FREE family theatre in the city.

Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to announce Song of the Seekers, a new play developed by CPT’s inner-city teen theatre, STEP (Student Theatre Enrichment Program)

Inspired by a two thousand-year-old ancient Indian text STEP’s ensemble of inner-city teens reveal personal dreams, hardships and victories with their original play, Song of the Seekers. An inventive remix of Shudraka’s classic comedy, The Little Clay Cart, this family-friendly performance explores the artist’s life and the struggle to be truthful in a society addicted to products and punch lines. Packed with a cappella singing, dance, beat-boxing, rhythm and rhyme, Song of the Seekers is about finding true love, freedom, and artistic authenticity in a complicated world.

Song of the Seekers, a new play by CPT’s STEP, is the culmination of an eight week program. Using Shudraka’s writings as a starting point, CPT Teaching Artists, have guided these extraordinary young people on a journey of self-discovery and awareness through the dramatic arts.

The fun, free performances begin this week, to see the entire summer calendar of free perfromances, visit cpt's website.

Thursday, July 29, 7PM, Herman Park

(W. 58th & Herman + Rain Location: CPT)

Friday, July 30, 7PM, Fairview Park in Ohio City

(W.38th & Franklin + Rain Location: Westside UCC)

Saturday, July 31, 7PM, Harmody Park

(Irving Ave & South Hills Dr + Rain Location: TBA)

a "sweet double feature"

This weekend stock your car with twizzlers, rasinettes and snowcaps, throw in your favorite blanket and a pillow and head out to the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre located in North Ridgeville.

The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In was built in 1965 by the Sherman family and is still owned and operated by a third generation of the Sherman Family. The Aut-O-Rama Drive-In became the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In for the 1972 summer season.

This weekends best double feature is Grown Ups (with Adam Sandler) @ 9:40pm and the Karate Kid @ 11:30pm. I think that this is by far the best double feature lineup they've had so far this season.

I also think this is pretty cool...rather than ban outside food at the Drive-In they give patrons a choice of weather or not to bring food or beverages into the drive-in. For a $5.00 fee, you can purchase an “outside food & beverage permit” at the box office to bring in your own goodies.

So, when the summer sun goes down, where will you catch your summer blockbuster hits? Hope to see you at the drive in!

Seussical the Musical @ the Beck (05/21-22)

Friday May 21st and Saturday May 22nd, 2010

I saw this play on Friday night and was completely WOWED! Great job Youth Theatre at the Beck for putting on an amazing show.

As I nestled into the front row of the show, I thought to myself, "another children's play, I'll get through it," but by the end of the first full company number I had the tunes stuck in my head and was humming along. Not only does the play tell a charming story of Horton and the Who's it is visually bright and colorful A must for children AND adults!

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss Directed by Russ Stich Join the mischievous Cat in the Hat and his friends in this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Adults $10; Students $8.

For show times and tickets visit the Beck Center for the Arts

Celebrate the arts with your kids (05/03-08)

Today, through Saturday May 8th, 2010

This year Playhouse Square has decided to dedicate an entire week to developing future arts lovers through wonderful shows, art installations, exciting music, puppets, interactive theatre and much more at the first annual International Children's Festival.

With performers from all over the world, your child will be amazed and delighted by the stories, music and interactive performances. From The Dream Jam Band, to the world renowned The Man Who Planted Trees; performed by the Puppet State Theatre Company to an intimate performance of Farfalle (Butterflies) a children's performance presented in Italian...expose your youngsters to the world of performing arts this week at Playhouse Square.

The ticket are affordable, $14 each or if you attend 2 different shows you can purchase 2 different show tickets for $20. With the purchase of your tickets, you will have free access to workshops, hands on activities and more. For details on these events, to buy your tickets, and to pass along the world to you play groups, your bunko clubs and your PTA pals visit their site.

Oh...how could I almost forget...would you like a FREE PAIR OF TICKETS to either The Man Who Planted Trees or Terrance Simien? Send me your top Childrens's art event, exhibit or summer activity in Cleveland. Winner will be chosen at random by Friday at 4:00, be sure to include your email so I can contact you! Good luck.

REMINDER...DISCOUNT Jump Back Ball Coupon Code

Just a reminder you have TODAY ONLY to use your I heart Cleveland code to get the TODAY ONLY discounted ticket rate of $135.

Just use the Jump Back Ball coupon code of "HEART" (before end of day, February 2nd) when purchasing your tickets and you will receive the discounted rate! Sweet...you can use the extra cash to buy your date an elaborate corsage...HA!

Jump Back Pre-Sale (11/19)

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

So, I've always wanted to go to the infamous "Jump Back Ball." It's one of those parties I always mean to check out, but then it overlaps with something else, someone's birthday, a long weekend away or something and I've always missed it. This year I am making it a priority to get my tickets early and begin planning my attire for the big party.

The 19th annual Jump Back Ball, themed “Celebrate: Carnaval,” is set for Saturday, February 27, 201o...so will you wear feathers or something more black tie? Hmm...



The Carnival Ball kickoff party will take place at A.J. Rocco’s (816 Huron Rd) from 6-8 pm. Join me and enjoy appetizers, drink specials and mini manicures by The Studio Salon plus buy your Jump Back Ball tickets first and SAVE!

Ticket prices increase THE DAY after (no exceptions) the kickoff by $15 +handling fees, so be sure to get to the party and bring your friends. Each person in attendance can purchase two tickets at the kickoff rate with no handling fees. New this year- you can set up a payment plan too!

Kickoff party pricing: $100-$120

I will be there waiting in line to save some cash on my tickets...will you?

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to present Browns Rules by Eric Schmiedl Directed by Bill Hoffman Original songs written and composed by Hoffman and Schmiedl

Don't miss the world-premiere of this cabaret style musical by nationally recognized local playwright Eric Schmiedl. Browns Rules is both a send-up and a love-letter to The Cleveland Browns. Three performer musicians and the audience are on a mission - successfully name the 29 rules of being a Cleveland Browns Fan and the Browns will win the Superbowl in 2010.



Part vaudeville, part sideshow, part variety show Browns Rules is an interactive exploration of the relationship between Cleveland and our beloved football team. With a rock band on stage, three performers combine storytelling and drama as they rip apart myths, celebrate heroes, and try to understand what makes the Cleveland Browns so important to our culture. What was the All-America Football Conference and who destroyed it? How did Paul Brown inspire his famous 1949 all-star team? Art Modell, friend or foe? Who called "Red Right 88?" Who wrote the song "Bernie, Bernie?" Cleveland Browns Stadium, asset or financial disaster? These questions and more are examined as Browns Rules looks at our dear Brownies and the city that loves and hates them.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm (Tickets only $10!)
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00pm (Browns have a bye week!)

Tickets: $30 Reserved Seating at Cabaret Table (includes corkage, reserved seats and tableside bar service during the show) | $24 General Admission | $22 Online Advance Purchase | $2 Discount for Students and Seniors | Special Thursday night pricing: $10 General Admission, $16 Cabaret Table Seating

Dodging Sniffles

As fall arrives, and the swine flu sets in we find ourselves armed with a pack of tissues, vitamin c and perhaps switching from the morning latte to a hot cup of Echinacea..

This weekend Nolan predicts cold temperatures and chilling rain to blow through the North East Ohio neighborhoods. If you are looking for a little hideaway to keep you warm and toasty, here are a few of my favorites.



> InnerBliss Yoga : for a hot yoga class to sweat away the bad toxins
> La Petite Triangle Café : for a pot of french press coffee
> Brown Aveda Institute : for an upper body relaxation massage ($17!) to move those nasty germs out of you
> The Cleveland Botanical Garden : for a tropical, butterfly infused adventure
> Chelseas : for a bit of therapeutic searching/shopping for vintage fall frocks (1412 W 116TH St)
> The Great Lakes Theatre : For a comfy lounge chair, a stiff drink (don’t they say alcohol cures a cold?) & Shakespeare

The Alice Seed (10/8-24)

October 16th, 2009

Planning your upcoming weekend already? Check out the World Premiere of The Alice Seed by Michael Sepesy at Cleveland Public Theatre. A moving and exceptional tale of loss and the powerful desire to regain the past and hold on to our most cherished ones. Part horror story, part family drama, pure gothic Americana.



The Alice Seed runs through October 24. For tickets, directions and more, visit www.cptonline.org

Gender Bender Play (10/08)

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As part of the Great Lakes Theatre Festival season opener, the actors and actresses would like to invite you to experience their work in Shakespeares, The Twelth Night.



After a shipwreck on an unfriendly shore and the loss of her twin brother Sebastian, young Viola must pose as a man to survive. Shakespeare’s sophisticated comedy of gender-bending mistaken identity is full of passionate longing and bittersweet romance. Twelfth Night is an irresistible and poignant comedy that is one of the Bard’s most luminous plays.

Get your tickets today!

Tupperware Party (9/30)

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

This is NOT the story of a typical Tupperware party filled with Jello molds and weird waldorf salads....



Dixie Longate, is a fast-talking Tupperware Lady, who left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway by storm! Join Dixie as she travels the country throwing ol'fashioned Tupperware Parties filled with tales, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever on a theater stage.

Looks fin and silly. Everyone LOVE a tupperware party, right?

PlayhouseSquare: 14th Street Theatre 8:00p www.dixiestupperwareparty.com

FREE theatre (7/31-8/09)

The teens of the Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) present Eye, Mind, Heart, an original play inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen.

Utilizing The Snow Queen as a starting point, STEP's ensemble of inner-city teens reveal their own hopes, fears, strengths and vulnerabilities. This family-friendly performance is a powerful love story that examines humanity's struggle for compassion and connection in a materialistic and cut-throat world, and is super-charged with a cappella singing, dance and non-stop action. Eye, Mind, Heart is about finding one's path to a joyful life and highlights the power and creativity of Cleveland's youth.



Bring a lawn chair or blanket. All performances are free and open to the public, with no advance reservations required.

July 31, 12pm: Mercedes Cotner Park (W 95 & Maywood Ave)
July 31, 7pm: Fairview Park in Ohio City (W 38 & Franklin + Rain Location: West Side UCC)
Aug 1, 7pm: Lincoln Park (W 14 & Starkweather + Rain Location: Pilgrim Church)
Aug 3, 7pm: St. Stanislaus Warszawa Music Festival (3649 E. 65 + Rain Location: Church)
Aug 4, 12pm: Tyler Village (3615 Superior Ave)
Aug 4, 7pm: Lake Pool Park (W 85th between Lake and Detroit)
Aug 6, 6pm: Lonnie Burten Baseball Field (E 46 & Outhwaite + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 7, 6pm: Estabrook Recreation Center (4125 Fulton Rd + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 8, 12pm: Sam Miller Park, Glenville Festival (E 88 & Esterbrook Ave)
Aug 8, 7pm: Kerruish Park (Lee & Tarkington)
Aug 9, 4pm: Drakefield Park (Drakefield Ave between W 157 & Silsby Rd + Rain Location: West Park UCC)


For more information on the STEP program or the performance, visit www.cptonline.org

CPT Party (7/18)

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

Join us as CPT celebrates the end of their 25th season and kicks off the 26th! Everyone is invited to gather together for a fun, casual party. Dancing and Karaoke all night long! Admission is FREE Cash Bar: Beer and Wine only $2 each (Featuring a variety of MAGIC HAT brews)



CPT Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan will announce the 2009-2010 CPT Season and recognize some special CPT friends and volunteers at 10:00pm.

Party from 8-midnight. For more information visit cptonline.org

Donate your tickets TODAY

I know it's happen to you before...tickets to a game, or a show, last minute meeting called at work or project that isn't quite complete and there is NO WAY you could be downtown in time for the opening act or even the first four innings. But you have called all of your family and friends and noone can take the tickets off your hands...have we the "good deed" solution for you!

Most Valuable Kids (MVK). It's an organization that gives kids in Cleveland the chance to see a sporting event, concert or play that they might not normally have the chance to go.

They take tickets donated from companies and individuals like YOU and put them in the hands of underprivileged kids throughout Cleveland. Given the current economy, it's a great way for people to contribute and do something good without spending a dime.



Think about it, how many people have season tickets and decide at the last minute not to go to the Tribe game or pass on the orchestra? Instead of letting the tix go to waste, you can call us and we'll give them to a child (plus chaperone). It's incredibly easy and the kids love it!

Check out their website or give them a call at 216.556.5933 to DONATE YOUR EXTRA TICKETS RIGHT NOW!

Pecha Kucha (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Pecha Kucha - Japanese for the sound of conversation - was conceived as an opportunity for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show. Without any pushing, Pecha Kucha Night has spread virally to over 100 cities across the world.

8:20pm. Free, no tickets necessary. This event will take place either just outside MOCA on the grass below their windows or inside the museum. For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Paris 36

If it rains this weekend, you'll know where to find me...

Opening this weekend at Cedar Lee....Paris 36. A film set in 1936 Paris where three out-of-work friends (Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad) create a musical and must struggle with their lack of experience and a local thug in order to run the show and raise enough money to buy the theater.



If you want more, check out this scene in the movie filled with a french nautical musical review...I was in heaven!
www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1846084377/



For showtimes visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

One Mans Personal Star Wars (5/07-10)

A one-hour, high energy, nonstop blast through the first three Star Wars films. The catch is there's only one cast member. Charles Ross, the writer and solo performer, spent too much of his childhood in a galaxy far, far away and adulthood has been similar. Ross plays all the characters, recreates the effects, sings the music, flies the ships, and fights both sides of the battles.



Wednesday, May 6th @ 8:30pm, Thursday, May 7th @ 8:30pm, Friday, May 8th @ 8:30pm, Saturday, May 9th @ 3:30 & 8:30pm and Sunday, May 10th @ 2:30pm

For more details on this performance and many more involved in Fusion Fest visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com

A Girls Guide to Coffee (5/03)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Everything you need to know can be learned behind the counter of the Steamed Bean Coffee House, at the hands of barista-extraordinaire Alex. Join her as she grapples with life, love, death, and decaf beans in her quest for the Holy Grail of espresso: The Perfect Latte. Part of the Cleveland Playhouse Fusiofest 2009.



Written by Eric Coble, directed by Seth Gordon. 4:00pm @ Studio One in Cleveland Playhouse. For $10 tickets visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Dogugaeshi (4/30-5/03)

“A gorgeous..cavorting..dance...it will come to you as far as you let it in” - The New York Times

Dogugaeshi by Basil Twist : Meet George Marvin Brush—Don Quixote come to Main Street in the Great Depression, and one of Thornton Wilder’s most memorable characters. A traveling textbook salesman, he is also a fervent religious convert determined to lead “a good life.” In a startlingly relevant tale of religion and tolerance—with poignant and sometimes hilarious consequences—his travels take him through smoking cars, bawdy houses, banks, and campgrounds from Texas to Illinois—and into the soul of America.



The multidisciplinary production blends Twist's signature puppetry with video projection design by Peter Flaherty, Lighting design by Andrew Hill and sound design by Greg Duffin.

Thursday, April 30th @ 7:30pm, Friday, May 1st @ 7:30pm, Saturday, May 2nd @ 3:00 & 7:30pm, Sunday, May 3rd @ 3:00 & 7:30pm

For tickets visit www.clevelandart.org/events/BasilTwist.aspx for more about the production visit www.basiltwist.com

It Started...Day 5

It's Day 5 of the 34th Cleveland International Film Festival. Yesterday (Day 4) I was lucky enough to see two very different films.

On the sunny Sunday morning I hopped onto the Rapid and made my way to Tower City for the morning movies. There was a great sense of anticipation as to what this years festival would hold for me. The smell of popcorn, the program all dog-eared, the friends gathering together in the lobby, I knew I was in for a treat.

One of my favorite things is to see is the festival trailer that the designers at Twist Creative and the filmmakers at Authentic Films have created together. This years did not disappoint; great job guys! It's fun to watch and pick out people you may know, take a look below.



Enjoy week two of the festival , with many more films on my agenda, I know I will! For the complete schedule visit www.clevelandfilm.org