What's On: Upcoming Shows in Cleveland - Dec 2012

4000 MILES

Dobama Theatre presents 4000 MILES, a 2012 Obie Award winner for Best New Play, from December 7th to January 6th. Performances run Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.

After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. Amy Herzog's acclaimed new play looks at how two outsiders find their way in today's world.

Tickets are $21 or $26, depending on performance day. Discounts are available to seniors and students. Purchase tickets online dobama.ticketleap.com or by calling the box office at 216.932.3396. The Dobama Theatre is located at 2340 Lee Road, adjacent to the Cleveland Heights/University Heights Library.

ANNIE

Family favorite ANNIE plays the Mackey Main Stage at The Beck Center for the Arts December 7th to January 6th. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and 2:30pm on Sundays. Special Thursday performances are at 7:30pm on December 20th and 27th.

ANNIE is the touching story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new homes in the mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, as well as a new family with "Daddy" Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Tickets range from $10 to $28. Purchase tickets online at www.beckcenter.org or by calling the box office at 216.521.2540, ext. 10. The Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood, ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland.

The Best of Broadway

The Cleveland Pops, under the baton of Carl Topilow, presents THE BEST OF BROADWAY on Monday, December 31st at 9pm at Severance Hall. This New Year's Eve Gala is one of the hottest tickets in town and includes a midnight balloon drop and dance reception after the concert.

Enjoy three of the most famous and celebrated Broadway stars – Christiane Noll, Doug LaBrecque and Debbie Gravitte – performing a sparkling selection of Broadway hits guaranteed to light up the start of your 2013. Includes songs from MY FAIR LADY, FUNNY GIRL, HAIRSPRAY, MAMMA MIA!, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLE, CHICAGO, WICKED, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and many more.

Tickets range from $30 to $108. Purchase tickets online at www.clevelandpops.com or by calling the box office at 216.231.1111 or 1.800.686.1141. Severance Hall is located at 11001 Euclid Avenue, just east of downtown Cleveland.

BLACK NATIVITY

Karamu House presents Langston Hughes' BLACK NATIVITY from December 7th to 30th at the Jelliffe Theatre. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. The show runs 2-1/2 hours.

BLACK NATIVITY is the contemporary retelling of the birth of Christ based on the Gospel of St. Luke. The original story of the Nativity is retold through gospel music, spoken word, dance and songs.

Tickets range from $15 to $30, with discounts for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online at www.karamuhouse.org/tour-ticket.php?id=12 or by calling the box office at 216.795.7077. The Jelliffe Theatre is located at 2355 East 89th Street in the Karamu Performing Arts Center.

Photo Credit: Matt O'Shea and Dorothy Silver in 4000 MILES. Photo by Dobama Theatre.

Vicky is living her dream working as a zookeeper, spending her days with penguins, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). Theatre has always been an interest of hers, but ever since moving to Ohio in 2003 it's become a true passion. Downtown Cleveland – the largest theatre district outside of Manhattan – is a frequent stomping ground. She sees as many touring, local, regional and orchestral productions as she can and is always looking to broaden her theatrical horizons. When not outside at the zoo or inside a theatre, Vicky enjoys photography, bird watching and knitting.

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