A Year of World-Class Dance, Music, and Theatre Coming| to Lake Erie College
Lake Erie College will host an exceptional lineup of performances this academic year. From world-class musicians to award-winning theatrical productions, this incredible series promises to delight audiences with the very best in dance, music, and theatre.
September
Artists-in-Residence Steinway Showcase Two of Lake Erie College’s esteemed Artists-in-Residence will share the stage in a spectacular opening performance. Steinway Artist and jazz pianist Joe Augustine will enchant audiences with Great American Classics on the College’s newly gifted nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano, donated by Friend of the College Fred Martin. Internationally celebrated concert organist Todd Wilson will follow with an exhilarating program on the College’s historic 1927 Skinner Organ.
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building Admission: Free and open to the public; get tickets here.
October
Apollo’s Fire – Dido and Aeneas Cleveland’s own Grammy Award-winning baroque ensemble, Apollo’s Fire, returns with Henry Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas—a timeless tale of love and betrayal set to one of the gems of baroque music.
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building Get tickets here
Organ Plus Todd Wilson joins soprano Lauren Feola and pianist Sanni Kearns for a program showcasing the rich versatility of the Skinner Organ alongside voice and piano.
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building Admission: Free and open to the public; get tickets here.
November
Little Shop of Horrors
Directed by Lisa Ortenzi of Great Lakes Theatre Company, this whimsical horror-comedy-rock musical follows hapless florist Seymour, his dreams of romance, and the mysterious plant that feeds on human flesh. Music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), lyrics by Howard Ashman.
Thursday through Saturday, November 13–15, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Rickel Theatre, Royce Hall for the Performing Arts
December
Holiday Vespers Ring in the holiday season with organist Todd Wilson, the Lake Erie College Choir, and Broadway soprano Teri Bibb (Phantom of the Opera). Featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday music.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building
Admission: Free and open to the public
January
Dancing Wheels – Puff, the Magic Dragon (World Premiere) The acclaimed, physically integrated dance company that unites the talents of dancers with and without disabilities presents a new ballet based on the beloved folk song.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Rickel Theatre, Royce Hall for the Performing Arts
February
Joe Augustine Jazz Trio
Details to be announced – visit our website for more details.
March
Deborah Goodrich Royce Book Talk and Q+A Join bestselling author and Lake Erie College alumna Deborah Goodrich Royce (Finding Mrs. Ford, Reef Road) for an engaging evening of discussion and audience questions for her new book, Best Boy.
Friday, March 6, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Rickel Theatre, Royce Hall for the Performing Arts
Admission: Free and open to the public; more information here.
April
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Directed by Brint Learned, this fast-paced comedic romp condenses all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays into 97 hilarious minutes.
Thursday through Saturday, April 16–18, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Rickel Theatre, Royce Hall for the Performing Arts
Admission: Free and open to the public; get tickets here.
Spring Concert – Do You Have Spring Fever? The Lake Erie College Choir presents a lively mix of seasonal, Broadway, and popular songs.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building
Admission: Free and open to the public; get tickets here.
May
Blue Water Chamber Orchestra Featuring soprano Midori Marsh.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building
Admission: Free and open to the public; get tickets here.
A Year of Exhibits – B.K. Smith Gallery
Curated by Grace Summanen, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts B.K. Smith Gallery, Royce Hall Admission: Free
Exhibit Schedule:
In Process–A Real-Time Experience: August 18–October 24, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
In Process Event: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Student Exhibition: November 13–December 9, 2025
Opening Reception Nov 13, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
From Woman 19 curated by Mary Urbas: February 6-March 26, 2025
Artist Reception: Feb 22 | 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Gallery Talk with Mary Urbas, Thursday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.
Student Exhibition: April 9–May 1, 2026
Opening Reception April 9, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Some events are hosted by external organizations. Lake Erie College has provided rental space for the events.