cleveland performing arts

Cleveland Performing ArtsThose looking for music, theater, opera and other performances will find plenty of options and things to do in Cleveland. The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra performs mid-September through early June in historic Severance Hall, opened in 1931, in the University Circle area and at the open-air Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls early July through Labor Day weekend; phone (216) 231-1111 or (800) 686-1141 for tickets. Food is available at both facilities, and the patrons of Blossom Music Center can opt to bring a picnic.

The Cleveland Chamber Music Society performs at the Plymouth Church October through May. The Cleveland Contemporary Players, performing in the Music and Communications Building of Cleveland State University, gives concerts of contemporary music; phone (216) 802-3054 for scheduled programs.

Musical events are presented regularly at various sites across the city, including The Cleveland Music School Settlement, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University and the civic auditorium at Lakewood High School.

The students and faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as visiting artists perform a variety of musical types—including chamber, orchestra and opera—throughout the year on campus (11021 East Blvd. in University Circle) and at other locations in the city; phone (216) 791-5000 for schedule information.

PlayhouseSquare , on Euclid Avenue between E. 14th and E. 17th streets, is a performing arts destination that began in the 1920s with five theater, vaudeville and movie venues: Ohio Theatre, State Theatre, Allen Theatre, Connor Palace Theatre and Hanna Theatre. In the 1970s these theaters were saved from demolition by the community. Today the complex boasts nine performing spaces, including the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre inside the Idea Center at PlayhouseSquare. Among the types of performances offered are Broadway shows, opera, concerts, comedy, family shows and dance programs. PlayhouseSquare is home to resident companies DANCECleveland, Opera Cleveland, Great Lakes Theater Festival and Tri-C. For ticket information phone (216) 241-6000, or (800) 766-6048 outside the Cleveland area.

PlayhouseSquare recently jazzed up its neighborhood with the outdoor GE Chandelier, which suspends 44 feet above the E. 14th Street and Euclid Avenue intersection. As you can imagine, this 20-foot-tall beauty is a must-see at night.

The Cleveland Play House was established in 1915 as America's first permanent regional theater company. The original facility at 8500 Euclid Ave. was built in 1927 and housed two theaters. A 1983 expansion was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Philip Johnson and made it the country's largest regional theater complex. In 2011 the company kicked off the season at a new facility located at PlayhouseSquare's Allen Theatre Complex at 1407 Euclid Ave. The season runs September through May, with productions ranging from the classics to new plays and from comedies to musicals; phone (216) 241-6000.

Also established in 1915 was Karamu House. The company offers multicultural performances and programs at 2355 E. 89th St.; phone (216) 795-7070.

The Gordon Square Arts District is an emerging arts scene on Cleveland's West Side; it is home to Cleveland Public Theatre, (216) 631-2727, at 6415 Detroit Ave. Near West Theatre, (216) 961-9750, performs community theater at 6702 Detroit Ave. The 1921 Capitol Theatre has been restored and now shows independent, foreign and documentary films on three screens.

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival puts on about a dozen performances of free outdoor plays from mid-June to early August in Cleveland and several surrounding cities; the Cleveland venues include Lincoln Park.