Arts & Entertainment

Red Barn Youth Theater will present "Christmas Shorts" by Lucy Williams on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at Clague Playhouse.

There’s something for everyone in this holiday delight! You’ll find everything here, from kids writing letters to Santa, to the big guy getting ready for Christmas himself, to a bunch of elves who accidentally rip Santa’s gift bag at the last minute. (Don’t worry, Mrs. Claus can fix it!) There’s a sports segment featuring the 845th annual Reindeer Games and a holiday quiz show featuring Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. A soap opera, "As the North Pole Turns," a news segment from the North Pole News, and some Christmas-themed commercials round out this fun seasonal comedy.

West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church’s Adult Choir will sing in the holiday season during a worship service devoted to the beloved masterpiece “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi. This B. Neil Davis Artist Series will also feature the Amethyst String Quartet. The concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. This musical worship service is free and open to the public.

According to David Blazer, Director of Music, “The Gloria in its entirety is a joyful hymn of praise and worship divided into 12 relatively brief movements, ranging from festive brilliance to profound sadness. Weaved throughout the work are movements to feature some of our soloists from the choir.”

BAYarts will kick off 2023 with a lot to celebrate! Founded in 1948, BAYarts plans to stick around for a whole lot longer thanks to strong community support of three great projects happening now.

Phase 2 of the restoration of the former playhouse is underway with the piece de resistance! The auditorium's long overdue makeover, transforming it into a 2,000-square-foot education/event/performance center, opening in the fall.

The Irene Lawrence Fuller House (aka the house that floated on a barge to its current location in 1984) is 130 years old! As the heart and soul of BAYarts, the beloved "Fuller House" has been the home to hundreds of events, concerts, exhibitions, weddings and more and is in need of some TLC. Plans include exterior painting, lighting and other building repair. All of these projects are made possible by the generosity of the BAYarts community, local businesses and foundations.

David Jansheski’s large-scale, wood block and silk-screen prints are featured through November in a special exhibit at the Center for Artful Living, 26633 Detroit Road in Westlake, at the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health.

Jansheski (1954-2014), who studied and lived in Cleveland as well as in Minneapolis, Chicago and Santa Fe, completed artist residencies in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Scotland. His work demonstrates his keen interest in themes from architecture and nature to abstract forms and colors. He once said, “I pursued the gift that God gave me to the best of my ability” when listing his most significant accomplishment.

"Paper and Printed Landscapes," an exhibition by artist Carmen Romine, reflects the natural pigments and textures found in nature. The exhibit, on view now through Nov. 4 in BAYarts' Sullivan Family Gallery in the Fuller House reflects the warm fall colors now surrounding us in the park.

Growing up in rural Medina, Romine finds inspiration from natural surroundings such as simple shapes of soil lines in a field, water currents, and the natural pigments in wildflowers. She creates abstract landscapes from paper and botanical materials by using a variety of fiber art methods. The compositions range from atmospheric prints to sculptural pieces that become accumulative, rhythmic, drifting and ultimately dream-like.

Music was in the air on Oct. 10 at Westlake Porter Public Library as the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council (W-WAC) presented FYI Opera. Jonathon Field, director of Oberlin Opera Theater, provided commentary and historical text to the performance. Performers Clara Dahmer, soprano; Chris Leimgruber, tenor; and Alan Rendzak, baritone; were accompanied by Music Director and pianist, Kyung-Eun Na.

After each singer performed an aria, the performance ended with a trio from Rossini’s "L’Occasione fa il Ladro," one of his early one-act farces. The talent and professionalism of these students is outstanding. The W-WAC is delighted to partner with Oberlin College to bring this performance to the Westshore communities.

Clague Playhouse continues their 95th season with the holiday comedy, “One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall” by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton, and Craig Pospisil.

The play follows eight intertwined stories in a Midwestern mall on the last day of shopping before the holiday. A diverse cast of characters – from a lovesick mall Santa to an overeager mall cop, from a pair of brainy misfit teenagers to a pair of battling actors in a production of “A Christmas Carol,” from a petulant college freshman to a pair of newlyweds – navigate first meetings, second chances, and last-minute choices. Our cast features Karen Flannery, Mike Frye, Beth Gaertner, Don Knepper, Jonathan McCleery, Mary Manos Mitchem, Minor Stokes and Noah Underhill and are directed by Robert Gibb.

During the early summer months of the Covid pandemic, community members sought refuge in the beautiful gardens at BAYarts. The gardens provided a welcome relief for weary residents seeking solace in nature and also the opportunity to safely reconnect with others.

However, the notion of healing gardens is not new to BAYarts. Visitors have historically described the grounds as inspiring and magical, with people regularly enjoying the gardens on their lunch break or taking a moment to read, write, draw or paint on campus.

In 2018, when the Cleveland Metroparks announced a 3-year Transition Plan to bring all of their buildings and public areas into ADA compliance, BAYarts was required to comply with renovations to the buildings they lease from the parks. As they began to research accommodations to the historic buildings, the seed was planted to bring a new level of accessibility to the BAYarts gardens as well.

"En plein air" is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their works.

Several years ago, BAYarts hosted the Ohio Watercolor Society Plein Air event which was such a success; they decided to create their own annual event based on the apt tagline "Artistic by Nature."

"Where better to paint outdoors in the fall than in the areas around Huntington Reservation and the Lake Erie shore?" said BAYarts Artistic Director (and a painter herself), Karen Petkovic.

Clague Playhouse's Red Barn Youth Theater will be holding auditions on Monday, Oct. 3, and Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 4-6 p.m. for their holiday production of "Christmas Shorts" by Lucy Williams. The show will be directed by Dr. Greg Dziama.

There’s something for everyone in this one-act holiday delight! You’ll find everything here, from kids writing letters to Santa, to the big guy getting ready for Christmas himself, to a bunch of elves who accidentally rip Santa’s gift bag at the last minute. (Don’t worry, Mrs. Claus can fix it!)

On Oct. 10, FYI: Opera, a premier program sponsored by the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council since 1990, returns after a COVID driven absence of more than two years. Oberlin Opera Theater presents the October program at Westlake Porter Public Library at 7:30 p.m. These programs are offered free to the public by the WWAC.

Jonathan Field, Director of Oberlin Opera Theater, will introduce the music performed by three Oberlin voice students: Clara Dahmer, soprano; Chris Leimgruber, tenor; Alan Rendzak, baritone. Oberlin Music Director Kyung-Eun Na will accompany the singers on the piano. These gifted students will perform arias and a trio from "L’Occasione fa il Ladro," one of Rossini’s early one-act farces, which will also be part of Oberlin’s November opera presentation.

The nearly three decade history of WWAC’s FYI: Opera program reflects an interesting period of opera history in the Cleveland area. In 1990, two WWAC members, Jane Mueller and Jean Povinelli initiated FYI: Opera.

Join us for a fun evening at Clague Playhouse with three local comedians!

Our emcee for the night, Rodney Bengston, is the most polite comedian you will ever run across! When he first started playing clubs, he would produce a note from his mom showing that he could stay out late to perform.

“Other comedians will talk about how edgy they are,” Rodney said. “I am anything but edgy. I am the comic who was Born to Behave.”

Award-winning comedian and actress Kathie Dice is our opening act. Kathie finds humor in the rational – and irrational – parts of everyday life. Interjecting humor into every aspect of life, from the mundane to the traumatic has become a specialty for Kathie.

The Westlake-Westshore Arts Council invites one and all to enjoy "Sunday in the Park" on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m., at Westlake Porter Library. Christopher Ellicott and Karen Ellicott blend their voices and their instruments, guitar and clarinet, giving life to the ageless music of dance and folk songs.

The Ellicotts, who have performed for over 20 years, are "Sunday in the Park." The name was chosen by these graduates of Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory when they married. The name choice was prompted by their first public concerts, usually held on Sunday, and sponsored by Cleveland Metroparks.

Clague Playhouse presents the musical suspense thriller "Flames" by Stephen Dolginoff to open their 95th season.

One year ago, Edmond died in a horrible fire. He took with him the dreams of his fiancée, Meredith, the trust of his best friend, Eric, and the answers to the burning questions that still linger about his death and the terrible crime he committed. But on a stormy night at the cemetery where he rests, the secrets from his past will finally refuse to stay buried; and those he left behind will finally refuse to stay silent.

Founded in 1978, the Cleveland Photo Fest seeks to promote worldwide Unity Through Photography, with the intent of involving and exhibiting photographers worldwide. The last time BAYarts hosted Cleveland Photo Fest, the international photo exchange featured artists from India.

This year, the juried exchange is with Australia. Centering on the classic theme of Mirrors and Windows, each photograph is either a window through which you see the world, or a reflection of yourself and your own perspective of the world.

Clague Playhouse is excited to announce the following plays for the 95th season: the musical suspense thriller "Flames" by Stephen Dolginoff that runs Sept. 16-Oct. 9; the holiday comedy "One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall" by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton and Craig Pospisil that runs Nov. 11-Dec. 11; the romantic comedy "Fireflies" by Matthew Barber, from the novel "Eleanor and Abel" by Annette Sanford, that runs Jan. 20-Feb. 12; the historical dramedy "Ada & the Engine" by Lauren Gunderson that runs March 17-April 8; and the musical comedy "Failure: A Love Story" by Philip Dawkins that runs May 12-June 4.

Seating capacity will be based on current State of Ohio guidelines. Face masks and/or coverings are recommended but not required for those who are fully vaccinated.

Works of art and artists demonstrating their techniques take center stage for four weeks as the Community of Fine Arts (COFA) returns for the first time since 2019. The Westlake-Westshore Arts Council presents its 21st edition of COFA, a juried art show, on display now through Aug. 27 at Westlake Porter Public Library. 

The exhibit includes 68 pieces of art from 30 artists, amateur/semi-professional and professional, judged by professional artists. The awards ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Porter Room, is open to the public.

The annual Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival on July 30 grew  to over 50 artists with original works displaying paintings, unique jewelry and “one of a kind” creative crafted pieces. 

The festival had live music performers, a beer and wine garden, balloons for kids, food trucks all day and plenty of free parking.

“One of the interesting things about this Festival is each artist pays their way in, but each artist also gifts to Rotary a piece of their art to be raffled off. All the proceeds go to nonprofits that Westlake-Bay Village Rotary supports,” said Rotarian Joe Kraft.

There’s nothing like BAYarts in the summer with free events for all ages (and friendly dogs) including the Thursday Market and Sunday Concerts.

Thursday Market continues to shine as one of the west side’s favorite markets with dozens of food and art vendors, local food trucks, Chatty’s Pizzeria and live music on the gazebo. Add to that a new twist, especially for families and younger kids, Third Thursdays behind the gazebo invites parents to socialize with a beer or wine while kids enjoy meeting friends for crafts and games under their watchful eyes. 

The Westlake Bay Village Rotary is again hosting their annual Art Festival on Saturday, July 30, in the green space on the campus of the Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. 

The Art Festival will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. by celebrity guest Tim Richards from Cleveland radio station Star 102.1. The Rotary members and Porter Public Library Friends are excited that Richards, a Mentor native, is making a special trek to Westlake, the star city of his morning co-host Jen Toohey, to open the 2022 Festival.   

The Red Barn Youth Theater at Clague Playhouse returns to the stage this month with two one-act plays: "Snow White Lite" and "High-Rise High Jinks" on July 22-24.

“Snow White Lite” by Jacob Dorn is an easy, breezy adaptation of the classic fairy tale. The FIVE dwarves don’t need help with cooking or cleaning, so they hand Snow White a plunger and put her to work. When the wicked Queen, disguised in Groucho glasses, tries to finish her off, a quick response from Prince Heimlich saves her, and the day! Featured in our cast are Chloe Alvis, Harper Brown, Penelope Chancellia Chin-Albert, Eden Garcia, Jake Hunter, Kendall Maggie Hunter, Kennedy Minear, Rebecca Newton, Cece Pisanelli. The play is directed by Richard Lynch.

A bucket list goal of someone, like me, who performs as Abraham Lincoln is to do his Gettysburg Address at the National Cemetery in Gettysburg. I was able to do just that on May 18 for about 150 students, some parents and assorted tourists.

It was great, what a thrill and what fun, especially seeing tourists' faces as they entered the grounds seeing Lincoln doing his historic address.

BAYarts kicked off the next phase of renovations of the historic Huntington Playhouse with the announcement of a major donation toward their capital campaign of $100,000 by Joseph P. Carney of Westlake.

In the winter of 2019-2020, BAYarts was planning the expansion to respond to the growing need for more space to meet the strong demand for art classes, children’s art camps, and an ever-growing demand for more gallery and event space. Plans for fundraising and expansion were shelved in March 2020 as the popular and much-loved community art center shifted its classes to virtual instruction and "Art to Go" kits for students who were relegated to at-home remote learning.

The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Fortney, will present their annual Patriotic Concert on Saturday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Bay United Methodist Church, 29931 Lake Road. The concert will be inside in the sanctuary. The concert is open to all, there will be a love offering to help offset costs. 

A special tribute will take place for our Armed Services asking all who have served to stand and be recognized. The concert will recognize the men, women and family of the armed services, our local police and firefighters, and our scouts. The evening will serve as a time of reflection and hope, celebrating the past, praying for our future, as we celebrate our freedom.

Clague Playhouse presents "Same Time, Next Year" by Bernard Slade to conclude their 94th Season.

One of the most popular romantic comedies of the century, "Same Time, Next Year" ran four years on Broadway. A wonderful, nostalgic, whimsical, touching, funny, and moving look at 25 years of American culture, through the lives of two lovers, married to others, who rendezvous once a year for a romantic weekend. The play may include adult language and situations.

The play is directed by Ron Newell and featured in our cast are Daniel Telford and Tiffany Trapnell.

Westlake High School Demon Drama Club brings "Chicago the Musical" to the Westlake Performing Arts Center, April 7-9 at 7p.m. and Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m. The musical just happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Broadway this year.  

The Drama Club is performing the high school edition to make it family friendly for all ages. The costumes and choreography are modest but with the catchy lyrics and comedy everyone loves from the original. 

Taking place in the Roaring 1920s, “Chicago” following rival murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, as they vie for the spotlight and an acquittal with help from their charming lawyer, Billy Flynn. You don’t want to miss this!

The year was 1907, and Northeast Ohio resident Pearl Sebold had just won Ohio’s “most beautiful woman” contest through the Cleveland Leader newspaper. Imagine Pearl sitting down to play her brand-new Chickering baby grand piano while she reveled in her good fortune.

Flash forward 115 years later. Former Normandy School principal, Dr. James McGlamery, who had purchased the piano from the Sebold family many years ago, wanted to donate his beloved family baby grand to an organization where it would be put to good use by a new generation. Devon Gess, Bay High School’s music teacher, who is helping BAYarts develop music programs, made the connection.

As we move through Easter rituals – from solemn Ash Wednesday, through introspective Lent, to joyful Easter Sunday – we punctuate our devotionals with plenty of fellowship. Families decorate colorful eggs, the Easter Bunny hides candy-filled baskets, and children scurry in search of hidden treats. We love our traditions. But sometimes it’s OK to give tradition a little extra spin.

Susan Variakojis, a resident of Concord Reserve in Westlake, does just that with her unique Easter egg collection. Susan began her collection nearly 40 years ago. Her display has an interesting history.

The eggs are from an Easter egg sale that was established to benefit Children’s Hospital in Columbus by their Woman’s Auxiliary. Artistic and imaginative members of the group created the eggs. The designs for the eggs came from whatever took the fancy of the artists or was popular at that time. Susan added to her collection until the Auxiliary’s annual sale was discontinued around 15 years ago.

On Monday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m., Rocky River Chamber Music Society will present something a little different by hosting an evening of jazz. For a short while, the usually-sedate sanctuary at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church will become the home of a different kind of music. 

Bob Sneider, associate professor at the world-renowned Eastman School of Music, will lead several colleagues in a lively evening of jazz music. Composer, guitarist, and educator, Bob Sneider has been a member of the faculty at the Eastman School since 1997. Before that time, Sneider had toured several years with two-time Grammy winner, Chuck Mangione.

Clague Playhouse presents "These Shining Lives" by Melanie Marnich in honor of Women’s History Month.

The story chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits – or endanger the lives of those who come after them.​

The play is directed by Anne McEvoy and featured in our cast are Sarah Blubaugh, Emmy Cohen, Keith Myers, Eliza Rodriguez, Chris Ross, and Tiffany Trapnell.

Classical music lovers will delight in a special performance of composer John Rutter’s “Suite Antique” on Sunday, March 13, at 4 p.m. in the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church sanctuary. The concert is free and open to the public. Masks are required.

The Suite is part of the church’s B. Neill Davis Concert series, featuring high-profile talented musicians for the public’s enjoyment. Beth Elardo returns to West Shore on flute joined by the Amethyst String Ensemble under the guidance of Mary Beth Ions. 

David Blazer will play a special harpsichord, donated to the church by member Sherry Cica in honor of her beloved husband, Dan, a 34-year church member who died in 2011.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m., you are invited to attend a special concert in honor of Black History Month to be held in the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church Sanctuary, located at 20401 Hilliard Blvd. in Rocky River. The concert is free and open to the public. Masks are required to be worn in the church at all times.

The concert features Oberlin Conservatory’s Associate Dean Christopher Jenkins on viola with soloist, accompanist and educator Dianna White-Gould on piano. The music will focus on African-American composers, particularly those with significant relations to Cleveland and Ohio.

With great excitement the Rocky River Chamber Music Society announces that it will be returning to its home at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church for its third concert on Monday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. There will be both a live audience and live streaming. Masks will be required as soon as there is entry into the building. 

Clarinetist and educator from Oberlin College Conservatory, Richard Hawkins, will be setting the scene for the evening. He and faculty friends from Oberlin will showcase the contrasting styles of wind music with piano and strings. Altogether seven musicians will be involved including the shorter works of Franz Schreker and Valerie Colman, and the longer work, Sextet in C major, by Hungarian composer Ernὄ Dohnányi.

Join West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church for the classic 1924 silent film "Peter Pan," accompanied by Music Director David Blazer on the organ. Fun for all ages, you are invited to bring the kids to watch Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy and the gang romp and fly on the big screen on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 4:00 p.m.

This is the first film adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s famous 1904 stage play directed by Herbert Brenon. The film closely follows the plot of the original play, and even goes so far as to incorporate much of its original stage dialogue in the intertitles. Added scenes include Nana the dog pouring out Michael's medicine and giving him a bath, and Nana bursting into the home at which a party is being given, to warn Mr. and Mrs. Darling that Peter Pan and the Darling children are flying around the nursery. Like the original play, and unlike the 1953 Disney film, the 1924 version makes it clear that Wendy harbors a romantic attachment to Peter, but Peter only thinks of her as his mother.

BAYarts' mission is to support professional and aspiring artists of all ages. By providing income and exposure for northeast Ohio artists through exhibitions, consignment and various events, BAYarts' roster of regional artists continues to grow and diversify. This year, along with BAYarts' signature events, many new opportunities are available.

For visual artists, BAYarts' Annual Juried Exhibition is now online with the opening and awards presentation in the Sullivan Family Gallery March 11; this exhibition has been a great way to discover new artists and also see the best new work of familiar artists.

BAYarts' annual Art & Music Fest returns on June 18 after being on hold for two years, offering affordable booth fees (juried selection) and live music – a great kickoff to summer.

What if the Little Mermaid didn’t get her happy ending? Coral, Oceana and Marina, three aging ex-mermaids who are struggling with their mortgages, bills, the weather and above all – their men. Into this mundane world swims Pearl, a young, beautiful and innocent mermaid. Will she believe the elder mermaids and go back to the ocean or will she make her grab for happiness with Nathan, a young and handsome Coast Guardsman?

Featured in our cast are Donna Case as Marina, Jenny Erbs as Oceana, Caitlin Hathaway-Morgan as Pearl, Margaret Hnat as Sheila, Cat Kenney as Coral, Zack Mitchell as Nathan and Craig Stadden as Floyd, directed by Douglas A. Farren. 

It's all a blur now: a year of shut downs followed by year of gradually reopening, a challenge many small businesses have faced and we hope is behind us. 

For the past two years, BAYarts had the challenge of serving our community in new ways. It quickly became clear how very fortunate we are to have the vast open Cleveland Metroparks campus to gather, connect and learn. Art-to-go, virtual classes and shopping online became the norm. Although we did offer all of these things, the majority of the community wanted to safely connect, in person, in the sanctuary and beauty of the campus.

The holiday shopping season is here and there are no supply chain issues at BAYarts. Supporting local artists is not new to the non-profit arts organization, in fact, it has always been the mainstay of their mission. Entering into its 74th year, BAYarts has been supporting local artists and their businesses since 1948.

Whether you’re looking for ceramics, wall art, jewelry, or that perfect Christmas ornament to hang on the tree, the gift shop, located in the Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, is sure to have something for everyone on your list. Shoppers can also purchase BAYarts gift certificates to use towards any of the wide range of art classes available for both children and adults.

Bay Village Garden Club is beautifully represented in "A Garden Holiday" at the Cleveland Botanical Garden this year. The annual display, formerly called GLOW, features festive trees, wreaths, dining areas, doorways, and more, all dressed brightly and sparkling with the joy of the season.

The Garden Club’s entry was conceived, created, and designed by their talented vice-president, Erika Mittermeier. Erika gave a great deal of thought to her design, going deeper than just the glitter of the holiday. The isolation we all feel as pandemic restrictions linger inspired her to construct a doorway decor that expresses individual reflection and self-discovery. The clocks represent passage of time, the butterflies rebirth and transformation, and the ivy is evocative of strong growth.

"A Garden Holiday" runs through Jan. 2 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

The Westlake High School Demon Drama Club is performing "Alice in Wonderland,” based on the classic Lewis Carroll story we all know and love. Alice is a young girl who, after falling down a rabbit hole, finds herself in the magical, and sometimes odd, “Wonderland.” The show is directed by DM Warnke and is being performed by students in grades 9-12.

Pandemic protocols will be in place. Masks are required, social distancing between each seated party is recommended. The venue will be disinfected between shows and hand sanitizer will be available. Tickets will be sold at the door for $7. The show runs at the Westlake High School Performing Arts Center, 27830 Hilliard Blvd., Nov. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. We hope to see you there!