office to avoid Ticketmaster fees. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., University of Akron. Pull into the hall's parking garage and park at the box office Level 1 to go inside to purchase.

Or call 330-253-2488, which is a centralized box office number for E.J. Thomas Hall, the Akron Civic Theatre and Goodyear Theater, to purchase tickets, which includes a $2.50 phone order service fee.

Details

Anniversary event: Akron Symphony Orchestra

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29

Where: E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., University of Akron

Cost: $20-$60; $15 for age 18 and under

Information: akronsymphony.org or 330-535-8131

Details

Anniversary event: 50th anniversary Red Carpet Gala

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Where: E.J. Thomas Hall, upper terraces 198 Hill St., University of Akron

Includes: Small plates tasting menu, open bar, VIP seating for Kristin Chenoweth concert

Cost: $500

Information: ejthomas50.com

Details

Anniversary event: Kristin Chenoweth in concert

When: 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30

Where: E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., University of Akron

Cost: $56-$174

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron Ohio celebrates 50th anniversary with concerts