ARTS & MINDS IN COLLABORATION WITH CLEVELAND CLINIC
BACK TO SCHOOL AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
REMEMBERING OLIVER “PUDGE” HENKEL A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
UPCOMING EVENTS
CENTER STAGE BENEFIT AND MORE!
A MESSAGE FROM DANIEL HAHN
With the start of a new school year, our theaters are buzzing with the energy and excitement of students arriving for field trips. Our teaching artists are sharing their expertise with schools in need and educators are bringing our workshops into their classrooms. As we expand our program offerings, we are impacting more community members than ever before – all thanks to your generosity.
In the past year, we have:
• Launched the Arts & Minds program to serve individuals in Northeast Ohio living with neurological
disorders. This initiative brings the healing power of the arts to those who need it most, fostering connection, creativity and joy.
• Celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Dazzle Awards program, presented by Pat and John Chapman and supported by PNC, transforming the lives of more than 2,200 students across 38 schools this year alone.
• Produced new children’s theater works including Velveteen: A New Musical and Sankofa: An Epic Adventure.
• Marked a decade of Disney Musicals in Schools, presented by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, which has brought the magic of theater to more than 1,000 students from 31 elementary schools across Northeast Ohio.
Your commitment to our mission empowers us to innovate, to expand, and to deepen our impact. Thanks to our donors, volunteers and our leadership board, Playhouse Square is a place where the arts are celebrated, lives are transformed, stories are shared and community thrives.
With deepest gratitude,
OFFICERS
CHAIR
Brent D. Ballard*
PRESIDENT & CEO
Craig Hassall AM*
VICE CHAIR, BRAND & MARKETING
Andrea Hogben*
VICE CHAIR, EDUCATION
Bob Helmer*
Daniel Hahn
VICE CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT
Rick Buoncore*
VICE CHAIR, FINANCE
Mark Ross*
Terry Adelman
Thomas W. Adler*
Himanshu Amin
Steven M. Auvil
Ken Babby
Michael Baston
Gina Beredo
Jodi Berg
Laura Bloomberg
Jim Boland
Paul H. Carleton
Scott Chaikin*
John G. Chapman, Sr.*
Bill Cosgrove
James Graham
Lawrence H. Hatch
J. David Heller
Jason Hillman
David Jacobs*
DEVELOPMENT AND GUEST SERVICES STAFF
Glenn Anderson Donor Relations Coordinator 216-640-8419 glenn.anderson@playhousesquare.org
Jason Bogdany Development Research & Database Manager 216-640-8428 jason.bogdany@playhousesquare.org
Jason Brown
Leadership Donor Engagement Ticketing Coordinator 216-640-8422 jason.brown@playhousesquare.org
Leanne Dewyer Director of Development 216-640-8411 leanne.dewyer@playhousesquare.org
Jordon Garofalo Donor Relations Coordinator 216-640-8426 jordon.garofalo@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 Manager 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
Aaron Phillips Guest Services Manager 216-640-8553 aaron.phillips@playhousesquare.org
Katie Remark Partners Coordinator 216-640-8721 katie.remark@playhousesquare.org
Michelle Ryan Stewart Chief of Community 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
David Turner Senior Manager of Donor Relations 216-640-8432 david.turner@playhousesquare.org
VICE CHAIR, GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING
Amy G. Brady*
VICE CHAIR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Paul J. Dolan*
VICE CHAIR, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Teresa Metcalf Beasley*
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Heather Lennox*
Louis G. Joseph
Patrice (Patsy) Kouvas
Edward J. Largent
Todd Leombruno
Joe Matuszewski
Heath Monesmith
Beth E. Mooney
Jon H. Outcalt*
Patrick M. Pastore
James A. Ratner*
Luci Schey
William R. Seelbach
David B. Sewell
Doug Spiker
Sara Ellen Stashower
Duncan Stewart
J.D. Sullivan, Jr.
Alex Szilvas
Kurt C. Treu
Tracy Vigh
Molly Walsh
Neil C. Weinberger
Denise G. Wells
Debra A. Wert
NATIONAL TRUSTEE
Thomas C. Stevens
TRUSTEE FOR LIFE
Warren E. Anderson
William B. Lawrence
James R. Pender
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
Vice President of Education *Executive Committee ‡ Deceased As of August 22, 2025
Mary Winchester Director of Donor Engagement 216-640-8412 mary.winchester@playhousesquare.org
Leila L. Vespoli
LUNCHEON CELEBRATES DONORS
In June, Playhouse Square welcomed Legacy Circle members to a special appreciation luncheon celebrating their planned giving support. President & CEO Craig Hassall shared updates on the district’s progress and plans, including new initiatives in education and neurological programming. Guests enjoyed a seated lunch and heartfelt
reflections on the impact of their legacy gifts. Senior Vice President of Programming, David Greene, highlighted the upcoming performance of The Outsiders, which recently won a Tony Award for best musical. Attendees had the rare opportunity to see the award up close and pose for photos with it – bringing a touch
of Broadway magic to an afternoon of gratitude and celebration.
YOUR FUTURE, YOUR LEGACY: ESTATE PLANNING MADE SIMPLE
Playhouse Square recently hosted two complimentary estate planning sessions in honor of National Make-A-Will Month. Presented by the Development Department and sponsored by Roetzel & Andress, these events helped attendees take meaningful steps toward protecting their futures and preserving their legacies.
Session one focused on an overview of essential estate planning documents while session two provided a more advanced discussion focused on wealth transfer strategies, tax minimization and charitable giving.
Both sessions were led by Lori Kilpeck, shareholder at Roetzel & Andress. With deep expertise in
estate planning and probate law, Lori offered practical advice tailored to a range of financial situations.
These sessions empowered attendees to take confident steps toward securing their legacies, reflecting Playhouse Square’s ongoing commitment to providing educational value to our stakeholders.
Interested in learning more or including Playhouse Square in your legacy plans? Visit our free and easy to use resources at playhousesquare.org/legacycircle.
DAZZLE WINNERS REFLECT ON JIMMY AWARDS
Every year, the Dazzle Awards sends its Best Actor and Best Actress winners to the Jimmy Awards in New York City. This year, 110 students from across the country came together to participate in workshops and rehearsals that culminated with a full-scale Broadway production modeled after the Tony Awards.
We caught up with 2025 Dazzle Awards Best Actor and Best Actress Winners, Anthony Fritzgerald and Mira Cahalane, to hear more about their experiences at the Jimmy Awards!
PSQ: What was it like performing on a Broadway stage for the first time? You both had solos in the feature number “Ready to Rise!”
MIRA: WOW, I am so unbelievably thankful for this year’s Feature Group number!! We worked with music director Steven Cuevas, choreographer Luis Salgado, and assistant choreographer Anna Aliau Guerra. Each one of them pushed us to the best of our abilities and made the whole experience so so special. And of course, the performance. Getting to portray just a snippet of one of my dream roles in front of THE GUY OF ALL TIME!!! I got the honor of performing Sonny’s rap solo in “96,000” from In The Heights, and it just so happened that LinManuel Miranda was there watching the performance. I honestly think my mind might have exploded right in that moment.
TONY: Performing on a Broadway
stage was so awesome! It was surreal stepping onto The Lion King stage because The Lion King was the first show I ever saw. It was also so amazing looking out and seeing all the seats in the house as well. I became super pumped to finally be performing on a Broadway stage! Being in the Feature Group was an amazing time! I felt that performing my solo on a Broadway Stage was so surreal, I couldn’t even put into words what that felt like. It just felt like joy was radiating out of me and the rest of my peers while performing! That night was just such a joyful night!
PSQ: What was the most valuable/ impactful piece of advice you received from your Broadway mentor or the other industry professionals that you worked with?
MIRA: One of the best pieces of advice I received over the Jimmy Awards week was something that our feature group director, Luis Salgado, had taught us. Everything that you do on stage – movement, action, words, anything – always has intention. Don’t fight whatever your mind and body is telling you to do, just go for it. This is truly the art of play. It’s in the name! It’s all a PLAY.
TONY: I learned so many impactful things, but one thing that stood out was when my adjudication coach Steven Telsey instructed us to have some kind of inner dialogue when doing our pieces. It helps create the conflict of the song and our reasoning as actors to push for what we want
in the scene and what we believe in. It made my pieces feel more active and I really thank him for that! I also learned from one of the professionals – Julia Murney – who talked about the importance of imperfection in performing…
PSQ: What about this experience will you be taking with you into the future?
MIRA: I will be taking EVERYTHING from this experience into the future. I’ve learned so many valuable performance and life lessons throughout both events, and I am so thankful for everyone and everything that led to them.
TONY: What I will take about this experience in the future is that when you work hard and dedicate yourself to something, you gain something beautiful. This experience showed me the future of theater and the power that we have as young artists. I saw the dedication, the grit, and the determination in everyone. From now on, I will always give one hundred percent into everything with joy and determination! Thank you again Playhouse Square, The Dazzle Awards, and The Jimmy Awards for the fabulous and life-changing opportunity! I really appreciate it!
Read the full interview at playhousesquare.org/blog
Sarah and Clark Pope
Wayne and Terri Mosley
Donna and Bruce Jackson
OUR DONORS SUPPORT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Through our Arts & Minds initiative, we create arts programming for people with neurological disorders within the Northeast Ohio community, including customized classes and inspiring performances.
Our Bus Subsidy Program removes transportation barriers by helping with bus costs for school field trips to Playhouse Square. This program ensures that students from all backgrounds can experience the magic of live theater.
Playhouse Square’s Children’s Theater Series introduces children to live performance through age-appropriate, engaging productions, helping spark a lifelong love of the arts.
Broadway Buzz On Demand offers inside scoop on KeyBank Broadway Series Shows. Talks with Joe Garry, who is fondly referred to as “America’s theater professor,” are recorded during the first week of each KeyBank Broadway Series production and made available online on demand.
The Dazzle Awards, presented by Pat & John Chapman, recognize excellence in high school musical theater. The program offers arts education opportunities throughout the school year including professional master classes, audition workshops, apprenticeships and more. It culminates at Playhouse Square with the Dazzle Awards Ceremony.
speaking and reading skills while learning musical theater techniques.
Field Trips at Playhouse Square allow students to experience the magic of live theater through affordable in-person matinees and engaging virtual performances designed to enrich classroom learning. With shows aligned to Ohio Learning Standards and enhanced by Classroom Connections Workshops, these field trips spark creativity and deepen understanding.
Launch: Performance Creation Residencies ignite creativity by supporting Northeast Ohio’s vibrant community of local artists and nurturing new works for young audiences. Participating artists receive tailored resources to develop, refine and showcase their original performances.
This initiative not only amplifies artistic voices but also enriches the cultural landscape for future generations.
Sensory-Friendly Programming, presented by Denise G. and Norman E. Wells, provides specially adapted performances for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families.
Our sensory-friendly initiative increases access and inclusion for those with sensory needs including autistic individuals.
Dance Showcase, presented by Terry & Sheldon Adelman, brings the finest dancers from across the region together, showcasing the richly diverse dance community in Northeast Ohio. The generosity of our donors allows us to present this event free of admission.
• This year, the Dazzle Awards ENRICHED THE LIVES OF STUDENTS FROM ACROSS 38 SCHOOLS.
• In the 2024-25 school year, MORE THAN 2,200 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED in the Dazzle Awards program.
• Our in-person and virtual youth theater performances, workshops, classes and events reached nearly 87,206 STUDENTS
Disney Musicals in Schools presented by Dee & Jimmy Haslam, is a free program helping underserved elementary schools build sustainable musical theater programs. Through this process, students develop self-confidence, practice collaboration and strengthen
PLAYHOUSE SQUARE LAUNCHES ARTS & MINDS PROGRAMMING
Playhouse Square recently launched its Arts & Minds program, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, bringing arts experiences to those with neurological disorders. The program’s first offering, Dance for Parkinson’s, invites individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners to engage in meaningful arts experiences and foster connection, creativity and joy.
During my time at the Royal Albert Hall in London, I saw firsthand how Dance for Parkinson’s classes made a lasting impact on those who participated. Research has shown that by offering this type of programming, individuals navigating Parkinson’s and their caretakers see improvements in their health and well-being in part through the power of the arts, and we are proud to now provide this at Playhouse Square.
CRAIG HASSALL, PRESIDENT & CEO, PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
We provide excellent care within our hospital, but supporting patients’ well-being after they leave is just as important. Focusing on mobility at home is vital to quality of life, as is integration and socialization. Our collaboration with Playhouse Square brings medical expertise and the arts directly to our patients in the community to support that.
ANDRE MACHADO, M.D., PH.D., CHIEF
OF THE NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE AT CLEVELAND CLINIC
Free weekly classes are held in accessible spaces across our theaters and led by certified instructor, Joan Meggitt. Special events will also connect participants with artists and performances.
This fall’s Center Stage Benefit featuring Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger will help support Arts & Minds programming.
BROADWAY REIMAGINED WITH HAMILTON
Leadership donors attended Broadway Reimagined, a cabaret show featuring the cast of Hamilton. The event took place at Cibreo Privato where donors enjoyed food, drinks and performances by some of Hamilton’s top stars.
DONOR EXCLUSIVE: BEETLEJUICE Q&A
Donors gathered for an exclusive postshow panel following Beetlejuice, at Playhouse Square. Among the donor attendees was a local children’s theater group that had just wrapped their own production of the musical.
The panel featured several cast members, including understudies
for Charles and Delia, who had stepped into the lead roles during that night’s performance. Panel member and Canton-native Jim Lutz shared heartfelt memories of seeing live theater at Playhouse Square as a child, inspiring students and donors with his journey from audience member to performer.
Donors had the opportunity to ask questions about the production and were very interested in what it is like to be part of a show with such a passionate fan base. After the panel, guests mingled with the performers, took photos and enjoyed one-on-one conversations.
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW –DINING AND DRINKS IN THE DISTRICT
Cue the orchestra and bring the spotlight to center stage because a new season of performances is here! If you’re looking for a new place for a pre-show drinks and food, the district has expanded its dining options thanks to Playhouse Square’s Beyond the Stage initiative. These initiatives are designed to create a must-visit destination for local residents and visitors from out of town, complementing the efforts of downtown and regional partners to elevate Cleveland’s profile for business, living and tourism.
Something Good Social Kitchen, cofounded by Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere creator Ricky Smith, is open in the kiosk on Playhouse Square Plaza with a menu featuring burgers, hot dogs and salads. And the best part? Every meal purchased helps to feed someone in need or someone deserving.
Nationally recognized Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop opened its doors in the Hanna Building (1422 Euclid Ave.). The newest sweet spot features a range of their well-known ice cream flavors, including exclusive flavors for the
DONOR CIRCLE
and thank you to our new Donor Circle members from May 15, 2025 through August 25, 2025.
Playhouse Square District, that can be served in a waffle cone, milkshake, sundae or a classic cup.
Meanwhile, Encore will serve experiential cocktails in an intimate, upscale lounge located on the ground floor of The Lumen (1580 Euclid Ave). The official opening date for Encore will be announced soon.
CELEBRATING A YEAR OF SUCCESS
2025-26 Partners Board
Members
Kristen Swinton
*Joined the Partners Board as of 7/1/25
Partners hosted their Year End Celebration at The Friars’ Table in June with more than 60 attendees, including Partners Alumni. They enjoyed food, drinks and dessert, and shared highlights from their successful 2024-25 year of events and activities at Playhouse Square. Incoming Board members as well as recipients of the Partners Awards were recognized during the event.
New Partner Award: Justine Buzalka Partner of the Year Award: Tom Euerle
Fun on the Horizon
Partners met for a Jump Back Ball brainstorming session at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room in August, where they discussed ideas for this year’s event, including themes, decor, activities and entertainment . The night was hosted by JBB 2026 Co-Chairs, Kristen Swinton and Alicia Trumbull. Stay tuned for the theme announcement this fall!
LEADING LADIES CELEBRATE JOE GARRY
In July, 80 Leading Ladies and their guests gathered for a private Broadway Buzz event celebrating Joe Garry’s many years of inspiring pre-show educational presentations at Playhouse Square. The evening began with a reception in the Allen Tomisch Lobby, followed by a special Broadway Buzz presentation honoring Joe’s legacy and impact on arts education.
SUMMER WITH OUT: Open. Unique. Together.
This summer, celebration and community took center stage with OUT at Playhouse Square. In June, OUT members and Playhouse Square staff joined together to march in the Pride in the CLE parade. Later in the summer, The Helen was transformed into the ultimate Broadway bar for Musical Mondays, bringing together OUT members and theater lovers for an engaging evening of show tunes and camaraderie.
Next, OUT Members are invited to step beyond the stage on October 6 and into the hidden world of Playhouse Square’s century-old theaters for Ghost Light Tours. This immersive tour will feature a walk through our historical theaters and the real-life tales from staff who have encountered the strange, supernatural and unexplained at Playhouse Square.
Co-Chairs Jeremiah Guappone and Maria O’Neill
Justice Hubbard, Justine Buzalka, Caroline Gray, John Reagan
UPCOMING DONOR EVENTS
GHOST LIGHT TOURS October 6, 2025
PARTNERS ALUMNI NIGHT AT MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
December 3, 2025
OCTOBER MEMBERS MEETING October 13, 2025
SOIRÉE PRIVÉE PARTNERS ENCORE SOCIETY EXCLUSIVE October 20, 2025
MYSTERY EVENT HOSTED BY THE JUMP BACK BALL COMMITTEE October 29, 2025
NOVEMBER MEMBERS MEETING November 10, 2025
AHEAD! CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
DR. SUESS’ HOW THE HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS | December 10-14
SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM November 12
CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC | November 14
A CELTIC CHRISTMAS | November 16
A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS | November 16
A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS | November 28-December 14
JINGLE BELL JAMBOREE | November 30
RAIN: A BEATLES CHRISTMAS | December 4
THE JINKX & DELA HOLIDAY SHOW | December 5
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS | December 6
STRAIGHT NO CHASER | December 18
JIM BRICKMAN | December 20-21
A NIGHT OF HOLIDAY SOUL | December 28
Learn more at playhousesquare.org/events
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: REMEMBERING OLIVER “PUDGE” HENKEL
In the story of Playhouse Square’s remarkable rise from neardemolition to national prominence, few names shine as brightly as Oliver “Pudge” Henkel. A founding force, a visionary leader and a lifelong champion of the arts, Pudge’s impact on our organization and our city is immeasurable.
In 1972, as a young attorney, Pudge stepped forward to halt the wrecking ball. He secured the first stay of execution for the State and Ohio Theatres and negotiated a five-year lease that gave Playhouse Square the time – and hope – it needed to survive. That courageous act became the cornerstone of a movement that would transform Cleveland’s Theater District into the vibrant cultural hub it is today.
Following the preservation effort, he became the first President of the Playhouse Square Foundation, a commitment that allowed for philanthropic funding and helped shape the future of the theaters. Pudge served as the founding chair of the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1980 and was named a Trustee for Life in 2015.
In recognition of his enduring contributions, Playhouse Square renamed its highest honor – the Star Award – as the Henkel Lewis Award, shared with fellow founding chair John Lewis. This award celebrates individuals who embody the same spirit of dedication, creativity, and mentorship that Pudge exemplified throughout his life.
Though he never sought the spotlight, Pudge’s influence was felt in every corner of our organization. He believed deeply in the power of the arts to uplift, connect and transform. In the documentary, Staging Success: The
Playhouse Square Story, Pudge shared this:
“Other than the joy of my family and friends, there is nothing that produces greater pride in me than the success of these theaters. It’s the result of the extraordinarily hard work and dedication of so many people.”
His legacy lives on in every curtain rise, every student inspired and every audience member moved by the magic of live performance. As we remember Pudge, we honor not only what he built, but who he was – a man of integrity, generosity and vision. Playhouse Square is forever grateful.
Pudge, Art Falco, John Lewis
The Henkel Family
