2017 Fall Theater Preview: World premieres, ambitious works take center stage at Cleveland's small professional houses

Mariama Whyte (center) with Sheffia Randall Dooley (left) and CorLesia Smith in Karamu Theatre's regional premiere of "Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone," running now through Oct. 8.(Michelle Berki)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Small professional theater companies are taking on major works for the 2017-18 season, from Tony Kushner's two-part masterpiece "Angels in America" at Ensemble Theatre to "Aida," Elton John's version of Giuseppe Verdi's opera on tap at Near West Theatre.

New plays -- including one illuminating the life and times of President James A. Garfield at Lakeland Civic Theatre and another exploring the personal demons of Nikola Tesla at Convergence-Continuum -- are also taking bows at area houses.

Before the curtain rises on these productions and others, a bravo is in order. Most cities don't have such a profusion of companies -- large or small -- willing to stage  ambitious titles or risk mounting new plays. But then again, we're in Cleveland, aren't we?

The following listings are based on information and descriptions provided by the theaters and the critic's own notebook.

Blank Canvas Theatre

Tickets, times and more

All Blank Canvas performances are in the Blank Canvas Theatre (at 78th Street Studios), 1305 West 78th St., Suite 211, Cleveland. Shows open on a Friday and are performed on the weekends throughout the run at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. on Sundays, with a special midnight showing of "The Rock Horror Show" on Saturday, Oct. 21.

All seating is general admission. Free on-site parking is available.

Single tickets are $18 and $12 for Factory Series shows. For information and tickets, visit blankcanvastheatre.com. The box office is open show days one hour prior to performance. Call 440-941-0458.

Friday, Oct. 6 - Saturday, Oct. 28: "The Rocky Horror Show." Music, book, and lyrics by Richard O'Brien. Music direction by Bradley Wyner. Choreography by Katie Zarecki. Directed by Patrick Ciamacco.

Before Tom Curry tromped into pop culture history in garters and heels as Frank 'N' Furter in the cult flick "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," he originated the role in the 1973 stage musical in the West End. (He appeared in the short-lived Broadway production at the Belasco Theatre in all his lascivious glory in spring of 1975.)

You know the story, but just in case: Squeaky-clean couple Brad and Janet run into some car trouble and ask the inhabitants of a creepy castle for help. Inside, Dr. Frank 'N' Furter is bent on world domination, corrupting them utterly and creating the perfect man. Yummy!

Friday, Dec. 1 - Saturday, Dec. 16: "Urinetown." Music by Mark Hollmann. Lyrics by Hollman and Greg Kotis. Book by Kotis. Music Direction by Matthew Dolan. Choreography by Katie Zarecki. Directed by Patrick Ciamacco.

In a Gotham-like city, a water shortage has triggered a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public bathrooms, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission (a pee fee). A hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to "urinary bliss." The Tony Award winner satirizes capitalism and other "isms" and sends up classic musicals such as "The Threepenny Opera" and Les Miz."

The show our critic doesn't wanna miss: Blank Canvas musicals helmed by Patrick Ciamacco are always a good bet, but my heart belongs to "The Rocky Horror Show" because I can't get enough of that sweet transvestite from transsexual, Transylvania.

Convergence-continuum

Times, tickets and more

All performances are at the Liminis Theater, 2438 Scranton Road, Cleveland. Shows open at 8 p.m. on a Friday and play at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays throughout the run.

Tickets to weekend shows are $20 adults; $15 seniors; $10 students with discounts available on Thursdays. For tickets and information visit convergence-continuum.org or call 216-687-0074.

Friday, Sep. 28 - Saturday, Sept. 30: "Spared." Written by Israel Horovitz. Directed by Susan Soltis.

Viewed as if suspended in time and space, a man recounts the jumble of events and people that are his life. His successes and failures, heartbreaks and happy days all merge into a revealing mosaic in this one-man dark comedy performed by veteran actor Robert Hawkes for one weekend only.

Friday, Oct. 13 - Saturday, Nov. 4: "In the Closet." Written by Siegmund Fuchs. Directed by Cory Molner. (Rolling world premiere with Rainbow Theater Project, Washington, DC)

In a large walk-in closet, we find Old Man, Middle-Aged Man, and Young Man. Enter 18-year-old John, who frantically joins them immediately following his first gay sexual encounter. As the trio try to convince John to come out of the closet, each must confront his own humorous, awkward or heartbreaking reason for being there himself. (Rolling world premiere with Rainbow Theater Project, Washington, DC)

Friday, Nov. 16 - Saturday, Nov. 18: "Camp Beacoup Congo." Written and directed by Jonathan Wilhelm. World premiere.

Cleveland playwright Jonathan Wilhelm helms the world premiere of his madcap surreal comedy about a summer camp where all the "bad" children go. One weekend only.

Friday, Dec. 1 - Saturday, Dec. 16: "The Chaste Genius and His Deathray Gun." Written by Christopher Johnston. Directed by Geoffrey Hoffman. World premiere.

On his last night on the planet, tormented genius Nikola Tesla wrestles, within the universe of his gigantic brain, with the friends and detractors in his life - Edison, Einstein, Twain, Westinghouse, and Anna, his only true love (other than a cherished pigeon). Despite his breakthrough inventions (alternating current, fluorescent bulbs, lasers, robotics, wireless power and even a death ray), he's fallen into obscurity. But tonight, he's ready to challenge his critics before riding his beloved electric currents into the Great Beyond.

The show our critic doesn't wanna miss: "Camp Beacoup Congo," for its title alone.

Ensemble Theatre

Times, tickets and more

All Ensemble Theatre performances take place in the two theater spaces at the Ensemble venue at 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights. TheatreCLE shows will premiere in the PlayGround Theater and MainStage productions in the MainStage Theater. Unless otherwise noted, shows open at 8 p.m. on a Friday and play at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays throughout the run. Visit ensembletheatreCLE.org for updates as times and dates are subject to change.

Prices for single tickets range from $12 (for currently enrolled students with valid ID) to $25. TheatreCLE shows are $15. Flex ticket season passes range from $68 to $185. TheaterCLE season passes are $55. Visit ensembletheatreCLE.org or call 216-321-2930.

Friday, Sept. 29 - Sunday, Oct. 22, MainStage Theater: "Well." By Lisa Kron. Directed by Celeste Cosentino.

The play, a loving, searching autobiographical from the Tony Award-winning book writer and lyricist of "Fun Home" - explores the relationship of Kron and her mother, a woman with extraordinary ability to heal a changing neighborhood, despite her inability to heal herself. "Do we create our own illness?" Kron asks. The answers are more complicated than she bargained for as the play spins dangerously out of control into comic and unexpected territory. (No performance Saturday, Oct. 7; an additional performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9.)

Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Dec. 10, Mainstage: "The Hairy Ape." By Eugene O'Neill. Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz.

In O'Neill's 1921 treatise on masculinity and the divide between the rich and the poor, Yank, a stevedore who prides himself on his physical prowess, runs headlong into the brutal sophistication of high society Manhattan. At the core of his iconic piece of expressionist drama wrote O'Neill, is mans' struggle with his own fate.

Friday, Dec. 1 - Sunday, Dec. 17, PlayGround Theater: "The Little Prince." By Rick Cummins and John Scoullar from the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Directed by Brittni Shambaugh Addison.

This play with music tells the story of a world-weary Aviator whose sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert where he meets a mysterious, regal "little man." During their two weeks together, the Little Prince tells the Aviator about his adventures through the galaxy and both gain a new understanding of how to laugh, cry, and love again.

Friday, Jan. 5 - Sunday, Jan. 28, MainStage: "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches." Written by Tony Kushner. Directed by Celeste Cosentino.

The first part of Kushner's searing, "Gay Fantasia on National Themes" won a Pulitzer Prize for drama. Set in 1980s New York, friends and lovers try to make sense of Reagan-era America during the AIDS epidemic, with an assist from a celestial messenger.

Friday, Feb. 9 - Sunday, Feb. 25, MainStage: "Jelly Belly." Written by Charles Smith. Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz.

A convict returns from a brief prison stay to resume his position as the neighborhood kingpin. Smith,head of the Professional Playwriting Program at Ohio University, penned previous Ensemble standouts, including "The Gospel According to James," a work based on an infamous lynching in Indiana, and the jazz-infused "Knock Me A Kiss."

Friday, April 27 - Sunday, May 20, MainStage: "Angels in America: Perestroika." Written by Tony Kushner. Directed by Celeste Cosentino.

In part two of Kushner's decade-defining epic, as the AIDS crisis worsens, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell.

Shows our critic doesn't wanna miss: "The Hairy Ape," because O'Neill staged by Hinz is not to be missed. (You have reason to mourn if you missed his production of "The Iceman Cometh" at Ensemble in 2013); "Jelly Belly," after taking in the dark history made real in "The Gospel According to James," I'd beat a path to see anything by OU's Charles Smith.

Karamu Theatre

Times, tickets and more

All mainstage productions will be performed various venues at Karamu House located at 2355 East 89th Street, Cleveland. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. For select special matinee performances, visit www.karamuhouse.org, or call 216-795-7077.

Single tickets for performances are $37 for adults, $32 for seniors (62 and older), and $15 for young audiences or students (with valid ID). Subscriptions for all six plays, as well as a new four-pack "choose your own" flexible subscription package, range in price from $135 to $195. For further details or to purchase tickets, visit www.karamuhouse.org or call 216-795-7077.

Now through Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, Jelliffe Theatre: "Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone." Created by Robert Neblett and David Grapes, with musical arrangements by Vince di Mura. Music direction by Ed Ridley, Jr. Directed by Caroline Jackson Smith. Regional Premiere.

Based on the turbulent life and rich artistic legacy of Nina Simone, the score crosses genres from Gospel to Blues, to Broadway to Rock 'n' Roll and features nearly 30 definitive Simone hits such as "The Look of Love," "Sinnerman," "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Friday, Nov. 3 - Sunday, Nov. 26, The Concert Hall: "The Lake Effect." By 2010 Pulitzer Prize-finalist Rajiv Joseph. Directed by Celeste Cosentino. Produced in collaboration with Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland Heights. Ohio Premiere. (Previews on Thursday, Nov. 2)

During a fierce Cleveland mid-winter storm, estranged siblings are reunited by their father's sudden death and gather at his failing Indian restaurant, where they meet a regular customer who claims to know more about their father and their family history than they do. This spicy comedy serves up a complex dish of sibling rivalry, unlikely friendships and family secrets.

Friday, Dec. 1 - Sunday, Dec. 17, The Concert Hall: "A Holiday Jazz Revue at Karamu." World Premiere.

Karamu celebrates the holidays with an original Jazz musical revue featuring standards from Irving Berlin to Cole Porter, and Holiday favorites from Ella Fitzgerald to Donny Hathaway.

Friday, Feb. 9 - Sunday, March 4, Arena Theatre: "Sassy Mamas." By Celeste Bedford Walker. Directed by Tony F. Sias. Regional Premiere.

In the autumns of their lives, three longtime girlfriends find themselves living single. A recent widow, a divorcee and a career woman all use their social status and wealth to ensnare much (much!) younger male suitors. Little do they know, their fine, strapping young beaus have plans of their own. This colorful romantic comedy explores the dynamics between the sexes as well as the phenomenon of when a woman knows what she wants, she knows how to get it. (Previews on Thursday, Feb. 8.)

Friday, March 23 - Sunday, April 15, Arena: "The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God." By Lisa Codrington, adapted from the short story by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Nina Domingue. American Premiere. (Previews on Thursday, March 22.)

A young African girl is abandoned by a white missionary for asking too many questions about God. Taking matters into her own hands, she sets off on her own to find out who - or what -God really is. Along the way, she meets many characters who have very different views on God but in the end, she must draw her own conclusions. Written by award-winning Toronto-based actor and writer Lisa Codrington, the new play received its World premiere in 2016 at The Shaw Festival.

Friday, May 11 - Sunday, June 3, Arena: "Passing Strange." Book and lyrics by Stew. Music written by Stew and Heidi Rodewald. Directed by Nathan A. Lilly.

A young African-American man on a quest to find "the real," discovers what a bohemian life really involves, "passing" through the worlds of sex, drugs and Rock 'n' Roll. A documentary of the 2008 Broadway production was directed by Academy Award-winner Spike Lee. (Previews on Thursday, May 10.)

The show our critic doesn't wanna miss: "The Lake Effect," and not because it's penned by homeboy Rajiv "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo," Joseph and set in The Land or anything.

Lakeland Civic Theatre

Times, tickets and more

All performances are at Lakeland Civic Theatre, 770 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. See below for specific times and ticket information.

Wednesday Oct. 11 - Saturday, Oct. 14. "A Guides Guide to Lawnfield." By Faye Sholiton. Directed by Martin Friedman.

This new play, penned by Cleveland's Faye Sholiton, explores the life and times of Cuyahoga County's own President James A. Garfield. Featuring Robert Hawkes and Joe Quinn.

Performances are noon Wednesday Oct. 11 and Thursday, Oct. 12 and 7:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 13 and Saturday Oct. 14. Admission is free

Friday, Feb. 2 - Sunday, Feb. 18: "Merrily We Roll Along." Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by George Furth. Music Direction by Jordan Cooper. Directed by Martin Friedman.

Written in 1981 and featuring one of Stephen Sondheim's most accessible and Broadway-sounding scores, the Harold Prince musical is based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart about the disintegration of the friendship of three talented people. Famously, the action moves backward through time, from 1976 to 1957.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $7 for all students, $13 for seniors and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling 440-525-7134, visiting lakelandcc.edu/arts or at the box office in the D-Building on Lakeland's campus.

(Also on tap: Martin Friedman will lead "Deconstructing Merrily," an evening of discussion and song centered around the triumphs and failures of Sondheim's most misunderstood musical song Jan. 8 and Jan. 23 at Nighttown, 12383 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights. Visit nighttowncleveland.com/ for details).

The show our critic doesn't wanna miss: Misunderstood or not "Merrily We Roll Along" features a Sondheim score. 'Nuff said.

Near West Theatre

Times, tickets and more

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland. Tickets: $8-$10. Go to nearwesttheatre.org or call 216-961-6391.

Friday, Sept. 22 - Sunday, Oct. 1: "Xanadu." Book by Douglas Carter Beane. Music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Based on the Universal Pictures film by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel. Musical direction by Rachel Woods. Choreography by Josh Landis. Directed by Kelcie Nicole Dugger.

Greek muse Kira descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California to inspire Sonny, a struggling artist, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time: the first roller disco! But when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, two of her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds.

Outrageous '80s flair (think jelly shoes and acid washed everything) sparkles under the mirror ball in this laugh-out-loud musical based on the cult-classic film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. The chart-topping score is filled with memory-lane tunes such as "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Strange Magic."

Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Dec. 10: "Beauty and the Beast." Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Musical direction by Herbert "Butch" Marshall. Choreography by Josh Landis. Directed by Devon Turchan.

Bookish Belle longs for adventure "in the great wide somewhere," away from her provincial town where women have their place, and people who are "different" are rejected.

When Belle's father is taken captive by a mysterious and fearsome Beast, she courageously sacrifices her freedom so her father can live, but quickly discovers that an ill-tempered Beast and his magical household - complete with talking candlesticks, and dancing tableware - are prisoners themselves, placed under an enchantment long ago. Can Belle help lift the curse before they are doomed for all eternity?

Friday, Feb. 16 - Sunday, Feb. 25: "Aida." Music by Elton John. Lyrics by Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton and Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. Choreography by Josh Landis. Directed by Kelcie Nicole Dugger.

In this celebrated retelling of Verdi's classic opera, Nubian princess Aida, stolen from her country, is torn between her love of her people, and a new love in the arms of a former enemy. The long-running musical won four, 2000 Tony Awards, including best original score.

Friday, May 4 - Sunday, May 20: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Book by Peter Parnell. Musical direction by Matt Dolan. Choreography by Josh Landis. Directed by Bob Navis Jr.

In 15th century Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral stands in the heart of the city, a fortress of self-proclaimed righteousness and moral authority. Its citizens move through the streets together but separate: soldiers, gypsies, priests and beggars. The rich and the poor. Predatory and proud. They will do anything to survive.

In 15th century Paris, Quasimodo, the hunchbacked son of the bishop's brother, rings the church bells of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and longs to live "out there." When he escapes into the frenzy of drink and debauchery at the annual Feast of Fools, he is elected "King of Fools," igniting a cataclysmic descent into a street war of forbidden love, betrayal and religious hypocrisy.

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" features the collaboration of two American musical theater powerhouses - composer Alan "Newsies" Menken and lyricist Stephen "Wicked" Schwartz.

Friday, July 27 - Aug. 12: "Spring Awakening." Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater. Music by Duncan Sheik. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind. Musical direction by Matt Dolan. Choreography by Josh Landis. Directed by Kelcie Nicole Dugger.

For teenage students in 19th century Germany, it's a fight just to be heard, let alone get any answers! Parents and teachers alike dismiss their questions, fears and anxieties. With only the guidance of their peers, teens Moritz, Wendla, Melchior and Ilsa struggle to navigate religion, morality, sexuality, and coming-of-age angst with heart wrenching - and sometimes deadly - results.

Based on Frank Wedekind's groundbreaking and controversial 1890's play (once banned in Germany), the evocative "Spring Awakening" boasts eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Two shows our critic doesn't wanna miss: "Aida," as I've been itching for good, homegrown production of the Elton John hit; and "Spring Awakening," for Duncan Sheik's mind-blowingly good score and the raw youthful passion the Near West ensemble will no doubt bring to the production.

None Too Fragile Theater

Times, tickets and more

All performances are at 1835 Merriman Road, Akron, (enter through Pub Bricco) 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; with one 2 p.m. Sunday performance; one 8 p.m. Monday performance and one 4 p.m. Saturday Sea's Night" performance on closing night for special needs patrons and their guests.

Named after the daughter of artistic directors Sean Derry and Alanna Romansky, all profits from "Sea's Night" performances are donated to Rett Syndrome Research Trust, a not-for-profit research group dedicated to finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.

Single tickets: $25 or pay-as-you-can in cash, at the door. For show info and advance tickets, visit nonetoofragile.com or call 330-962-5547.

Friday, Oct. 27 - Saturday, Nov. 11: "A Steady Rain." By Keith Huff. Directed by Robert Ellis.

Two cops explore the complexities of a lifelong bond tainted by domestic affairs, violence, and the rough streets of Chicago. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival.

2018 "Off-Broadway" Series

(Directors and the title of a production slated for Friday, Nov. 16 - Saturday, Dec. 1 to be announced. Visit nonetoofragile.com later in the season for details.)

Friday, Feb. 2 - Saturday, Feb. 17: "Boy." By Anna Ziegler.

Inspired by a true story, Anna Ziegler's "Boy," explores the tricky terrain of finding love amidst the confusion of sexual identity, and the inextricable bond between a doctor and patient.

Friday, March 16 - Saturday, March 31: "Blooms Day." By Steven Dietz.

This Irish time-travel love story blends wit, humor and heartache into a buoyant, moving appeal for making the most of the present before it is past.

Friday, May 11 - Saturday, May 26: "White Guy on The Bus." By Bruce Graham.

Week after week, a wealthy white businessman rides the same bus, befriending a single black mother. As they get to know one another, their pasts unfold and tensions rise, igniting a disturbing and crucial exploration of race.

Friday, Aug. 17 - Saturday, Sept. 1: "The Late Henry Moss." By Sam Shepard.

Two antagonistic brothers are brought together after their father is found dead in his seedy New Mexico home. Mysterious circumstances surround the man's death and one son is determined to find the truth.

Friday, Sept. 28 - Saturday, Oct. 13: "Freak Storm." By Matt Pelfrey.

On a rainy night in Los Angeles, a young couple get an abrupt visit from two old friends. But they're not stopping by for pleasure but to warn them that someone, or something, from their past is coming for them all.

Two shows our critic doesn't wanna miss: "The Late Henry Moss" because it's Shepard.

Theater Ninjas

Times, tickets and more

Unless otherwise noted all performances take place at Theater Ninjas Headquarters at 5403 Detroit Ave, Cleveland. Single tickets are $10-$25. Performance times vary; for information, visit theaterninjas.com or call 440-941-1482.

Thursday, Oct. 12 - Saturday, Nov. 4: "Who We Used to Be." Directed and devised by Jeremy Paul.

A wounded animal sends a man's life hurtling out of control. An outcast fights to defend her home. Sisters are separated by death and betrayal. Myth, history and the search for Cleveland's soul unite in this physical theater experience. From Marble Cities to Grand Celebrations, "Who We Used to Be" is the years-long culmination of years of Theater Ninjas' series of work about civic imagination.

Ongoing beginning Saturday, Jan. 27: "Black Diamond"

Directed and programmed by Jeremy Paul.

In the near future, humanity has begun expanding throughout the solar system via a series of gates called the Black Diamond Network. Building these massive systems is difficult, dangerous and lonely, and sometimes accidents happen. This virtual prequel to last summer's Don't Wander Off is an online game experience in which players will explore inner and outer space beginning with an immersive release party on January 27th.

Thursday, Feb. 22 - Saturday, Feb. 24: "Bricolage." Created by various artists.

Randomly assigned teams of artists and craftspeople from all over the creative spectrum - such a musician and a chef, a puppeteer and a scientist, or a sculptor and computer programmer - have three weeks to create an original performance, culminating in a concert/play/cooking show/tech demo of whatever strange, beautiful new thing they've created.

Friday, April. 6 - Saturday, April. 7: "Positive Reinforcements." Created by various artists from the world of theater, dance, sketch comedy, music, opera, performance art, visual art, poetry and more.

"Positive Reinforcements" is a two-night showcase of short-form performance/time-based art. At $10 a ticket and with each set roughly 10 minutes long, this tapas-style variety show lets artists experiment with new ideas and territories, and gives audiences a chance to see old favorites, discover new artists and plunge into the diversity of Cleveland's artistic community

Thursday, May. 31 - Saturday, June. 2: "Mystery Box (beta)." Created by Lauren Joy Fraley and Jeremy Paul. Directed by Paul.

Behind this door there is a perfectly ordinary room, and in that room there is a perfectly ordinary box. That is to say, it is perfectly ordinary in all respects except that it shouldn't exist. The secrets this box contains and the story of the person who made it are at the heart of a mystery that spans hundreds of years, digital and analogue worlds, and touches the very fabric of the universe.

It's up to you to enter the room, open the box, and discover the truth in this glimpse into a developing project that turns the escape room experience inside-out.

Bi-monthly beginning in January: "Exploration." Created by Ryan Lucas and Jeremy Paul.

You have crash-landed on an alien planet with limited supplies, no way to contact your ship, and the dawning realization that you are not alone. Or you are sea-going explorers, sent by your empire to discover new lands, bring back treasure, and find the cure for a seemingly unstoppable plague. Or you are scientists in a remote arctic research station in the middle of a harsh storm, trying to keep the power on when one of your comrades starts acting strange....

In the tradition of role playing games and "Don't Wander Off's" stranded plot-line, "Exploration" is an evolving, interactive experience where participants work with each other to create a one-of-a-kind story.

The shows within a show our critic doesn't wanna miss: "Bricolage," because you had me at "puppeteer and a scientist."

Single, singular productions

Cesear's Forum

Tickets, times and more

All performances will be at Kennedy's Down Under, Playhouse Square, Cleveland, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with two Sunday matinees, at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 15. Tickets: $18. Call 216-241-6000 or visit playhousesquare.org.

Now through Saturday, Oct. 29: "Life x 3." Written by Yasmina Reza. Translated by Christopher Hampton. Directed by Greg Cesear.

The playwright who fashioned that gladiatorial contest in a living room "God of Carnage" brings her sharp, absurdist sensibility to three variations on the same event - a dinner party thrown by a nervous research scientist and his wife gone wrong.

The Musical Theatre Project

Times, tickets and more

Performances are 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at Stocker Arts Center and 3 p.m. Sunday Oct. 15 at The Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square. See below for additional ticket and venue information.

Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15, various venues: "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin': The Impact of 'Oklahoma!' " Co-hosted by TMTP artistic director Bill Rudman and music director Nancy Maier. Featuring Ursula Cataan, Lindsey Sandham Leonard, Joe Monaghan, Shane Patrick O'Neill and Fabio Polanco.

The first musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, "Oklahoma!" celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Broadway premiere this season. The concert includes all the show's famous songs and a lively account of its historic creation.

Stocker Arts Center is located at 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria on the campus of Lorain County Community College. Adult tickets are $20 and $10 for children age 18 and under. Tickets are available through the Stocker Arts Center box office, by calling at 440-366-4040 or visiting stockerartscenter.com.

The Ohio Theatre is located in Playhouse Square at 1511 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Tickets: $30-$55. Visit the Playhouse Square box office, call 216-241-6000 or go to playhousesquare.org.

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