The Disney Musicals in Schools program, presented by Dee & Jimmy Haslam, benefits elementary schools with a student poverty level of 50% or higher, building lasting performing arts programs and helping students develop skills to last a lifetime.
Each year, the culmination of the program takes place in March with the Student Share event where the students bring their talent to the Mimi Ohio Theatre stage. This March, the four schools performed numbers from The Jungle Book KIDS, Winnie the Pooh KIDS, and The Lion King KIDS and enjoyed cheers from educators and proud families.
Disney Musicals in Schools is transformational. For many students, this is the first opportunity to step into the spotlight and discover their voice. Aziz Ahmad, Principal of The Intergenerational School East, had this to say about his students in this year’s program:
“The way that students develop... the way they change their mindset towards learning and engaging, it’s amazing to see how drastically they develop in such a short time.”
Students are given the chance to thrive and learn alongside their dedicated teachers and professional artists. Their experiences today are also setting the stage for future students in their schools to discover the arts.
DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS 2025-26 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
H Halle Elementary
The Jungle Book KIDS
H The Intergenerational School East
Winnie the Pooh KIDS
H Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy
Winnie the Pooh KIDS
H Dike School of the Arts
The Lion King KIDS
HISTORY COMES TO LIFE AND INSPIRES STUDENTS TO DREAM BIGGER
One trip to Playhouse Square can spark a lifelong passion for learning, inspiring students to imagine bright futures.
This past school year, thousands of students experienced that possibility through Sankofa: An Epic Adventure, an original production developed by Playhouse Square’s Education Department in collaboration with Karamu House and the Cleveland Public Library. Written by awardwinning Cleveland playwright Lisa Langford and directed by Playhouse Square’s Ananias Dixon, the production brought Black history to life through live music, dance and storytelling in this time-traveling adventure.
The word sankofa comes from the Akan people of Ghana and means “to go back and get it.” In the play, five teens are transported through key moments in Black history, from the era of Mansa Musa in Africa to the birth of Hip Hop in the Bronx. Together, they learn about the past while discovering its connection to their own lives and futures.
For Playhouse Square Education Committee member Patsy Kouvas,
seeing the production’s impact firsthand was unforgettable. She recalled:
“The first show that I attended, when the school buses arrived, you heard the chatter, you heard the excitement. They were so excited to walk into the theater. Then once they took their seats... complete silence.”
Patsy also witnessed the creative process behind the scenes, attending rehearsals and watching the production come together.
“These are local young people. I was amazed at that,” Patsy said. “We all think that when you see a play, actors are coming from all over, but this talent is right here in Cleveland.”
Beyond the outstanding performances with local talent, Sankofa resonated deeply with students. One scene, in particular, stood out.
“One of the most memorable parts was when Dreama [one of the main characters] talked about what college she had recently been accepted to,” Patsy shared. “To hear the cheers in the audience, I was just so happy. They can relate to someone on the
stage who looks like them and could go home that night and lay in bed and say, ‘I could go to Stanford too.’”
That spark of possibility is at the heart of Playhouse Square’s education programming. Through productions like Sankofa, students encounter stories, role models and experiences that expand their understanding of what is possible.
Thanks to donors like you, students from across Northeast Ohio can experience the power of live theater, discover new perspectives and leave Playhouse Square inspired to dream bigger.
2026 DAZZLE AWARDS WINNERS
Best Actor
TONY FRITZGERALD III
Saint Ignatius High School
Best Actress LEGEND YOUNG
Willoughby South High School
Best Musical (Tier I)
WEST GEAUGA HIGH SCHOOL
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
Best Musical (Tier II)
LUTHERAN WEST
Hadestown: Teen Edition
To see all of the winners, visit playhousesquare.org/ dazzlewinners.
NEXT STOP, BROADWAY! DAZZLE AWARD WINNERS PERFORMED AT THE JIMMY AWARDS
Every year, the Dazzle Awards showcase the incredible talent of Northeast Ohio students. Many donors experienced that talent firsthand when Dazzle Awards participants performed at Donor Appreciation Night, offering just a glimpse of what your support makes possible.
This year’s winners, Tony Fitzgerald and Legend Young, continued to the national stage through The Jimmy Awards,® following in the footsteps of notable alumni who have gone on to professional theater careers.
Dazzle Awards alumni Kyle McFalls, Julia Martini and Steven Huynh will
all return to Playhouse Square stages this Broadway season as performers. Kyle and Julia will return in The Who’s Tommy the Musical and Steven will star in the lead role of the tour of Maybe Happy Ending. Stories like these are a powerful example of how your support comes full circle.
While some impacts are visible under the spotlight, countless others happen behind the scenes: students gaining confidence, discovering their potential and carrying lessons learned through the programs you support into every aspect of their lives. Those transformations begin right here, thanks to you.
This spring, Playhouse Square was proud to celebrate our generous supporters during Donor Appreciation Week. Throughout the week, we highlighted the many ways donor support strengthens our community, including a special evening of gratitude and celebration on Monday for Advocate level donors and above.
The event began with a reception in the KeyBank State Theatre lobby followed by remarks in house. A highlight of the event was a performance by Dazzle Awards winners Tony Fritzgerald and Legend Young, whose talent, energy and passion
CELEBRATING YOU!
reminded us of the opportunities made possible through your generosity.
This year’s KeyBank Broadway Series and Encore Collection lineups feature hit movies and new stories, alike. The evening continued with a screening of the film Death Becomes Her in the KeyBank State Theatre, complete with popcorn and candy. We can’t wait to see you in the theaters!
From fueling our education programming to preserving our historic theaters and activating the Playhouse Square District, you are our greatest asset!
EVENT ROUNDUP!
Hot Pink Hoedown
Most recently, Partners and their friends dusted off their dancing shoes for a high-energy night of line dancing, good music and even better company. 50 YPs showed off their best moves on the KeyBank State Theatre stage. Led by line dance instructors!
Partners Curtain Call
Partners celebrated another successful year with Partners Curtain Call. The evening included a wine and mocktail tasting, light bites and remarks from Partners Board CoChairs Jeremiah Guappone and Maria O’Neill. This year’s Partners award recipients, Erika Rylow and Kristen Swinton, were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Jump Back Ball 2026: Bloom
The Jump Back Ball committee is thrilled to share that JBB 2026: BLOOM was a huge success with a sold out crowd of 800 attendees and a net income of more than $16,000 to support Playhouse Square’s education programs.
High Tea & Apt 2B
In April, Partners Encore Society members attended high tea in Playhouse Square’s RJF Presidents’ Club! In addition to tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and a variety of teas, the attendees enjoyed a talk with Jeff Herrmann, scenic designer at Great Lakes Theater.
Partners Alumni at Curtain Call
Playhouse Square celebrated Pride month in a big way! As an enthusiastic sponsor of Pride in the CLE, more than 50 employees, their families, and OUT members represented Playhouse Square in the annual march.
With high-glam entertainment from four of Cleveland’s most sensational queens, we hosted Drag Me OUT to Brunch, an OUT-exclusive event which included a fully catered buffet and open bar.
The lobby buzzed with personality, big entrances and bold costumes. Host Veranda L’Ni pulled two attendees from the audience to lip sync for their lives, where they competed against each other for the audience’s applause.
At Playhouse Square, we hope every visitor feels welcome, celebrated and joyful exactly as they are. Members of OUT at Playhouse Square
help us make that a reality.
Interested in learning more? Visit playhousesquare.org/out.
At the Legacy Circle Dinner, we gathered to celebrate the generous individuals who have chosen to include Playhouse Square in their estate plans, ensuring the arts continue to inspire for generations to come.
Remarks from Craig Hassall, CEO, and Michelle Ryan Stewart, Chief of Community Engagement, reflected on the personal connections that bring
each donor to this commitment. From moments of joy and discovery to a lasting sense of belonging, the arts make an impact that inspires Legacy Circle donors to carry that experience forward for others.
The program also honored the enduring legacy of visionary leader John Lewis and his wife Cathy, whose passion helped shape Playhouse
Square as we know it today. That legacy is reflected in the life of their grandson Angus King Williams, who, at the event, shared how his family’s connection to Playhouse Square and the arts has influenced his own artistic journey. His story was a powerful reminder that the generosity of today’s donors directly nurtures the artists and audiences of tomorrow.
YOUR ENDURING LEGACY LEGACY CIRCLE
K.K. Sullivan, Jon & Jane Outcalt, Bill & Mary Margaret Lawrence, Anne de DeConingh
Norm & Denise Wells, Elise Bockman, Neil Weinberger
Karen Skinder, Denise Busch
Michelle Ryan Stewart, Angus King Williams, Craig Hassall
REDCOATS MAKE GIVING BACK A FAMILY TRADITION
Ed and Judi loved the performing arts before they met, but volunteering helped the couple connect with their community. For more than 13 years, they have welcomed guests to our theaters. Their support as Legacy Circle donors allows guests to share their passion for years to come.
For Bob and Laurie, what began as a date night grew into a tradition shared with their children and grandchildren. Over time, their appreciation for what Playhouse Square represents to Cleveland deepened as they became RedCoat volunteers and Legacy Circle donors.
For the Campobenedettos, legacy giving is a promise to the future, ensuring Playhouse Square inspires, educates and brings people together for generations to come.
“History matters – as do the arts in Cleveland. After almost losing the theaters once, we want to help make sure they remain open and thriving for future generations.”
– BOB & LAURIE CAMPOBENEDETTO
“Cleveland is lucky that the theaters were saved and will provide a legacy that lives on for many years.”
– JUDI & ED CAMPOBENEDETTO
Interested in learning more? Visit playhousesquare.org/legacycircle or contact Leanne Dewyer at 216-640-8411 or Leanne.Dewyer@playhousesquare.org.
THANKAPALOOZA CELEBRATES THE HEART OF PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
More than 525 volunteers gathered for this year’s Thankapalooza, a backyard BBQ-themed celebration honoring the dedicated RedCoats and volunteers. Guests embraced the theme, enjoying classic picnic favorites and taking home commemorative koozies.
The evening featured special recognition for volunteer milestones, including the Richard & Evelyn Dolejs Service Award. Joe Ferritto was honored for surpassing 10,000
volunteer hours, while Ruth Freeman, Mary Ann Moos and Rhonda Totten were recognized for achieving 5,000 hours of service.
One of the night’s highlights was RedCoats Live 2, an original production written, directed, and performed by Playhouse Square’s Ross Wason alongside RedCoat volunteers. Complete with a live RedCoat band, the performance shared the story behind the iconic red blazers that inspired the “RedCoats” name.
The celebration concluded with music from DJ Krooze, who kept the dance floor packed through the evening. Thankapalooza served as a joyful reminder that the passion, generosity, and spirit of our volunteers continue to make Playhouse Square a welcoming place for millions of guests each year.
We
Playhouse Square Foundation 1501 Euclid Avenue Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 44115-2108
Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM Connor Palace
Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. Limit 4 tickets per person. Scan QR
