An exciting and entertaining destination...this is PlayhouseSquare!

This week’s theater news…

Published March 23rd, 2012 by | No Comments

Jesus Christ Superstar revival opened last night on Broadway.

Theater news for the week of March 17 –March 23

Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!

Happening on Broadway …

Adaptation of Death of a Salesman opens on Broadway

Mike Nichol’s adaptation of Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller’s 1949 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play opened on Broadway March 15. The production, starring Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Golden Globe nominee Andrew Garfield and Tony nominee Linda Emond will run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre through June 2.

NBC’s Smash renewed for second season

NBC’s Broadway-themed series Smash, based on the production and development of a fictional Marilyn Monroe musical, has been renewed for a second season. The second season will include at least 15 episodes, chronicling the production’s debut on Broadway. No air date for season two of the series has been set.

Jesus Christ Superstar Revival opens on Broadway

The latest revival of Jesus Christ Superstar officially opened on Broadway last night, after running previews at the Neil Simon Theater this month. The Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera is based loosely on the Gospel’s account of the last week of Jesus’ life. The show’s famous songs include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Heaven on Their Minds,” “What’s the Buzz” and “Everything’s Alright.”

Upcoming Events at PlayhouseSquare

Flanagan’s Wake –presented by the Frankie Kong Players
RED – presented by Cleveland Play House
The Mousetrap – Great Lakes Theater
CSU Spring Dance Concert 2012 – CSU Department of Theatre & Dance
Mike Epps: I’m Still Standing Tour
Joan Rivers
Philadanco – presented by Cuyahoga Community College
Daughtry
TAO – part of the U.S. Bank Star Performance Series
Boney James
Lizzie Borden

Share your thoughts on this week’s news below, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

Broadway Cleveland’s Way

Published March 20th, 2012 by | 1 Comment

Spring is in the air at PlayhouseSquare and with the spring weather comes one of the biggest announcements of the year: our annual KeyBank Broadway Series announcement.

Although our office is filled with both excitement and anticipation for the new Broadway season, preparing for the new season is not a small task. Work starts about 2-3 years prior to the announcement of the season—so if you do the math we’ve been working on the 2012-2013 season since 2009-2010 (which in some cases is before a tour is even produced!) One thing that our programming department looks for when booking a show is quality of production; It’s actually the most important factor in deciding what to bring to PlayhouseSquare.

And the work doesn’t stop there—between eight (yes, eight) Broadway launch receptions, a Fox 8 TV special, and launching the website for the new season, it’s amazing how everything manages to come together.

It wouldn’t be fair of us to tell you about how amazing the new Broadway season is going to be without inviting you to be a part of the excitement. So…on the off-chance that you want to be part of one of our 2012-2013 Broadway Series Launch receptions, we’ve got a special treat for our fans:

Fill out the form below for your chance, along with a guest, to attend our Broadway Series Launch reception on Wednesday March 28 at 6:30 p.m. The reception will be followed by a special presentation by our Senior Vice President of Theater Operations, Gina Vernaci, where she will share unique information on each show. Complimentary beverages, hors d’oeuvres and parking will be provided. The event will last approx. 2 hours. Winners will be contacted via email by Friday, March 23.

Not only are we looking for someone who is interested in attending, but also someone with some SOCIAL STRENGTH! We need your help to spread the word about the big announcement! Tweet it, Facebook it, Pin it, discuss it over coffee, shout it out a window…you get the idea.

We are very excited for the great new shows headed our way next season…so get ready!

The Broadway Cleveland’s Way Contest is now closed.

This week’s theater news…

Published March 16th, 2012 by | No Comments

The Lion King becomes the sixth longest-running show on Broadway.

Theater news for the week of March 10 –March 16

Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!

Happening on Broadway …

Disney’s The Lion King becomes Broadway’s sixth longest-running show

Disney’s The Lion King became the sixth longest-running show on Broadway March 14. Based on the popular Disney film, The Lion King first opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theater, before transferring to the Minskoff in 2006. The Lion King won six Tony Awards in 1998 including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical. Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in history to win the award for Best Direction of a Musical for her work on the show.

Dowtown Abbey Creator Julian Fellowes to write Gypsy remake

Producers Barbra Streisand and Joel Silver have hired Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downtown Abbey creator Julian Fellowes to write the screenplay for a Gypsyfilm remake. Along with producing the movie, Streisand is set to star in the movie as Momma Rose

Once previews begin this weekend on Broadway

The 2006 movie-turned-musical Once is set to open for previews this weekend at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Featuring a score by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who won an Academy Award for the Once song “Falling Slowly,” the show is set on the streets of Dublin. Over the course of one week,  “an unexpected friendship and artistic collaboration between a street musician (Guy) and a Czech immigrant (Girl) quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story.”

Upcoming Events at PlayhouseSquare

Flanagan’s Wake –presented by the Frankie Kong Players
The Winter’s Tale – presented by Cleveland Play House
RED – presented by Cleveland Play House
The 5th Cleveland Blues Festival
The Mousetrap – Great Lakes Theater
Abraham Verghese – Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation
Mythbusters: Behind the Myths Tour
CSU Spring Dance Concert 2012 – CSU Department of Theatre & Dance
Mike Epps: I’m Still Standing Tour

Share your thoughts on this week’s news below, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

This week’s theater news…

Published March 9th, 2012 by | No Comments

Disney’s Raven-Symoné to star in Sister Act on Broadway

Theater news for the week of March 3 –March 9

Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!

Happening on Broadway …

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat headed to movie theaters

A sing-along version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is headed to movie theaters across the nation for a special sing-along event, sponsored by NCM Fathom and Omniverse Vision. Starring Donny Osmond, the pre-recorded version of the musical will be broadcast in select theaters March 26 and April 4.

Disney’s Raven-Symoné to star in Sister Act on Broadway

Disney star Raven-Symoné is joining the Broadway cast of Sister Act in the role of Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring disco singer who goes into hiding at a convent after witnessing a crime. Symoné takes over the role from Tony-nominated star Patina Miller on March 27 at the Broadway Theatre. This is Symoné’s first Broadway role.

Barenaked Ladies to write Animal House musical

The 1987 college comedy, National Lampoon’s Animal House is heading to Broadway. A  musical adaptation of the movie will feature music by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies and will be directed and choreographed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw. No other details of the project have been announced.

Upcoming Events at PlayhouseSquare

Memphis – part of the KeyBank Broadway Series
Flanagan’s Wake –presented by the Frankie Kong Players
The Winter’s Tale – presented by Cleveland Play House
Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s  Super Heroes
Last Call Cleveland
Ballet Memphis – presented by Dance Cleveland
RED – presented by Cleveland Play House
The 5th Cleveland Blues Festival

Share your thoughts on this week’s news below, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

This week’s theater news…

Published February 24th, 2012 by | No Comments


Judy Garland Drama End of the Rainbow to open on Broadway.

Theater news for the week of February 18-February 24

Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!

Happening on Broadway …

Judy Garland Drama End of Rainbow now on Broadway

End of the Rainbow, Peter Quilter’s biographical play about the last days of Judy Garland is headed to Belasco Theatre, with previews starting March 19 and opening night set for April 3. Set it London, the play offers a look at life of Judy Garland and the events leading up to her death. The show features some of Garland’s most memorable songs, including “Over the Rainbow.”

Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway heading to Broadway in 2013

A musical adaptation of Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway is set to hit Broadway in 2013. Set in 1920s New York, Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who is coerced into casting a mobster’s untalented girlfriend in his newest project to get it produced. The 1994 movie, starring John Cusack, Dianne Wiest and Jennifer Tilly, was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Wiest earned Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in the film.

The Lyons headed to Broadway in April

Nicky Silver’s The Lyons, which premiered off-Broadway at The Vineyard Theatre, will transfer to Broadway’s Cort Theatre this spring. The Lyons is about a family dealing with both the impending death of the family patriarch Ben Lyons (Dick Latessa) and how to cope with the aftermath of losing a family member. The show is set to begin previews the first week of April and will open sometime mid-April.

Upcoming Events at PlayhouseSquare

Memphis – part of the KeyBank Broadway Series
Flanagan’s Wake –presented by the Frankie Kong Players
Radio Golf –presented by Cleveland Play House
Marisol – Presented by the CSU Department of Theatre & Dance
Classic Albums Live
21st Annual Jump Back Ball – presented by PlayhouseSquare Partners
Erskine B. Bowles – presented by Town Hall of Cleveland & CWRU
The Irish Rovers
Share your thoughts on this week’s news below, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

Celebrating Jump Back Ball’s 21st Birthday

Published February 24th, 2012 by | No Comments

This year is Jump Back Ball’s 21st birthday and we’re just one day away from celebrating the party of the year in Cleveland! There’s no better way to celebrate its 21st than with hundreds of friends, plenty of food, drinks, music, dancing, entertainment, and so much more. Jump Back Ball has come a long way since getting its start back in 1992 and none of us could be happier with where it’s going in 2012. In anticipation of the big night, let’s jump back to years past and celebrate all the wonderful people and amazing times we’ve had here at PlayhouseSquare!

From Medieval to Broadway, from Mobsters & Molls to Caesar’s Rome, Jump Back Ball has had all kinds of fun and creative themes over the past 21 years. Through the Looking Glass, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, will be plenty whimsical and fun this year too, sure to make this 21st birthday truly a magical night.

See you tomorrow!

Eat, Drink and Be Cleveland

Published February 22nd, 2012 by | No Comments

Food is something that has the ability to bring everyone together-from catching up with family and friends over a home-cooked meal or celebrating a special occasion over dinner at a restaurant, food is woven into our everyday lives.

Speaking of food, we’re getting extra-hungry in anticipation of the Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week, going on Sunday, February 27 through Monday, March 4, 2012.

Diners can take advantage of amazing deals for both dinner and lunch, at over 40 of Downtown’s finest restaurants. Restaurant Week features $30, 3-course dinner menus and $15 lunch specials at select restaurants. $2 parking with voucher after 5pm will be available at select lots.

Restaurant Week features some of our PlayhouseSquare neighborhood favorites-Acappella, Cowell & Hubbard and Encore at the Wyndham-as well as many other hometown favorites.

Some hometown favorites include:

–The Greenhouse Tavern – named Bon Appetit’ Magazine’s Top Ten Restaurants in America

–Pickwick & Frolic – named “One of Cleveland’s Best New Restaurants” in Cleveland Magazine

–John Q’s Steakhouse – named “An A-List Restaurant” by the Plain Dealer in 2011

–Lola Bistro – named Most Popular Restaurant in Cleveland by Zagat

–Morton’s The Steakhouse – named Best Steakhouse in Cleveland Magazine’s 2008 Silver Spoon Awards

–Pura Vida – recognized in 2011 by Cleveland Magazine as one of the ‘Best of Cleveland’

Check out the Downtown Cleveland Alliance website here for a complete list of restaurants participating in this delicious celebration of food!

Jump Back Ball: Menu Sneak Peak

Published February 18th, 2012 by | No Comments

This year’s sold-out Jump Back Ball is just ONE week away, and we know you’re looking forward to all that the party has lined up—dancing, music, fun with friends and of course, the food. We’re so happy to have Sammy’s and VIP caterer Amp 150 back to help us celebrate Jump Back Ball’s 21st birthday with all the delicious goodies! With this year’s theme in mind, both have put together some really fun and tasty menus that won’t leave anyone going hungry. In advance of the big night, check out these awesome menus and start planning which food you’re going to jump on first.

Sammy’s always does a fantastic job catering Jump Back Ball and they’ve created yet another savory and festive menu for us all this year with multiple themed food stations. This menu has it all; pizza, cake, cookies, sandwiches, pasta, veggies…you name it, they’ve got it. Take a look and see just how far the rabbit hole goes.

 

~Alice’s Tea Sandwiches~

Mini Beef Sandwich with Romaine and Horseradish Mousse

on Buttercrust Rolls

Roasted Turkey with White BBQ Sauce on Pretzel Buns

Egg Salad and Watercress on Mini Croissants

~Caterpillar’s Secret Pasta~

Fuscilli with Asparagus, Spring Peas, Zucchini & Yellow Squash

with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

~White Rabbit Salad~

Artisan Greens, White Asparagus, Hearts of Palm,

Magical Berries, and White Balsamic Vinaigrette

~Through the Looking Glass Stations~

Chicken a la Queen with White Cheddar Biscuits

Roasted Pork on Sweet & Sour Cheshire Cabbage

Roasted Forest Potatoes with Magical Mushroom Truffle Oil

Off with Their Heads Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

and Balsamic Glaze

Make Me Grow Bread and Fresh Baked Rolls, Butter Pats

~Mad Hatter Tea Party~

Assorted Focaccia Pizzas

Three Tiered Sheet Cake

Mushroom Cookies

Tea Station with Assorted Herbal Teas & Freshly Brewed Coffee

For those of you Jump Back Ballers who are attending the VIP party, Amp 150 is back to cater by popular demand for the second straight year! Amp 150’s Chef Jeff Jarret will be there to take VIP guests through a multi-course dinner fit for a Queen. Get ready and check out just what kind of deliciousness this menu has in store.

Appetizer

Beef carpaccio wrapped around crispy veg. slaw (enoki mushrooms), basil puree

Appetizer

Seared tuna, togarashi edamame salad, lime vinaigrette

Soup

Mushroom soup, truffle, chives

Salad

Goat cheese truffles, rosemary apples, watercress, beet vinaigrette

Entrée

Pork belly, carrot ginger puree, farro/broccoli salad

Dessert

Chocolate covered cheesecake lollipops

Bon Appetit!

This week’s theater news…

Published February 17th, 2012 by | No Comments

Sparkle movie remake eyes Broadway run.

Theater news for the week of February 11-February 17

Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!

Happening on Broadway …

The Book of Mormon wins Grammy

The original cast recording of The Book of Mormon won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, beating out Anything Goes and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The Book of Mormon opened at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre on March 24, 2011 and earned nine Tony Awards including Best Musical.

The 57th Annual Drama Desk Awards sets date

The 57th Annual Drama Desk Awards will be held on June 3, 2012. The ceremony, which recognizes the best Broadway and off-Broadway talent of the 2011 – 2012 theater season will take place at Town Hall in New York City. The Drama Desk, founded in 1949, brings together writers and critics to support the ongoing development of theater in New York.

Sparkle eyes Broadway run

Whitney Houston’s final film, Sparkle, is in the works to be adapted into a stage version for Broadway. The film’s producer, Howard Rosenman (who was also the producer of the original 1976 Sparkle) expressed an interest into turning the yet-to-be-released remake into a musical. Sparkle is the story of three sisters who form a singing group and must grapple with drugs and the rise and fall of fame as the trio becomes successful. The film is set to hit theatres in August.

Upcoming Events at PlayhouseSquare

Flanagan’s Wake –presented by the Frankie Kong Players
Radio Golf –presented by Cleveland Play House
why i had to dance –presented by PlayhouseSquare’s Community Engagement and Education Department
The Ugly Duckling & Tortoise and The Hare –presented by PlayhouseSquare’s Community Engagement and Education Department
Dick Fox’s Golden Boys
The Peking Acrobats
AT&T 28 Days Speaker Series
Lexus Style Show
Marisol – Presented by the CSU Department of Theatre & Dance
Slam U Performance Workshop
Classic Albums Live
21st Annual Jump Back Ball – presented by PlayhouseSquare Partners
Share your thoughts on this week’s news below, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

Lexus Style Show – A Night of New Cars and Hot Fashion

Published February 16th, 2012 by | No Comments

From the 2013 Lexus GS to the newest fashions from Beachwood Place to stilt walkers and aerialists, there’s a lot in store for the 2012 Lexus Style Show.

The beauty of Lexus meets the beauty of fashion as the All-New 2013 Lexus GS takes the State Theatre Stage along with fashions from some of the hottest stores at Beachwood Place.

Guests attending this year’s sold out Lexus Style Show can anticipate the red-carpet treatment from the moment they walk in the door. To kick off the evening, guests will be treated to an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and various Beachwood Place vendors. Color Nation Salon and Spa of Rocky River will also be on hand to provide guests with beauty tips and samples of their newest products.

Next up in the evening’s festivities is a fashion show featuring both Lexus cars and some of the latest fashions from a variety of Beachwood Place stores, including bebe, Brigade, Caché, and Maxstudio.com. After a brief presentation from a Lexus product specialist on the new features of the Lexus GS, guests will be able to talk to the product specialist and dealers or view the Lexus GS while enjoying desserts and cocktails on the State Theatre stage.

Interested in attending this year’s sold out Lexus Style Show? Complete the form below to enter to win two tickets to the 2012 Lexus Style Show!

The Lexus Style Show ticket giveaway has now ended.

Please Note:
The contest will end on Sunday, February 19 at 11:59 pm.
Winner will be contacted by noon on Monday, February 20.
Winner must claim tickets within 24 hours of notification.
Tickets will be available for pick-up at the State Theatre Box Office approximately 1 hour before the show.
Winner must provide valid i.d. for ticket pick-up.

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »

About Us

A not-for-profit performing arts center that presents and produces a wide variety of performing arts, advances arts education and creates a destination that is a superior location for entertainment business and residential living, thereby strengthening the economic vitality of the region.

Authors

PlayhouseSquare Photos

JJB084milner JJB244milner IMG_5492 WYP025

View More PlayhouseSquare on

PlayhouseSquare Videos

View More PlayhouseSquare on