CLEVELAND — The Playhouse Square theaters have been closed for nearly a year, but 2021 is a year full of celebrations.
This year five theaters turn 100 years old:
- Keybank State Theater on Feb. 5
- Mimi Ohio Theater on Feb. 14
- Hanna Theater in March
- Allen Theater on April 1
"When you think about 100 years ago, about the use of the land that these theaters are sitting on, how it changed. They were private residents, they were mansions. You know, Euclid Ave, was millionaires row," said Playhouse Square's President and CEO, Gina Vernaci.
Vernaci said in a typical year they would have celebrations planned all year long, but with COVID-19 and its restrictions still lingering, they're working on something special when it's safe to gather in large groups.
"It's a little difficult at this point in time to be able to put those plans in place until we actually know when we can assemble," she said.
On average each year Playhouse Square's theaters welcome more than 1 million guests and host 1,000+ events. The district also draws more than 120,000 guests each year from outside the Northeast Ohio region.
Vernaci said while we can't be together to celebrate some of these major milestones, have no fear - the legacy of Playhouse Square plans to stick around for another 100 years.
"It tells you what dreams can do, it tells you what tenacity can do, and it tells you about the importance of arts and culture," she said.
