Cleveland Play House's Season to Include NOISES OFF, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, and CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

The Cleveland Play House will present the following productions throughout their 2008-09 season:

NOISES OFF
By Michael Frayn
Directed by David Bell
Bolton Theatre, October 3-26, 2008
A comic masterpiece that is not one play, but two: an onstage wacky sex farce, and a backstage comic nightmare. The two plays interlock as the characters make their exits from the dreadful Nothing On, only to find themselves making entrances into the even worse happenings backstage. In the end, the two plots “seamlessly collide” into hilarious pandemonium.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN
By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Lou Bellamy
Drury Theatre, November 7-30, 2008
As each member of the Younger family envisions their own unique path to the American Dream, their choices threaten to tear the family asunder. The events that have unfolded since this brilliant play was written in 1959 have only made more powerful this story of determination, dignity, and redemption in the face of segregation.

A CHRISTMAS STORY – Off-Subscription
Adapted by Philip Grecian
Directed by Seth Gordon
Bolton Theatre, November 28 - December 21, 2008
A Cleveland Play House tradition in its 4th year! Philip Grecian’s stage adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s fond and funny tribute to the original, traditional, 100% red-blooded, All-American Christmas. Join young Ralphie Parker in his quest for the “Holy Grail of Christmas presents” – a genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. Gaze in wonder at his father’s “major award.” Based on the movie filmed in Cleveland in 1983, this classic holiday comedy is a funny and sweet tale of growing up in the 1940s suitable for ages 5 and up – and back by popular demand!

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Based on the novel by Jules Verne
Adapted by Mark Brown
Drury Theatre, January 9 - February 1, 2009
In one of the greatest adventure stories of all time, Phileas Fogg accepts an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and life at risk. The fearless adventurer and his faithful servant brave stampeding elephants, raging typhoons, runaway trains, and more as they attempt to circle the globe in an unheard of eighty days. Danger and romance are featured in this whirlwind adventure, based on the beloved novel by Jules Verne.

MAHALIA: A GOSPEL MUSICAL
By Tom Stolz
Directed by Kent Gash
Bolton Theatre, January 30 - February 22, 2009
One of the most glorious gospel singers of all time, Mahalia Jackson was a humble, deeply religious woman whose expressive and powerful voice carried her from poverty in New Orleans to appearances before presidents and royalty. This lively tribute to her incredible life features thrilling gospel numbers and the moving, often humorous story of a woman whose life was deeply rooted in her faith.

Dostoevsky’s CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus
Drury Theatre, February 27 - March 22, 2009
Based on the masterpiece novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, this award-winning adaptation is a gripping 90-minute thriller, a psychological journey into the mind of a brilliant but desperate young man whose struggle against poverty drives him to the ultimate crime of passion.

THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS
By David Rambo
Bolton Theatre, March 27 - April 19, 2009
A one-woman comedy of manners about the mistress of manners herself, Eppie Lederer, better known as Ann Landers. Based on her life and letters, and filled with secrets, regrets, and triumphs, this play focuses on her two closest relationships, her husband and her twin sister we all know as Dear Abby. Just like her columns, this play is bracingly frank, instructive....and very funny.

Thornton Wilder’s HEAVEN’S MY DESTINATION
Adapted by Lee Blessing
Directed by Michael Bloom
Drury Theatre, April 24 - May 17, 2009
The world premiere adaptation of a brilliant comic novel from the author of Our Town. George Marvin Brush, one of Thornton Wilder’s most memorable characters, is a traveling textbook salesman and also a fervent religious convert determined to lead “a good life”. A startlingly relevant tale of religion and tolerance with poignant and sometimes hilarious consequences, George’s travels take him through smoking cars, bawdy houses, banks and campgrounds from Texas to Illinois—and into the soul of America.

Founded in 1915, The Cleveland Play House is America's first permanently established professional theatre company. We are an artist-inspired theatre that serves our community by bringing to life stories that are entertaining, relevant, and thought-provoking.

Designed by Philip Johnson, The Cleveland Play House complex consists of three interconnected buildings totaling 300,000 square feet of space on a 12.5-acre campus. It is the largest regional theatre complex under one roof in the country.

The Cleveland Play House has an annual operating budget of $8.5 million and employs more than 100 people throughout the year.

For tickets and further information please visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com

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