A Look Back at 2016

Posted January 18, 2017 in Press Releases

What a year it has been at Near West Theatre! We wrapped up our first full season in our new home and kicked off our second full season in our new home, 39th season over all. We performed two youth productions, an intergenerational production, and a powerful young adult production over the summer. We hosted visiting organizations in our new home, participated in Gordon Square Arts District events, and activated our plaza in new ways!

2016 by the numbers:

• 29,004 total visitors
• 479 people who auditioned
• 287 performers
• 211 crew members
• 45 Near West Theatre shows
• 1 great year!

Audience and cast members alike have been touched by shows in 2016:

“I sincerely thank the theatre and its marvelous staff for allowing me to explore myself and discover myself as an actor, and I hope you all continue what you’re doing. It’s making a big difference in our lives, the city of Cleveland, and the world.” – Cast Member from Godspell

“[The] Community I found here is incredible, transforming. Thankful for the time put in to build community, care towards individual person - holistic care of person - most of all the intention towards the journey rather than the end product and each person's experience of the show over the product - which in the end created an incredible product.” – Cast Member from Show Boat

“Director Bob Navis, Jr. decided to put aside the possible negatives, confront the issues of today, accept the language and subject matter of the script, and, the results is that he has staged a winner. The interpretation, singing, stage movements, choreography and, most importantly, the quality of the acting that makes real people, not caricatures, of the assassins, is impressive.” – Audience Member from Assassins

“Near West Theatre is a place where people of extraordinary talent and heart come together to inspire change in the world through love and art.” – Cast Member from Assassins

“Being one of my favorite shows, I've seen Urinetown in NYC, when it came to Cleveland on tour, at college, and now at the Near West Theatre. I can honestly say that your performance was on par with the rest--in particular, please extend my heartiest compliments to the actor who played Officer Lockstock. He was simply magnificent and made the show. I also greatly enjoyed Bobby Strong, Hope Cladwell, and Little Sally's performances. Bravos all around!".” – Audience Member from Urinetown

“It’s a judgement free environment which not only educated people about theatre but also how to love and respect one another. Thank you, Near West, for allowing me to come here and be myself, to be comfortable and genuine to who I really am." – Cast Member from Urinetown

“Never before have I experienced such total joy from a theatrical production. Don't miss this. Near West Theatre is a gem.” – Audience Member from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

“There is a foundation here built on love, balance, openness and honesty—and it is a true and solid foundation that serves to raise up all of the theater’s endeavors to unimaginable, soaring heights.” – Cast Member from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It’s not just our audiences who rave about our shows!

We’ve had reviews written on Show Boat, Assassins, Urinetown, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by local critics including Roy Berko, Mark Horning, and Nikki Delamotte.

What a year it’s been at Near West Theatre! Thank you to everyone who made 2016 the wonderful year it was. We’re looking forward to making 2017 even better!