Nearly 100 years ago, the “unsinkable” RMS Titanic disappeared into the cold, icy Atlantic en route to New York from Southampton, England. Titanic’s glorious maiden voyage would also be her last. We all know the story of the ship, but this beautiful and touching musical version is also the story of various passengers, all based, in one way or another, upon real survivors and casualties. Businessmen John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim, and Isidor and Ida Straus, co-owners of Macy’s department store, were among the wealthiest citizens in America at the time. And they are also among the most famous of the many Titanic passengers. But what do we know about those in second class or the many emigrants in third class/steerage? And what do we know about the crew? Their lives, too, had value and meaning, and their stories are worth being told. Titanic tells us some of these stories, and in doing so, pays homage to all of Titanic’s passengers.

April 10, 1912: Act I opens with Thomas Andrews, the ship’s architect, marveling at the wondrous accomplishments of mankind. Soon the crew and passengers board the ship. And as they wave goodbye, the journey begins. Within the next “four days,” we learn more about those making this historic trans-Atlantic crossing… their lives, hopes, dreams, and future aspirations. But when Titanic hits an iceberg at 11:40 pm April 14, the peril sets in.

April 15, 1912: In Act II, the sinking is showcased, some passengers struggle to survive, and others reflect on what fate has in store for them. In the end, the survivors stand united on the decks of the RMS Carpathia, dreaming of the still hopeful future ahead of them.

I could not have imagined that Baldwin-Wallace could top last February’s superb repertory of Rent and La Bohème, but it has… and masterfully. In fact, B-W’s Titanic is better than most touring productions that come to PlayhouseSquare, and it is a lot more economical. Perhaps, this is why Baldwin-Wallace College is so revered for its exceptional theatre and conservatory programs.

The stage of the John Patrick Theatre is quite large for a college auditorium, and it works very well for a show of this magnitude. The audience members often feel as if they are right there “on the ship” with the cast. Titanic’s sets are of the modern Broadway style, yet the staging is much more like a traditional, “old-time” musical. The score is elegant, majestic, and at times, somewhat operatic. The strong, powerful, and well developed voices of the cast deliver the musical numbers in a glorious and poetic fashion. And the show features plenty of singing parts for various characters. Titanic also features several big ensemble numbers, very reminiscent of the bigger production musicals of Broadway’s golden years.

April 15, 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. More than 1500 lives were lost in what has become, perhaps, the most famous and most tragic disaster of the 20th Century. Titanic is a very entertaining show, but it also pays an appropriate tribute to both the survivors and to those who perished on that cold, dark April morning. One cannot help to feel a bit heavy at heart, and find a tear in his eye, as he leaves the theatre. After all, the story of the RMS Titanic… be it on film, on stage, or in real life… does not have a happy ending. Still, Titanic, the musical, provides for an enchanted evening and a spectacular voyage… a voyage well worth taking.

Titanic is just one of the highlights of Baldwin-Wallace College’s 2011-2012 Performing Arts Season. Next spring, Baldwin-Wallace will present Mozart’s operatic masterpiece Don Giovanni (February 1-5, 2012), the plays Mr. Marmalade and Some Girl(s) (in repertory, February 18-26, 2012), and Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Hamlet (April 18-22). If you have not seen a production at Baldwin-Wallace College, now is a perfect time to check out one of Ohio’s best private college’s for arts and drama.

The 80th Annual Bach Festival, a premier Northeast Ohio event, will run April 13-15. And don’t forget all of the great orchestral and choral concerts, presented by the Conservatory of Music, many of which are free to the public. A complete calendar of events can be found at www.bw.edu/news/calendars.

Baldwin-Wallace College was founded in 1845 as one of the first colleges in Ohio to admit students regardless of race or gender. Presently, the college has over fifty areas of academic study that lead to a bachelor’s degree. And it offers master’s programs in both business and education.

For more information on Baldwin-Wallace College, Titanic, and the 2011-2012 Performing Arts Season, please visit the college website at www.bw.edu.

– Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman

Race is the story of three attorneys, two Black and one White, two male and one female, who must consider a somewhat controversial case. A potential client, a very wealthy White man, has been accused of raping a Black woman in a hotel room. Why did this man choose this particular law firm? And why should the attorneys accept or not accept the case? These are two of the many questions to be answered throughout the course of the play.

Although the law partners choose to not accept the case, they soon must, on account of a technicality on the third lawyer’s part. This leads to a psychological examination about how race may influence one’s perspective on guilt or innocence. It also offers another important, yet controversial, theme: Can Blacks be just as racist against Whites as the other way around?

Race is very well acted, well staged, and well executed, overall, but as a play, the ending is somewhat abrupt. And this is the only fault that I find with Race: It leaves the audience wanting more. But in spite of this, Race is well worth a look, as it does present some important issues and puts some important questions on the table… questions that will keep us thinking long after we have left the theatre.

So, how influential is the issue of race in America? And how might it affect the American criminal justice system? Come see Beck Center’s production of Race and find out. The answers may surprise you.

Race will run through November 20. Up next at the Beck Center for the Arts is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, returning during the holiday season for an encore performance (December 2-31). I saw Joseph at the Beck Center last December, and I can tell you now that this is a spectacular, “can’t miss” show!

The Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Convenient, free on-site parking is available. For information on showtimes, pricing, and the 2011-2012 Season, please visit the Beck Center’s website at www.beckcenter.org.

– Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman

This educational, all-ages LEGO event features millions of LEGO bricks including construction zones, dozens of life-sized LEGO models and displays, LEGO games, group building areas, live LEGO Master Builders and so much more. The event, which will be held across three-acres of space, also will include:

• LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
• LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
• Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
• Mystery Mural: build a piece of a giant mural to help reveal the image
• Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
• LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games
• Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas
• LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
• LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
• Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
• Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
• Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets
• LEGO Universe: become a custom LEGO Minifigure in this multiplayer online game

To enter, visit http://www.positivelycleveland.com/contests/lego-kidsfest/. The winner will be contacted by phone or email on Monday, October 31, 2011. For a complete list of contest rules, click here. Sponsored by LEGO KidsFest and Positively Cleveland.

Harvest Fests, Ghostly Haunts and Trick-or-Treats

Cedar Point HalloWeekends
Weekends in October
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Every fall, Cedar Point Amusement Park transforms for HalloWeekends. During the day, friendly monsters parade down the midway with frightfully fun activities for the whole family. But when darkness falls, haunted houses, mazes and fiendish ghouls terrorize park guests. HalloWeekends attractions include four haunted houses, six outdoor walk-through scare zones and Cedar Point’s collection of world-class roller coasters and amusement rides.

Wicked Weekends
Weekends in October; 6:30pm
Clay’s Park Resort
Two terrifying haunted attractions and a haunted hayride on the grounds of Clay’s Park Resort every Friday and Saturday night through the month of October. General admission includes three haunted attractions. Not ready to take on all the frightening trails that lead into the dark forest? Single tickets for the hayride are also available. Gates open at 6:30pm and the attractions open at nightfall. Tickets available for purchase until midnight.

Ghostly Manor Ghostly Gauntlet
Now-October 31; Friday + Saturday 7pm-midnight, Sunday 7-10pm
Ghostly Manor
Eerie and ominous, Ghostly Manor Haunted House brings four new horrifying haunts to Sandusky this season. Ghostly Manor added another 50 percent of space this year to make the haunted house even LARGER and has expanded the outdoor haunt Ghostly Gauntlet. Wizards Journey is a 3-D blacklight haunted mini golf experience with live monsters – all new for 2011!  The XD 4-D Theater Haunted Mine Ride is a haunted ride through an old abandoned mine and employs the latest in 4-D motion simulation.

Pumpkin Village
Now – November 5; Hours vary
Mapleside Farms
There are so many fun things to do packed into 100 acres of beautiful farmland. Experience the corn maze craze, ride the Moo-Lar Express, watch the kids enjoy more than a dozen interactive games and amusements at the Adventure Farm, complete with Ohio’s first 70-foot Jumping Pillow! Then, finish a perfect day in the Corn Courtyard with a favorite festive beverage relaxing in the glow of a blazing bonfire.

Fall Hayrides
October
Cleveland Metroparks
Tractor-drawn hayrides are offered on a first-come, first–served basis and leave approximately every half hour. All hayrides are ADA accessible. In addition to hayrides, enjoy free activities including square dancing for all ages, scavenger hunts, a hay maze and a face-painting, balloon-twisting clown. On Sundays, free bonus activities include coloring and craft stations, Haystack the Scarecrow, pumpkin carving demonstrations with Rock on Ice and free treat bags to kids (ages 11 and under) dressed in Halloween costumes (with paid admission). Before you leave, pick a pumpkin to paint and take home (for a nominal fee).

Murder in the Mansion
October 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; 7pm-9pm
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Without giving away too many details, this year’s mystery involves deception, betrayal, secrecy and jealousy involving F.A. Seiberling’s new rubber formula that is going to revolutionize the industry. Admission includes one glass of wine or beer and light snacks. Guests must be able to climb stairs and comfortable walking shoes are suggested.

Boo at the Zoo
October 20-23 + 27-30; 6pm-9pm
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Boo at the Zoo is a neighborhood of safe Halloween entertainment, with a spooky delight on every corner including animals on exhibit each evening. Happy haunts include: The Creepy Crawly Critter Animal Show, the Monster Mash Dance Party, the Not-So-Haunted Greenhouse, the Jack-O-Lantern Express Train Ride, the Halloween Hay Maze, magic shows, jugglers, stiltwalkers, musical entertainment and much more. Each child receives a complimentary treat bag. Kids and adults are encouraged to wear fun (not scary) costumes.

Halloween Harvest Festival
October 21 (6-9pm) + October 22 (10am-6pm)
Medina Public Square
There will be inflatables, Halloween games and crafts, a haunted house, hayrides, Halloween costume contest, magic show, balloon artist, face painting, carnival food, pumpkin patch, Jungle Bob’s creepy crawlers and more. Trick-or-treat in the Square on Friday 6pm-8pm.

Spooky Science Nights
October 21, 28, 29; 5:30-9pm
Great Lakes Science Center
Explore the Great Lakes Science Center for frightening fun during Spooky Science Nights through late October. Guests can listen to eerie stories aboard the haunted Mather Steamship, visit the heart-pounding, new special exhibition, Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, witness an explosive indoor fireworks spectacle and much more.

I-X Trick or Treat Street
October  22-23 + 28-30
I-X Center
This not-too-scary Halloween Adventure is geared for children 10 and younger with themed candy stations, amusement rides, live entertainment and costume characters, all indoor and all included with the price of admission.

Trick or Treat on South High
October 27; 6:30-8:30pm
Akron Art Museum
Do you ever feel like Halloween can’t come soon enough? Break out your costume early and head down to the Akron Art museum for a night of fun and surprises. The whole family will make discoveries during a quirky scavenger hunt through the museum galleries. What will your treats be? Art supplies, of course. There will also be plenty of hands-on Halloween art making in the lobby for parents and little goblins alike. Reservations are required for this event.

Cleveland Critical Mass Halloween Ride
October 28; 7-10pm
The annual Cleveland Critical Mass Halloween Ride takes place Friday, October 28. Meet in the southwest quadrant of Public Square at 6:30pm, for a bicycle ride around Downtown and other Cleveland neighborhoods. The ride happens this and every month regardless of weather. The October ride has taken on the tradition of becoming a costumed stroll around town, and this year will be no different. So dress up however you’d like (or not).

 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
October 28; 10pm
Sandusky State Theater
The Fishnet Mafia brings you “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in a way you have never seen it before. Experience the 36 year old cult phenomenon as the actors alternately lampoon and pay homage to the wacky sci-fi musical. The audience is encouraged to participate byshouting back at the stage, and interacting with the cast during a pre-film introduction!

Trick or Treat at Eton
October 29; 1-4pm
Enjoy family-fun entertainment including a balloon twister, candy and a visit from Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

Science Tricks and Spooky Treats
October 29-30; 11am-4pm
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
Kids will enjoy cool science tricks and healthy Halloween treats.  A costume you may wear, but be sure it doesn’t scare!  Bring the whole family to dance the Monster Mash, Play Spider Limbo and have a blast!

Fall Harvest Dinner
November 2
Pura Vida by Brandt
Enjoy four courses of fresh Ohio cuisine featuring the farm of James Hamilton – Pura Vida’s private farmer. Cash bar.

Cleveland Culinary Challenge
November 3; 5:30-9pm
Cuyahoga Community College Hospitality Management Center
The Cleveland Culinary Challenge is the perfect pairing of Cleveland’s culinary up-and-comers and some of the area’s star chefs competing Iron Chef-style. Sample culinary creations from Pura Vida by Brandt while enjoying exciting demonstrations such as flair bartending, ice sculpting and pastry making. Then top off the evening with a dessert martini and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Fall Into FunFest: A Celebration of the Harvest Season
November 12; 10am-4pm
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
Celebrate the harvest season with The Children’s Museum of Cleveland. Kids get a chance to try their luck at fall themed carnival games. They will also use their art skills for apple stamping and gourd painting, as well as making their own applesauce. Don’t miss out on the fall family fun!

Adult Halloween Parties
3rd Annual Pumpkin Party
October 22
Serving all things pumpkin!  Wonder Bar will have great Pumpkin Ales, bottles and drafts, as well as pumpkin appetizers.  Feeling adventurous?  Try Bobbing for Beers!  Jazz band Teddy Pantelas Trio performs 9-11pm, DJ Blackbird 11pm-close.

Third Annual Cleveland Zombie Crawl
October 22; Registration begins at 8pm
Ohio City
Get ready for the most fun you’ll ever have being dead!  All Zombies and party goers will enjoy great drink specials, raffles and prizes, zombie makeup art and a “Best Costume” award. And the best part? You get to do it dressed as Zombies!

Halloween Bash
October 29
Wonder Bar
Enjoy a costume contest, trick or treat shot specials and live music from Pants on Fire 9-11pm at Wonder Bar’s annual Halloween bash.

Hallowine Party
October 29; 12-8pm
Debonne Vineyards
Halloween will reach full-spooking potential October 29 at Debonné Vineyards’ annual Hallowine Party. Enjoy live entertainment, Ohio wines and a costume contest.

Bones, Bugs and Dead Animals
October 29; 8pm-Midnight
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Join the Nature League for this annual bash. The event boasts one of the best costume contests in Cleveland and features live music from Abby Normal, food and dessert buffets and a $3 bar. Admission includes one free drink ticket. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes in the categories of Best of Show, Best Ensemble, Scariest and People’s Choice.

Dark Spirits Halloween Party
October 29; 8pm-Midnight
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake
A spooky night of ghoulish entertainment, disgustingly delicious dinner special, dark spirits drink specials, a costume contest with prizes at 10pm and more!

Saturday Night Fever
October 29
Sportsterz Bar & Grill at Geneva-on-the-Lake
Dig out your best 70′s costume for a “Saturday Night Fever” themed Halloween Bash! Don’t worry, if you can’t squeeze into the bell-bottoms anymore, you can dress any way you wish! Cash and prizes for best costumes will be awarded. Music will be provided by ALB.

Halloween Party
October 29
Grand River Cellars
Put on your best costume for an evening of ghouls and goblins, ghosts and witches. The winery will be decorated for this festive evening and live music will be keeping you moving all night. Costume contest prizes will be awarded for the best overall costume, first and second place winner for best dressed group and first and second place winner for best dressed individual. Reservations are highly recommended.

– Submitted by Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist

The Taming of the Shrew is now playing in the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Great Lakes Theater is known for its ingenious and innovative takes on Shakespeare. And The Taming of the Shrew is no exception. Whoever said that Shakespeare is archaic and has to be boring? GLT has proven this incorrect over and over again. Come see The Taming of the Shrew in an exciting, new way. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

GLT’s incarnation of Shakespeare’s classic takes place in 1980’s Hollywood. There are several possible suitors for Bianca, the younger daughter of Baptista Minola, a wealthy citrus tycoon. It seems that everyone wants Bianca’s hand in marriage. But there is a catch: Before any one of them can make her his bride, Katherine, the elder daughter and so-called shrew, must be married. Enter Petruchio who takes up the challenge of “taming” Katherine, and the battle begins.

Sara M. Bruner is a wild and wacky Katherine. And Jim Lichtscheidl is at first, a naïve, and later, a neurotic Petruchio. These are the same talented actors who play the devious Fräulein Kost and the rising Nazi Ernst Ludwig in GLT’s stellar production of Cabaret. The rest of the cast plays their roles to perfection, just as one would expect from any Great Lakes Theater company. The set is reminiscent of a California beach house, the costumes are bright and colorful, and the accompanying soundtrack… yes, soundtrack, is totally 80’s. For those of us who were in high school in that fabulous decade, this show is even more familiar and more nostalgic. But anyone will enjoy this fantastic production.

The Taming of the Shrew is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedies. And it has been performed the world over since its debut more than 400 years ago. It has been filmed numerous times, perhaps the most famous film version being that of Franco Zeffirelli’s 1967 adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It has also spawned one of the most popular stage musicals of all time: The Cole Porter classic, Kiss Me, Kate. And for the younger crowd, it is interesting to note that the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You was based upon this great Shakespeare classic.

For an entertaining evening at the theatre, The Taming of the Shrew delivers with full force. You will have a ball! And do not forget Cabaret, Kander and Ebb’s groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical set in 1930’s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party. Cabaret is playing in repertory with The Taming of the Shrew, through October 30. And these two shows are the perfect opening to celebrate GLT’s 50th Anniversary.

For more information about Great Lakes Theater, The Taming of the Shrew, Cabaret, or Great Lakes’ exciting 2011-2012 50th Anniversary Season, visit www.GreatLakesTheater.org. For more information about PlayhouseSquare, visit www.PlayhouseSquare.org. – Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman, guest blogger

Cabaret, Kander and Ebb’s groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical, is now playing at the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Directed by the renowned Victoria Bussert, Cabaret is yet another Great Lakes Theater production par excellence. Just when I think that Great Lakes cannot top itself, it does! So take a seat in the now legendary Kit Kat Klub, and hold on for a thrilling ride.

It is 1930 Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party. Newly arrived Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer, rents a room from Fräulein Schneider and later visits the seedy Kit Kat Klub where he meets the “toast of Mayfair,” Sally Bowles. Falling in lust with one another, Sally moves into Cliff’s room, and the two become an item. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider has found happiness, in a romance of her own, with Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.

Observing the events, both on and off the Kit Kat Klub stage, is an androgynous Master of Ceremonies. And the tawdry Kit Kat Klub is almost a character, in itself, as it reflects the downfall and decay of German society as the Nazi party begins to take hold. The end of the first act is, simply put, chilling. And when the Nazis gain even more control in the second act, it leads to a shocking, heartbreaking, and catastrophic conclusion.

I would not expect anything less than stellar from Great Lakes Theater, and yet, I have to admit that I was quite taken aback by this exceptional production. It grabs you from the opening number and never lets you go.

Eduardo Placer is a perfect Emcee, both endearing and maniacal, at the same time. Jodi Dominick plays a spunky and seductive Sally Bowles… sweet, yet sassy; naïve, yet sage. And Laura Perrotta, as Fräulein Schneider, brings a sad desperation to a woman in love. The remaining cast members give their all to the show, playing their parts with great, and often raunchy, gusto and a very evident joie de vivre. The staging is pure, ingenious Great Lakes Theater, with a colorful set, spectacular costumes, and a dynamic orchestration.

Since its Broadway debut, Cabaret has enjoyed much success, from the Broadway stage to the silver screen. The original Broadway production debuted in 1966 with a 1968 opening in London’s West End. The show has been revived five times between the Broadway and London stages. And Bob Fosse’s 1972 film version was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won eight.

Despite the raunchy fun and wicked humor of the show, Cabaret delivers a very important message, something that will linger long after you’ve left the theatre. And its story and themes are just as relevant in the present day as they were when the show premiered in 1966.

Great Lakes Theater’s production of Cabaret is an exceptional tour de force, and a hot, raucous, good time. It may very well be the most spectacular show of the year. Come discover the divine decadence of Cabaret. Here, life is beautiful.

Up next at Great Lakes Theater is The Taming of the Shrew. Shakespeare’s classic comedy and one of literature’s most famous battles of the sexes will play in repertory with Cabaret (September 30 – October 29). And returning for its 23rd season, A Christmas Carol will run from December 2 to 23 in the Ohio Theatre.

For more information about Great Lakes Theater, Cabaret, The Taming of the Shrew, or Great Lakes’ exciting 2011-2012 50th Anniversary Season, please refer to its website at www.GreatLakesTheater.org. For more information about PlayhouseSquare, its website is www.PlayhouseSquare.org.

– Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman, guest blogger

The Life of Galileo is now playing in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. And Cleveland Play House’s inaugural season in its new home starts with a bang. The Life of Galileo is one of the most ambitious CPH productions to date. And it is the perfect show to begin the new season and open the new theatre. In the words of Galileo, himself, “A new age is dawning, and it’s great to be alive.”

The father of modern physics and the father of modern science: Galileo Galilei has been described as both. No matter the title, Galileo was one of the greatest minds to ever live. Born in Pisa, Italy in 1564, Galileo was a physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played one of the most significant roles in the Scientific Revolution. In his lifetime, Galileo explored many scientific theories, but his discoveries of planetary motion are, perhaps, for what he is most known. He died in Arcetri, Italy in 1642, at the age of 77.

The play opens at Galileo’s home in Padua, where Galileo, now a celebrated professor of mathematics, teaches his young apprentice Andrea. When Ludovico Marsili stops in for a visit following a trip to the Netherlands, he describes to Galileo a strange device that can see far-away objects. This peaks Galileo’s interest, and he later improves upon this strange device: The telescope. The rest is history. The action of the play moves throughout Italy, from Padua to Florence to the Vatican, with both great interest and resistance from the Catholic Church. In the end, Galileo is a somewhat broken man, but his legacy will live on.

The staging of the show is traditional, yet high-tech, using moving screens and video feeds to change scenes and illustrate Galileo’s view of the planets via his telescope. The costumes are actually quite contemporary. And a Galileo rap, “keeps things real.” But the themes of the story are universal and just as relevant in the present as they were in the 1600’s. There has always been a great conflict between science and faith. Galileo faced this conflict in his time, and we still face it today.

With one of the larger casts ever assembled on a Cleveland Play House stage, The Life of Galileo showcases some of the very best talent in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Paul Whitworth is wonderful as Galileo, but as with any show, one man cannot do it all, and the supporting cast delivers in telling Galileo’s fascinating story. While watching the show and marveling at the beauty of the renovated Allen Theatre, I continued to reflect on how wonderful it is to be living in Cleveland and how very fortunate we, as Greater Clevelanders, are to have the Cleveland Play House, PlayhouseSquare, and such significant arts and culture, in general.

The “new” Allen Theatre is a gem… a spectacular, yet very intimate, space. There is not a bad seat in the house. The more contemporary lobby is breathtaking, while retaining the original ceilings, the classic rotunda, and the long mirrored corridor leading to Euclid Avenue. To think that this was once a 1920’s movie palace and then to see what it has become today is truly amazing. The old and the new have been so beautifully blended. And once the Second Stage and Lab Theatre open in January, the Allen Theatre Complex will be complete.

This is Cleveland Play House’s 96th Season, and nearly a century since it began, CPH continues to put out one hit after another. Whether a lover of science, history, or theatre, you will fall in love with The Life of Galileo.

The Life of Galileo runs through October 9. Up next at Cleveland Play House is Daddy Long Legs (October 21 – November 13). And The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) will play the holiday season (November 25 – December 18). Both shows will be performed in the Allen Theatre.

In 2012, Cleveland Play House will open the Second Stage with Ten Chimneys (January 13 – February 5). Radio Golf (February 10 – March 4) and Red (March 16 – April 8 ) will return to the Allen Theatre. And In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play (April 13 – May 6) will close the 2011-2012 Season on the Second Stage.

Subscription packages are available for this historic season. Be sure to secure your seats and be part of Cleveland Play House’s exciting inaugural season in the new Allen Theatre Complex at PlayhouseSquare.

Also in 2012, the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program will perform in the new Lab Theatre. The Graduate Ensemble of 2014 will bring us In Arabia We’d All Be Kings (February 1-11), and the Graduate Ensemble of 2012 will present its final show with William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale (March 7-17).

For its 96th Season, Cleveland Play House has relocated to its new home: The Allen Theatre Complex at PlayhouseSquare. With three theatres, the new Allen Theatre Complex will continue to provide Cleveland Play House patrons with some of the very best performing arts found anywhere in the nation. A 500 seat Main Stage, a 300 seat Second Stage, and a 150 seat Lab Theatre will bring PlayhouseSquare’s theatre count to ten.

Cleveland Play House, the nation’s first and longest-running professional theatre company, continues to offer some of the very best professional theatre in the country. It is now located in the Allen Theatre Complex at PlayhouseSquare. For showtimes, pricing, and more information on the 2011-2012 season, please visit the Cleveland Play House website at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. For more information about PlayhouseSquare, its website is www.PlayhouseSquare.org. — Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman, guest blogger

The Marvelous Wonderettes is now playing on the Mackey Main Stage at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. Written and created by Roger Bean, The Marvelous Wonderettes is a “blast from the past” with all of your favorite songs from the 50’s and 60’s.

The premise is quite simple. We are transported back to a more innocent time in America where Springfield High School songleaders Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy are asked to perform at senior prom as a last minute replacement. It is here where The Marvelous Wonderettes are born. Act I takes place during the 1958 prom with Act II picking up in 1968 at Springfield High’s ten year class reunion.

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a cute and whimsical show and a lot of fun for the audience, as it is somewhat audience participatory. And with so many hits from the 50’s and 60’s, it is difficult sometimes to not want to sing along. From “Mr. Sandman” to “Dream Lover,” from “Heatwave” to “Wedding Bell Blues,” from “Son of a Preacher Man” to “Respect,” The Marvelous Wonderettes is a baby boomer’s delight. But even a younger crowd will be tapping its toes to these classic songs.

The Marvelous Wonderettes are played by Amiee Collier (Betty Jean), Nikki Curmaci (Cindy Lou), Theresa Kloos (Missy), and Caitlin Elizabeth Reilly (Suzy). All four actresses have fun with their roles, providing a lot of humor and a little deeper emotion, when necessary. The intimacy of the Mackey Main Stage provides for a perfect “high school” ambience. The set design is very detailed and makes the viewer feel as if he/she is actually in a high school gymnasium. And the costumes, props, and Roger Bean’s dialogue bring back an era long gone.

The Marvelous Wonderettes has enjoyed an off-Broadway run in New York, and several other productions have been staged throughout the country. Now Northeast Ohio has the opportunity to experience this theatrical hit. For both a fun and entertaining night at the theatre, I highly recommend Beck Center’s production of The Marvelous Wonderettes.

The Marvelous Wonderettes will run through October 16. Up next at the Beck Center for the Arts is David Mamet’s Race in the Studio Theater (October 21 – November 20). And Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will return during the holiday season for an encore performance (December 2-31). I saw Joseph at the Beck Center last December, and I can tell you now that this is a spectacular, “can’t miss” show!

The Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Convenient, free on-site parking is available. For information on showtimes, pricing, and the 2011-2012 Season, please visit the Beck Center’s website at www.beckcenter.org. – Submitted by Christopher Musselman, guest blogger

Check out Positively Cleveland’s guide to Cleveland Browns football including the full schedule, ticket specials, good gameday grub, nearby hotels and more.

The Cleveland Orchestra, under the direction of Loras John Schissel, performs a 9/11 Commemoration Concert on Public Square in downtown Cleveland on Sunday, September 11. Though the concert official begins at 5pm, an afternoon of pre-concert tribute programs may be enjoyed beginning at 2:30pm. The events, in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, reflect themes of dedication and hope, providing an opportunity for the community to gather to honor the heroic first responders and pay memorial tribute to those who lost their lives that day.

Also taking place this weekend is the inaugural Cleveland Classic football game, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Cleveland Browns home opener against in-state rival Cincinnati, Sparx City Hop, PlayhouseSquare District Block Party and Tour and much more.

Take special note of all the happenings during Sparx City Hop on Saturday, September 10 from 11am-9pm. From free trolleys and neighborhood sidewalk concerts to walking tours, an open air market in Ohio City, C-Town Chowdown at Lincoln Park, the 2011 Autumn Festival at Asia Town Center and more you’ll have to plan accordingly to fit it all in!

The new Cleveland Plus Visitors Center will be open Noon to 5pm on Sunday, September 11 to assist you with event and attraction information and help you get where you need to be.

With large crowds anticipated, visitors should consider using RTA as an alternate form of transportation to get downtown. If driving downtown, take advantage of our downtown parking map created for the weekend to determine options close to your event of choice.

For the full schedule of weekend events visit www.positivelycleveland.com/guides/911.

– Submitted by Corinne Allie, Social Networking Specialist