This summer, Clevelanders can experience world-class theater and enjoy the warm weather... while it lasts. Here is a roundup of outdoor theatrical productions around Northeast Ohio that are completely worthy of your time.
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Various locations around Northeast Ohio. Get the full list and learn more here.
This traveling troupe of actors helps bring to life Troilus and Cressida until July 1 and Twelfth Night from July 20 to Aug. 5 at a new location every show. Performances are free and run Fridays through Sundays. Bring a low-slung chair or blanket. Imaginary curtain is at 7 p.m.
Memphis the Musical at Cain Park
Alma Theater, 14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights
Memphis the Musical runs until July 1 with an American Sign Language-interpreted performance June 29 at the popular east side performance space. Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32 in advance and $34 at the door. Learn more here.
Kent State University's Porthouse Theatre
3143 O'Neil Rd., Cuyahoga Falls
A 500-seat covered outdoor theater is home to three productions this summer: Anything Goes (June 15 to 30), Next to Normal (July 6 to 21) and Oklahoma! (July 27 to Aug. 12). Performances run Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m, with a 2 p.m. performance on Aug. 11. Adult tickets start at $27. Thursday night preview and discounted tickets are also available. Learn more here.
Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Lagoon at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron
This ensemble's summer season is composed of Romeo and Juliet (June 29 to July 15) and All's Well That Ends Well (July 27 to Aug. 5). Performances are Thursdays through Sundays and begin at 8 p.m. The Greenshow (pre-show) starts at 7:30 p.m. and you can bring a picnic to the garden as early as 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Cleveland Public Theatre's Student Theatre Enrichment Program
Various parks around Northeast Ohio
Cleveland teenagers make up CPT's award-winning eight week summer intensive known as STEP. After working through playwriting, acting, designing and more, the ensemble hits the road to share their original work with the public for free. Learn more here.
