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Join us for a heartwarming journey with "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch," streaming on demand from January 27 to February 14, 2025. This puppet play, based on the book by Eileen Spinelli, tells the story of Mr. Hatch, a man whose monochrome life of routine is forever changed when he receives a mysterious Valentine's Day gift. As he discovers the joy of friendship and the colors of life he had previously ignored, audiences of all ages, especially recommended for grades PreK-3, will be touched by the transformative power of kindness. This special streaming event offers a unique opportunity for schools to bring the magic of theater into the classroom. With a runtime of 39 minutes, the play is accessible on-demand, allowing teachers to schedule the viewing at the most convenient time for their class. Each registration, priced at $20 per class, accommodates up to 30 students and includes a wealth of resources to enrich the viewing experience. These resources include a Teacher Resource Guide, a Pre-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video, a Post-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video, and a Pre-recorded Artist Q&A. For Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers, thanks to the generous support of the KeyBank Foundation, a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets are available, ensuring that as many students as possible can enjoy this delightful production. To register your class for this unforgettable experience, please complete the online 2024-2025 School Field Trip Order Form. Note that registrations and orders by phone are not accepted, but our Education Hotline is available at 216-348-7909 or schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org for any questions or assistance in choosing the best shows for your class. Don't miss this opportunity to introduce your students to the joy and wonder of theater with "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch."

**Event: Black Boy Streaming Performance for Schools** **Dates:** February 3 - February 21, 2025 **Location:** Online - Playhouse Square **Description:** "Black Boy," a Literature to Life production, brings to life the powerful memoir by Richard Wright. This compelling performance captures the journey of a young man's transition from innocence to experience in the Jim Crow South. It stands as a bold confession and indictment, offering a poignant and disturbing glimpse into social injustice and human suffering. This event is recommended for grades 7-12 and provides an invaluable educational experience. **Streaming Details:** Content is available for on-demand streaming, allowing flexibility for classroom integration. Each registration permits multiple accesses to the content for the classroom, ensuring that educators can tailor the viewing experience to their teaching schedules. **Run Time:** 45 minutes **Educational Materials Included with Registration:** - Teacher Resource Guide - Pre-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video - Post-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video - Pre-recorded Artist Q&A **Registration Information:** - **Ticket Price:** $20 per class (up to 30 students). For larger or multiple classes, custom price quotes are available upon request. Adult participation is free but must be included in reservation counts. - **Special Offer for Cleveland Metropolitan School District:** Thanks to the KeyBank Foundation, a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets are available for CMSD schools and approved partnered schools. Contact for details and eligibility. **How to Register:** For the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the online School Field Trip Order Form. Note that registrations and orders by phone are not accepted, but assistance is available for choosing suitable shows for your class. **Contact Information:** For more information or assistance, please contact the Education Hotline at 216-348-7909 or email schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org. This event is a part of the Playhouse Square Education Department's Social Justice Series, aiming to engage students in critical thinking and discussions on important social issues.

Winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, PARADE has been proclaimed as “a work of art! As commanding as any musical revival to hit Broadway in years” (Deadline).

**Hadestown at E.J. Thomas Hall - Broadway in Akron** **Date:** February 22, 2025 **Times:** 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM **Ticket Prices:** $20 - $90 **Ticket Availability:** On Sale TBA **Event Description:** Dive into the mesmerizing world of *Hadestown*, a groundbreaking musical that has captivated audiences with its enchanting narrative and soul-stirring music. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, *Hadestown* brings to life a spellbinding love story that transcends time. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic setting, *Hadestown* intertwines the ancient myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, inviting audiences on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back. This innovative show, created by the celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by the visionary Rachel Chavkin, challenges the boundaries of faith, love, and sacrifice. With its haunting melodies, poetic storytelling, and a dynamic cast of actors, dancers, and singers, *Hadestown* offers a theatrical experience that is both haunting and hopeful. It's a compelling narrative where industry clashes with nature, doubt faces off against faith, and fear grapples with love, ensuring that audiences are held in its grip from start to finish. Don't miss your chance to witness how the world could be in this extraordinary musical journey. Stay tuned for ticket sale announcements and prepare to be part of the *Hadestown* phenomenon during the Broadway in Akron 2024-2025 season.

Join us at Playhouse Square for a captivating theatrical experience, "Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks," set to grace the stage of the Mimi Ohio Theatre from February 24-26, 2025. This unique production brings to life the award-winning book by Jason Reynolds, a New York Times best-selling author and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader, through an innovative mix of puppetry, dance, music, projections, audience participation, kamishibai paper theater, and more. "Look Both Ways" unfolds in ten vignettes, each set on a different block, exploring themes of identity, compassion, fear, and friendship. The show begins with an imaginative premise: a school bus falling from the sky, a moment unseen by all, too caught up in their own lives. What follows are ten tales that capture the essence of life after the school dismissal bell rings, encouraging audiences to not only look both ways when crossing the street but also when acknowledging the people around them. This performance is recommended for grades 5-12 and has a running time of 60 minutes. To ensure accessibility, the 10:00 a.m. performance on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, will feature sign language interpreters. Ticket prices are set at $7.00-$12.00, with special rates for groups and educational discounts available for Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers, thanks to the generous support of the KeyBank Foundation. Included with registration are a Teacher Resource Guide and pre- and post-show Classroom Connection Workshop videos, designed to enhance the educational impact of the performance. For those interested in attending this school matinee performance, part of the Playhouse Square Education Department Social Justice Series, please note that registrations must be completed online through the 2024-2025 School Field Trip Order Form. Phone registrations are not accepted, but assistance is available for those needing help selecting the best shows for their class. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a story of community, awareness, and the shared human experience, all told through a vibrant and innovative theatrical lens.

**Event: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad - A Streaming Performance for Schools** **Dates:** February 24 - March 14, 2025 **Location:** Streaming On Demand **Description:** Dive into the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman with this compelling drama accompanied by music. "Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad" is not just a play; it's a tribute to the iconic American figure who not only liberated herself but also hundreds of others from the shackles of slavery. Her bravery and actions forever altered the course of history. This musical history lesson, deeply moving and historically accurate, is an excellent opportunity for students to explore her adventurous life. **Features:** - **Books and Lyrics:** Douglas Jones - **Music:** Ron Barnett - **Recommended Grades:** 3-8 - **Run Time:** 60 minutes - **Content Accessibility:** Stream on-demand at any chosen time between February 24 and March 14, 2025. Content can be accessed multiple times with one registration per class. **Included with Registration:** - Teacher Resource Guide - Pre-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video - Post-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video **Registration Details:** - **Price:** $20 per class (up to 30 students). Free adult participation (must be included in reservation numbers). - **Special Offer:** Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers may be eligible for free or reduced-cost tickets thanks to a donation from the KeyBank Foundation. Check eligibility and contact for details. - **Field Trip Requests:** Complete the online 2024-2025 School Field Trip Order Form. Phone registrations/orders are not accepted. For assistance, contact the Education Hotline. **Contact Information:** - **Education Hotline:** 216-348-7909 - **Email:** schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org This event is a part of the Playhouse Square Education Department Social Justice Series, aiming to educate and inspire through the arts. Don't miss this opportunity to bring history to life for your students with this powerful and educational performance.

Join us at the Mimi Ohio Theatre from March 4th to 7th, 2025, for a magical performance of "The Gruffalo's Child," an enchanting adaptation of the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, presented by Tall Stories. This captivating musical brings to life the story of the Gruffalo's Child, who, despite her father's warnings, embarks on a daring adventure into the deep dark wood in search of the Big Bad Mouse. Along her journey, she meets various mysterious creatures, but is the Big Bad Mouse really out there? This performance is perfect for audiences of all ages, from 3 to 103, offering a blend of songs, laughs, and thrilling moments that will spark the imagination of children and adults alike. The show is particularly recommended for grades PreK-3 and has a running time of 60 minutes, making it an ideal outing for school groups, families, and anyone who loves a good story brought to life on stage. For school matinee performances, we offer special pricing and the opportunity for a unique educational experience. Groups of 10 or more can enjoy tickets at $7 each, with one complimentary ticket for every 20 purchased. Smaller groups of 9 or fewer are also welcome, with tickets priced at $12 each. Additionally, thanks to the generous support of the KeyBank Foundation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers can access a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets for their students. To enhance accessibility, the 10:00 a.m. performance on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, will feature sign language interpreters. Guests requiring this service are encouraged to note this on their order form to ensure appropriate seating. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into a world of adventure and imagination with "The Gruffalo's Child." To request a field trip or for more information on how to make this unforgettable experience part of your school year, please complete the online 2024-2025 School Field Trip Order Form or contact our Education Hotline. Join us for a story that proves even the smallest Gruffalo can have the biggest adventures.

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.

Join us at Playhouse Square for an unforgettable experience with the CTS Weekend Workshop: The Gruffalo's Child, part of the Children's Theater Series. This special event is scheduled for March 8th and 9th, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for children and their families to dive deeper into the magical world of one of their favorite stories. The workshop is designed to enhance your performance experience by exploring themes, ideas, and elements introduced within the production of The Gruffalo's Child. Led by professional community partners and teaching artists, each session promises to be a blend of education and entertainment. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including a hands-on craft, enjoying a themed snack, and participating in an on-your-feet portion that is unique to the production, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience. These 45-minute interactive workshops are not only fun but also educational, offering carefully curated content that is sure to captivate the young attendees. Priced at only $5 for children, with grown-ups joining free of charge, it's an affordable way to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your theater visit. Please note that registration is limited and required for participation, ensuring an intimate setting for all involved. Event times are as follows: - Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, and 3:15 PM - Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM and 3:15 PM Don't miss this chance to make your visit to Playhouse Square even more memorable. Register now to secure your spot in the CTS Weekend Workshop: The Gruffalo's Child and give your child an enriching experience that complements the magic of live theater.

**Event: Come From Away at Playhouse Square** **Dates:** March 25 - 26, 2025 **Venue:** E.J. Thomas Hall, part of the Broadway in Akron series **Ticket Prices:** $15 - $90 **Ticket Availability:** On Sale TBA **Event Description:** Broadway’s heartwarming hit, "Come From Away," is a critically acclaimed musical that has won the hearts of audiences all across North America. This New York Times Critics’ Pick unfolds the touching true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the welcoming small town in Newfoundland that opened its doors to them. Amidst the chaos of cultures clashing and nerves running high, an unexpected camaraderie forms, turning uneasiness into trust, letting music soar, and forging gratitude into lasting friendships. The musical is a masterpiece crafted by the talented Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and brought to life on stage under the direction of Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, with musical staging by Tony-nominee Kelly Devine. The touring production is directed by Daniel Goldstein, with musical staging by Richard J. Hinds, maintaining the essence of the original Broadway direction and choreography. "Come From Away" is not just a performance; it's an experience that celebrates human kindness and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Newsweek praises it, saying, "It takes you to a place you never want to leave." This musical encapsulates the emotions and stories of the days following September 11, 2001, reminding us of the capacity for human kindness even in the darkest times. **Performance Times:** - Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM - Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM Don't miss your chance to witness this breathtaking musical that has garnered acclaim and touched audiences around the globe. Stay tuned for ticket sale announcements and prepare to be moved by the remarkable story of "Come From Away."