Many a Clevelander fondly recalls the old Front Row Theater, that Highland Heights hotpot with in-the-round entertainment and its very own champagne bar.
With the help of some concert programs and an odd ticket stub or two (many pulled from this fine Facebook page), relive some of the theater’s glory days, and let us know what your favorite concerts and events were in the comment section below.
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2014.
Alaina Nutile is the Web Editor who oversees all digital content and social media initiatives for Cleveland Scene Magazine and Detroit Metro Times. Before joining the staff in June 2013, she interned at Business Insider in New York City, and at La Hora in Quito, Ecuador. Alaina is a graduate of Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where she double majored in English and Spanish. Her interests include Japanese food, Breaking Bad, and career development advising.
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Saw the Temptations reunion tour in 82. All the originals
I remember seeing Jessie Jackson speak there on a school trip only to miss the bus back to school!
Cheech and Chong
1974 – I was in the 6th Grade, saw THE Jackson 5, with sisters in tow – Miss Jackson if your Nasty (well, that was a little later). To date, one of the very best memories I have of live music.
Alice Cooper in July, 1981.
Concerts, pro wrestling, pro boxing, comedy acts, speakers —- it was one cool venue that unfortunately met its demise. Miles Davis, Tangerine Dream, John Mayall w/ John McVie and Mick Taylor…..and even George Will…..graced that stage.
Saw CHIC there in 82′. My mother and Grandmother saw just about everybody there but definitely: Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, The O’Jays, Grover Washington, Jr., The Whispers, Patti Labelle just to name a few.
I saw many great shows at this venue, BB King, Albert King, Bobby “blues” Bland (1979) Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia (1981) Cameo (Shake your pants tour) 1980 Barry White 1983 Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Clarke, George Duke , The Temptations Reunion tour 1982 …..You name it they probably played there. Great Venue sorry to see it go.
Mills Brothers
my first concert at the frontrow was the blizzard of 1977/1978 january,i saw brass construction, brick and blue magic. the tickets cost about $20.and i drove my first car to the concert and it had no heat,it was a 1969 amc javelin. great memories at the theater in the round. it was the greatest!!
I remember my first trip to the theater, our school sent us to see the Christmas Carol. The ghost of Christmas past fainted when the pyrotechnics went off and they had to stop the show to have medical people attend to him.
That was the best theatre in Cleveland, from The Jackson 5 to wrestling events this place was awesome.i wish it would. I wish it would come back.
I came across a the 1st issue advertisement book with sammy davis jr on the cover & advertising the Jackson 5 coming along with many others @a auction I was @ it was in the box of miscellaneous stuff I bought.
Anyone have a idea of it’s value?
Thank you,
Chris F.
I can be reached @ coogi114@yahoo
This is chris again with the front row theatre advertisement book with sammy davis jr on the cover
Just posted about it I can also be reached on Facebook
anyone remeber what year the mills brothers were there? (1970s) I went with my grandmother and my mom. I was just a kid but can’t remember the year.