A Message From the Chair

As the summer sun sparkles on the crystals of the GE Chandelier, we reflect on a spring filled with renewed energy and the many ways we brought our not-for-profit mission to life, made possible by the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our Trustees and volunteers, and the hard work of our staff.

The legendary Sir Tim Rice visited to share his experience and advice with local college students and receive our highest honor: the Playhouse Square Star Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts, presented at our annual Chairman’s Dinner.

We provided a venue and technical support so St. Anthony of Padua School could hold their spring musical after their stage was lost to a

devastating fire.

We concluded another successful year of Disney Musicals in Schools with a heartwarming virtual Student Share event. This program, which plants sustainable musical theater programs in underserved elementary schools, has touched many lives. As just one example, this year we learned of a student who, in his first year in the program four years ago, wanted only the smallest non-speaking role. His confidence grew and he went on to accept larger roles and become a leader among his peers. In the fall, he will attend Cleveland School for the Arts, having been accepted into their drama program!

The Dazzle Awards were held in person for the first time since 2019 with great success. Students from 29 schools performed together, even debuting an original song written just for the event. As of this writing, our Best Actor Daniel Blum and Best Actress Gabi Ilg are preparing to share their talents in New York at The Jimmy Awards, the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Our young professionals, Playhouse Square Partners, held the 30th Annual Jump Back Ball, one of Cleveland’s longest-running and most-anticipated fundraising parties of the year. Funds raised support the not-for-profit mission of Playhouse Square with a special focus on our education initiatives.

And now, we turn our focus to a summer of great entertainment and the recognition of the 100th anniversary of our five fully restored historic theaters which opened between February 1921 and November 1922.

We are so glad you are here with us because…Together We Shine!

Enjoy the show and have a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,

Amy Brady Chair, Board of Trustees