* BALDWIN WALLACE AND PLAYHOUSE SQUARE PRESENT BARS
The Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre program, in partnership with Playhouse Square, is presenting a streaming production called BARS.
BARS (Beatboxing, Acting, Rapping, Singing) is a hip-hop, music theater-based improv show conceived by BWMT alum Jay Ellis (’12). BARS combines classic music theater with contemporary skills in beatboxing and rapping. The culturally diverse and stylistically dynamic cast will pilot this interactive audience experience through the world of improvisational sketch comedy while creating scenes and songs (both lyrics and music) on the spot. Each show will present a unique combination of characters, scenes, and material using audience input. The show runs April 9-11. Go here for tickets and more information.
* PORTHOUSE THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2021 SUMMER SEASON
Porthouse Theatre, adjacent to Blossom Music Center, has been presenting summer theater since 1968 — except for last year, when it was forced to cancel its season. This summer, however, it’s moving ahead with its season. Porthouse reopens for 2021 with three musicals: Quilters (June 17-July 3), Bklyn The Musical (July 8-July 25), and Altar Boyz (July 29-August 15). Bklyn was originally scheduled for last year; however, rather than West Side Story and Little Shop of Horrors, it chose smaller cast shows to deal with potential social distancing issues in dressing rooms and housing. The theater itself is open air and picnicking is available on the grounds. Get season updates here.
* THE CHOIR OF MAN SET TO REOPEN PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
Playhouse Square will reopen its doors with a month-long run of The Choir of Man, starting June 11 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre.
This is the show’s third visit to Playhouse Square, and stars a cast of singers, dancers and musicians performing a mix of Irish tunes, pop music and Broadway classics, all on a set designed like an Irish pub. The Choir of Man will be presented by the same team behind Gobsmacked and Noise Boys. Scheduled for 35 performances through July 11, tickets range from $59 to $79. Tickets can be purchased at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-241-6000.
* DOBAMA ADOPTS LOVE AND RESPECT DOCUMENT
On March 8 the Dobama Theatre board of directors unanimously adopted the Love and Respect Document: a living document for anti-racism action and a culture of authentic inclusivity at the theater.
This shift in Dobama’s approach to making theater will help create an environment of authentic inclusion. These next steps in their collective equity work will guide them toward reopening for live performances sometime within the next year.
In their statement the theater says, “Dobama Theatre is grateful to the Board of Directors, staff, community members, partners, friends, supporters, colleagues, and collaborators that helped make this next step possible. Together we will move forward in action and accountability. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work. It will take all of us to create a world that is equitable and safe.
It will take all of us to nurture a community of love and respect.”
* PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL LAUNCHES PL RADIO
Playwrights Local announces the launch of PL Radio, a streaming media channel featuring original works by writers from Northeast Ohio. All radio plays are professionally recorded and include acting, directing and design talent from the Cleveland area. Streaming and download are free at Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, PodBean, Spotify, and Stitcher. Find info and links at playwrightslocal.org.
PL Radio debuts with the re-release of four audio plays that were previously recorded. All titles are available for free streaming now.
- Entanglement
- Written by Les Hunter
- Directed by Christine McBurney
- Featuring John Busser and Cathleen O’Malley
- Every Play is a Radio Play When You’re Blind
- Written by Meghan Louise Wagner
- Directed by Constance Thackaberry
- Featuring Denise Astorino, Leonard Goff, Stuart Hoffman, Kyle Huff, Rachel Maria Inés, Diane Mull, and Laura Stitt
- Stranded
- Written by Edward J. Walsh
- Directed by Tim Tavcar
- Featuring Agnes Herrmann
- Flame Puppy
- Written and directed by Mike Geither
- Featuring Benjamin Gregg, Beau Reinker, Amy Schwabauer, and Lauren B. Smith
Programming will continue with a new series of works by Julia Fisher, Tom Hayes, Agnes Herrmann, Gail Nyoka and Faye Sholiton, which will be announced in the coming weeks. All shows will be produced in partnership with Radio on the Lake Theatre.
* CHRISTINE HOWEY SHARES HER TRANSITIONING JOURNEY
On International Day of Transgender Visibility, join Phyllis Harris, executive director of LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland as she interviews Cleveland Critic Circle’s Christine Howey on her journey in openly transitioning to live as a woman in her mid-40s and how her stage plays and later film Exact Change have impacted the lives of trans youth and their families on their own journeys. The online program airs Wednesday March 31 @ 4pm. It’s free for Maltz Museum members, $10 for others. Register here.