Long recognized among the community's cultural landmarks, the Akron Civic Theatre has a rich and spectacular history.
It has provided the community with a venue for quality entertainment and live performances for over seventy years.
During that time, hundreds of thousands of people have been thrilled by various theatrical presentations, both on stage and on screen.
The theater was built in 1929 by Marcus Loew and designed by famed theater architect, John Eberson. The interior structure was fashioned after a Moorish castle featuring Mediterranean decor, including medieval carvings, authentic European antiques and Italian alabaster sculptures.
Among facilities of its size, the Civic is one of only five remaining atmospheric theaters in the country where patrons experience a twinkling star-lit sky and intermittent clouds moving across the horizon, all while sitting inside the auditorium.
Restoration and Expansion
In June 2001, the Akron Civic Theatre closed its doors for the most comprehensive restoration and expansion project in its history. Over the course of the next sixteen months, just over $19 million was spent bringing the theater up to modern performance and patron standards, and to restoring its failing 70-year old infrastructure.
Following its re-opening in November 2002, the New Civic, along with its partner The University of Akron's E. J. Thomas Hall, continued to play a significant leadership role in downtown revitalization. In May 2003, the Civic began a partnership with the City of Akron to program and operate Lock 3 Live! a new outdoor performance venue featuring more than 80 events and attractions scheduled between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The success of the Akron Civic Theatre is a testament, particularly during these difficult economic times, to the support of our community and the vision of its leaders. Support for the Civic has come to be understood for what it is - an investment in our community that fuels the economy and drives downtown revitalization by hosting the best in local, national, international entertainment and events.
Behind a restoration and expansion of this magnitude stands a litany of organizations and individuals who have worked diligently in the belief that this project would make the community a better place to live, work and play. This help came locally, regionally and nationally.
YOU ARE READING
Ohio Urban Legends
HorrorOhio isn't always the warmest of states. From uncanny covered bridges to lizard men, there are certain tales within this state that leave you wondering why and how and many other things.
