A Message From the CEO

Welcome to Playhouse Square and specifically to the Connor Palace, which turns 100 this month! As you settle into your seat and wait for the beloved Jellicles to take the stage in the award-winning musical Cats, take a moment to consider the history that surrounds you. Thousands of audiences and performers have gathered here to share in the joy of live performance, bonding us together over time. Togetherness defines the theme of our 100th Anniversary commemoration, for it is the many people and organizations that have worked with us through the years to make Playhouse Square the special place it is today. And together we will shine into the future! Last month, we announced the next phase of our dramatic neighborhood transformation that will feature dazzling new marquees for the Allen, Connor Palace, Hanna, Mimi Ohio and KeyBank State theaters and the Bulkley Building, giving Euclid Avenue presence to The Helen and Outcalt Theatres. There will also be new signage to recognize our resident companies and technology upgrades for existing video displays.

This builds upon our most recent update that began in 2014 with “Dazzle the District” — the nowiconic GE Chandelier, gateways and retro sign — and continued in summer 2021 with beautiful new café enclosures and lush plantings. This is all part of our mission-based work to develop an inviting downtown district for residents, visitors and businesses.

Now, we look forward to a bright and festive holiday season with more than 100 performances on the calendar between mid-November and the end of December, including Hamilton, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, plus concerts with the Cleveland Pops, Jim Brickman, Harry Connick, Jr., Dave Koz and more. We invite you to make Playhouse Square part of your holiday celebrations.

Enjoy this performance of Cats. We are sure you will be leaving with a great “Memory” or two!

Sincerely,

Gina Vernaci President & CEO, Playhouse Square