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Wandering Dobama gets ready to settle in
(by Herb Hammer - September 10, 2009)
THEATER, BY HERB HAMMER
Wandering Dobama gets ready to settle in
Dobama has a new home.
After leaving its underground converted bowling alley on Coventry Road in 2005, Cleveland's much-loved theater is about to settle into its long-awaited permanent residence.
Four years of performing as a sort of vagabond troupe has finally come to an end. It was a tough fight. But the loyal board of directors never gave up. After pleading with the public and with every foundation that would listen, Dobama raised enough money to convert the abandoned YMCA building on Lee Road into a sparkling 200-seat theater. Opening night is Sept. 25.
Dobama never was a community theater. Since the very beginning 50 years ago, Dobama has been recognized by the theater community as the only truly professional company in town, second only to the Cleveland Play House.
Dobama is the brainchild of the late Don Bianchi. There is really no mystery in the name. There were Don, Barry and Mark. They took the first two letters of their first names and used the letters to create Dobama. Don told us, "People like to think the name was exotic like the name of an African village."
Dobama followers have known all along not to expect Neil Simon or Rodgers and Hammerstein. Don Bianchi always wanted his audience to think, to be involved. He wanted them to come away with a true theater experience. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn't. But Dobama has never given up on its mission.
Opening night at the new theater will be the world premiere of Eric Coble's "Ten More Minutes from Cleveland," directed by Dobama's new artistic director, Joel Hammer. Everyone knows who he is.
Aside from the many financial contributions, the City of Cleveland loaned the theater enough money to complete the project.
First, they had to cover the swimming pool. You'll never know it was there. The stage, the walls, the lights, the sound and much, much more will be worked on right up to the opening. Dobama has assured patrons all will be complete before opening curtain.
Theater in Northeast Ohio has been quiet this summer. In past years, we looked forward to "the summer season." For reasons we have yet to figure out, this has not been the case in the summer of 2009.
But worry not, theater followers, this fall will bring a rush of plays. As is usually the case, the variety alone could be staggering. Some will be well worth the price of admissions, and others will not. The good news is Dobama will be up and running on Lee Road, between Cedar Road and Fairmount Boulevard. Loyal followers just can't wait.
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