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Play House offers wide variety for new season
(by Herb Hammer - June 13, 2012)
Play House offers wide variety for new season
THEATRE, BY HERB HAMMER
Every year at this time, the Cleveland Play House announces its new season. From September 2012 to May 2013, the theater will continue to show off its new digs, the Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square.
This year the theater will begin a bit early. "One Night With Janis Joplin," by Randy Johnson, will open on July 27. Once called the "Queen of Rock and Roll," this is the second time around for a biography of Miss Joplin. "Love Janis" was staged by the Play House some years ago. This new show will be having its world premiere. It closes Aug. 19.
"Lombardi," by Eric Simonson, one of last year's Broadway hits, will come to the Play House. The play centers on the life and times of famed football coach Vince Lombardi. Rather than football, the play, as it turns out, is a family drama. "Lombardi" runs from Sept. 14 to Oct. 7.
The surprise Broadway hit "The Whipping Man," by Matthew Lopez, will open at the Play House Second Stage on Nov. 2, closing on Nov. 25. The suspenseful drama takes place just after the Civil War.
Holiday time brings "A Carol for Cleveland," a newly adapted play by local playwright Eric Coble. Adapted from a story by mystery novelist Les Roberts, this family play is a modern version of the Dickens classic. "A Carol for Cleveland" plays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23.
On Jan. 11, the Play House will stage the 1950's hit "Bell, Book and Candle" which was later adapted to the screen starring Kim Novak and James Stewart. The comedy is all about witches and love. This John Van Druten play will close on Feb. 3.
"The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith," by Angelo Parra, will play from Feb. 15 to March 10. This long-running, off-Broadway hit will come to the Play House starring Miche Braden. She will be singing in the soulful style of Miss Smith.
"Good People" tells the tale of two high school friends from both sides of the tracks. David Lindsay Abaire's play has been called a funny and potent tale of those who cannot escape their past. The play runs from March 22 to April 14.
The final play of the season, "Rich Girl" by Victoria Stewart, is another world premiere. The coming of age story is about a shy young woman trying to emerge from the shadow of her mother. Play House Artistic Director Michael Bloom calls the play a "clever hip new comedy." It runs from April 19 to May 12.
Janis Joplin tickets are on sale now but individual tickets for the rest of the season won't be available until Aug. 19. Season subscriptions are always for sale.
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