Cleveland Play House

Cleveland Play House Launches Its 2026‑27 Season: Timeless Stories, Thrilling Theatre

Featuring two classic American musicals, a world-premiere play for multigenerational audiences, a sparkling Noël Coward romantic comedy, and a riveting co-production with Indiana Repertory Theatre! CPH is also launching a new play spearheaded by the CPH Education Department as part of its “Stories That Matter” initiative, and two dynamic productions from the Case Western Reserve/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program that will be announced soon.

Private Lives October 24 – November 22, 2026 Outcalt Theatre – Noël Coward’s sparkling romantic comedy of love, ego, and irresistible attraction.

Annie November 28 – December 27, 2026 Allen Theatre – The beloved musical bursting with hope, heart, and timeless songs like “Tomorrow.”

The Da Vinci Code January 30 – February 21 – 2027 Allen Theatre – Dan Brown’s international thriller brought to life on stage in a pulse‑pounding theatrical experience.

Working: A Musical April 3 – May 2, 2027 Outcalt Theatre – A Cleveland‑inspired celebration of everyday people whose stories and songs form the heartbeat of a city.

Season subscriptions are on sale now at clevelandplayhouse.com. Follow Cleveland Play House for casting news, and other exciting updates coming soon and throughout the season.

The reviews are in and Freak The Mighty is a HIT! And you can say you saw this here FIRST, right here in Cleveland! Get your tickets now at clevelandplayhouse.com

"With its uplifting story and built-in audience of readers who grew up with Philbrick’s novel — or saw the 1998 movie version “The Mighty” — it certainly has what it takes to make it to Broadway. If it does, it’ll be worth bragging that you saw it here first." - Joey Marona, cleveland.com https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2026/06/freak-the-mighty-review-cleveland-play-house-world-premiere-musical-is-a-moving-tale-of-friendship.html&subscribed=9676796

"The Cleveland Play House has done audiences a tremendous service by not only producing great theatre, but nurturing it. Freak The Mighty is a touching adaptation. The dialogue resonates, and the music is memorable. I truly believe the adventures of this dynamic duo are far from over."- Julie Zatko, BroadwayWorld Cleveland https://www.broadwayworld.com/cleveland/article/Review-FREAK-THE-MIGHTY-at-Cleveland-Play-House-20260602

"While “Freak the Mighty” will resonate most with a young crowd, there is a broad appeal to be found in the story’s cuteness." - Gwendolyn Kochur, Cleveland Scene Magazine https://www.clevescene.com/arts/world-premiere-freak-the-mighty-at-cleveland-play-house-is-full-of-promise/

“I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for a while, and that’s the truth, the whole truth. The Unvanquished truth, is how Freak would say it.” With this opening teaser we are hooked for the next two hours as we witness a brilliant musical, Cleveland Play House’s production of “Freak The Mighty” - Mark Horning
https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/cleveland-play-house-s-freak-the-mighty-sings

"The play is more than a special friendship between two outsiders. It sheds light on the possibility of supporting and respecting one another more, regardless of differences, challenges, and “gaps.” The musical also highlights the miraculous power of reading, imagining, and writing, as well as the important creative process, which people tend to forget." - Yuko Kurahashi
https://theatrereviewskurahashi.wordpress.com/2026/06/01/empowerment-in-fantasy-and-real-worlds-the-world-premiere-of-freak-the-mighty/

World Premiere ‘Freak the Mighty’ at Cleveland Play House Is Full of Promise Freak the Mighty at Cleveland Play House captivates with its loveable duo and a feel-good story. Discover more in our review.

Cleveland Play House is proud to present the 2026 New Ground Theatre Festival June 12, 13, and 14 in the Outcalt Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Every year, Cleveland Play House celebrates the art of playwriting by inviting actors, directors, and dramaturgs to workshop new plays, offer insights to the visiting playwrights, and inspire the next phase of the scripts’ development.

The most exciting part of this festival is hearing an audience respond to a new play being read aloud for the first time — with laughter, tears, gasps, and applause.

Here is this year's line-up:

The Untitled Navarro Sisters Play
Written by Sandra Delgado
A CPH Roe Green Commission
Friday June 12 7:30PM

This commission for the festival, written by Sandra Delgado, is a play with music inspired by the lives of the Navarro sisters, a singing quartet, originally from Panama, who in the 1920s made their new home Chicago and shared their music there. The play will feature music with both Spanish and English language songs from the 1920s and will include popular songs of the time, as well as feature the theme song of the radio show the sisters sang on every week. The music will be woven into the scenes and text to carry the story and share with the audience who these women were through their art.

The Goldsmith
Written and performed by Sharone Sayegh
Directed by Zachary Prince
Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 PM.

Stemming from Broadway Actress Sharone Sayegh’s true family’s journey, The Goldsmith is a treasury of stories woven through the golden jewelry passed down in her family, across borders, cultures, and generations. Each piece of jewelry takes us further along her family’s journey from Iraq to Israel, and then to America, where Sharone grapples for love as a first- generation Iraqi, Israeli, American. As she wrestles with identity, belonging, multiplicity of self, and acceptance, this solo play moves, surprises, and inspires the audience to investigate the stories and legacies with which we adorn ourselves throughout our lives.

Sister Chemistry
by Jeannie Affelder and Maggie Cain
Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 PM

Sister Chemistry is a story of two pairs of sisters: Amy and Carrie in 1995 Cleveland, Ohio; and Manya and Bronya in 1885 Warsaw, Poland. Each pair navigates sibling relationships, aging parents, careers in science, and balancing commitments to themselves and their sisters. Their paths weave across the kitchen as the characters learn from each other across time. The playwrights, sisters and actors in Chicago, got their start at the Cleveland Play House Youtheatre.

🥂Cheers to the brand new musical Freak The Mighty!

Join us for Wine Down Wednesday on Wednesday, June 3 from 6pm–7pm at Parnell's Pub At Playhouse Square in Playhouse Square before the 7:30pm world premiere performance of Freak The Mighty!

Connect with fellow theatre lovers while you sip on your favorite drink before an unforgettable evening celebrating friendship, adventure, and this exciting new musical.

Use promo code WDW to get your ticket for just $45. Your ticket includes:
• One complimentary drink (up to a $10 value)
• Admission to the 7:30pm performance of Freak The Mighty

Tickets available here: https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2025/freak-the-mighty

Must be 21+ to purchase tickets. Please drink responsibly!

Experience the world premiere musical Freak The Mighty in a powerful new stage adaptation based on the beloved novel by Rodman Philbrick

This co-production with Seattle Rep and Tony Award-winning producers of Come From Away follows the unforgettable journey of Max and Kevin as they discover the power of friendship, courage, and imagination.

Performances run now through June 21 at the Allen Theatre.

Accessible performances include:

ASL-Interpreted Performance — Friday, June 12 at 7:30 PM
Open-Captioned Performance — Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM
Relaxed Performance — Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 PM

For tickets and more information: https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2025/freak-the-mighty
Learn more about accessibility at Cleveland Play House here: https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/visit/accessibility

Thank you News 5 Cleveland!

Cleveland Playhouse premieres 'Freak The Mighty' with local ties A new play is headed to the Cleveland Playhouse for its world premiere in the Playhouse Square district.

The world‑premiere musical Freak the Mighty is now in previews — and audiences are already feeling the impact. We open Friday, May 29, but last night’s first preview left hearts full and spirits lifted.

One audience member shared this beautiful reflection:
“I saw kids I’ve known in Max and Freak—the ones who carry more than people realize—and that hit me straight in the heart. This isn’t just another good musical for me; it’s the one I know I’ll keep coming back to when I need to remember why stories about courage, connection, and real, everyday bravery matter.”

These stunning production photos capture just a glimpse of the heart, imagination, and humanity onstage.
Photos by Roger Mastroianni Photography

Don’t miss the world‑premiere musical that is filling hearts and is sure to sweep Cleveland up in its fierce, soaring hope.
Get tickets now at clevelandplayhouse.com

Thank you The Plain Dealer and Joey Marona! Freak The Mighty actor Anita Hollander's story from Shaker Heights child actor to Broadway veteran and esteemed national actors with disabilities advocate is an inspiration.

The beloved children's book 'Freak The Mighty' is becoming a musical — and its world premiere is happening in Cleveland The world preimere of “Freak the Mighty” arrives at the Allen Theatre with heart, humor and a deeply personal connection for Shaker Heights native Anita Hollander.