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Your Guide to Ohio Theater, Performing Arts and Outdoor Dramas
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The Akron Civic Theater has provided free performances in the past including, ballet excerpts from the Nutcracker show during the holidays, holiday shows, organ concerts and barber-shoppers.
The theater was built in 1929 by John Eberson, a famous theater architect. Its interior is designed after a Moorish castle featuring Mediterranean décor, medieval carvings, Italian sculpture and other European antiques. The auditorium resembles a night in a Moorish garden that includes clouds and stars drifting across the domes ceiling. The Civic is only one of five remaining atmospheric theaters in the country.
Printout: Akron Civic Theater Fantastic Fridays
When: See 2005 concert schedule below
Location: Akron, Ohio
Phone: 330-535-8131
The Akron Symphony is a professional orchestra that performs Classic Series concerts, Family Series concerts, Sundays at the Elms chamber music concerts, Concerts for Kids preschool concerts, free Picnic Pops in the parks concerts, a popular Gospel Meets Symphony concert, Holiday Pops and other special concerts and educational outreach programs.
Printout: Akron Symphony
ASHTABULA ARTS
CENTER
(admission and free events)
When: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open other hours for events.
Location: 2928 West 13th St., Ashtabula, OH 44004
Phone: 440-964-3396
The Ashtabula Arts Center is a non-profit fine arts center. The G. B. Community Theatre and the summer Straw Hat Theatre offer quality performances of popular shows and musicals nearly every weekend of the year. Ticket prices range from $6 - $12. The art gallery displays a free monthly art exhibit. The Varied musical events offered throughout the year include coffeehouses and outdoor concerts. The Ballet Theatre Company Ashtabula produces the Nutcracker each December as well as a Spring Dance show in May. Numerous classes and workshops are offered year-round in music, theater, dance and the visual arts. Individual music instruction is also available. All events are reasonably priced. Financial aid is available.
Printout: Ashtabula Arts Center
When: Summer months, usually beginning the first week in June
Location: Caesar’s Ford Amphitheater, 520 S. Stringtown Road, Xenia, OH
Phone: 877-465-BLUE or 937-228-3630
Expert horsemanship is exhibited as riders thunder across the stage in the portrayal of Blue Jacket. An outdoor drama in Xenia reveals the Ohio Valley as it appeared in the 1700s showing the struggles between the frontiersmen and the Indians as the Shawnee fought for the land of the Native Americans. The drama portrays Blue Jacket’s life. At age 17, Marmaduke Van Swearingen, a white boy, was adopted by the Shawnee and eventually became a respected War Chief of the Shawnee Nation. Blue Jacket is more than a drama, but a living legacy of the Ohio Valley.
Printout: Blue Jacket Outdoor Drama
When: Show times are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m., Sunday Evenings at 5:00 p.m., Matinees are Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Dinner is served two hours prior to curtain. Ticket prices range from $28.50 - $49.00, plus a nominal processing fee.
Location: 1275 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44306
Phone: 330-724-9855 or 800-362-4100
Enjoy
a great meal and Broadway musicals at the largest professional dinner theatre in
the world. The Carousel combines the plush atmosphere of a luxurious New York
City Supper Club of the 1940's with the glamour of a live musical comparable to
any touring production. With 51,000 square feet, the Carousel can entertain over
one thousand guests. Experience a night at the Carousel and talk about it long
after. Carouse is a non-smoking facility.
Printout: Carousel Dinner Theater
These renowned orchestras and others throughout the state sometimes perform smaller, free concerts at various locations in their respective greater metropolitan areas throughout the year. Keep an eye open for announcements in local newspapers or by periodically visiting the respective Web addresses listed above to find out when the next free event is being planned.
Printout: Ohio Orchestras in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo
The Cleveland Institute of Music is a leading international conservatory. The school’s teachers and students collaborate and provide concerts for the community at its main building at Cleveland’s University Circle. Visitors may see fully staged operas, enjoy special events for children and listen to the CIM Orchestra perform. Concerts are held weekly. And events also take place at the Institute’s northeast Ohio branch locations in Shaker, Orange, Hudson and Fairview Park.
Printout: Cleveland Institute of Music
CLEVELAND PLAYHOUSE SQUARE CENTER
Featuring the State, Palace, Ohio and Allen Theaters
Location: 1501 Euclid Ave., Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-771-4444
This is one of the nation’s premier performing arts centers, perhaps the largest in the United States. The large complex is located along Euclid Avenue incorporating several renovated theaters, namely: the Palace, State, Ohio, Allen, E. 14th and the Hanna. A multitude of talent can be seen in opera, dramas, dance and musicals. The theaters and talent can best be described as “amazing.” Other theater companies are choosing Playhouse Square rather than Broadway in New York City. Tickets may be purchased by calling or online. The Idea Center is also located in the heart of Playhouse Square. It is a place for creativity and education for all ages and backgrounds. For registration, call 216-348-7909. The Cleveland public libraries also work in cooperation with the Playhouse Square Foundation’s Arts Education Department offering additional educational projects.
Printout: Cleveland Playhouse Square Center
Location: 322 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
Phone Numbers: General - 614.229.4860, Box Office - 614.229.4848
BalletMet Columbus ranks among the nation's 15 largest dance companies, and its Dance Academy ranks among the five largest professional dance-training centers. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has added 102 company premieres to its repertoire and produced 79 world premieres. It has also developed DanceReach, a series of educational and outreach programs that serve 40,000 people annually, as well as a Community Outreach Scholarship program that provides full tuition for talented minority and underserved youth.
Printout: BalletMet Columbus
Location: 512 North Park Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2224, or Administrative Office, 372 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-224-6673
Since 1963 Columbus Children’s Theatre has offered a variety of drama and performance programs of interest to young and old alike. Located near the North Market, CCT offers approximately six productions each year. CCT also offers a year-round academy where a novice thespian, ages K-8, has the opportunity to learn and practice his/her craft. There’s also a professional touring company, which has been bringing quality live theatre to Ohio schools since 1972.
Printout: Columbus Children's Theatre
The mission of the Columbus Symphony is to advance a
symphony orchestra of the highest artistic standard for the enrichment,
enjoyment, and well-being of central Ohio. This mission is achieved through a
diverse set of programming that promises something for everyone throughout the
year.
The Columbus Symphony offers eight programs annually: Classical, Concerts for
Kids, State Street Pops, Picnic with the Pops, Popcorn Pops, Youth Orchestras,
Community Outreach Programs, and Young Peoples' Concerts. Special events and
engagements are also available. Call for complete concert schedule,
announcements, special offers, and a free e-newsletter.
Printout: Columbus Symphony
Box Office Hours 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday
Location: 4990 Glenway Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
Phone: 513-241-6550
The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, continues to grow as the region’s newest and most exciting theatrical venue. The Covedale has been converted from a 1947 movie house to a live theatre, featuring the best in local performers and performances. The season ahead features classic shows, sure to delight every audience: one patriotic musical; the Covedale’s annual Dickensian holiday treat; an intimate family comedy/drama with humor and heart; a new musical review and an all-time Broadway hit, chock full of “My Favorite Things”!
Printout: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
These Free On Friday concerts feature big band to jazz and include jugglers and other entertainment. It is a pleasant way to end the work-week and sit in the warmth of the evening sun and enjoy outdoor concerts and shows for free. Past performances included plays like John Henry by the Mad River Theater Works; pop, soul, R&B, gospel, doo-wop and jazz by the cappella group – Fourth Avenue; Pop Wagner – the singer, lasso twirler and cowboy anthems. And also, the Juggernaut Jug Band complete with washboards, washtubs, kazoos, jugs and you name it; contemporary music, beach party music and civic bands.
Printout: Fairborn Summer Park Series
More than 100 FREE outdoor performances featuring a variety of music, drama, dance and children’s programs are arranged by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Locations and days of the week vary from event to event. Past Music in the Air events have featured gospel, folk and jazz music; music, dance, theater and interactive programs for kids; popular and classical music at Topiary Gardens; poetry, dance, “musical mornings” and much more. Plan to bring a blanket and picnic basket wherever you go to listen to the Music in the Air.
Printout: Music in the Air
For more than 30 years, the Ohio Ballet has opened its season with a series of FREE outdoor shows. In recent years, more than 10,000 people turn out at approximately three locations to see eight performances in casual and family-friendly atmospheres. There are also interactive pre-shows for children before events where some kids are invited on stage to learn basic ballet moves and more.
Printout: Ohio Ballet Summer Festival
The Players Guild Theatre is a volunteer-based, professionally directed theatre. Players Guild Theatre offers instruction in theatre arts through production experience, workshops, special programming and outreach activities. At Players Guild Theatre, volunteers work side by side with professionals in order to maintain the highest standards of production, encourage individual creativity and enhance their understanding and appreciation of live theatre. Players Guild Theatre, EXPERIENCE IT LIVE!
Printout: Players Guild Theatre
Come early to find a good lawn seat and bring a blanket for the whole family. This award winning show has been running for several years and has wowed thousands. Visitors will enjoy Shakespeare the way Shakespeare was meant to be enjoyed – amidst the festive atmosphere of a vibrant community. The actors and staff offer a show that is fresh and entertaining for the modern world. So, enjoy good old-fashioned theatre in the glow of the summer’s afternoon sun.
Printout: Shakespeare Festival
These free performances in the park began more than 20 years ago. It is said that the tradition started when a dog led cofounders Patricia and Gary Ellson there. Once there, they found an unused band shell. Having a love for Shakespeare, the two sought permission to use the stage to offer free shows to the community. Well, as they say, the rest is history. What was started as an amateur group grew into a professional production and has attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators. Enjoy this fascinating tradition. Note, you may want to call first to see if your dog is allowed to attend.
Printout: Shakespeare in the Park
Box Office Hours 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday (off site)
Location: 435 East Mehring Way in Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513-241-6550
Filled with musicals and comedies to please every patron - aboard America’s last original and intact showboat - the 2007 season features a trip to a swanky hotel, one sentimental journey, a pirate ship, a haunted house, a high school stage and the Western Indian Territory too! It’s the Majestic’s 84th year and they’re serving up another bright and bubbly season on the river.
Printout: Historic Showboat Majestic
Cleveland
Location: 8500 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone: 216-229-2838
The Signstage Theatre was founded by one deaf actor and one hearing actor in 1975. Since then the theatre has established a sound reputation for bringing a new and colorful expression of theatre to the stage. The theatre combines American Sign Language with the imagery of mime and theatrical text to bring a unique form of art to the audience. Recently the Signstage team has been on tour with the act Beauty and the Beast which has been playing sold out crowds and been receiving excellent reviews.
Printout: Cleveland SignStage Theatre
The Speak
Easy in Bucyrus, Ohio is the underground location where famous Mob Boss
Al Capone and his cronies were known to hangout while in town.
The hotel was built in 1916 and was named the Highway Hotel. During the 1920's it was a popular spot for gangsters traveling from Chicago to New York and return trip. At that time there were tunnels under the city of Bucyrus and the tunnel in our Speak Easy still exists (Other tunnels have been replaced by modern basements, etc. due to new construction, etc). The area was called the Highway Grill; Late 1930's it was a Rathskeller and then the area was closed until renovation and reopening of the historic Speak Easy was completed in 2003. Everything is now just as it was in the 1920's and all the modern plumbing equipment has been covered up. The woodwork, tables, etc. are original. The elevator is still the original and is hand operated. It is a treat to ride. A play has been written based on history, facts of the era, singing, dancing, gangsters, and just bringing the 1920's alive. The production is by the Bucyrus Little Theater. A minimum of 25 persons is required for the production. There are two shows available...30 minute and a one-hour length show. The short shows have been presented to several tour bus groups and additional special presentations included Sweetest Day. It was a sellout. The Speak Easy opportunities are available by contacting the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau, 301 South Sandusky Avenue, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820; 419-562-0720; 1-866-562-0720. email - tourism@cybrtown.com or check out our website www.bucyrus.org.
Printout: Speak Easy
Box office hours are Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm
Location: 34 Public Square in Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Phone: 740-753-1924
Stuart's Opera House is a unique second floor theater that has been the cornerstone of Nelsonville's Historic Arts District since 1879. With more than 75 events every year, they serve Southeast Ohio and beyond as a one of a kind venue for a wide range of music, theatre and community functions.
Printout: Stuart's Opera House
Admission: Mon. -Thur. Adults -
$17, children 10 and younger $10; Fri. & Sat. adults: $19 and children $12*.
*Not
recommended for children age 6 or under.
Have we as a nation lost touch with our past? Do our kids think history is what happened two weeks ago on “The Bachelor”? Which did you want to be, Daniel Boone or Geronimo, when you played in the woods? For less than a tank of gas you can immerse yourself and your family in the struggle and spectacle of the late 1700’s. In Chillicothe, Ohio the outdoor drama “Tecumseh!” has been bringing the past to life every summer for the last thirty-two years. The story of the legendary Shawnee leader has played to over two million audience members from over one hundred countries. How long has it been since we embraced the heroes who walked this soil not so very long ago?
Imagine yourself seated in the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre: although you are sitting in a state-of-the-art theatrical facility, you are also perched in a crag on the side of a mountain surrounded by hardwoods hundreds of years old and a gentle breeze. Little would you suspect that you are about to be encircled by a herd of galloping horses and a volley of black powder rifle shot. Warriors with tomahawks and frontiersmen brandishing knives are battling for the very right to breathe in this verdant land. Fierce convictions are held on both sides; white and native battle with the morality of the accepted, traditional way of achieving triumph over the other. Yet this is not a tale of hatred, but a complex love story…the story of two peoples and their love for the land.
In a brilliant script, often called the best of its genre, seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and Emmy recipient Allan W. Eckert brings to the stage the constant and time-honored question - how far would you go to save the people and land you cherish? Over the course of his lifetime, Tecumseh fought to do just that. The play spans the years from 1784 to 1813, and the lush outdoor set portrays ground from the Kentucky Territory up through the Thames River in Ontario, site of Tecumseh’s last battle.
Printout: Tecumseh plus additional show and area information
Open: Friday and Saturday from June 15 to September 22, 2007 at 8 p.m. (Show runs one hour earlier in September)
Location: 6010 College Hill Road in Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone: 740-439-2761
This outdoor drama features the life and ministry of Jesus Christ on a 400 panoramic set in one of the country’s most realistic recreations of Old Jerusalem. The drama offers reenactments of The Sermon on the Mount, The Palm Sunday Entrance, The Last Supper, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection, and The Ascension. A tour of the set and special music are both offered starting an hour before the show.
Printout: The Living Word Outdoor Drama
TRUMPET IN THE LAND
& THE WHITE SAVAGE Outdoor Dramas
(Admission:
Adults - $15.00 / Children (12 and under) - $7.00)
When: June 8 –
Location: Schoenbrunn
Amphitheatre in New Philadelphia,
Phone: 330-364-5111
TRUMPET IN THE LAND sweeps you
back in history to a time when
THE WHITE SAVAGE is the life of Simon Girty who was labeled a savage due to his alliance with the Native Americans and the British during the American Revolution. His loyalty to the Indian and his savagery in battle were legendary and his name brought fear to all along the frontier in the late eighteenth century.
Professional actors, brilliant lighting effects, galloping horses and spectacular battle pyrotechnics bring both of these epic productions to life on the stage of the 1,400 seat outdoor amphitheatre.
Printout: Trumpet In The Land and The White Savage outdoor dramas
Disclosure: As a precaution, please call ahead to the venues you plan to visit to ensure that the hours, admittance and other data in this Web site have not changed. We assume no responsibility for omissions, inaccuracies or errors within the contents of this Web site. However, we will take into consideration, any comments that would better represent the venues within, and add them to our Web site.
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