Spotlight On

News

MAKING AN IMPACT

Playhouse Square President and CEO Gina Vernaci announced the results of a recent economic impact study commissioned to quantify the value brought to Northeast Ohio by the arts in 2019. Other participants in the survey included the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Orchestra and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “On behalf of our Board of Trustees and staff, I am proud to share that Playhouse Square had an impact of $359.1 million on the Northeast Ohio economy, which supported 2500 jobs. We welcomed 1.3 million guests, drawing 645,000 from out of town.”

NEW SEASON ANNOUNCED

Season Tickets for the 2022-2023 KeyBank Broadway Series are on sale now. If you missed the official announcement, you can watch it online at playhousesquare.org/seasonpreview. The first full season lineup in more than two years includes Les Misérables, Cats, Beetlejuice, Hadestown, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Six. Season tickets for all seven shows are available at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-640-8800.

TRI-C JAZZFEST TO LIGHT UP EUCLID AVE IN JUNE

The 43rd annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank, is returning to Playhouse Square June 23-25. The 2022 lineup features eight ticketed concerts, with a special opening night concert — dedicated to retiring Tri-C President Alex Johnson — featuring Anthony Hamilton at Cleveland Public Auditorium’s Music Hall. Festival highlights include homecoming concerts by native Clevelanders Joe Lovano and Sean Jones and performances by vocalist Cyrille Aimée and legendary pianist Eddie Palmieri. Tickets are available online at playhousesquare.org/jazzfest.

SUMMER BRINGS THE FUNNY TO PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Get ready to LOL all summer long with some of the best stand-up comedians on the road today. Tickets are still available but moving fast for Tom Segura (June 10), Leanne Morgan (June 11), Chris Rock (June 16 & 17), Celeste Barber (July 15) and The Uncle Louie Variety Show (August 27). Visit playhousesquare.org/comedy for the latest.

The District

CHEF BERNIE + THE GHOST LIGHT

If you’re looking for a new and exciting take on your favorite classic dishes, The Ghost Light Restaurant & Lounge is the place for you. Executive Chef Bernie Berhent specializes in high quality fresh ingredients that makes even an onion ring deserve a standing ovation.

Chef Bernie released a new and improved menu that focuses attention on flavorful timeless entrees, fun shareable appetizers and handhelds that you won’t want to let go.

You can find Chef Bernie and The Ghost Light located right down the road in The Crowne Plaza Cleveland, the official hotel of Playhouse Square. They are the perfect place for dinner before a show or brunch with a matinee.

Donors

LEADING LADIES – INSPIRING WOMEN AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Leading Ladies was formed in 2014 with a theme of Connect, Create and Celebrate. “Leading Ladies was a new organization of women with a completely different focus from most women’s groups. We were going to learn about “backstage” but there would be no fundraising or galas or long speeches. We would be learning, making friends and caring about our fabulous Playhouse Square!” says charter member Joyce Litzler.

Now in its seventh year, Leading Ladies continue to gather four times a year to have fun and learn more about Playhouse Square. With no volunteer obligations to fulfill, the group is a draw for women on the move. Cheryl Weaver, member since 2015, describes Leading Ladies as “stress free, no muss or fuss. You can pick and choose what you want to attend. I like that I can just enjoy being a member.”

It is designed to connect women who share a love of the arts and Playhouse Square. “I love PSQ and I wanted to meet other women who do as well,” says Kim Sewell who joined in 2018. Kim joined for “the interesting programming and the chance to meet new people and see old friends. I also wanted to support Playhouse Square and learn more about behind the scene happenings.”

It is simple to join and a perfect way to get involved at Playhouse Square. “If you are new in town or recently moved into downtown, what a great way to find a new friend’s group that shares your passion for live theater,” says charter member Margy Judd.

Membership is open at any time and new members are always welcome!

Visit playhousesquare.org/leadingladies or contact Leanne Dewyer, Director of Advancement, at 216-640-8411.