Saturday, August 17th, 2024 | 7:30pm
Umstattd Hall | Zimmermann Symphony Center
2331 17th St. NW
Canton, OH 44708
TICKETS
$30 / $45 / $55
All tickets are subject to a $3 processing fee.
Veterans, First Responders, Healthcare Workers, & Educators: 20% off
SNAP & Medicaid Recipients: 20% off
*Must call for discounts.
Box Office: 330-452-2094
boxoffice@cantonsymphony.org
DESCRIPTION
This concert will be conducted by CSO Music Director, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz.
Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century America, this timeless tale of hope, struggle, and resilience is brought to life by the powerful performances of The Players Guild cast, accompanied by the lush, orchestral score of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. With its stirring melodies, poignant storytelling, and vibrant characters, Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert promises to be an unforgettable theatrical and musical experience for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this extraordinary collaboration between two of Canton’s cultural gems!
This concert is now on sale!
JOY ELLIS (DIRECTION & STAGING)
Joy Ellis is a talented and passionate actor known for her dynamic range and captivating stage presence. With a background in contemporary theater, Joy has brought to life a diverse array of characters in productions such as Memphis, Ragtime, and Sister Act. She has a natural ability to connect with audiences, drawing them into the story and leaving a lasting impression. Joy’s dedication to her craft is evident in her performances, as she continually seeks to challenge herself and grow as an artist.
Now stepping into the role of director, Joy brings her unique vision and understanding of theater to the forefront, guiding productions with creativity and precision. She is also the founder of Joylife Talent Development Group, where she coaches voice and acting, helping aspiring performers to hone their skills and realize their potential. Offstage, Joy is an advocate for the arts, actively involved in community theater initiatives and educational programs aimed at fostering a love for performing arts in young people. Joy is grateful for the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Players Guild Theater and The Canton Symphony Orchestra as the beauty of this timely story is told in a new way.
The Players Guild
The Players Guild Theatre was founded in 1932 by Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Truxton, who were committed to fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts among citizens in our community. The Players Guild Theatre is recognized as one of the oldest continually operating theatres in the nation.
After the first three seasons, The Players Guilds productions had drawn enough community interest to warrant a change in facility. The Players Guild arranged to rent facilities at Lincoln High School. However, by 1940, Guild members recognized that the organization needed a home of its own. Coincidentally, at that time, The Case Mansion on Market Avenue North was purchased by Frederick Preyer who deeded it to the Canton Art Institute with the provision that the adjacent Coach House be rented to The Players Guild for one dollar a year. On February 4, 1942, the new Players Guild home was dedicated with a performance of “Village Green.”
Despite capital improvements made to the Coach House by the Guild, the audiences outgrew the space by the third decade. On December 13, 1970, The Players Guild reached another milestone with the dedication of the Cultural Center for the Arts and the establishment of a new theatre. Complete with offices and shop facilities, the Guild opened the new facility with a production of “Mame” on January 5, 1971.
In September of 2022, the Players Guild Theatre moved to the Fine Arts Building at the Kent State University at Stark to perform on the Mary J. Timken stage, opening with a production of “Million Dollar Quartet” on October 14, 2022.
Throughout its history, the Players Guild has produced over 600 productions for more than 2,000,000 audience members spanning several generations. Today the theatre is operated by a full-time professional staff and presents world-class productions and outreach opportunities for our community.
PRESENTED By:
This concert is Supported By: