Cleveland's Vibrant Theater Scene Retakes the Stage in 2026

There’s no business like show business, and Cleveland is ready for “curtains up” this theater season. From upbeat musicals to existential scares, there’s a little something for everyone.

The orchestra pit is warming up. Time to take your seat. It’s “curtains up” in The Land.

Playhouse Square

Downtown lights up with the return of the KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square. Join the lions, hyenas and tears as the World's number one musical, “The Lion King” fills the seats of Playhouse Square (Jul. 1 - Aug 8, 2026). Next up gracing the Playhouse Square stage is "The Great Gasby". Then, experience the musical comedy that is, as critics (and BEYONCÉ) say is to die for, see "Death Becomes Her" (Sept. 12 - Oct. 3). Next is "HADESTOWN" (Nov. 3-8), a 8x Tony Award Winner including Best Musical and Grammy Award Winner for Best Musical Theater Album. If that doesn't convince you enough, think of the perfect blend of two stories of love and adventure blended with hints of a mythological world all wrapped in the jazz and blues of New Orleans making event the hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention.

Cleveland Play House

111 looks good on you, Cleveland Play House. A resident company of Playhouse Square, celebrate over a century of excellence at America’s first professional regional theatre with "Freak the Mighty" (May 22 - Jun. 21), a play that highlights an unlikely freindship. You should expect a a story of the mismatch pair transforming into an empowering duo. Grab one of your besties to enjoy this display of friendship, resilience and community in the face of adversity.

Cleveland Orchestra

Music director Franz Welser-Möst has been doing his thing with the globally acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra for two decades — and it shows. Experience him and others at Severance Hall for The Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival featuring Terence Blanchard. This event will be curated with a mix of conversations, opera, poetry and art all with the overarching theme of courage.

You won't want to miss the Blossom Music Festival (Jul. 3 - Sep. 6) featuring a Salute to America in celebration of its 250th anniversary, the score of Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets and the Broadway icon Idina Menzel who will perform songs from Rent, Wicked and Frozen (Jul. 26). Also making his Cleveland Orchestra debut is genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning artist, Jon Batiste will perform at Blossom Music Center (Aug. 20).

Near West Theatre

In its 300-seat, state-of-the-art venue in the Gordon Square Arts District, Near West Theatre stages stunning intergenerational musicals like "Annie” (Nov. 20 - Dec. 6) and teen productions like "Ragtime" (Jul. 17 - Aug. 2). Right when you walk into Near West Theaatre, you are met with an outpour of love and community spirit that starts on stage and infuses into the audience.

Beck Center for the Arts

Over in Lakewood, Beck Center for the Arts offers theatre for all ages, from musicals and dramas to comedies on two separate stages. 2025's summer season includes "Speech & Debate" (May 29 - Jun. 28) and "Mean Girls" (Jul. 10 - Aug. 9).

Dobama Theatre

Known for premiering acclaimed contemporary plays, Dobama Theatre is Cleveland’s beloved off-Broadway stage located in Cleveland Heights. The 2025/2026 season is finishing up with "Sanctuary City" (Apr. 23 - May 17).