Dec 29, 2024

PSQ Year in Review

And just like that… 2024 has come to an end! While we can’t wait to see all of the exciting things that 2025 has in store for Playhouse Square, we decided to reminisce on the year that was and share some of our favorite PSQ moments from the past 365 days.

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Exciting Education Initiatives

For more than 25 years, the Playhouse Square education department has been leading the charge on arts education opportunities, and 2024 was no different. The team created and self-produced its first production for young audiences, Velveteen, A New Musical. They also previewed new programming, with help from A Beautiful Noise cast member, that will provide therapeutic opportunities for people affected by Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and for their caregivers.

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Beloved Special Events Return

2024 also marked the return of fan favorite events at Playhouse Square. Free public tours of our performance spaces, led by our knowledgeable RedCoats, relaunched and sold out every month! This summer, the Connor Palace revisited its movie house roots of yesteryear for the Cinema at the Square series. And one of the most anticipated events of the year – the KeyBank Broadway Series announcement –came back in style with an in-person event, featuring musical performances and a fantastic 2024-25 line-up.

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Broadway Cleveland

Speaking of Broadway, 2024 was another showstopping year for Playhouse Square. We played host to the national tour launch of Back to the Future The Musical and announced two more national tour launches for 2025 – The Notebook and Hell’s Kitchen. Rock ‘n’ roll and Broadway came together when Neil Diamond donated artifacts to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame while the tour of A Beautiful Noise was in Cleveland. And the theater community showed their support for one of Northeast Ohio’s own as the cast of STOMP! performed at Tusky Valley schools for a special afternoon.

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Developing District

The Playhouse Square District expanded in 2024, offering guests more exciting destinations to experience. The Brasserie and The Bulkley Bar opened inside the historic Bulkley Building. The two spaces were completely transformed to reflect the ambience of the building, giving guests coffee by day at The Brasserie and handcrafted cocktails by night at The Bulkley Bar. New restaurants like The Friars’ Table and Gochujang added to the diverse dining offerings for residents and visitors alike. Progress continued on The Bulkley Residences, which will bring a new living option for Clevelanders and artist housing to our district. And more is on the horizon with Playhouse Square’s purchase of the Greyhound Station. The venue is set to feature a 1947 Greyhound bus which artist Robert Louis Brandon Stevens will be transforming into a permanent installation highlighting The Great Migration.

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Community Collaboration

Playhouse Square is a proud member of the Northeast Ohio community and collaborating with partners around the city is always a highlight. We welcomed Karamu House, the oldest black theater company in America, as an affiliate company. Then, sports met center stage when we partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Cleveland’s NBA City Edition Jersey. Playhouse Square elements were featured not only on the uniform, but also on the court at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. We are also grateful to the residents of Cuyahoga County for passing Issue 55 this past November. The funding from this tax, along with other generous donations, help to support our not-for-profit mission and create a positive impact in our region.