WINNERS
A MESSAGE FROM BRENT BALLARD
As the 2024-25 Broadway Season fast approaches, Playhouse Square is embarking on a period of remarkable growth and innovation. Donors and volunteers make the work we do at Playhouse Square possible. Thanks to your support, we continue to make advancements in our education programs, performances, district and so much more. It is a privilege to share all the latest at Playhouse Square with you, our donors and volunteers, first.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chief Operating Officer, Laura Smith. Laura brings more than 20 years of experience in non-profit executive roles and stood out from a strong field of candidates from across the country. Her leadership and experience will be instrumental in guiding Playhouse Square in our new endeavors.
I would also like to welcome new board members Patrick Pastore, Alex Szilvas and Molly Walsh. Their expertise and passion will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our organization and expand our reach.
The 2024-25 KeyBank Broadway Series opens in October with A Beautiful Noise and continues with an award-winning lineup including Some Like it Hot and Life of Pi. This season offers something for all ages and interests. I look forward to seeing you in the theater!
Thank you all for your continued support as we embark upon another season. I look forward to sharing our successes with you throughout the upcoming year!
Brent D. Ballard Board Chair
DEVELOPMENT AND GUEST SERVICES STAFF
Jason Bogdany Development Research & Database Manager 216-640-8428
jason.bogdany@playhousesquare.org
Jason Brown Donor Relations Coordinator 216-640-8422 jason.brown@playhousesquare.org
Meg Colwell
Director of Guest Services 216-640-8559 meg.colwell@playhousesquare.org
Steven Deliman
Donor Relations & Special Projects Coordinator 216-640-8426
steven.deliman@playhousesquare.org
Leanne Dewyer Director of Development 216-640-8411 leanne.dewyer@playhousesquare.org
Anthony DiBacco
Guest Services Manager 216-640-8553 anthony.dibacco@playhousesquare.org
Victoria Gray
Development & Education Fund Manager 216-640-8417
victoria.gray@playhousesquare.org
Cheryl Helden
Foundations & Major Gifts Manager 216-640-8406
cheryl.helden@playhousesquare.org
Dani Ivancic Donor Relations Coordinator 216-640-8418
dani.ivancic@playhousesquare.org
Meg Kearns Volunteer Administrative Coordinator 216-640-8551 meg.kearns@playhousesquare.org
Sarah Martin Director of Front of House & Food & Beverage Operations 216-640-8535 sarah.martin@playhousesquare.org
Claudia Medlin
Gift Processing & Data Entry Coordinator 216-640-8409 claudia.medlin@playhousesquare.org
Katie Remark Partners Coordinator 216-640-8721
katie.remark@playhousesquare.org
Michelle Ryan Stewart Senior Vice President of Engagement 216-640-8410 michelle.stewart@playhousesquare.org
Katherine Schoen Donor Communications Coordinator 216-640-8664 katherine.schoen@playhousesquare.org
Sarah Stengel Development Manager 216-640-8408 sarah.stengel@playhousesquare.org
Owen Towns Leadership Donor Engagement Coordinator 216-640-8419 owen.towns@playhousesquare.org
David Turner Development Ticketing Manager 216-640-8432 david.turner@playhousesquare.org
Mary Winchester Director of Donor Engagement 216-640-8412 mary.winchester@playhousesquare.org
PLAYHOUSE SQUARE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
CHAIR:
Brent D. Ballard*
PRESIDENT & CEO:
Craig Hassall AM*
VICE CHAIR, BRAND & MARKETING:
Andrea Hogben*
VICE CHAIR, EDUCATION: Bob Helmer*
VICE CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT:
Rick Buoncore*
VICE CHAIR, FINANCE: Mark Ross*
VICE CHAIR, GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING:
Amy G. Brady*
VICE CHAIR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS:
Paul J. Dolan*
VICE CHAIR, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT:
Bill Cosgrove*
VICE CHAIR, STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISOR:
Jim Merlino*
SECRETARY/TREASURER:
Heather Lennox*
Terry Adelman
Thomas W. Adler*
Himanshu Amin
Warren Anderson*
Steven M. Auvil
Ken Babby
Dr. Michael Baston
Teresa Metcalf Beasley
Gina Beredo
Jodi Berg
Laura Bloomberg
Jim Boland
Paul Carleton
Scott Chaikin*
John G. Chapman, Sr.*
James Graham
Lawrence H. Hatch
J. David Heller
Jason Hillman
David Jacobs*
Julie Jacono
Michael Jeans
Louis G. Joseph
Margy Judd
Patrice (Patsy) Kouvas
Edward J. Largent
Todd Leombruno
Joe Matuszewski
Heath Monesmith
Jon H. Outcalt*
Patrick M. Pastore
James A. Ratner*
Sean Richardson
Luci Schey
William R. Seelbach
David B. Sewell
Doug Spiker
Sara Ellen Stashower
Alex Szilvas
Kurt Treu
Leila L. Vespoli
Tracy Vigh
Molly Walsh
Frances Cudjoe Waters
Neil Weinberger
Denise G. Wells
Debra A. Wert
NATIONAL TRUSTEE
Thomas C. Stevens
TRUSTEE FOR LIFE
Oliver C. Henkel, Jr.
William B. Lawrence
Victor J. Scaravilli
K.K. Sullivan
Lawrence J. Wilker
CHAIRS EMERITUS
(chronological order)
Oliver C. Henkel, Jr.
John F. Lewis†
Julien L. McCall†
Forrest D. Hayes†
Glenn R. Brown†
Jon H. Outcalt
Henry F. Eaton†
K.K. Sullivan
Thomas W. Adler
Thomas C. Stevens
David S. Goodman
James Ratner
Amy G. Brady
*Executive Committee †Deceased
As of August 1, 2024
Playhouse Square Welcomes New Trustees
Patrick M. Pastore Regional President, PNC
Alex Szilvas Partner, Baker & Hostetler, LLP
CELEBRATING YOU!
In June, donors enjoyed our first Donor Appreciation Week! After a week of exclusive feefree and pre-sale access to some of our most sought after shows, as well as district experience giveaways, donors had the chance to attend Donor Appreciation Nights. The evenings included a screening of Some Like it Hot, Playhouse Square updates, concessions and more. We are already looking forward to next year!
DONOR CIRCLE
Welcome and thank you to our NEW Donor Circle members from May 2, 2024 – August 27, 2024.
Producer
($15,000-$19,999)
Paul & Jody Kiebler
Platinum Founder
($10,000-$14,999)
David Coury & Shelly Grisik
Sustaining Founder
($5,000-$9,999)
David & Jennifer Carter
Dix & Eaton, Inc.
Vandy L. Mathews
Kevin Theiss
Gold Founder
($2,500-$4,999)
Anonymous (2)
Beth & Rick Adams
Mark & Nancy Aeder
Terry Ahern Giving Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Amsdell
Ross Augustino & Yasmin Barkley
Richard Bedell & Elizabeth Grove
Mr. & Mrs. Bilbrey
Marissa Black & James Kerr*
Warren Blazy, III
Welton Chappell
Gayle De La Porte
Ross Esposito
William & Constance Hawke
Robert Herak
Christy & Dave Hooper
Matt & Karen Houser
Nathan & Katie Kelly
La Bodega in Tremont
Melissa Leonard
Nancy Levy & Gerald Yosowitz
Caitlin & A J Magner
Sherry & Carl Mazzola
Bill & Jennifer McClintock
Alexander & Lori Mcilvaine
Jayne Moneysmith
Steve & Rosemary Niewolak
Christopher Panek & Eric Langston
Michelle Perdue
Thomas Pitts & Carol Rilley
Cindy & Scott Polster
Tom & Linda Pratt
Laura & Grady Smith
Gary Soukenik
Rivchun Jewelers
Scott & Megan Tettau
Gary & Karen Tiboni
Heather Torok
Bobbi & Peter‡ van Dijk
Nathan Willson
Ms. Kim Zacharias & Mr. Steve Windham
Nancy & Rob Zimmerman
Investor
($1,200-$2,499)
Melanie Bender
Andrea Burland
Michael Carroll
Paul & Laura DeBaggis
Lisa Fazio
Glenn Galaida
Randy & Jennie Geise
Michele Golob
Kim Green
Colleen Handwork
The Hind-Crosher Family
Keith Kelly
Kasey Kessler
John & Laura King
Lakeland Electric
Charles & Kim Lockert
Steve Lyons
Drs. Chris & Angela Murphy
Tim & Michele Myers
Esther & Mark Palevsky
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Paulin
Joe & Lisa Rea
Lorraine Safranek
Kevin & Elizabeth Sloan
Leanne & Jeffrey Smith
Linda Smythe
Jennifer Storey
Tinita Tillman
Jessica, Gregory, & Aislin Tischler
Diane Waxman
Amanda & Nathan Wente
Julie Wesel
Joan Williams
Peter & Pamela Zaccari
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Zaverl
Maureen Zeller
Inner Circle
($600-$1,199)
Leroy E. & Moreen Bailey Frater
Brad Berelsman
Charlene G. Bolek
Jamie Calder
Andy Campbell
John & Anna Crabb
Irvin Dewey III
Debrah J. Fabian
Paul Forthofer & Bryson Mackson
April Green
Cynthia W. Halle
Naomi Harvey
Stanley Kasmarcak
Richard & Doris Kravitz
Chris & Alise Kulbago, Jr.
Josh Landis
Frank & Suzanne
Matthew & Michele Levy
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Lucak
Jane Ludwig
Heather Lutz
Jeana & Anthony Mahramus
Dr. Michael & Laura Mead
Karen Miller
Michael & Julie K. Millstein
Ralph & Theresa Mog
Marianne T Monahan
Jennifer Morgan
Richard Morris
Kelly Nelson
Richard & Randi Norcross
Luke and Julia O’Connor*
Kristen Oswald
Mark & Tracy Porter
Howard & Elisa Rabb
MaryBeth Richmond
Dorothy Rini
Cynthia Salim & Bill Gates
Mark Schafer
John & Rosean Schmidt
Julia Sieck
Mark Smith
Tony Smits
Jill Spencer
Pat & Alan Spitzer
Cathy Stamler
Mike & Sue Stokey
Paul Sutor
Karen Sweeney
Penny Thomas
Paul & Sara A. Warner
Frank & Rebecca Wright
Marilyn & Gregory Zartman
*indicates Partners Encore Society Member ‡indicates deceased
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST PARTNERS BOARD MEMBERS
PARTNERS BOARD MEMBERS
Joshua Berggrun
Brandon Francis
Melissa Jeffries
Liz Safier
Nikitha Sambamurthy
EXECUTIVE BOARD
CO-CHAIRS
Zoë Ingram & Ali Swift
VICE CO-CHAIRS
Jeremiah Guappone & Maria Smith
JUMP BACK BALL CO-CHAIRS
Megan McNulty & Sarah Shaw
PARTNERS ENCORE SOCIETY CHAIR
Tom Euerle
ENGAGEMENT CO-CHAIRS
Marissa Alfano & Kristen Swinton
EDUCATION CO-CHAIRS
John Durbin & Liz Malloy
COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS
Katie Kimble & Stephen Osborn
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Joshua Berggrun
David Campobenedetto
Alexis Fender
Brandon Francis
Melissa Jeffries
Josh Linerode
Liz Safier
Nikitha Sambamurthy
Alicia Trumbull
LEADING LADIES LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
In August, more than 60 Leading Ladies attended the summer reception which included a presentation by David Greene, Playhouse Square’s Senior Vice President of Programming.
David shared insights on the upcoming KeyBank Broadway Series and spoke about Playhouse Square’s role as a coproducer on the now Tony-Award winning show, The Outsiders. The Leading Ladies even had the opportunity to see and hold the Tony itself!
Another standout from the presentation was the importance of the state tax credits for new theater productions. David showcased TINA: The Tina Turner Musical which currently is preparing for its new tour at Playhouse Square. Leading Ladies also enjoyed a behindthe-scenes look at the wardrobe rooms in the KeyBank State Theatre lead by the show’s lead costume designer.
Interested in connecting with women at Playhouse Square? Visit playhousesquare.org/ leadingladies for membership information.
Joshua Berggrun Brandon Francis Melissa Jeffries Liz Safier
Nikitha Sambamurthy
DAZZLE WINNERS TAKE ON THE JIMMY AWARDS
The
This year we featured:
• 37 participating schools involved (the highest participation yet)
• 215 ceremony participants including 5 musical apprentices in the pit orchestra and 3 technical apprentices working backstage
• 5 alumni presenters
• School directors in a cameo performance during the opening number
2024 Dazzle Awards winners, Kyle McFalls (Akron School for the Arts at Firestone CLC) and Lindsey Ross (Hudson High School), were selected to represent Playhouse Square at the Jimmy Awards. They spent 11 days in New York City with 100 other students from across the country, learning from
Broadway professionals. Kyle and Lindsey were selected to compete against the top 40 students for the final prize in the Character Medley Group.
They were also surprised by the Broadway League with tickets to attend the Tony Awards Dress Rehearsal and final production at Lincoln Center. But that’s not all – Kyle and Lindsey saw their headshots featured on a billboard in Times Square and in The New York Times. They also attended a performance of MJ the Musical on Broadway, followed by a talk-back hosted by the entire cast, including a special guest appearance by Jackie Jackson.
This year was a testament to the power of the Dazzle Awards program. We are proud to be able to provide so many young artists with opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams!
2024 Dazzle Awards, presented by Pat & John Chapman, were a resounding success, marking a year of growth and achievement for our program.
Dazzle winners even ran into members of the Board of Trustees as well as President & CEO, Craig Hassall, while in NYC!
EDUCATION IMPACT
Your support makes the following possible...
• This year, the Dazzle Awards program transformed the lives of more than 2,000 students across 37 schools.
• Our in-person and virtual youth theater performances, workshops, classes and events reached nearly 120,000 students.
• Playhouse Square has offered 18 sensory-friendly shows, reaching more than 11,000 individuals.
• Guests at Family Theater Day 2024 enjoyed performances from around the world, free workshops and activities.
• As of this year, the Dazzle Awards program has served more than 15,000 students.
• Broadway Buzz is free thanks to our Education Fund. Attendance during the 2023-24 KeyBank Broadway Season exceeded 35,000.
• This season, we reached the highest in-person attendance in the history of The Children’s Theater Series – 58,000.
• Playhouse Square’s Education team produced Velveteen, A New Musical – a historic first for Playhouse Square.
LEGACY OF
& PassionGenerosity A
JAMES HAMILTON HOWER (1940-2022)
This year, Playhouse Square received a stunning legacy gift from the estate of James Hamilton Hower, a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio. Inspired by Jim’s commitment to making a positive impact, we are honored to share his story.
Born into a family with a history in Akron’s industry, Jim spent his career at his family metalworking operation, The Akron Selle Co. Before beginning his career at Akron Selle Co., Jim attended Miami University and served in the Army Reserves.
As Jim’s wife, Claudia, explains, “Jim’s passion did not stop in his professional life. Jim was a dedicated volunteer firefighter and paramedic for the Bath Fire Department, a racquetball fanatic, dedicated father, friend and husband, avid bicyclist and a servant to his community.”
And that’s just the beginning of the list. A dedicated philanthropist, Jim also established several foundations to support causes close to him and those he loved. A humble servant to the community through and through, Jim’s legacy is defined by his selflessness, humility and leadership.
Joy of the Arts for Future Generations: The Hower Legacy
Jim’s generosity will impact those who visit Playhouse Square for years to come by helping to ensure everyone has access to the joy of the performing arts.
Jim and Claudia were longtime donors and Broadway season ticket holders. Jim’s favorite show was Hamilton and he loved listening to the soundtrack while exercising. Together, they cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts, attending shows together and with their grandchildren. “We wanted to expose them to the theater experience,” Claudia says, noting the importance she and Jim held for preserving theater in Cleveland for generations to come. Claudia states, “If there was something we were fortunate enough to enjoy, we are dedicated to helping keep it alive for other people to find the same meaning and joy.”
That is how Jim lived his life.
Jim’s humility, service and quiet determination serve as an inspiration, reminding us that each act of generosity can have a profound effect, and our passions are meant to be shared. James Hower’s legacy is a testament to the power of giving to bring communities together for a greater purpose.
LEGACY CIRCLE
LEGACY LUNCHEON
Playhouse Square hosted Legacy Circle members for a luncheon to thank them for their legacy commitments. The luncheon featured remarks by Craig Hassall, President & CEO, as well as Daniel Hahn, Vice President of Education, about the future of Playhouse Square. Craig and Daniel shared the impact of legacy gifts on future opportunities to sustain our remarkable theaters for the next generations.
As a dedicated annual donor, you understand the vital role Playhouse Square plays in our community. By leaving a legacy gift, you can ensure the theaters continue to thrive for generations to come.
Your generosity will help:
• Preserve the continuation of a variety of quality performances that are accessible to everyone.
• Support community programs that provide valuable educational and quality of life opportunities.
• Ensure Playhouse Square’s long-term sustainability.
By leaving a legacy, you are investing in a brighter future for our community.
Barbara Kozel poses with the wand from Wicked at the Legacy Luncheon.
Brenda Jackson with Glinda’s wand.
Thank You!
H AUDREY DECLEMENT MAKES
REDCOAT HISTORY H
As of the end of April 2024, Audrey DeClement reached 17,000 volunteer hours at Playhouse Square – a milestone reached after 42 years as a RedCoat!
During those 42 years, Audrey has helped thousands of guests by enhancing their theater experience. Audrey’s volunteerism does not end at being a RedCoat. She was also part of the Bright Spots group who polished the chandeliers, working the WVIZ auction and helping in the administrative offices.
For more than four decades, Audrey has given her time and attention to Playhouse Square, and we are so happy to call her one of the family.
THANKAPALOOZA 2024: VILLAINS OF THE STAGE & SCREEN
RedCoats gathered in August for their annual Thankapalooza. This year’s event, Villains of the Stage & Screen, brought out a showstopping crowd of more than 500 RedCoats as well as costumes to remember. The night included a clap line of Playhouse Square employees and Board members, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and awards.
Meg Colwell and Meg Kearns (Playhouse Square Guest Services) congratulate Audrey DeClement
House Managers Michael Robinson and D’anna Veasley with COO, Laura Smith and President & CEO, Craig Hassall at Thankapalooza
Craig Hassall, Audrey DeClement and Georgia Taylor
DANCE SHOWCASE: A DISPLAY OF
DIVERSITY AND EXCELLENCE
BULKLEY LOBBY –THE BRASSERIE TO OPEN SOON
Looking for your new favorite coffee spot or somewhere to stop for a light meal before a Broadway show? Look no further than the Bulkley lobby. Visit The Brasserie at Playhouse Square this fall!
Dance Showcase, presented by Terry & Sheldon Adelman, took place in early September. The event brought the area’s finest dance artists onto one stage and featured an array of dance styles, presenting the richly diverse dance community we have in Northeast Ohio.
This year’s Dance Showcase included: Case Western Reserve
University Department of Dance, Catherine Meredith & Artists, Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Dance Project Company, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, Inlet Dance Theatre, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Pacific Paradise Entertainment and SOAR.
The event was free to the public thanks to the generosity of longtime trustee Terry and her husband Shelly.
Terry and Sheldon Adelman
Playhouse Square Foundation
1501 Euclid Avenue Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 44115-2108
