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BEAUTY & THE BEAST GOES LIVE IN DECEMBER

Hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast landed in movie theaters to become the first animated feature nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. On December 15, ABC will air a two-hour live-action/ animated special tribute to this landmark film with never-before-seen musical performances, new sets and costumes. No word on casting, but Hamish Hamilton, the director of last year’s The Little Mermaid Live, is back to direct.

STRANGER THINGS ON STAGE

Broadway may be turned upside down when a play set within the world of the hit Netflix streamer Stranger Things makes its way to the stage. The as-yet-untitled production will be produced by Sonia Friedman, Stephen Daldry, and Netflix. Daldry will also serve as director with Kate Trefry writing.

OH, MANDY!

Actor/singer Mandy Patinkin will be inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in November. Mandy has often performed at Playhouse Square over the years, including a tour with fellow Evita alum Patti Lupone. However, the duet became a single when Patinkin had to step in and do the entire show solo after Lupone fell ill and was forced to miss a couple of performances. Congratulations, Mandy!

LAST CALL FOR ALL SEVEN SHOWS

The 2022-2023 KeyBank Broadway Series opens in October when Les Misérables re-launches its National Tour right here at Playhouse Square. With the new series about to open, there are few precious days left to become a season ticket holder for the entire seven-show season, including Cats, Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Hadestown and Six. If you’re not yet a season ticket holder, visit playhousesquare.org/broadway or call 216-640-8800 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FREE DANCE SHOWCASE TO FEATURE RIVERDANCE

Join us on September 16 as six local companies take the stage for an evening celebrating a variety of dance styles. A perfect way to sample and find out which is your favorite! This year, audience members will be treated to a special guest performance by Riverdance. Thanks to the generosity of Sheldon and Terry Adelman, we are able to present this Dance Showcase free of charge. Order your free tickets at playhousesquare.org.

Together We Shine

TOGETHER WE SHINE WITH ... OUR REDCOATS

They are the first to greet you when you arrive. They might show you to your seats, direct you to the restroom or help you with an assisted listening device. They are the instantly recognizable RedCoats.

For more than 40 years, thousands of volunteers have dedicated their time to helping our guests enjoy a memorable experience at Playhouse Square. Among them you will find spouses, groups of friends and generations of families volunteering together, along with more than 300 RedCoats who have been with us for 10 years or longer. Find out how you can shine with us as a RedCoat by visiting playhousesquare.org/volunteer.

Donors

We love to share stories of families who have passed on their love of Playhouse Square to the next generation. For the Vigh family, Playhouse Square has been a source of wonderful family fun over the last two decades.

“Playhouse Square has provided us so many memories over the years that it’s hard to think of just one or two. Our three children have each grown up at Playhouse Square and it’s the only entertainment that excited them, whether they were 2, 12 or now 21. From the first time they saw the chandelier falling, the steam erupting from the dragon, or they demanded the soundtrack after a show, Playhouse Square memories will never be forgotten. I’d also be hard pressed to not mention our first Jump Back Ball as another special memory that introduced us to a whole new perspective of the theatre. When we consider organizations to support, there’s no organization that comes to mind before Playhouse Square. It brings so much joy and happiness to us and to so many others and truly separates Cleveland

from so many other major cities.” — Nicole & Tracy Vigh

We are grateful to the Vighs and to all our donors for their ongoing support and for helping to pass on an appreciation for the performing arts and Playhouse Square to the next generation.

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