At Ensemble Theatre:
A Song for Coretta
Five African American women find laughter and hope while waiting in the rain at Coretta Scott King's funeral in A Song for Coretta, at Ensemble Theatre through Sunday, January 29. (From left, cast members are Angela Gillespie Winborn, Alecia Henderson, Camille Trammell, Sonia Bishop, and Neda Spears.) Inspired by the real-life mourners at Mrs. King's funeral, Pearl Cleage's play is part of Ensemble's annual Panorama of African America Theatre; next up is Lower Ninth by Beau Willimon, opening February 2. Tickets are $10 to $20 at 216-321-2930, or online at ensemble-theatre.org. Find them at 2843 Washington Blvd. in Cleveland Hts. — Elaine T. CicoraAt-TEN-tion Span: Cleveland Public Theatre takes you on a journey (literally) throughout the Gordon Square complex to see nine original short plays devised by some of Cleveland's cleverest creators. Among the lineup are works by Chris Seibert, Darius Stubbs, and Raymond Bobgan. Performances continue through Feb. 4. Tickets are $10 to $15 at 216-631-2727 or at cptonline.org. Find them at 6415 Detroit Ave.
Big Box: Cleveland Public Theatre's annual series of new works continues with a double bill of original plays: The Negro Perkins and The Art of Social Graces. Performances are set for Jan. 26 through 28. General admission is $15 at 216-631-2727 or at cptonline.org. Find them at 6415 Detroit Ave.
Hair: The touring company of the 2009 Tony Award-winning revival serves up a bona fide love-in, complete with memorable songs, colorful costumes, and, yes, a wee bit of bareness. Performances continue through Jan. 29. Tickets range from $10 to $82.50 at 216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org. The Palace is at 1615 Euclid Ave.
The Mighty Scarabs: Twenty years have passed since the East Tech High School basketball team captured the state championship. But did that one shining moment ultimately contribute to their demise? Written by Cornell Hubert Calhoun III, this work is part of Dobama's playwright development program and runs in repertory with Telling Lives through Feb. 5 at 2340 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights. Tickets are $15 at 216-932-3396 or dobama.org, where you'll find a schedule of performances.
Ten Chimneys: Cleveland Play House presents a backstage comedy based on the private lives of theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Starring Emmy Award-winning actress Mariette Hartley and directed by Michael Bloom, performances continue through Feb. 5 in the Allen Theatre's intimate Second Stage, 1407 Euclid Ave. at Playhouse Square. Tickets are $49 to $69, at 216-241-6000 or clevelandplayhouse.org.
Telling Lives: An amateur writer pens her memories and unwittingly sparks the family drama she had hoped to avoid. Written by Faye Sholiton, the play is part of Dobama's playwright development program and runs in repertory with The Mighty Scarabs through Feb. 5 at 2340 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights. Tickets are $15 at 216-932-3396 or dobama.org.
