MANSFIELD, Ohio—A cast of sponsor representatives and performers presented the Renaissance Theatre’s new series performances at a Season Preview Party Tuesday evening. The audience of approximately 800 guests approved the list as they applauded for the announcements, laughed at the comedic excerpts and did what the theater’s audience does best—enjoyed themselves.
In addition to the lineup, a new logo was revealed that captures the elegance of the theater’s Rococo style décor which features elegant shells and curving, natural forms. Yet the new logo is also modern and bold.
The theater’s new director of development, Jessica Dulle, was introduced; and the season programs were presented by representatives of series’ sponsors. Series include Broadway, Symphony, Concerts, Education, Specials and Comedy.
The performance lineup literally includes something for everyone, as the series’ names suggest; there are comedy, classics, symphony and Teddy Bear concerts. There will certainly be some big-name performers like Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, Richard Marx and Lee Ann Womack.
Coming soon: The Renaissance’s youth will perform “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” the musical adaptation of the family film with the flying car–which is flying to Mansfield for the occasion. The show opens May 30.
The Renaissance Summer Musical “Mary Poppins” is coming Aug. 1, 2, 7-9. And Season Preview guests heard a vocal musical sampling.
The concert series will get underway Sept. 26 with country music singer Lee Ann Womack. Singer Richard Marx will entertain the audience with his radio hits of the 1980s and 1990s. Marx will make his Renaissance debut Feb. 10 as part of the concert series. Then Rockapella will take the stage April 23, followed by Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone on May 21.
Those who enjoy comedy can look forward to “The GIs of Comedy” in November; “Hot Mess: Keeping up with the Real Jersey Shore Amish Housewives,” a reality-show parody written by Renaissance Artistic Director Michael Thomas; and “Southern Fried Chics” in April 2016.
There are also performances by the local NEOS Dance Theatre to look forward to. They will present “Count…The Legend of Dracula” on Oct. 16 and 17 and “The Nutcracker” in December. And the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra will perform four times during the next season, including its annual Holiday Pops concert.
For more information about the new shows (hint: It’s going to be a white Christmas) coming to the Renaissance Theatre, visit their website. The website is new thanks to DRM Productions, Inc.
The theater will have a stronger social media presence and more direct marketing so fans will hear about all of the upcoming events more quickly and be able to engage with the theater through social media platforms like Twitter. Tuesday evening tweeting was encouraged and there were literally some winning tweets.
Board Chairman Rand Smith described some additional good news, outlining some of the physical changes coming to the Renaissance Theatre, including restoration of the plaster molding, which dates back to 1927. “It’s mostly in the state it was in 1927,” Smith said. “In 30 days it will be repainted, replastered, and back to its original state. It will be done by local craftsmen.”
He also pointed out the silk that lines the walls, which also dates to 1927 and also will be refurbished to its original state.
“We’re going to change our lobby,” Smith said, “to make it more customer friendly.” He said the donor wall will also change to more prominently promote and recognize the people who are giving to the theater. To emphasize how important the sponsors and donors are, Smith said that the theater’s over $1 million dollar debt will be reduced to $350,000 by June 30.
