[NEohioPAL]THE STARS ARE OUT & MAGIC IS AFOOT AT PORTHOUSE THEATRE!

[emadden]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE STARS ARE OUT & MAGIC IS AFOOT AT PORTHOUSE!
After their most successful season in their history, Porthouse Theatre is 
ready for a magical season in 2002.

Kent, Ohio =96 Porthouse Theatre closed the 2001 season with the most successful 
season ever. Breaking box office records, over 12,000 people enjoyed 
productions at Porthouse Theatre this season. Greeted by thundering applause 
almost every evening, BIG RIVER: THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN became the 
most successful musical in Porthouse=92s thirty year history. Artistic Director, 
Terri Kent, is prepared to follow this record-breaking season with a =93Season 
of Magic.=94

Opening this magical season is ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Written by Lynn Ahrens 
with music by Stephen Flaherty, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is a calypso-flavored 
legend that tells the story of TiMoune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love 
with an upper class boy, after she saves his life. At the center of the story 
are the island=92s four gods, whom have determined TiMoune=92s destiny from the 
time she was a small, orphaned child. The gods cause the lives of the young 
lovers to intersect and send TiMoune on a fateful journey that tests the 
strength of her love over prejudice and even death. Directed by Cleveland-Area 
director, Victoria Bussert, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND runs June 13 =96 29.

Made famous by Ken Kesey, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST is adapted for the 
stage by Dale Wasserman. Having received critical acclaim in the recent 
Broadway production, the story of Randle McMurphey=92s journey through sanity 
and individuality comes to life at Porthouse Theatre. Directed by Cleveland 
Women=92s Theatre Project co-founder, Sue Ott Rowlands, ONE FLEW OVER THE 
CUCKOO'S NEST runs July 4 =96 20. =93In a world where sanity means conformity and 
following the rules is the only way to survive, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S 
NEST is a powerful exploration of both the beauty and danger of being an 
original.=94 Porthouse=92s Community Outreach partner this season is the American 
Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Northeast Ohio. The AFSP NE OH is 
dedicated to advancing our knowledge of suicide and our ability to prevent it.
Opening weekend of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST is AFSP NE OH weekend and 
$4 of every full-priced ticket will go directly to the American Foundation for 
Suicide Prevention of Northeast Ohio.

The mythical love story, BRIGADOON will capture your heart with beautiful song 
and amazing dance as the last production of Porthouse=92s magical season. Don=92t 
miss this extraordinary fairy tale that challenges reality, illusions and the 
true meaning of love. Come early and enjoy the Greenshow before BRIGADOON. 
This year=92s Greenshow will focus on the music, dance and folklore of the 
Highlands of Scotland. Directed by Artistic Director, Terri Kent, BRIGADOON 
runs July 26 =96August 11. Porthouse Theatre and the Ohio Scottish Games have 
partnered together to make BRIGADOON a reality. Be sure to visit our sponsors 
at the 25th Annual Scottish Games on June 22 at Oberlin College. For more 
information visit www.ohioscottishgames.com.

Subscriptions for this =93Season of Magic=94 are available by calling 330-672-3884 
or 1-800-304-2363. Subscriptions range from $21 - $42 with discounts available 
for seniors and students. Group tickets are also currently available by 
calling the number above. Groups consist of ten or more people and prices 
range from $10 to $20 depending on the size of the group and day of 
performance.  Groups of ten or more may also reserve space in our beautiful 
picnic pavilion. Individual tickets will go on sale May 21 and can be 
purchased by calling 330-672-2497 or 1-800-304-2363.

Porthouse Theatre was founded in 1971 and is one of only a few summer theaters 
in the area. Set on the beautiful grounds of the Blossom Music Center, 
Porthouse offers audiences the finest in professional summer theater. The 
comfortable 500-seat, outdoor, covered pavilion theater is located next to the 
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cuyahoga Falls. Audience members are 
encouraged to arrive early to picnic on the grounds or in our new picnic 
pavilion, before every performance. Picnic tables and beautiful scenery are 
provided free of charge. We can also pack you a picnic. Order your boxed 
dinner with your tickets. Experience professional, live theater, a wonderful 
picnic, and a little bit of magic all in one season. The Stars Are Out & Magic 
Is Afoot!

Porthouse Theatre, the Akron-Cleveland area=92s professional summer theatre, is 
a cultural service of Kent State University. Porthouse Theatre is a member of 
the Akron Area Arts Alliance.  Porthouse Theatre=92s programs and activities are 
made possible in part by funding from the Ohio Arts Council.

Elisabeth Madden
Interim Managing Director
School of Theatre & Dance
Porthouse Theatre