On Wednesday, July 11, 2012, we were very fortunate to be able to participate in a private tour of Playhouse Square (PlayhouseSquare.org - @PlayhouseSquare), sponsored by the Ohio Blogging Association - Cleveland (@OHBlogging) and Playhouse Square Partners. We saw parts of several theatres that the public normally does not see.
Our group gathered in excited anticipation in the Palace Theatre lobby for the 7:00 p.m. tour. We were then split into two tour groups, since this event proved to be quite a popular one!
Palace Theatre
Our group started out in the Palace Theatre with its beautiful, traditional proscenium arch stage. This theatre always brings back special memories to us of our sons’ high school graduations, as well as the many Broadway Series productions we have seen there.
State Theatre
Our humorous and knowledgeable tour guide, Jim, then led us through a “secret passage” to the State Theatre, the largest theatre in the Playhouse Square complex. It was exciting to stand on the stage which, we were told, was as large as a high school gymnasium! Looking out toward the seats of the theatre gave us an appreciation of the actor’s point of view. We saw some of the backstage dressing rooms, and heard stories about the stars who have used them, such as Yul Brynner, when he performed in “The King and I.” We have been on Playhouse Square tours before, but they are always fun, since we see different things and hear different stories each time.
Ohio Theatre
We then proceeded to the Ohio Theatre. The lobby of the Ohio Theatre has rather plain-looking walls compared to the other theatres, because of the extensive damage done to the original walls. The current lobby did win an award for creative use of drywall--on the ceiling! The lobby’s sparkling chandeliers, as well as all the chandeliers in the Playhouse Square theatres, are cleaned by hand by volunteers!
We learned during our tour that one of the key elements of Playhouse Square is renovation. It can be viewed as a Cleveland theatre project that is always evolving and growing. We saw a perfect example of this in the Ohio Theatre. All the seats had been removed, and only the uprights between the seats were standing. This was a unique sight! New and improved seats will be installed very soon.
We also did a little “indoor stargazing” in the outer lobby of the Ohio Theatre. Its ceiling twinkles with stars 24 hours a day!
Cleveland Play House - Second Stage
The Cleveland Play House Second Stage is one of the newest areas of the Playhouse Square complex. This was the first time we have seen this theatre! We learned that the seating, walls, and stage can all be moved to allow for different configurations. This gives a great amount of flexibility, and many types of plays can be performed here.
During our tour, the Second Stage Theatre was configured with a thrust stage. We love this style of theatre, since the thrust stage brings you close to the action. We look forward to attending a play in this new theatre someday.
Cleveland Play House - Allen Theatre
The new Allen Theatre is the main stage of the Cleveland Play House (CPH) (ClevelandPlayHouse.com - @ClevePlayHouse). It has special acoustical walls and ceiling designed to enhance the sound quality of CPH productions. Although the walls and ceiling have a very “modern” appearance, lighting can be adjusted so that the architectural features of the old Allen theatre can be seen through them when it is appropriate for a production.
When the Cleveland Play House moved to Playhouse Square, we had a detailed tour of the Allen Theatre at the September 12, 2011, public open house. The Second Stage and the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre were not yet completed at that time. After seeing so many different types of theatres during the bloggers' tour, we are very curious to see the Lab Theatre as well. These facilities are now shared by PlayhouseSquare, the Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, and Case Western Reserve University’s MFA Acting Program.
The Cleveland Play House has a fascinating history as "America's first regional theatre." We always enjoy learning about it, and about the famous actors who have gotten their start here in Cleveland. These include Paul Newman, Joel Grey, and Margaret Hamilton (best known as “The Wicked Witch of the West.”)
After The Tour
Across the street from the main Playhouse Square complex are the 14th Street Theatre and the newly-renovated Hanna Theatre. All of the theatres mentioned here, plus Kennedy’s Theatre and the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre, make Playhouse Square the second largest theatre district in the country!
After the tour, everyone enjoyed some food, drink, and socializing at Alex Bistro and Bar (@AlexBistroCle) on E. 14th Street.
The Ohio Blogging Association participants included:
- Alicia (@PoiseInParma) from Poise in Parma and her Aunt Kathy
- Amanda (@ADHicken) from Clue into Cleveland and husband Scott (@Husbanonymous)
- Amie (@MyRetroKitchen) from My Retro Kitchen
- “Cleveland Chick” (@ClevelandChick) from Happiness is a Hot Pierogi
- Crystal (@EatDrinkClev) from Eat Drink Cleveland
- Dave (@DaveCunix) from Health Insurance Issues with Dave and Again? Really?
- De-de (@DedeMulligan) from @DedeMulligan
- Holly (@HFHammers) from Rust Belt Runner
- Jen (@WhyCLE) from Why CLE?
- Julie (@AITYblog) from Am I There Yet
- Julie (@ROJRunning) from ROJ Running
- Julie (@WearingMascara) from Wearing Mascara
- Katie (@KTOinCLE) from Beer and Clothing in Cleveland
- Karen (@TheNotMom) from The NotMom.com
- Kasey (@KaseyCrabtree) at A Case Of…
- Kimberly (@SmittenInCle) from SMITTEN…in cleveland
- Lilia (@LiliaLipps) from Lilia Write Now
- Lyn (@LifeLynStyle) from Life Lyn Style and husband Stephen from Skywired.net
- Nidhi (@Nidhizzle) from NIDHIZZLE
- Reanna (@arkayokay) from Big Shot Dot The I
- Sarah (@SarahBerridge) from Cooker Girl
- Tammy (@TLColson) from Miss WineOH
Also joining us was @BalletInCleve (whose mission is to bring classical ballet back to Cleveland). Be sure to follow these bloggers on Twitter, and check out their blogs!
Thank you, Ohio Blogging Association - Cleveland (@OHBlogging) and Playhouse Square Partners, for a fun and memorable evening!
A special thank you to Alicia (@PoiseInParma) for organizing these great monthly social gatherings for Cleveland bloggers. The next bloggers event is scheduled for August 16, 2012.
Playhouse Information
We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to go on this special bloggers private tour, but have also enjoyed participating in public tours in the past. If you are interested in a tour of Playhouse Square, please see the public tour information.
Secret: We signed up for the Playhouse Square e-Alert for special promotions, and received free iTunes songs! We don't know how long this offer will be available, so sign up today to learn more about Playhouse Square.
The Playhouse Square YouTube Channel has great videos about their shows at: YouTube.com/user/PlayhouseSquare
In addition to the videos about the shows, here are four "PlayhouseSquare Documentary" videos that gives a taste of the impact of this Cleveland nonprofit. It makes you think anything is possible when a community comes together for a greater good.
Don’t miss the free Playhouse Square “Broadway Buzz”pre-show talk one hour before every show in Playhouse Square’s Broadway Series! We have attended these for the last several shows. They are great fun and a wonderful way to learn more about the show you are about to see!
What others are saying
It has been our tradition to include links to other blogs, articles, and photos from events we attended. Here is what others are saying about this event. (We will continue to update these links, so come back and visit again.)
Playhouse Square Tour Tweets
Here are the tweets about the Cleveland bloggers tour of Playhouse Square. Take a look at the photos and fun:
We're less than one week away from our next CLE blogger meet up. Will you be joining us at PlayhouseSquare on... fb.me/1blwfzKxP
— OHBlogging (@OHBlogging) July 5, 2012
Clevelanders: Don't forget to RSVP for this Wednesday's blogger tour of PlayhouseSquare! fb.me/1MYlOoHq7
— OHBlogging (@OHBlogging) July 7, 2012
Mtgs I track ths wk: Wed 7/11 #Cleveland @OHBlogging - Tour of @PlayhouseSquare Partners tinyurl.com/7jmbk3f via @PoiseInParma
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 8, 2012
It's going to be a wonderful day @playhousesquare! Photo shoot, then a backstage tour with Playhouse Square Partners! #happyincle
— Ballet in Cleveland (@balletincleve) July 11, 2012
We're very excited about tonight's meetup at PlayhouseSquare, but we're already planning next month's meetup at... fb.me/1Tr5WPVZQ
— OHBlogging (@OHBlogging) July 11, 2012
@ClevelandChick I am going to the @OHBlogging event tonight.And today I posted my first blog in forever! bit.ly/PMfGn2
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 11, 2012
Wed 7/11 #Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare (SOLD OUT) buff.ly/RRVezx via @PoiseInParma. See more: buff.ly/RVCoYd
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
RT @OHBlogging: We're very excited about tonight's meetup at @PlayhouseSquare, but we're already planning next month's. buff.ly/MiC0EC
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
It's a beautiful day to be @playhousesquare! twitter.com/balletincleve/…
— Ballet in Cleveland (@balletincleve) July 11, 2012
Enjoy your tour- Jeannie is a great guide! RT @OHBlogging: We're very excited about tonight's meetup at PlayhouseSquare...
— PlayhouseSquare (@playhousesquare) July 11, 2012
Really looking forward to a tour of Playhouse Square tonight!Another fabulous opportunity through @OHBlogging #wehaveawesomemeetups
— Cooker Girl (@sarahberridge) July 11, 2012
YEAH WE DO! MT @sarahberridge looking forward to a tour of @PlayhouseSquare! Another fabulous opp through @OHBlogging #wehaveawesomemeetups
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 11, 2012
Looking forward to seeing the @OHBlogging folks and touring the fabulous @playhousesquare tonight!
— Jen (@WhyCLE) July 11, 2012
@poiseinparma @sarahberridge @playhousesquare @OHBlogging I can't wait! Don't leave without me lol
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
Looking forward to @OHBlogging event tonight @playhousesquare.Should be a great tour! cc @poiseinparma
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 11, 2012
It's @OHBlogging time! (@ Palace Theatre w/ 2 others) 4sq.com/LJ56gj
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 11, 2012
#OHblogging event & tour (@ Palace Theatre) [pic]: 4sq.com/LJ6zDg
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 11, 2012
Palace theatre for an oh blogging event instagr.am/p/M9OSMtiE2h/
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
Here for a behind the scenes tour with the Ohio bloggers association. (@ PlayhouseSquare) 4sq.com/S7NOIt
— De-de Mulligan, CMP (@DedeMulligan) July 11, 2012
@obablogging meetup (@ Palace Theatre w/ @poiseinparma) [pic]: 4sq.com/NvOsy6
— Reanna (@arkayokay) July 11, 2012
#Cleveland @OHBlogging private tour of @PlayhouseSquare! #HappyInCle buff.ly/RRVezx4sq.com/PN9Txw twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
Tour @playhousesquare #happyinCLE instagr.am/p/M9QOh2gC5q/
— Julie(@aityblog) July 11, 2012
View from the stage at the State Theater on our @playhousesquare tour.instagr.am/p/M9QL2AmWBu/
— Jen (@WhyCLE) July 11, 2012
On State stage! Larger than high school gym!#Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
The other blue urn is in the Louvre. #palace instagr.am/p/M9QYvAiE3q/
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
Note to self: next walking tour, wear flats!
— Lilia Lipps (@LiliaLipps) July 11, 2012
I miss this view! @ohblogging @playhousesquare instagr.am/p/M9Qzj9rYFs/
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 11, 2012
Back stage at the Playhouse Square for a tour!instagr.am/p/M9RUgrxXPA/
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 11, 2012
New seats going in Ohio Theatre!#Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! #HappyInCle! buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
the tour continues (@ State Theatre) [pic]: 4sq.com/Oyo6JD
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 11, 2012
Partners in crime. @nidhizzleinstagr.am/p/M9SfrHRXPq/
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 11, 2012
Blogger Tour of @playhousesquare: Learning about the story behind the State Theatre murals. instagr.am/p/M9Sb4iKKk0/
— Amanda - ClueIntoCLE (@ADHicken) July 11, 2012
@nnpooks I used to too when I was at @GLTFCleveland. Took these beautiful spaces for granted! @playhousesquare
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 11, 2012
.@OHBlogging tour (@ State Theatre w/ @kaseycrabtree) 4sq.com/La2im8
— Amanda - ClueIntoCLE (@ADHicken) July 11, 2012
Allen Theatre 2nd Stage.#Cleveland @OHBlogging private tour of @PlayhouseSquare! #HappyInCle buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
On stage at the State theater. Standing where Sheryl Crow did. Woot! instagr.am/p/M9TixZiE5n/
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
In @ClevePlayHouse on #Cleveland @OHBlogging private tour of @PlayhouseSquare! #HappyInCle! buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
Hangin' at @playhousesquare! @smittenincleinstagr.am/p/M9UVzwxXAg/
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 11, 2012
Janis Joplin show 7/27 in @ClevePlayHouse. @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! #HappyInCle! buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
Lobby of the Allen Theater.instagr.am/p/M9UuygCE6T/
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
cool carpet (@ Allen Theatre) [pic]: 4sq.com/S87T1x
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 11, 2012
The Echo room @playhousesquare instagr.am/p/M9VD0ggC8n/
— Julie(@aityblog) July 11, 2012
Allen Theatre's Echo Chamber Lobby instagr.am/p/M9VFq8qKme/
— Amanda - ClueIntoCLE (@ADHicken) July 11, 2012
At the Allen Theater in Cle hearing about @genesimmons & an early KISS show. Gene caught the fringe on fire & Peter kept drumming awesome
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
The Allen Theater stage where @genesimmons& KISS opened for the New York Dolls. #happyincle lockerz.com/s/224195304
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 11, 2012
Lavender Mojito from @alexbistrocle!instagr.am/p/M9YFMuxXCk/
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 11, 2012
Thx @ClevePlayHouse donors! #Cleveland @OHBlogging private tour @PlayhouseSquare. #HappyInCle buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
Cocktails with @aityblog @ClevelandChick @WearingMascara @nidhizzle @KTOinCLE @MyRetroKitchen at @alexbistrocle
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 11, 2012
Boozy Lemonadeinstagr.am/p/M9bGvym-J3/
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 11, 2012
The fun continues! After #Cleveland @OHBlogging private tour of @PlayhouseSquare. #HappyInCle4sq.com/NoSCEG twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 11, 2012
Enjoyed touring our lovely theatres this evening with my new friends@smittenincle @WhyCLE @WearingMascara! twitter.com/balletincleve/…
— Ballet in Cleveland (@balletincleve) July 11, 2012
@alexbistrocle instagr.am/p/M9bTPim-KD/
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 11, 2012
This is what happens when you tell the bartender to make anything. So tasty! Thanks @alexbistrocle instagr.am/p/M9bW8sRXE9/
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 11, 2012
after theater tour stop (@ Alex Bistro & Bar w/ 3 others) 4sq.com/MjzeJQ
— Kasey Crabtree (@KaseyCrabtree) July 12, 2012
Thx #Cleveland @OHBlogging & @PlayhouseSquare for #HappyInCle event!Had a gr8 time talking to all buff.ly/RRVezx twitter.com/sos_jr/status/…
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
@ohblogging @playhousesquare I may be a little bit biased but tonight's blogger meetup was my favorite.
— Amanda - ClueIntoCLE (@ADHicken) July 12, 2012
@MattySayre Saw this backstage at the State Theatre today and thought of you! CLE needs opera and ballet! twitter.com/balletincleve/…
— Ballet in Cleveland (@balletincleve) July 12, 2012
Such a fun night with @OHBlogging and @playhousesquare. Great meeting @balletincleve and hanging with the #tricountywivesclub.
— Jen (@WhyCLE) July 12, 2012
@EatDrinkClev @aityblog @WearingMascara @nidhizzle @KTOinCLE @MyRetroKitchen @alexbistrocle It was great hanging out with you all!
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 12, 2012
Thanks to @playhousesquare, @poiseinparma and @OHBlogging for an awesome blogger event. #happyincle
— Cleveland Chick (@ClevelandChick) July 12, 2012
Thx @PoiseInParma for tonight's #Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! We had a great time! U plan the best #HappyInCle events!
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
@sos_jr @ClevelandChick thank you both so much for the kind words. happy to continue on the @OHBlogging fun!
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 12, 2012
U R welcome! RT @poiseinparma: @sos_jr @ClevelandChick thank you both so much for the kind words. happy to continue on the @OHBlogging fun!
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
Really great tour! RT @ClevelandChick: Thanks to @playhousesquare, @poiseinparma and @OHBlogging for an awesome blogger event. #happyincle
— Cooker Girl (@sarahberridge) July 12, 2012
Agreed! RT @sos_jr Thx @PoiseInParma for tonight's #Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! We had a great time!
— Holly Hammersmith (@HFHammers) July 12, 2012
I very much enjoyed @playhousesquare and @alexbistrocle tonight! Thank you @poiseinparma for another wonderful OH Blogging meet up!
— Julie (@WearingMascara) July 12, 2012
.@PatriciaKellogg the @OHBlogging members received private tour almost all of @PlayhouseSquare theatres. Watch for blog posts from attendees
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
Got to sneak behind the stages of @playhousesquare tonight! Thanks again. cc: @poiseinparma @OHBlogging
— kimberly morris (@smittenincle) July 12, 2012
So much fun! RT @smittenincleGot to sneak behind the stages of @playhousesquare tonight! Thanks again. cc: @poiseinparma @OHBlogging
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 12, 2012
New blog post - @OHBlogging gets a behind-the-scenes look at @playhousesquare: wp.me/p1fb9r-Ns #FB
— Jen (@WhyCLE) July 12, 2012
@smittenincle @DinasDays @EatDrinkClev info on next @OHBlogging meetup here: facebook.com/events/4429295…
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 12, 2012
@EatDrinkClev @smittenincle @DinasDays @WhyCLE @sos_jr @poiseinparma Glad you all enjoyed your time here! See you again soon!
— PlayhouseSquare (@playhousesquare) July 12, 2012
RT @sos_jrThx @PoiseInParma for #Cleveland @OHBlogging tour of @PlayhouseSquare! We had a great time! U plan the best #HappyInCle events!
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 12, 2012
new post: @OHBlogging meetup at @PlayhouseSquare poiseinparma.com/2012/07/12/oba… #blogging #CLE
— Alicia Hansen (@poiseinparma) July 12, 2012
Great fun! RT @smittenincle: Got to sneak behind the stages of @playhousesquare tonight! Thanks again. cc: @poiseinparma @OHBlogging
— Reanna (@arkayokay) July 12, 2012
@playhousesquare Can't wait to visit again for a show! Thanks so much for having us.
— Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev) July 12, 2012
New blog post - A fun night with @playhousesquare and @alexbistrocle: wp.me/p1fb9r-Ns
— Jen (@WhyCLE) July 12, 2012
Fun #HappyInCle last night. Thx!->RT @poiseinparma: new post: @OHBlogging meetup at @PlayhouseSquare buff.ly/Mkfo6J #blogging #CLE
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
Looking forward to next one 8/16! RT @WhyCLE: New post - @OHBlogging gets a behind-the-scenes look at @playhousesquare: buff.ly/LRIg1j
— Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (@sos_jr) July 12, 2012
Please feel free to add your comments about the Ohio Blogging Association Theatre Tour with Playhouse Square Partners to this blog post. Thank you!
Comments
Great post Stuart! You really
Submitted by Crystal @EatDr… (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 22:26
Thanks Crystal!
Submitted by Stuart Smith on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 22:52
Thanks Crystal! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Julie and I had a great time putting it together. Reviewing the photos, links to other websites, and the Playhouse Square videos -- it is like extending the tour!
Stuart O. Smith, Jr., MNO
Blogging at: sosAssociates.com/Blog
Former Cleveland GiveCamp Steering Committee: ClevelandGiveCamp.org/about/#steering
Former Web SIG Cleveland Leader: WebSigCleveland.org
In reply to Great post Stuart! You really by Crystal @EatDr… (not verified)
Hi Stuart! Thank you so much
Submitted by Stephanie (not verified) on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 08:56
Hi Stuart! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an awesome recap of your visit here. We're so glad that you enjoyed the tour and appreciate your support!
We enjoyed our visit!
Submitted by Stuart Smith on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 20:54
Glad you liked our write-up. My wife and I enjoy every opportunity we have to visit Playhouse Square. We especially enjoyed this tour with our fellow Cleveland bloggers.
Stuart O. Smith, Jr., MNO
Blogging at: sosAssociates.com/Blog
Former Cleveland GiveCamp Steering Committee: ClevelandGiveCamp.org/about/#steering
Former Web SIG Cleveland Leader: WebSigCleveland.org
In reply to Hi Stuart! Thank you so much by Stephanie (not verified)
Awesome!
Submitted by Julie (not verified) on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 23:01
Awesome post! Loved it!
Thanks Julie
Submitted by Stuart Smith on Wed, 07/18/2012 - 12:43
Thanks Julie! We enjoyed writing about Playhouse Square. It was a fun tour.
Stuart O. Smith, Jr., MNO
Blogging at: sosAssociates.com/Blog
Former Cleveland GiveCamp Steering Committee: ClevelandGiveCamp.org/about/#steering
Former Web SIG Cleveland Leader: WebSigCleveland.org
In reply to Awesome! by Julie (not verified)
Great post Stuart! You really provided a lot of detail and some great pictures. It was such a fun night!!