*2020 CAIN PARK SEASON IS CANCELED
A message from Cain Park: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the cancellation of the Cain Park 2020 season after careful consideration for our patrons, artists, and staff. During these unprecedented times, the health and well-being of our community is at the heart of our decision-making. We look forward to a time when we can all gather again to enjoy the music, theater, dance and art in Cain Park.” Tickets purchased for the 2020 Cain Park season will be automatically refunded. There is nothing you need to do but stay safe and healthy.
*KARAMU HOUSE LAUNCHES ONLINE SUMMER ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE- AND HIGH-SCHOOLERS
Karamu House launches its online arts education program to continue its summer arts education programming for students entering grades 7-12. This year’s Summer Arts Intensive not only continues to offer performing arts study, including vocal performance, drama, and dance, but also courses in costume design (in partnership with the Center for Inspired Learning) and short film (in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College). The Summer Arts Intensive includes interactive online activities, live instructional classes, and one-on-one private sessions during a four-week period; the first session of classes begins Monday June 1
For more information, visit karamuhouse.
*PLAYHOUSE SQUARE ANNOUNCES 2020-2021 KEY BANK BROADWAY SERIES
Playhouse Square CEO/president Gina Vernaci has announced the PHS Key Bank Brodway series 2020-2021 schedule. Actually it’s a 2021 schedule, starting in January with Pretty Woman The Musical January 5-24. That’s followed by The Prom March 9-28, 2021; Ain’t Too Proud April 6-25; Moulin Rouge The Musical May 5-June 6; My Fair Lady June 8-22; Hadestown July 6-25; and Jesus Christ Superstar August 5-22.
She says, “Playhouse Square is working on plans to host a variety of activities and performances for fans to enjoy in 2020, including some from its resident companies Cleveland Play House and Great Lakes Theater.” Representatives of the organization will be contacting subscribers with options which include account credit, subscriptions or donating the value of the tickets to PHSquare.
*RADIO ON THE LAKE THEATRE ANNOUNCES ONLINE SERIES
Shaker Heights-based Radio on the Lake Theatre, which is “dedicated to the preservation, creative development and educational outreach of the radio theater genre,” and “seeks to become a guiding light for radio drama in the Northeast Ohio region and beyond,” announces a new online series. The new series presents scripts from the golden age of radio drama as well as works from emerging contemporary playwrights. New episodes of Radio on the Lake Presents… will drop Sunday evenings at 9pm, and will be archived on the website. The first two performances, Zero Hour and The Hitchhiker, are now available.
AN INTERVIEW WITH ROY BERKO: A TRIBUTE TO DOBAMA ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Late last year Dobama invited a dozen or so people to do a series of interviews meant to focus a spotlight on the theatre’s 60th anniversary. As an original member of the Dobama community I was one of those honored to be asked to participate. Watch the interview here.
*CHAUTAUQUA CANCELS SUMMER PROGRAMS
Hordes of Cleveland’s head up to Chautauqua Institution in New York for its diverse schedule of arts and education programming. Sadly, the board of trustees voted unanimously to cancel all in-person programming on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y., for summer 2020.
*BROADWAY SHUTDOWN EXTENDED THROUGH THE SUMMER, STREAM SOME SHOWS INSTEAD
As the weather warms and the prospect of softer regulations looms, the Broadway League has confirmed that productions will now offer refunds and exchanges for performances through September 6 as Broadway remains dark over the summer. An exact return date has yet to be determined. Ticketholders for performances through September 6 will be contacted via email by their point of purchase with information regarding refund and exchange options.
The new streaming service Broadway on Demand has revealed some of the offerings it will provide in its initial rollout. The “30 Days of Opening Nights” series began with the platform’s official launch May 17, and includes filmed presentations of Broadway titles, classes, concerts, interviews, and more. Among the filmed performances featured is Broadway’s Allegiance, which makes its online streaming premiere May 29 following various showings in movie theatres, while Bandstand will air as part of a Memorial Day celebration May 25.
*PLAYBILL TEAMS UP WITH PRIDE PLAYS FOR MULTIPLE LIVE STREAM PRODUCTIONS THROUGHOUT JUNE
Each Friday in June, in celebration of Pride Month, Playbill will present a live streamed theatrical event from the LGBTQIA+ theatrical canon on its website, as well as features, interviews and more with the artists. Additional details, including titles and involved artists, will be announced shortly. The online festival will culminate in a Pride Spectacular Concert June 28 (Pride Sunday), featuring community performers sharing messages of pride and singing songs old and new.