Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
330-474-5032
Press release images available at pbswesternreserve.org/press/photos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local artists bring ‘The Remember Balloons Live!’ to EJ Thomas for a special taping
AKRON, Ohio — June 2, 2026 — The Akron-based creative duo, choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson and composer Theron Brown, are taking their stage adaptation of Jessie Olivero’s children’s book, “The Remember Balloons,” to greater heights at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, June 20.
After taking the show on the road for a national tour and premiering a broadcast special on PBS Western Reserve in May 2025, Moore-Dunson and Brown are excited to announce an immersive, 90-minute expansion of the original adaptation. Inspired by real family experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, “The Remember Balloons Live!” offers a gentle, hopeful way for families to explore what it means to remember and be remembered.
Best suited for families and children ages 7 and up, attendees will be part of an unforgettable evening captured live for PBS Western Reserve. The audience won’t be in the spotlight, but their applause, laughter and happy tears will be an essential part of creating a night so full of heart that families at home can feel it too.
“This will be a one-night-only performance unlike anything else audiences in Akron have seen. With 20 live musicians on stage and 30 minutes of brand-new choreography and music, Akron audiences will experience a version of ‘The Remember Balloons’ that no other city in the country has witnessed,” said Moore-Dunson in a statement. “More than anything, we hope families leave feeling inspired to share their stories with one another.”
The taped performance is slated to premiere on PBS Western Reserve in November 2026. Tickets for the live taping — held on Saturday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. — are available now at ticketmaster.com.
E.J. Thomas Performance Arts Hall is located at 198 Hill St., Akron. More information is available at PBSWesternReserve.org and TheRememberBalloonsLive.com.
About PBS Western Reserve
PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. PBS Western Reserve presents cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of youth.
PBS Western Reserve is made up of two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on both stations.
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