2 minute read
A Message From the CEO
Our title character, Beetlejuice, sets the stage for us in the opening number as he immediately breaks the fourth wall. He cracks jokes and tugs at his jacket like an apparition of Rodney Dangerfield or a vaudevillian who may have once trod the boards of the Connor Palace. He is giving us all a clue to sit back and be entertained. Our excursion is not intended to be taken too seriously. This very quirky story is billed as a show about death. However, it is a salute to families (wacky broods and all) and how we should all embrace our time on terra firma. Somehow that seems perfectly planned as I write my final program note to you. My time at Playhouse Square has been a tremendous honor. Although there is a glamorous aspect to my role in the Broadway industry, this is a large and complex organization to run. That, like the artform we celebrate on stage, is a collaborative endeavor.
I have been fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinary team who works tirelessly to deliver the very best to our great city. Our trustees, under the leadership of Amy Brady, are a group I could always bank on. She convenes this attentive group of pros, offering guidance across our broad mission. With the shutdown of the industry, I was fortunate to have Amy and these renowned leaders on speed-dial.
Our staff, volunteers and crew are the very best at what they do. If there were a Tony Award for having character, they would all have a trophy. In a world where the choices for where one works have never been greater, they choose to be at Playhouse Square.
My executive team members are all wildly savvy. They, along with the cadre they lead, are the keepers of the keys to our success. Let me shine the spotlight on each of them.
Patty Gaul leads our expansive day-to-day enterprises. Autumn Kiser heads up many of our essential efforts to earn revenue. Daniel Hahn is the dean of our impactful educational programs. Mike Corcoran is the cornerstone of our in-demand services in real estate management. Tom Einhouse hammers away at keeping our dazzling construction projects moving forward. David Greene is our expert on programming and, in particular, Broadway. Tim Birch positions our impressive economic impact to our legislators. Michelle Ryan Stewart pilots our inspiring volunteer and philanthropic programs. Nic DiLillo is the captain of our congenial team at our welcoming Crowne Plaza. Rosemary Burless steadfastly runs the active (perhaps occasionally madcap) CEO’s office. And Art Falco has continued as my valued advisor.
Together, we have more than 200 years of experience at Playhouse Square. I am deeply grateful for their boundless energy and prodigious flair for overachieving.
Knowing that Craig Hassall is now stepping into the leading role at Playhouse Square gives me tremendous pride. Exquisitely, Playhouse Square has always had the right leader at the right time. His global perspective and engaging style will be our north star as we eagerly look forward to the possibilities for our beloved institution.
Our dreams will continue to become glorious realities because we have you as believers of our mission. Thank you for being such a treasured part of my exhilarating joy ride.
And now It’s Showtime.
