Dearest Enemy History Lecture

Date and Time

• Thursday, May 15, 2025  6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location

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Details

Akron-Summit County Public Library will host a history lecture for the theater production of “Dearest Enemy,” which was created for Akron’s Centennial in 1925 and will be produced at Akron’s Goodyear Theatre on Saturday, June 21.

Join us for this exciting lecture by Joseph Rubin, American Musical Production's Executive Director, about the Broadway musical, "Dearest Enemy," that opened in Akron 100 years ago. 

Please register in person, online, or by phone at 330.643.9030. 

Whether you are a Broadway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply intrigued by Akron's rich cultural heritage, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

As Akron commemorates its Bicentennial, there is no better way to celebrate the city’s vibrant artistic heritage than by exploring one of Broadway’s hidden treasures. Join the Library for an engaging lecture on the history, creation, and restoration of "Dearest Enemy," the first musical comedy by Rodgers and Hart, which premiered in Akron a century ago. This presentation will highlight the Akron Beacon Journal's acclaim for the production, calling it “the biggest theatrical innovation on record here in the past 100 years.”

Led by the esteemed Rubin, this multimedia lecture will transport you through the fascinating story of "Dearest Enemy"—from its Broadway debut to its enduring impact. Discover rare recordings from the original cast, never-before-seen photographs, and artifacts from the show’s initial run. Attendees will also enjoy an exclusive look at a 1955 television adaptation of the musical.

Contact the Special Collections Division for more information at 330-643-9030 or speccollections@akronlibrary.org. 

Save the date! In celebration of Akron's Bicentennial, the Library will host a live performance of "Dearest Enemy" at the Goodyear Theater on June 21, 2025. 

For more information about the Akron Bicentennial, including Bicentennial events outside of downtown Akron, visit Akron200.org.