Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square
Name	Playhouse Square
Location	Cleveland, Ohio
Type	Performing arts center
Opened	1922
Architect	Thomas W. Lamb, C. Howard Crane
Owner	Playhouse Square Foundation

Playhouse Square is a historic theater district located in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. The district is home to several theaters, including the Palace Theatre, State Theatre, Ohio Theatre, and Allen Theatre, which host a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance productions, featuring renowned companies like the Cleveland Orchestra and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Playhouse Square has been recognized for its rich history and cultural significance, with notable visitors including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope. The district has also been involved in various community outreach programs, such as the Cleveland Foundation's Arts and Culture initiative and the National Endowment for the Arts' Art Works program.

History

The history of Playhouse Square dates back to the 1920s, when the Keith-Albee Vaudeville Circuit and the Orpheum Circuit built several theaters in the area, including the Palace Theatre and the State Theatre, which were designed by notable architects Thomas W. Lamb and C. Howard Crane. During the 1930s and 1940s, Playhouse Square became a popular destination for vaudeville and film performances, with notable acts including the Marx Brothers and Bing Crosby. The district also hosted various events, such as the Miss America pageant and the Academy Awards ceremony, which were broadcast on NBC and CBS. In the 1960s and 1970s, Playhouse Square experienced a decline in popularity, but was revitalized in the 1980s through the efforts of the Playhouse Square Foundation, which was established by Cleveland business leaders, including George Gund and Richard Pogue, with support from organizations like the Cleveland Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Architecture

The architecture of Playhouse Square is characterized by its mix of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, with notable features including the Palace Theatre's grand lobby and the State Theatre's ornate ceiling, which were designed by Thomas W. Lamb and C. Howard Crane. The district's theaters were built using a variety of materials, including marble, granite, and terrazzo, and feature intricate details, such as moldings and carvings, which were crafted by skilled artisans, including sculptor Lee Lawrie and stained glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. The theaters have been recognized for their historic significance, with several being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ohio Theatre and the Allen Theatre, which have been restored with support from organizations like the National Park Service and the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program.

Venues

Playhouse Square is home to several venues, including the Palace Theatre, State Theatre, Ohio Theatre, and Allen Theatre, which host a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance productions, featuring renowned companies like the Cleveland Orchestra and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The district also includes the Mimi Ohio Theatre, a smaller venue that hosts more intimate performances, such as jazz concerts and comedy acts, featuring performers like Diana Krall and Jerry Seinfeld. Additionally, Playhouse Square is home to the Playhouse Square Center, a conference and event space that hosts meetings, weddings, and other events, with support from organizations like the Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Ohio Tourism Division.

Performing Arts

Playhouse Square is a major hub for performing arts in Cleveland, with a variety of productions and performances taking place throughout the year, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance productions, featuring renowned companies like the Cleveland Orchestra and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The district is home to several resident companies, including the Cleveland Play House and the Great Lakes Theater, which produce a range of productions, from Shakespeare to musicals, with support from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council. Playhouse Square also hosts various festivals and events, such as the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Tri-C JazzFest, which feature performances by notable artists, including Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock.

Restoration and Renovation

In the 1980s, Playhouse Square underwent a major restoration and renovation effort, led by the Playhouse Square Foundation, which aimed to preserve the district's historic theaters and restore them to their original grandeur, with support from organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. The project involved the restoration of the Palace Theatre, State Theatre, and Ohio Theatre, as well as the construction of new venues, such as the Allen Theatre, which was designed by architect César Pelli. The restoration effort was recognized with several awards, including the National Preservation Award and the Ohio Historic Preservation Award, which were presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Ohio History Connection.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Playhouse Square is a major tourist destination in Cleveland, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world, with support from organizations like the Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Ohio Tourism Division. The district's theaters and venues host over 1 million visitors each year, generating significant revenue for the local economy, with estimates suggesting that Playhouse Square contributes over $100 million to the Cleveland economy annually, according to a study by the Cleveland State University's Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. The district is also a major employer, with hundreds of people working in the performing arts, hospitality, and tourism industries, including organizations like the Cleveland Orchestra and the Playhouse Square Foundation, which have partnerships with companies like KeyBank and Medical Mutual of Ohio. Additionally, Playhouse Square has been recognized for its community outreach programs, including the Playhouse Square Foundation's Arts and Education initiative, which provides arts education and outreach programs to local schools and community organizations, with support from organizations like the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation.

Category:Performing arts centers in the United States