Bringing you behind-the-curtain news and showing you how your donation makes a difference at Playhouse Square!
playhousesquare.org/support Spring 2022
Sir Tim Rice Receives Playhouse Square’s Star Award at the Annual Chairman’s Dinner! Plus more on the KeyBank Broadway Series, Family Theater Day, Partners Alumni, Upcoming Events and more!
A MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE Spring has sprung at Playhouse Square! The PSQ District is alive with visitors, residents, students and workers coming to enjoy a thriving urban neighborhood. Soon the patios will be filled with people dining al fresco. As the season of renewal puts a skip in everyone’s step, it also invigorates us at Playhouse Square: April 5 Hamilton was announced with 48 performances starting in December. April 12 Launched the 2022-23 KeyBank Broadway Series. April 25 Leading Ladies Spring Reception featured a special Broadway Buzz presentation by Joe Garry for To Kill a Mockingbird. April 30 Family Theater Day brought hundreds of families to Playhouse Square for a fun-filled day of theater and children’s activities. May 4 Hosted the annual Chairman’s Dinner for donors who annually donate $5,000 or above featuring Broadway lyricist Sir Tim Rice to receive the Star award.
May 13 Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) was presented virtually. DMIS is the nation’s top innovative musical theater education program for underserved students. May 21 Presented the Dazzle Awards on the stage of the Connor Palace. 29 Northeast Ohio high schools came together for the event which honors excellence in high school musical theater and inspires the next generation of students in the performing arts. On deck we have the 30th Annual Jump Back Ball on June 4th, the 16th Annual Golf Outing on June 6th and a special sensoryfriendly performance of Disney’s Frozen on September 3. As spring makes way for summer and the level of activity heats up, I want to thank you for the role you play in bringing energy to the District. Have a wonderful summer and, as always, I look forward to seeing you at Playhouse Square.
Michelle Ryan Stewart Senior Vice President of Advancement
Cover Photo: Chair Amy Brady and Sir Tim Rice
ADVANCEMENT & GUEST SERVICES STAFF Michelle Ryan Stewart Senior Vice President of Advancement 216-640-8410 michelle.stewart@playhousesquare.org
Meg Colwell Volunteer Manager 216-640-8559 meg.colwell@playhousesquare.org
Anthony DiBacco Guest Services Coordinator 216-640-8553 anthony.dibacco@playhousesquare.org
Leanne Dewyer Director of Advancement 216-640-8411 leanne.dewyer@playhousesquare.org
David Turner Advancement Ticketing Manager 216-640-8432 david.turner@playhousesquare.org
Steven Deliman Donor Relations & Special Projects Assistant 216-640-8426 steven.deliman@playhousesquare.org
Mary Winchester Assistant Director of Advancement 216-640-8412 mary.winchester@playhousesquare.org
Karen Bridegum Donor Relations Coordinator 216-640-8419 karen.bridegum@playhousesquare.org
Beth Kauppila Donor Relations & Special Projects Assistant 216-640-8422 beth.kauppila@playhousesquare.org
Ed Broderick Senior Manager, Front of House 216-640-8535 edward.broderick@playhousesquare.org
Victoria Gray Advancement Coordinator, Annual Giving 216-640-8422 victoria.gray@playhousesquare.org
Cheryl Helden Foundations & Major Gifts Manager 216-640-8406 cheryl.helden@playhousesquare.org
Annie Singer Advancement Coordinator 216-640-8407 annie.singer@playhousesquare.org
Katie Lang Donor Communications & Education Fund Coordinator 216-640-8664 katie.lang@playhousesquare.org
Sarah Stengel Partners Advancement Manager 216-640-8408 sarah.stengel@playhousesquare.org
Jason Bogdany Advancement Database Coordinator 216-640-8428 jason.bogdany@playhousesquare.org
Claudia Medlin Gift Processing & Data Entry Coordinator 216-640-8409 claudia.medlin@playhousesquare.org Jason Brown Donor Relations Assistant 216-640-8421 jason.brown@playhousesquare.org
CHAIRMAN’S Chair Amy Brady and Sir Tim Rice
Suzanne and Akram Boutros with Sir Tim Rice
Terry and Shelly Adelman
Wadsworth High School Students
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DINNER
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Playhouse Square honored Broadway lyricist Sir Tim Rice with its highest award, the Playhouse Square Star Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts, at the annual Chairman’s Dinner on May 4. Sir Tim Rice is one of the most celebrated lyricists of our time and is one of only sixteen artists who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. His Broadway work includes The Lion King, Aida, Jesus Christ Superstar and many more. The evening included dinner on the stage of the KeyBank State Theatre, a Playhouse Square update from Chair Amy Brady, and a special performance from Wadsworth High School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. *The Annual Chairman’s Dinner is a benefit for Sustaining Founder and higher donors.
Tom and Joanie Adler, Jason Hillman, Sir Tim Rice, Meredith Hillman
Terry and Edda Owen
LES MISÉRABLES
OCTOBER 7-29, 2022 Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Awardwinning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is still undisputedly “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune).
CATS
NOVEMBER 1-20, 2022 Rediscover CATS – the beloved musical with breathtaking music – including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, “Memory.” Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation – experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again!
BEETLEJUICE
JANUARY 10-29, 2023 IT’S SHOWTIME! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), BEETLEJUICE is a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
HADESTOWN
JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 19, 2023 COME SEE HOW THE WORLD COULD BE. Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812) is a love story for today... and always.
TINA TURNER – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL APRIL 25-MAY 14, 2023
HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards® and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
MOULIN ROUGE! JUNE 7-JULY 2, 2023
POP THE CHAMPAGNE, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL IS THE WINNER OF 10 TONY AWARDS – INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL! Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and – above all – Love, MOULIN ROUGE! is more than a musical – it is a state of mind.
SIX
AUGUST 8-SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED, DIVORCED, BEHEADED, SURVIVED. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” Written by Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss.
HOW CAN YOU GET TICKETS? Become a Season Ticketholder Now! • S ave money and purchase all of the shows in the series at once. • Secure your seats for the whole year at the best possible price and location. • Keep things simple with a monthly payment plan. • Receive access to discounted advance parking. • Exchange your tickets for another day if your schedule changes. • SWAP-A-SHOW for tickets to another show (restrictions apply).
Not interested in a full series? • D onors will receive the first access to purchase tickets later this summer. • Donors will also receive first access to purchase tickets to the Huntington Featured Performances: Riverdance, Disney’s Aladdin, Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away and Hamilton later this summer!
playhousesquare.org/broadway
BWY CLE
SUPPORT E THE DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM HELPS BUILD MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAMS Each year, Disney Musicals in Schools provides four local schools a 17-week theater residency with professional teaching artists. The program is designed to help students develop self-confidence, practice collaboration and strengthen speaking and reading skills while learning musical theater techniques. It also provides the training necessary for teachers to continue a tradition of theater in their schools for years to come. Each school put on a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical and participated in a combined virtual student share at the conclusion of the program in May.
2021-22 DMIS SCHOOLS: Campus International School Garfield School Franklin D. Roosevelt Academy Patrick Henry School
Photos: Campus International students perform Disney’s Frozen
FROZEN SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE • SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 Playhouse Square is proud to commit to arts education, providing a variety of free and low-cost programs dedicated to inspiring and invigorating people of all ages, perspectives and abilities. Our sensory-friendly initiative, presented by Denise G. and Norman E. Wells Jr., is dedicated to increasing access and inclusion for those with sensory needs including autistic individuals. Tickets go on sale May 18th for the Frozen sensory-friendly performance.
Disney’s The Lion King sensory-friendly performance (2019, Photo by Cody York)
EDUCATION FAMILY THEATER DAY 2022 WELCOMED MORE THAN 3,000 GUESTS Family Theater Day returned in-person at Playhouse Square on April 30! Families journeyed to Playhouse Square for a fun-filled day of theater and activities. From captivating, pre-historic light shows, to a wide array of fantastical illusionists, to exploring the wonders of limitless imagination, there was something for everyone.
Playhouse Square’s young professional donor program, Partners, provides those in their 20s and 30s with networking, leadership, and social opportunities with the goal of attracting life-long supporters of Playhouse Square. In 2019, through discussions with staff and, later on, focus groups, the Partners Vision Committee started to explore ways to provide graduating Partners with a clear path on how to continue supporting Playhouse Square in their 40s and beyond. From these conversations, a new initiative was formed: Partners Alumni.
“We are thrilled for Partners Alumni as it will allow us to stay connected with the friends we’ve made over the years, provide opportunities to make new connections and to continue the legacy we started while in Partners. The Partners community is one unlike any other!” – Stephanie Kaczmarek, Partners Alumni Launch Committee Member & Charter Member Partners Alumni continue to support Playhouse Square through an annual donation to Friends, Donor Circle, or Leading Ladies and receive a Partners Alumni designation. They also receive biannual Partners Alumni newsletters
and invitations to special opportunities, helping them stay connected with other alumni. “We are so excited to start this new initiative. We hope it will encourage future, current, and past Partners to make supporting Playhouse Square a life-long passion.” – Andy Tojek, Partners Alumni Launch Committee Member & Charter Member As of May 1, more than 65 previous Partners members have joined Partners Alumni. A kick-off celebration is planned for July 14. More details to come.
Neil Weinberger & Amy Pappas
Mike Littlejohn, James Nestel, Patricia Vanah
Sarah Pope, Daryl Hatch, Mike Baruschke, Anna Guglielmo, Denise Huck
Stephanie Kaczmarek, Andy Tojek, Stacey Phelps, Kelley Sciko, Cindy Reville, Jeff Harnden
Clark Pope, Gail Ropenus, Sheri Terens, Kevin Ropenus
Stacey Phelps, Andy Tojek, Cynthia Daniels, Kelley Sciko, Mario Becerra
Jane Sawyer, Stephanie Kaczmarek, Chris Lockwood, Stacey Phelps, Katie Auble
Jennifer Gardner, Jeff Harnden, Amy Davis-VanderEyk, Andy Tojek
Steph Washlock, Nick Guglielmo, Mike Washlock
If you were once a member of Partners and are interested in Partners Alumni, please contact Sarah Stengel at 216-640-8408 or sarah.stengel@playhousesquare.org.
PARTNERS ALUMNI CHARTER MEMBERS Kristy & Doug Amy Kathryn Auble Stephen Barsi Tammy Battler Mario Becerra Jessie Canavan Michele & Michael Canty Nicole & Michael Capasso Mr. Michael P. Carney Cheryl Cervar Jeffrey & Julie Cristal Cynthia Daniels Linda M. Davies Amy Davis-VanderEyk & Paul VanderEyk Doug & Barb Denton Vera Farinacci Diane & Warren Farr Robert U. & Karen E. Fein Richard & Lynda Freedman Jay & Kim Gaebelein Stefan Ganobcik Nicholas Guglielmo Anna Maria Guglielmo, D.D.S.
Robert Haber, MD and Mary Ellen Brook Jeff Harnden & Jennifer Gardner Lawrence & Linda Hatch Bob Horvath Michael Baruschke & Denise C. Huck Michael M. Hughes, Jr. Jesse & Rachel Hurst Margy Judd Stephanie Kaczmarek & Chris Lockwood Samuel & Leigh Ann Kerns Phil & Christina Klenotic Jeannine & Jeff Lawler Robert S. Lewis & Adam C. Wile Jacque & Joyce Lingenfelter Janice Manning Sharon & John Marcus Anne Markowski Peter & Kristin Morrison Rebecca Nelson Amy M. Pappas Dr. Emily Pennington Mark C. Perna
Stacey Phelps Sarah & Clark Pope Cindy Reville Kevin & Gail Ropenus Paul & Lori Rupert Kelley & Joe Sciko Tiffany Sedlacek Jen & Clayton Smith David E. Strang J.D. & Catherine Sullivan Rick & Sheri Terens Andy Tojek Patricia Vanah & James Nestel Mark Vega & Mary Kate Farrar Vega Thomas & Lori Wares Steph & Mike Washlock Neil Weinberger Mr. & Mrs. Michael Weiner Mark Weisman Elizabeth & Christopher Whitworth Anne Marie Witmer Thom & Meredith Wojtkun Mike & Stacy Zelina as of May 2, 2022
MAKE
IN ARTS EDUCATION BENEFIT
Playhouse Square’s purpose is at the heart of its mission, including the role of providing education and access to the arts to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Playhouse Square traditionally has an in-person benefit gala to support and celebrate these important initiatives. This year the Board decided, in lieu of a live event, to raise money through an un-event called Make Believe. Programs such as streaming initiatives, social justice student programming and sensory-friendly performances continue to be an important part of Playhouse Square’s diverse portfolio of opportunities. Special thanks to our donors for helping to raise more than $118,000!
DIAMOND LEVEL
MAI Capital Management LLC Westfield Insurance PLATINUM LEVEL
K.K. & Joe Sullivan GOLD LEVEL
SILVER LEVEL
BRONZE LEVEL
Table Sponsor Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Table Sponsor Joanie & Tom Adler The Brewer-Garrett Company Jane & Jon Outcalt Parker Hannifin Arthur J. & Nancy L. Stokes
Table Sponsor The Fedeli Group Linda & Lawrence H. Hatch The Sherwin-Williams Company
Individual Sponsor Douglas & Stephenie Spiker Tony & Leila Vespoli Paul E. Westlake Debbie & Jim Wert
Individual Sponsor Paul & Sherry Carleton Amy & Rick Held
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: AGNES SOJKA So often we hear stories from donors who have wonderful memories of their visits to Playhouse Square. The opportunity to spend time with family and friends while enjoying a performance is a huge part of makes Playhouse Square so special. Donor and season ticketholder Agnes Sojka recently shared her memories and why Playhouse Square is important to her: Upon retiring I decided that while I was alive, I would give to what I enjoyed and found pleasurable, the theaters included. In high school, dates took us to the movies at these lovely theaters and we went downtown on the rapid transit to watch movies. Fast forward when Jacques Brel was going to open, I had to be in attendance. As a young adult I had season tickets and shared my love of the live plays with friends. I stopped for a few years, but missed it so much, and soon started back up again. As a guest at the annual
President’s Dinner, I was amazed and in awe at the wonderful planning the various Boards of Trustees have accomplished in all these many years on behalf of Playhouse Square and surrounding area. While we know about our theaters and how spectacular they are, every time I have an out of town guest, I make Playhouse Square a point of interest on my Cleveland tours. They are unaware that next to New York, we in Ohio are a showcase.
MEET THE DONOR RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVES If you give a gift of $300 or more annually, you may have spoken to one of our Donor Relations Representatives. Beth, Jason, Karen and Steven look forward to seeing you in person at the theaters! For more information about membership levels and benefits, visit playhousesquare.org/ donate.
Beth Kauppila, Karen Bridegum, Jason Brown, Stephen Deliman
LEADING LADIES BACK TOGETHER Playhouse Square is excited to welcome Leading Ladies back to in-person events! In April, members enjoyed a reception in the Allen Theatre Lobby followed by a special Broadway Buzz, presented by Joe Garry, to learn about the performance of To Kill A Mockingbird, part of the KeyBank Broadway series. Two additional gatherings are planned for June.
Here’s what our members are saying about Leading Ladies! Leading Ladies makes me feel very connected to Playhouse Square on a much more personal basis. DENISE WELLS
To read the full story behind Leading Ladies, visit playhousesquare.org/blog for “Inspiring Women at Playhouse Square,” a special salute to women who support Playhouse Square in honor of International Women’s Day on March 7.
Julie Weagraff, Cheryl Dunphy, Lori Reagan. and Kathy Moock
Karen LaFond, Joyce Litzler, Joe Garry, Char Guzzo, Cheryl Jerome and Sherry Carleton
If you like theater, you will learn many things and make new friends along the way.
The events are fantastic! It’s been a nice way to meet other women who share my interests.
LINDA DALRYMPLE
LORI MULLER-ZAIM
Laurel Stack, Lynn Giesen, Joe Garry and Molly Walsh
Leading Ladies is comprised of an array of Cleveland women who love Playhouse Square. Linda Slama, Jan Hablitzel, Francesca Siracusa, and Sara Slama
DEBRA WERT
Peggy Sobul and Karen FishbaughCummings
The time commitment is minimal, the events are interesting and there is always a festive component!
This is a special way to support Playhouse Square and to feel special about doing it.
STEPHANIE HARRINGTON
SALLY MESSINGER
THANK YOU TO OUR LEADING LADIES FOR CONTINUING TO INSPIRE US! If you are interested in joining or learning more, visit playhousesquare.org/leadingladies or contact Leanne Dewyer, Director of Advancement, at 216-640-8411.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & GUESTS 16 T H A N N U A L
Playhouse Square Golf Outing JUNE 6, 2022
JUNE 4, 2022 TO BENEFIT ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
H HOSTED BY H
PRODUCER
H PRESENTED BY H
LEAD ACTORS
H AT THE TURN SPONSOR H SUPPORTING CAST
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP The Davey Tree Expert Company • Deloitte Hatzel & Buehler, Inc. and Bluestone Communications, Inc. • Jones Day Majestic Steel USA • Medical Mutual • Ohio CAT Penske Cleveland Automotive • Roetzel & Andress William M. Weiss Foundation
H CARTING AROUND SPONSOR H
H COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR H
CREW MEMBERS
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff First National Bank • J.W. Didado Electric McDonald Hopkins • Neil Weinberger nicholas guglielmo • The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Safeguard Properties • Taft SHOP NIGHT SPONSOR
MARKETING SPONSOR
Pope’s Kitchen PRINT & DESIGN SPONSORS
As of: 5/1/2022
H HOLE SPONSORS H
BakerHostetler Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP The Fedeli Group Hughie’s Integrity Parking KeyBank Parker Hannifin Corp Roetzel & Andress RSM Schindler Elevator As of 5/16/2022
UPCOMING EVENTS 30TH ANNUAL JUMP BACK BALL June 4, 2022 16TH ANNUAL PLAYHOUSE SQUARE GOLF OUTING June 6, 2022 LEADING LADIES NIGHT + PRE-SHOW RECEPTION ABBAFAB June 10, 2022 Waitress June 21, 2022 REDCOATS APPRECIATION NIGHT June 20, 2022 PARTNERS NIGHT AT WAITRESS June 23, 2022
DISTRICT UPDATE The Fruit Stand is Open!
We have a new restaurant in the Playhouse Square District! The Fruit Stand opened on Euclid Ave in February, offering a quick and convenient option for getting your daily needed fruits. The menu includes built to order fruit bowls, acai bowls, oatmeal bowls and smoothies.
Students of St. Anthony of Padua perform Godspell Jr. in the Outcalt Theatre.
THE SHOW
MUST GO ON!
Earlier this year, St. Anthony of Padua School in Parma was severely damaged by an arson fire. As a result, the theater program lost both their scenery and space for the spring musical. What was even more disappointing was that this would have been the third consecutive year with a cancelled musical, the first two years due to COVID. This means the older students would have been leaving the school without any opportunity to perform. When the school reached out for assistance, Playhouse Square was able to provide support.
Long story short, thanks to the Education and Production Departments, Playhouse Square was able to accommodate the student musical in the Outcalt Theatre in May, providing the space and the technical equipment for free. The students were able to rehearse and ultimately present a student matinee and two public performances. With a little help from their friends at Playhouse Square, these students and teachers proved that the show must go on!
Playhouse Square Foundation 1501 Euclid Avenue Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 44115-2108
We are so grateful to our 1,451 RedCoat Volunteers & STARS! They are an amazing group and have volunteered nearly 100,000 hours this year. We are looking for new volunteers to join our team, so that we can be 2,000 strong. Visit playhousesquare.org/volunteer to learn more about becoming a RedCoat or a STAR (ages 14-22) or scan the QR codes to apply today!
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit No. 2295