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A Message From the CEO

As we commemorate the season, we pause to reflect on our many blessings. Seeing all of you return to the theater, or perhaps visit for the first time, is at the very top of our list. Also topping our list is Wicked’s return to Cleveland at this magical time of year. What a treat to have Broadway’s favorite witches grace our stages once again! I am grateful to producer David Stone, who I have known and worked with for more than 30 years, for bringing this beloved show back to Cleveland at such an important time for our industry and our city. We know many of you are enjoying Wicked as part of a holiday celebration with family and friends, a gift that will last a lifetime. Long after sweets are eaten, batteries wear out and sweaters no longer fit, memories made at the theater remain. Thank you for spending part of your holiday season with us.

Liveliness and joy permeate Playhouse Square as holiday concerts and our resident companies — with offerings both new and classic — take to other stages throughout the complex, bringing back the sights and sounds we sorely missed this time last year.

We are grateful to see the Playhouse Square District bustle with activity as The Lumen approaches full occupancy and workers return to their offices. Our hotel, the Crowne Plaza Cleveland, is hosting a record number of weddings, in addition to an influx of business and leisure travelers. Nearly every district restaurant that was open prior to the start of COVID-19 has resumed operation and stands ready to serve you.

Technology is keeping us connected with classrooms that are not yet able to take field trips to the theater. Our Education Department has spent the fall delivering virtual content across the region, reaching 50,000 students with outstanding performances complemented by video workshops created to connect the performing arts to school curriculum.

What makes all of the work that we do possible — from the ability to present a variety of performances and advance arts education to sustaining a thriving downtown district — is the generosity of those who demonstrate their belief in our not-for-profit mission by making a donation. We appreciate every individual, corporation and foundation who supports us.

Now, prepare to nestle into your seats and let the wonder of live performance surround you as we journey to Oz to see just what happened before Dorothy dropped in!

On behalf of our staff and Board of Trustees, I wish all of you peace and happiness this holiday season, and health and prosperity in the New Year.

Joyfully yours,

Gina Vernaci President & CEO, Playhouse Square

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