Why? Playhouse Square Broadway Series!

On Monday night, Matthew and I got a sneak peek at the shows coming to Playhouse Square as part of the 2013-2014 Key Bank Broadway Series. As you know by now, Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts center in the country and hosts absolutely amazing, must-see shows.

I met up with some of my favorite blogger babes to hear the line-up for this year’s Broadway Series.

The evening started out with a performance from the All-City Drum Line, a group of talented Cleveland Municipal School District students. Playhouse Square promotes the budding artists as well as the Broadway stars!

So, what does the 2013-2014 Key Bank Broadway Series hold?

Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty”

October 1-13, 2013

In a time of fairies and vampires and magic spells, join Princess Aurora as she falls victim to an evil curse and wakes up in the present day. This is a stunning re-imagining of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet that any dance lover or fairy tale buff won’t want to miss!

“Once”

November 12-24, 2013

Every year, Playhouse Square brings at least one current Tony Award darling to Cleveland and, this year, “Once” is that darling. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Once” follows the love story between a Dublin street musician and a beautiful young woman. With haunting music and a lot of heart, “Once” is sure to captivate.

“Wicked”

December 4, 2013 – January 5, 2014

There are certain shows you can see many times and still love. “Wicked” is that show for me. During the preview, we heard a live performance of “Defying Gravity” from Anne Brummel that brought me to tears, despite having seen the musical three times. Discover “Wicked” again (or for the first time) as a perfect holiday treat!

The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess”

February 4-16, 2014

Another Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival in 2012, “Porgy and Bess” brings to life the stirring songs and powerhouse heroine of Bess. You won’t want to miss this powerful show!

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

March 4-16, 2014

Andrew Lloyd Webber is a Broadway legend and this show combines music from his biggest hits into one spectacular evening. From “Phantom of the Opera” to “Cats,” hear all your favorites concert-style at “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.”

“Flashdance – The Musical”

April 1-13, 2014

It’s the iconic 80′s movie, with the music and the dance scenes you know and love, with even more. Original songs have been added to the story of a welder-by-day, dancer-by-night and her drive to hang on to her dream. Put on your leotard and leg warmers and get excited for “Flashdance – The Musical!”

“Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons”

May 6-18, 2014

You’ve heard the music, now find out the story behind it. Follow each of the members of The Four Seasons and get four different perspectives on the making of one of the biggest bands in pop music history. “Jersey Boys” is not to be missed!

Season ticket packages for the Broadway Series are on sale now and range in price from $110-$565 per seat for all the shows. Payment plans are available, too. You can purchase season tickets online or by calling 216-640-8800. Don’t miss out on any of these fabulous shows!

***Disclosure: I was invited by Playhouse Square to attend the Broadway Series launch event with a guest. All images in this post courtesy of Playhouse Square. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Jump Back Ball!

It’s one of the biggest, most anticipated fundraisers of the year: Playhouse Square’s Jump Back Ball. From the decorations to the outfits to the food to the music, this event never fails to provide a night that will be talked about for a long time afterward. In it’s 22nd year, Jump Back Ball had a record-breaking early sell-out on tickets, which only heightened the buzz leading up to Saturday’s party.

This year’s theme was “Jump Back Two Spaces” and the State Theater was filled with decorations based on classic board games like Monopoly, Candy Land, and Twister.

I made the bow tie at Shop Night!

I already knew Matthew and I would be hanging out with Kimberly, Chris, Amanda, and Scott at JBB, but as we arrived I got a wonderful surprise: Alicia and Hans were able to score last-minute tickets from Twitter! There’s nothing better than having the whole group together!

On the enormous State Theater stage was everything from stilt walkers to a delicious buffet from Sammy’s to awesome music from SWAGG.

We also enjoyed some tasty ice luge cocktails from Buckeye Vodka.

It may have been the cocktails which led to a spirited challenge game of Twister: husbands v. husbands and wives v. wives, for a $5 buy-in.

Team PIP dominated both games, but Team Why CLE hung in until the (almost) bitter end. The families that yoga together win (or almost win) Twister together!

The rest of the evening consisted of silly photo booth pictures, more dancing and singing with late-night band Velvet Shake in the State Theater lobby, eating lots of mini hot pretzels, and just enjoying every minute of this spectacular party.

I couldn’t have imagined a better night in such a beautiful setting with such wonderful friends. And it all benefits Playhouse Square, helping to keep the arts community in Cleveland strong and thriving. It may sound cliche, but I already can’t wait for next year’s Jump Back Ball!

Did you attend Jump Back Ball? What was your favorite part of the evening?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Jump Back Ball. In exchange, I received one complimentary general admission ticket. As always, all opinions and decisions to play Twister in a ball gown in public are 100% my own.***

Why? Jump Back Ball Shop Nights and Outfits!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Happy Valentine’s Day! Congratulations to Rebecca Jahnke, randomly-selected winner of two tickets to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to enjoy Love Rocks. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen. If you didn’t win, you can still get in on the Love Rocks fun by purchasing tickets here.***

Playhouse Square’s 23rd annual Jump Back Ball is just around the corner! This sold-out event is sure to be one of the social highlights of the year and I can’t wait to attend. Last year, one of my favorite parts of JBB was participating in the Shop Nights, where volunteers come together to make the fabulous decorations that fill the theaters.

Last night, I attended one of the Shop Nights to help make decorations for this year’s board game-themed party. I saw a lot of the same volunteers I met at Shop Night last year. People get hooked on Playhouse Square and Jump Back Ball! One of my favorite volunteers is Clark, who is a teacher by day, chef by night (his amazing goodies get sold to Fresh Fork Market), and JBB master volunteer. Clark is just one of the many talented and dedicated people working to make this a party you’ll never forget.

I love going to JBB and being able to point out something I did as a small part of how the whole evening comes together. And I love getting a sneak peek at some of the decorations, including a large Mr. Monopoly, a huge Twister board, and some very cool photo opp props.

If you’re interested in attending a Shop Night, there are two left: Monday, February 18 and Thursday, February 21, both starting at 5:30pm. Dinner is provided, as well as lots of laughs and a chance to participate in making JBB the great night it is. Grab a paint brush, roll up your sleeves, and let your inner artist come out to play!

Another important part of JBB preparations is the outfit. I decided to do a nod to a costume this year by being the female Professor Plum from the Clue, in keeping with the classic board game theme of the evening. Not only do I love anything plum-colored, I happened to have the perfect dress already in my closet!

For the first time in the history of bridesmaid dresses, I am wearing the dress from my friend Beth’s wedding (she picked a nice one, what can I say?). I will likely still look like that while dancing, so it should be easy to find me.

I also needed a fabulous accessory, so where else does a girl go but Etsy? I ordered this hairpiece that is fun and sassy and something I would likely never wear except to an event like JBB.

Image Source – etsy.com/shop/indigodaisyweddings

If you’re interested in something like this, all the way from England no less, here’s the Etsy shop where I found it.

Between Shop Nights and outfit preparations, I am officially excited and ready for Jump Back Ball! Are you attending JBB? What have you done to get ready?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Jump Back Ball. In exchange for blogging about JBB, I will receive 1 complimentary regular admission ticket. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody!

You all know I love time with my girls: time to just relax, laugh, be silly and maybe a little scandalous. On Sunday, “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” provided the perfect setting for some girl time.

We started out with some naughty cocktails in keeping with the theme of the show. There was “Whips and Cuffs” with vodka, blueberry pomegranate juice, and lemon and “The Playroom” with vodka, cranberry juice, soda, and cherry.

Then it was time for “Spank!” to start. My date for the afternoon was my mom.

At first, neither of us wanted to laugh too hard in front of the other at the scandalous parts, but we soon let go and found ourselves giggling uncontrollably. The show combines a bit of Chippendales, a bit of musical theater, and a bit of audience participation into poking lighthearted fun at the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy.

After the show, you could stick around and get a picture with the handsome leading man and his tie, which figured heavily into most people’s photos.

“Spank!” made the perfect setting for everything I love about girl time: fun, silliness, and general good times. If you need to let go and laugh with your girls (and who doesn’t), don’t miss this! The show runs at the Hanna Theater until Sunday, January 27 and tickets range from $10-$45. Click here for more information.

After the show, Kimberly, Michelle, Mom and I headed across the street to Cowell & Hubbard for dinner. It’s Zack Bruell Restaurant Week, which means until January 26 at all five of Bruell’s restaurants, you can get a 3-course meal for $30. It’s a great deal we couldn’t pass up!

I started out with the roasted carrot and ginger soup with five-spice creme fraiche and lime. My second course was pork medallions with polenta and root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga). And I somehow found room to finish up with the decadent mocha pot de creme.

The food was delicious and the service was wonderfully unhurried, but the company was the best part. The conversation covered everything from the show to exes to home remodeling projects to the adorable teenagers on a date near our table. We had a lovely dinner that was the perfect cap on our girls’ day out.

What’s your favorite place for a girls’ day out?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody.” In exchange, I received two tickets to the show and two complimentary drink tickets to use at the theater. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

 

 

 

Why? Playhouse Square Partners Trivia Night!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Congratulations to mojamala2 (Comment #44), winner of the $25 Piada gift card, as selected by random.org. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen. Even if you didn’t win, be sure to check out all the fast, tasty, and affordable Italian cuisine at Piada soon!***

Last night, Matthew and I attended Playhouse Square Partners‘ first-ever trivia night. In keeping with this year’s Jump Back Ball theme of “Jump Back Two Spaces,” celebrating famous board games, this was the “Get a Clue!” trivia night. There was a Board Games category, as well as Awards Shows, Super Bowls, and Cleveland categories.

Event planners Kimberly and Emma keeping things in order

The event was organized by Kimberly and Emma, who did a fabulous job keeping a sold-out crowd of 60 rowdy trivia players in line. Our trivia team was a lineup of heavy mental hitters: Matthew, Amanda, Scott, Kate, Brian and me. Our name was “Pinky and the Brains” (5 are geniuses, the other’s insane).

The event took place at Black Dog Kitchen and Bar. I had not been to Black Dog yet and was excited to check it out, especially the large craft beer list. Your trivia night ticket got you a buffet of tasty appetizers and two drink tickets.

Our favorites were the Guinness wings and the sweet potato fries with cinnamon butter. I definitely want to head back for Black Dog’s happy hour sometime: from 3-7pm, you can get $3 craft beers, $4 wines, $5 signature cocktails and martinis, and $5 select food items.

After we filled up, it was time for trivia! All smartphones were placed in the middle of the table, so no one had an extra team member named Siri.

After the first two rounds, our team was tied for second place and only out of first by half a point. The pressure was on, but in the final Cleveland round, the power of 2 local bloggers and some long-time Cleveland natives came through. Pinky and the Brains won trivia night! We chose the “night out” prize package, which had six tickets to see War Horse at Playhouse Square in April and $100 in gift cards to any Dante Boccuzzi restaurant. That will make for an incredible night out!

You don’t have to be a member of Partners to attend these events, although the more I go to, the more I want to join! The next Partners’ event is a Dine Around in Ohio City on Thursday, January 31 at 6:30pm. There will be groups of Partners dining at Crop Bar and Bistro, Soho Kitchen and Bar, The Black Pig, and Touch Supper Club. You rank your dining preferences, get assigned to a restaurant, have dinner with a small group, and meet up with everyone at Bier Markt at the end of the evening. Cost to attend is whatever your food and drink costs. If you’re interested, email Sarah at biondos@playhousesquare.org by January 25.

For now, Pinky and the Brains are planning our next trivia night victory. Have you ever done trivia nights? Where’s your favorite place to go for brain-bending fun?

Why? Spank Giveaway!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Why, hello, there! It’s the new look of Why CLE! After months of talking about it, I finally pulled the trigger on a blog redesign. The cool new look you see is courtesy of the amazing, responsive, creative, and lovely Carrie of Carrie Loves Design. Hat tip to Smitten in Cleveland (another happy client) for putting Carrie on my radar. If you’re in the market for a new look for your blog, I highly recommend Carrie. 

While there are still a couple minor changes and additions coming in the next few days, I couldn’t be happier with how the blog looks. I hope you love it, too!***

How many of you have read any (or all) of the Fifty Shades of Grey books? While I know they’re not great literature, I will admit to reading them all on the beach on my honeymoon last summer. One of the best parts was that they were easy, light, and fun…I could be reading the book while drinking lots of mojitos and still follow the plot! Even if you haven’t read the books, I’m sure you’ve heard about Christian Grey and his naughty ways.

From January 17-27 at Playhouse Square, Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody brings all the sexiness of the books to life with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Described as part Chippendales and part Second City, Spank! is sure to be a hilarious good time! Spank! is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

This show is perfect for a girls’ night out. You can even stay after the show to get photos with the “devil”  himself. Here’s a quick sneak preview of what you’ll see on stage at Spank!

Ticket prices range from $10-$45 to see this musical romp at the Hanna Theater. Or you can enter here to win 2 tickets to the 3pm matinee performance on Sunday, January 20 courtesy of Playhouse Square!

The winner also receives 2 drink tickets for pre-show cocktails with Kimberly, Amanda, Charlene, their winners, and me.

Here’s how to enter (leave a SEPARATE comment for each item):

1. Leave a comment telling me why you need a girls’ night out.

2. Follow @WhyCLE and @playhousesquare on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you’re following.

3. Tweet the following phrase and leave a comment letting me know you tweeted: I want to win a girls night out at Spank! from @playhousesquare and @WhyCLE: http://wp.me/p1fb9r-1cV

You can tweet once a day for additional entries, just leave a separate comment each time you tweet.

The giveaway will close at 11:59pm on Monday, January 14 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 15. Good luck!

And for even more opportunities to win, check out Amanda‘s, Kimberly‘s, and Charlene‘s giveaways!

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Spank! In exchange, I will receive 2 tickets for myself (and 2 pre-show drink tickets), as well as 2 tickets (and 2 pre-show drink tickets) to give away. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Spice Kitchen and Bar!

Last night, Mom and I had a wonderful girls’ night out in Gordon Square. Originally we planned on dinner and a movie, but upon realizing that Les Miserables is nearly 3 hours long, we switched the order to an earlier movie, then dinner. Yup, we’re old!

We saw Les Mis at the Capitol Theatre, which was exactly the right setting for something that felt more like a stage production that was filmed, rather than a movie musical (I’m stealing that description from my friend Andrea because it is spot on). I’m a sucker for musicals and I have a massive girl crush on Anne Hathaway, so take my opinion with those grains of salt, but I truly enjoyed the film.

From there, we headed down the street to Spice Kitchen and Bar. I had been to Spice for events (Emerging Chefs, Holla Days 2011, and the Near West Theatre after-party) but never for a sit-down, order-off-the-menu meal. We started, as all girls’ night out meals should, with cocktails: the Kombucha Mama (with kombucha made in-house) for Mom and the Pear and Pomegranate Sparkler for me.

We also shared the heavenly mushroom beignets, which are fried puffs of dough and mushrooms served with a honey goat cheese creme fraiche.

Mom declared she would eat the creme fraiche off cardboard and I would have to agree, although I certainly prefer eating it off the beignets!

For my entree, I chose the pumpkin risotto, topped with shaved Parmesan and mushroom salad.

I loved the sweetness and texture of the chunks of pumpkin in this dish. The mushrooms added a nice balance to the flavors, but I could have used more of them.

Mom had the beef brisket special, served on top parsnip puree with pan gravy and wilted greens.

Everything about this dish was warm and satisfying and perfect for the season.

I took some risotto home, both to bring Matthew something and to leave room for dessert. I had the peppermint pot de creme, served with housemade shortbread.

This is like a crazy York Peppermint Patty in heaven. Seriously delicious and Christmas-y. I love me a pot de creme.

Mom had the apple and bourbon crisp, which I had the pleasure of sampling at the Emerging Chefs Harvest Moon event.

Topped with salted caramel ice cream, this is a wonderful blend of salty, sweet, and a hint of spice.

Chef Ben Bebenroth at Spice has created a small, intensely seasonal menu that had me wanting multiple entrees. For a chance to check out a variety of Spice cuisine, head there for the five-course New Year’s Eve dinner. Price is $75 (or $100 for drink pairings with your courses) and there are seatings at 6:30 and 9:30.

All in all, it was a lovely girls’ night out and I may have a new Gordon Square favorite. Where do you love to go for a film and a bite?

Why? Your Reasons Why CLE!

I was originally just going to announce the winner of the blogiversary giveaway and then move on with a different post, but the reasons you left in the comments as to why you love Cleveland were so thoughtful and honest and just great that I wanted to share them in a post:

The Food

“I’m going to say that I love Cleveland’s amazing FOOD! Not just restaurants but farmer’s markets, CSA’s, Fresh Fork and of course the West Side Market that I find myself going less and less to an actual grocery store unless it’s for things like cereal and gum.”  - Eat*Drink*Cleveland

I’ve certainly expanded my palate with the fabulous restaurants, but I’ve also really learned the value of locally-grown ingredients from having access to things like the West Side Market and Fresh Fork.

The Arts

“… it’s accessible arts community – we have a variety of theatre choices without being overwhelmed, that’s also fairly affordable. Our Art Museum is free (whoo-hoo!) and places like Near West Theatre really encourage the idea of community involvement in the arts.” – Amanda

Not only do we incredible access to the arts, we have a huge base of supporters, from the large Playhouse Square Partners membership to the Jump Back Ball sell-out to the enormous participation in community-theater shows.

 Adaptability 

“I love CLE because its changed for me and with me. I studied here as a grad student, lived here as a young professional, and now am raising kids here. It fits every facet of my life!” – Bethany

When I saw Bethany’s comment, I was so happy to see someone else verbalize what I feel so deeply for Cleveland. I was born here, I was young and single here, I started my career here, I’m married and embarking on new phases of my life here. In every time, Cleveland just fits me and has something different and special to offer.

The Six-Degrees-of-Cleveland

“My favorite thing about CLE is also sometimes my least favorite…that everyone knows someone who like, lived next door to your dad’s great aunt, or went to school with your boyfriend’s cousin’s wife….but that what makes it truly feel like home!” – Katie

It’s true! You can’t go anywhere without running into someone who used to walk your neighbor’s dog. But Katie’s right, it makes it feel like home. It makes it feel like you belong. And for a boomerang especially, it helps make the coming back home a bit easier.

The People

“I love Cleveland for its people – so down-to-earth, culturally diverse and with wonderful hearts!” – Kristian

“Why I love CLE? The people for sure – it just feels like home (which it’s always been of course) but it’s something most cities don’t have.” – lifeinthecle

“Plain and simple the best thing about Cleveland is my family. It is home – always has been and always will be!” – Cleveland Chick

Yes! We can have the culture and the food and the institutions and the infrastructure and the homes, but it’s the people of Cleveland being themselves – the warm, giving, salt-of-the-earth people – that will ultimately attract new residents and retain those who already live here.

Everything

“What’s there not to love about Cleveland?! I love EVERYTHING! The food, the lake, sports, people, seasons, corporate scene, art, traditions, newness…I love it all!” - Kirsten

“I love Cleveland because there’s always something to do, a game to go to or an event. I’m so glad I’ve moved here!” -Emily

Well, everything is good too…

Now onto the winner, chosen via random.org. Congratulations to Cleveland Chick (Comment #16), winner of the Cleveland ornament! Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all of you for entering, for your awesome reasons “Why CLE?,” and for your sweet blogiversary wishes!

Why? Upcoming Holiday Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the Cavs game on December 5. Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries!***

‘Tis the season, Cleveland! All over, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means tons of fun goings-on around town. Read on for a sampling of all the festive fun:

Glow Wintershow 2012

Now through December 31

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

Even the name sounds magical! Glow has something for everyone: take a ride on the Garden Express train, listen to carolers, decorate a gingerbread house, check out the beautifully decorated trees and poinsettias, and go ice skating at the Rink at Wade Oval. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children. For Glow times and tickets, click here.

Ohio City Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 1 at 11am

Market Square Park

Image Souce – facebook.com

Come down to Market Square Park and shop for Christmas trees and gifts, have your photo taken with Santa, raise a Christmas Ale and generally celebrate the season. Click here for more information.

Cookie Decorating Party

Saturday, December 1 at 2pm

Veggie U

Head out west to Veggie U for an afternoon of fun with the kids. Children can decorate a dozen cookies to take home, as well as extra cookies to be donated to a local nursing home, plus sneak in a visit with Santa! Tickets are $35 per child under 12. Call 419-499-7500 for reservations.

Playhouse Square Partners Night at The Santaland Diaries

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30pm

Playhouse Square

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Playhouse Square Partners as they attend the theatrical performance of David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, the story of an out-of-work actor who takes a job as a Macy’s Christmas Elf. Tickets are $30 and include beer, wine, and light appetizers. This show is for mature elves only! Click here to purchase tickets.

White Christmas

Saturday, December 8 at 12pm

Cedar Lee Theatre

Image Source – twitter.com/cedarleetheatre

Head over to the Cedar Lee Theatre for a screening of this Bing Crosby holiday classic. Admission is $5 or 2 non-perishable food items, both to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank. You can purchase advance tickets online by clicking here or by taking your 2 non-perishable food items to the box office prior to the show.

John Carroll University Christmas Ale and Cookies

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Panini’s Bar & Grill in Mayfield and Westlake

Image Source – jcu.edu

The John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter wants to celebrate the season with Cleveland-area JCU alums. Head to Panini’s in Mayfield or Westlake for food and fun. Cost to attend is $12, which gets you food, Christmas cookies, and one drink ticket. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new winter gloves, hats, etc. for donation to the JCU Labre Service Project. Click here to RSVP by December 8.

Ohio Blogging Association Holiday Party and Cookie Swap

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Battery Park Wine Bar

Image Source – bigboldbeautifulfood.blogspot.com

Calling all bloggers and blog supporters to a fun evening of food, wine, conversation, and cookies! The Ohio Blogging Association is hosting its second annual holiday party and cookie swap at Battery Park Wine Bar. Happy hour menu will be available for the event, which includes $4 select beer and wine and discounted appetizers. If you want to participate in the cookie swap, bring 4 dozen cookies and a container to collect your treats to take home. For more details and to RSVP, click here.

Ale and Cookies and Ugly Sweaters

Monday, December 17 at 6pm

Bier Markt and Bar Cento

Image Souce – clevelandfoodbank.org

Join the Cleveland Foodbank’s YP Pantry group for some holiday merriment. From 6-9pm at Bier Markt and Bar Cento, just mention you’re with the YP Pantry and 15% of your tab will be donated to the Cleveland Foodbank. There will also be a canned goods collection, Christmas cookies to nibble, and a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Click here to RSVP.

Stone Mad Chestnut Roasting Party

Monday, December 17 at 7pm

Stone Mad Pub

Image Source – unitedwaycleveland.org

Stop in at Stone Mad Pub for this yearly tradition, with live holiday music, carriage rides through Gordon Square, chestnuts roasted in the outdoor fireplace, and more festive fun.

Emerging Chefs Naughty Claus

Thursday, December 20 at 8pm

Speakeasy

Join Emerging Chefs and Chef Adam Lambert at Speakeasy for a unique holiday celebration. Chef Lambert will present five courses of naughty and nice treats, paired with holiday drinks. Put this event on your list and check it twice! Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by clicking here.

You can find more great holiday events on Positively Cleveland’s Guide to Celebrating the Season Locally and also find out about your chance to win a full-size leg lamp through their #HomeinCLE Instagram contest.

What holiday events in Cleveland will you be attending?

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Emerging Chefs to help promote their events. In exchange, I will receive 2 complimentary tickets to Glow and one complimentary media pass to Naughty Claus. I am a board member for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter and the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Staging Success: The Playhouse Square Story!

On Wednesday night, Matthew and I attended an advanced screening of “Staging Success: The Playhouse Square Story” and last night, it aired on WVIZ.

“Staging Success” tells the remarkable story of the rise, fall, and revitalization of the Playhouse Square theaters. In the early 1970′s, Ray Shepardson and the Junior League of Cleveland spearheaded an effort to reopen the theaters of Playhouse Square, which closed in the late 1960′s and had fallen into disrepair.

At the time, this was a major battle, as people in the area boasted of not going anywhere near downtown Cleveland. There was not a great sense of pride in the city. Slowly but surely, Playhouse Square raised the funds, refurbished the theaters, and reopened the doors to the performing arts in Cleveland.

Image Source – playhousesquare.org

One thing that really stuck me during “Staging Success” was that the theaters did not reopen to the public until the early 1980′s. I can remember going to Playhouse Square every Christmas with my mom and aunts to see “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol.” To me, the theaters have always been part of living in Cleveland, so the fact that they were almost razed for parking lots and the fact that they just reopened within my lifetime took me aback.

The revitalization of Playhouse Square took nearly 30 years from when the theaters closed to when the last refurbished theater, the Allen Theater, reopened. And Playhouse Square invested not only in the theaters, but in the neighborhood, developing hotels, restaurants, and offices to give the area strong economic roots.

Progress takes time, but with dedication and commitment from concerned citizens, business leaders, and the government, it can happen. The concerned citizens come first, though. Ray Shepardson fell in love with the theaters of Playhouse Square and sparked a fire in the community about saving them from destruction. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Image Source – east4thstreet.com

To that end, we in Cleveland have a lot to be proud of with how far the city has come. “Staging Success” quoted one Clevelander as saying that the joke used to be that you could roll a bowling ball down Euclid Avenue without hitting anyone. Now, from Playhouse Square to East 4th Street to Midtown and all over Cleveland, there are people and businesses and arts and life. Do we have progress still to be made? Absolutely. But “Staging Success” reminded me that (1) progress does take time and (2) it is 100% possible.

Did you see “Staging Success?” Were you as inspired as I was? To learn more about the history of Playhouse Square, click here. Or tune into encores of “Staging Success” on WVIZ tonight at 9pm, Sunday, November 18 at 4pm, or Thanksgiving night at 10pm.

***I was invited by Playhouse Square to attend a complimentary screening of “Staging Success: The Playhouse Square” story with a guest. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***