This past weekend I went on epic Monkees road trip 2012. We had tickets to a sold out show at the…read moreChicago Theatre and a sold out show at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. The Chicago Theatre show was pretty incredible but it was the Lakewood show that truly blew my mind. And it wasn't entirely over the act on stage. First off, this ish IS A HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. No joke. I pulled out the tickets on our drive into Ohio and tried to get a sense of where our seats were compared to the night before and when I googled the venue for a seating chart I got a link to the Lakewood High School. "Oh, this can't be right." I thought to myself. But oh yes, it totally was. "Doug, you're never going to believe this." I told my fella, "but this is at a high school auditorium." "Noooo. That must me wrong," he said. "We just saw them at a sold out show at the Chicago Theatre!" We both remained skeptical. I had read other reviews saying that, given that this is a high school, parking is sparse. SO we heeded the advice and parked a few blocks away. As we rounded the corner, still not believing that this was where we were headed, I saw the high school appear. We walked up and I saw the signs, the teacher's parking lot, the Johnny Appleseed statues above the entrance to the auditorium. I murmured to my boy that I felt like I was going to a local production of "South Pacific." The security ushered us in through the doors, took our tickets, and I walked through the massive merch line in the lobby. I expected to be handed a hand drawn program for the evening filled with senior class shout-outs. Instead I left with 2 packs of Monkees buttons. Much better. When we walked into the theatre I legitimately let out the most insane guffaw I have might have ever uttered. It was definitely bigger than my high school's theatre but it was a school theatre nonetheless and I was in disbelief. At this point I actually started to get excited. The Chicago Theatre is pretty huge, around 4000 people. This theatre had a max capacity of probably around 1500. As a massive Monkees fan since I was about 4 or 5 years old I was genuinely psyched to be in such a small space to see them. As we got up to our seats I was even more geeked. They. Were. Awesome. And way cheaper than Chicago to boot. SCORE. In days of yore (AKA--the 60s) seeing pop acts in high school auditoriums was common place so it actually really fit in with the theme of the night. My fella kept asking "Is this 1968?!" And for those 2 hours, it totally was! But this is a review about the venue not the show so let's go to the pros and cons of the space: Pro: Small size means the show feels really intimate and awesome. Pro: Spacious seating. I've been to theaters where the next row in front of me is right at my knees. Not the case here. I could really move around and shake my ass to Randy Scouse Git without trouble. Pro: A good slant on the floor so I had a perfect view of the stage without the rows in front of me blocking my view. SUPER MEGA CON: It's not a professional theatre so they had a ton of tech issues. Sound problems, video issues, etc. Most people probably wouldn't notice but since I saw a technically flawless show the night before it really stuck out to me. Also the sound cut out on more than a few occasions, a few of which were particularly poignant moments (THE DAVY JONES MEMORIAL VIDEO. Sigh). Con: The show was multimedia heavy so they had to bring in a projector (a lot of venues already have one built into a sound board). Said projector was on a cart, not dissimilar to the kind they would put a TV on in your classroom (aka, the most exciting day of school ever). The cart was in the middle of an aisle and as people bumped it the picture shook which was kind of annoying. Probably would have been better to have placed it by the sound booth or away from 50 year old women TOTALLY FREAKING OUT. Con: Acoustically not as awesome as other proper music venues, although I also have heard worse. Con: No booze. It's a high school, yo! But you could buy bottled water for a dollar. Pro/Con: I felt like I was in high school. Both delightful and kind of terrifying. SO in the end it was definitely an incredible evening but most of that had to do with the act I was seeing and the fact that it was such a small venue. I also got a total kick out the space which keeps this rating at an even three. I could see how someone who doesn't enjoy completely weird experiences (such as myself) might not find this spot to be "A-OK" but on a whole it was a hilarious night that I've enjoyed talking about. And for some older dudes they rocked the shit out of that set list. Welcome back, Nez. Your glittery shoes looked exquisite. Ps--later that night an old college friend of mine who lives in Lakewood sent me a text to inform me that that's where her 2 year old daughter takes swimming lessons. Awesome.

Great venue, but they need more rules…read more I went to see the Aziz Azari comedy show where people spent well over $40 plus for tickets and my entire experience was ruined because the Auditorium lets people in whenever they get there. What, you couldn't find parking? Maybe get there earlier. What, you don't know where your seats are? Maybe get there earlier. What, you can't see in the dark? Maybe you should get them earlier. People, you need to get there earlier!!!!! At Playhouse Square they make everyone get there ON TIME and they hold everyone back till the first break. Nothing wrong with that, you're late...you need to wait. Your problem, not mine. At Lakewood Civ Auditorium on the other hand, if you get there late you know what? You get to stand in the hallways with your cell phones out and ushers with their flashlights, talking, confusedly telling you where to go, walking up and down the aisles, yelling to people across the way that you found your seats, which just so happen to be in the MIDDLE of the seating area which means everyone needs to stand up to let you in....Oh, you know, for the ENTIRE show! Oh, wait...there's someone on stage? Sorry, couldn't tell. Ugh...people!!! We didn't pay to see you, we paid to see Aziz!

"A change is on the way, I can feel it for you." -- BKYLN: The Musical…read more I visited for the first time on the 17th of February 2024 to watch BKYLN: The Musical. The play was wonderful with many young, talented actors. It was about a young girl, Brooklyn, who is trying to make it as a singer living in New York City while searching for her father but living without her mother who died young in Paris. Brooklyn has to compete in a music competition with a rival and more scandalous singer and that's when the fun of everything begins. If you enjoy live singing and dancing then you would have loved this musical. I didn't get a chance to walk around the theatre after the play but I later read online that there is a cafe there incase you want something to eat or drink. I love that this theatre has a "Pay What You Can" payment structure to ensure that theatre is available for everyone. Thus, when you pay for your ticket, you can pay any amount that you feel comfortable paying or that you can afford. The theatre provides recommended payment amounts on their website to help you decide what to pay if you are unsure. I will certainly be back here to watch another play. **** GOAL of 150 reviews in 2024 - 12/150 total reviews in 2024 - 662 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 16 March 2024

Was treated to Big Fish at this theater for my birthday. It was my first time here. Very…read morecommunity focused theater. The production was excellent. The performers were very talented. I'd never seen this show before and it was truly moving !!! I the seats were a bit uncomfortable, but it looks like they're working to replace them. I'll definitely be returning to this theater!!! Clevelanders are very blessed to have such talent and avenues for them to perform. If you've never been, please support these talented artists.

I have been twice, and enjoyed it each time. Nice set up and great shows. The costumes for Into the…read moreWoods were great. I will be back.

I visited this theatre in mid-December 2024 to watch a play titled "Altar Boyz". I met a few…read morefriends there. I didn't realize that the theatre itself is inside the massive 78th street studios, which houses galleries, the 3rd Fridays art/gallery event, boutique shops from local businesses, and more. The theatre is on the 2nd floor of the 78th street studios. As I entered, I was lost and the random people that I asked couldn't help which was frustrating at best. I then ran into someone who was looking for the theatre like myself so we helped each other find it. Eventually, we saw signs leading us to the theatre and arrived with a minute or so to spare before the show started. The theatre itself is small and intimate. There is a stage up in the front-center plus a sound booth behind the stage. I enjoyed the play Altar Boyz but some parts were a bit offensive to the Christian religion but I suppose that was the point of the play. The actors, which were all male, did a great job. I can certainly see myself coming back here to watch another play. **** GOAL of 365 reviews in 2025 - 3/365 total reviews in 2025 - 784 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 1 January 2025

Nice, intimate theatre space. Saw an independent company perform here, and really enjoyed the…read moreexperience.

Our family just attended the wonderful Clague Playhouse production of Neil Simons' "Lost in…read moreYonkers". The performance was outstanding. Comedic timing was perfection. Sad, happy, laugh out loud funny are some of the emotions felt as we were drawn into this incredible storyline. Elaine Feagler portrayed Bella to absolute perfection. Her performance brought us to great bursts of laughter, and, yes, even tears. Local thespian, Elliot Lockshine (Arty), literally stole the show with his wonderful protrayal of the spunky little brother with the great comedic timing. Such a talented young lad! Meg Parish (Grandma Kurniz) was totally wonderful in her protrayal of a 1930s' Jewish grandmother. She brought to life a lost generation. Chris Bizub (Uncle Louie), Jake Ingrassia (Jay) and Lisa Margevicius (Gert) all gave great performances, as well. Clague Playhouse is a small, initimate theatre, but, this afternoon it became a grand playhouse with a production worthy of Clevelands' Palace Theatre. So, if you want to see an outstanding performance and be totally entertained you need to get to "Lost in Yonkers" at Clague Playhouse for their very next performance.

I visited Cleveland Public Theatre for the first time on Monday evening (a holiday - President's…read moreDay), 19 February 2024 to watch the play "ALTER". That day also happened to be the theatre's "Market Monday" so I got to browse local business before the play - I purchased some sweet alfajores and empanadas from Jossi's Bakery. I ate the two empanadas before heading into the play. Customer service was great. There was a greeter right as you entered the main doors and another greeter upstairs in the theatre area. The play was shown inside the James Levin Theatre which is upstairs and I believe there is another theatre inside the building too. PLAYS -- I saw ALTER on 19 Feb. and EYES ON THE BRIDGE on the 9th of March 2024. I went to the first play, Alter, by myself, and the second play with my 2 friends. Both shows were amazing with very talented female and male actors. Both shows did not have any fancy equipment but it wasn't needed because the acting was so good. FREE TEA/COFFEE (inside the James Levin Theatre) -- There is a small section to grab free tea or coffee right before you walk into the theatre. There is a small CONCESSION stand where you can purchase drinks and snacks. I love that the Cleveland Public Theatre has a "Pay What You Can" payment structure to ensure that theatre is available for everyone. Thus, when you pay for your ticket, you can pay any amount that you feel comfortable paying or that you can afford. The theatre provides recommended payment amounts on their website to help you decide what to pay if you are unsure. I will certainly be back here to watch another play. Whether you attend a play solo or with friends, you will enjoy your experience. **** GOAL of 150 reviews in 2024 - 13/150 total reviews in 2024 - 663 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 16 March 2024

Visited for the first time over the weekend to see the Mojumba Dance Company performance of "Where…read morethe Light Enters". The show was absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! "Where the light enters highlights Black Woman and their struggles throughout generations and the resulting traumas endured as a community. We are working to hold space for Black Woman and have the conversation which brings us from the margin to the CENTER - excerts from the program" The performance featured modern and African dances. Musicians who plated the trumpet, bass, African drums and singers. The dancers were all incredible and super talented. It was such an amazing experience. The theatre has an old rustic feel to it and there was a visual artist by the name of Elysa Byrd that had a beautiful piece inside the gallery. The theatre offers good seating and although it's in the busy area of Gordon Square I was able to find good parking. There are many food options nearby such as Brewnuts, Ninja City Kitchen and Blue Hababero to name a few. Looking forward to attending another show in the very near future!!!

I've been coming downtown to Playhouse square for 30 Years. I have been a season ticket holder for…read morethe last 10 yrs. Right now is the prime experience. The Key Bank Broadway series, the other touring plays that come into town are all top notch and award winning. It's premier entertainment all around. Date night, girls night, family night. The shows are truly top notch. Plus, they have comedians, musicians all the time. It's world class and can compete with NY or Chicago any day. Check out the website to see who's coming. Holidays are especially fun. Don't snooze on this experience. You'll have fun! And for the cost conscious they have discounts and ways to save. Check them out!

Cat Kid the Musical…read more I visited as part of a school event. The pricing and coordination was great. The musical itself was great for kids. They laughed the whole time and it was very on point with the dav pileky books.