*Akron, OH — As Akron commemorates its Bicentennial, the Akron-Summit County Public Library invites the public to experience a remarkable chapter in both Broadway and local history. A special lecture and upcoming performance will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dearest Enemy, the first musical comedy by the legendary Rodgers and Hart, which premiered in Akron in 1925.
This engaging multimedia lecture will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Main Library. Led by Broadway historian Joseph Rubin, the lecture will explore the history, creation, and restoration of Dearest Enemy. Featuring rare original cast recordings, neverbefore-seen photographs, and archival materials from the production’s debut, the event will shed light on a musical that the Akron Beacon Journal once hailed as “the biggest theatrical innovation on record here in the past 100 years.”
The presentation will also include an exclusive viewing of a 1955 television adaptation of the musical, offering audiences a unique opportunity to explore the show’s enduring legacy. Please register in person, online, or by phone at 330.643.9030.
Whether you're a Broadway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply captivated by Akron’s rich cultural heritage, this event promises to be a highlight of the Bicentennial celebration.
In addition to the lecture, the Library will present a live performance of Dearest Enemy at the historic Goodyear Theater on June 21, 2025. This performance is part of a series of events honoring Akron’s 200th year.
For more information about the lecture or performance, contact the Special Collections Division at 330-643-9030 or email
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