A Message From the Chair

Nearly two years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar was on stage at Playhouse Square just as COVID-19 concerns began to take hold. On the day of what would have been the show’s third performance, Ohio enacted a ban on gatherings of more than 100 people, and performing arts venues across the country and the world were beginning to close. Today, it is a joy to welcome Jesus Christ Superstar back to Playhouse Square and to see all of you — many of whom held onto your tickets in anticipation of the show’s return — here in the theater for this long-awaited performance. While Playhouse Square and the performing arts industry continue to face a long road to full recovery, we are proud to have been welcoming audiences back to our theaters successfully since June 2021. We are grateful to all of you for following our health and safety guidelines so the shows can go on.

Six of our seven resident companies (Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C Performing Arts) have returned to the stage. Next month, the Cleveland International Film Festival will make its in-person debut as our seventh resident company, and we can hardly wait!

What happens on stage is at the core of what we do, but we remain focused on the other areas of our not-for-profit mission as well. Our district is beginning to thrive again with almost every restaurant now reopened, and The Lumen apartments are nearly 90% leased.

Our Education Department is preparing to welcome student field trips back to in-person matinee performances for the first time in two years, while continuing to offer virtual field trips that enable students who could not otherwise come to Playhouse Square to experience the performing arts.

The work we do is made possible by those who support our not-for-profit mission. As we continue our recovery, contributions are more important than ever. Please consider becoming a Playhouse Square donor or marketing partner to help one of Cleveland’s most important cultural institutions thrive.

Sincerely,

Amy Brady Chair, Board of Trustees