CleveStage@Home
Resources to give you access to quality local theatre without leaving your house.
CleveStage@Home is an effort to promote local performances that are readily available online for FREE. This resource will list recordings of staged plays, play readings, radio/podcast plays, concerts, and any other way that you can experience our local theatre from inside your own home! Consider making a donation to the producing organization of the show of your choice. Also- check out the Now Playing Page to see if there are any current shows that can be streamed online!
Full Performances
(Video)
A coal barge captain spends his days at a dingy waterfront saloon, cursing the old devil sea. A letter arrives from his long lost daughter announcing she is coming to see him. She’s a stranger to the sea, but has devils of her own. She sets sail with her father searching for a family she has never known. When they rescue a powerful, rough sailor, she falls in love. But as they journey on, her past secrets threaten her hope for a new life. This great American play by America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright is an astonishing love story played out against the tempestuous sea.
Written by Eugene O'Neill
Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz
(Produced by Ensemble Theatre, 2014, Runtime: 2h 30m)
Take one pair of estranged twin brothers (both named Antipholus), and one pair of estranged twin servants (both named Dromio) – both pairs separated at sea. Add a dash of mistaken identity and throw them into a city with a reputation for sorcery, and you have all the ingredients for theatrical chaos… *Produced as an online production*
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Chenelle Harris
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2020, Runtime: 1h 9m)
Don Errico Medigua, the Spanish colonial viceroy of 16th-century Peru, fears assassination by rebels. Medigua secretly engaged the fearsome warrior El Capitan to come to his defense, but learns that the ferocious mercenary has unfortunately died en route. Medigua then disguises himself as El Capitan, but discovers that the rebels had ALSO engaged the fighter to battle on their behalf, and are eagerly awaiting his arrival. Mayhem ensues. How many viceroys can there be? How does a viceroy acquire a wife AND a fiancee? How can one man lead two armies at the same time? A tale of mistaken identities and love triangles, El Capitan is sure to give you a laugh, and send you on your way whistling some of Sousa's finest marches.
Written by John Philip Sousa
(Produced by The Ohio Light Opera, 2010, Runtime: 1h 44m)
Although audience reaction at its 1887 premiere, just a few days following the end of the long run of The Mikado, was lukewarm, Ruddigore has since fought its way back in the hearts of Gilbert and Sullivan lovers and is now recognized as one of their most inspired creations. Gilbert designed the plot - featuring witches, curses, ghosts, crime, and a madwoman - as a parody of old-fashioned melodramas. The plot centers on Ruthven Murgatroyd, who has abandoned his position as baronet and its curse-induced obligation to commit a crime every day, and is now living a simple, carefree life as villager Robin Oakapple. That is ... until he falls in love with Rose Maybud, his jealous foster brother Richard Dauntless reveals his true identity, and he is forced to resume his baronet position. Musical highlights include the ghostly "When the Night Wind Howls," sung by chief ancestor Roderic Murgatroyd as he descends from his portrait; the catchy, tongue-twisting, patter trio, "My Eyes Are Fully Open"; "I Was Once a Very Abandoned Person," intoned by the reformed Despard and Mad Margaret; and Roderic and Dame Hannah's exquisite duet, "There Grew a Little Flower."
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by W. S. Gilbert
(Produced by The Ohio Light Opera, 2015, Runtime: 2h 33m)
Written in 1921 by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill, this iconic piece of expressionist drama is a searing social commentary on the divide between the rich and poor. Yank, an unthinking laborer, embarks on a search for a sense of belonging in a world controlled by the wealthy. His journey from the bowels of a transatlantic ocean liner to the wealthy neighborhoods of New York society serve as a metaphor for the struggle between the working man and the industrial complex found at the heart of the play.
Written by Eugene O'Neill
Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz
(Produced by Ensemble Theatre, 2017, Runtime: 1h 22m)
A heroin addict in his thirties decides he’s going to take his life so he no longer has to destroy the lives of those around him. But before doing so, he decides to make a video for heroin users everywhere instructing them on how to be respectable junkies, because even he has grown weary of their behavior. HOW TO BE A RESPECTABLE JUNKIE takes an in-depth look into the troubled soul of a man caught in heroin’s deadly grip. Based on real-life events, JUNKIE is at once eye-opening, heartbreaking, full of humor, and ultimately hopeful.
Written by Greg Vovos
Directed by Brian Devers
(Produced by Dobama Theatre, 2021, Runtime: 1h 18m)
This play (with music) tells the story of a world-weary and disenchanted Aviator whose sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert and a mysterious, regal "little man" who appears and asks him to "Please, sir, draw me a sheep." During their two weeks together in the desert, the Little Prince tells the Aviator about his adventures through the galaxy, how he met the Lamplighter and the Businessman and the Geographer, and about his strained relationship with a very special flower on his own tiny planet. The Little Prince talks to everyone he meets: a garden of roses, the Snake and a Fox who wishes to be tamed. From each he gains a unique insight which he shares with the Aviator: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly." "What is essential is invisible to the eye." At length, both the "little man" & the Aviator must go home, each with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry, & love again.
Written by Rick Cummins & John Scoullar
From the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Directed by Brittni Shambaugh Addison
(Produced by Ensemble Theatre, 2017, Runtime: 1h 33m)
Through the power of the arts, acting and dancing, this piece will describe the effects that heroin causes from the perspective of the user and the people who surround them. ***A warning to viewers: There is no depicted drug use, but there is talk of it. There is also strong language and emotional triggers.
Written by Emelia Sherin
(Produced by The Millennial Theatre Project, 2018, Runtime: 1h 15m)
Rome’s leader, Julius Caesar, is a force unlike any the city has seen. Magnetic, populist, irreverent, he seems bent on absolute power. A small band of patriots, devoted to the country’s democratic traditions, must decide how to oppose him. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 , Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dusten A. Welch
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2020, Runtime: 1h 10m)
A gender-swapped production. The Prince of France (in the original script, the Princess of France) who journeys with his court to Navarre to visit with the Queen (originally King) and her court, who have all sworn off the pleasures of men to study for three years in celibacy. Obviously, when the women and men meet, sparks fly and vows are tested.
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Celeste Cosentino
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2011, Runtime: 1h 36m)
The King of Navarre and his friends have vowed to live three years devoted to academics and abstaining from the distractions of the outside world. That is until the Princess of France and her friends come to the court and change everything!
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Kelly Elliot
(Produced by Rubber City Theatre, 2020, Runtime: 2h 11m)
Medium Rare is a comedy in two acts which follows a day in the life of Kate McNeal, a professional psychic living in New York's Greenwich Village with her cowboy spirit guide, Joshua. During the course of the day, Kate meets with clients and their spirit guides, then a new client shows up who is not what he seems. Kate has to resolve the new clients issues and various problems with her regular clients and their spirit guides leading to a frantic and hilarious ending. (Mature language)
Written by Kaylyn Shaible
(Produced by Olde Towne Hall Theatre, 2019, Runtime: 1h 15m)
Filled with contrasts and controversy, containing comic elements mixed with trenchant comment on the nature of intolerance, justice and forgiveness, this is a play not easily categorized. The merchant Antonio is approached for a loan by his dear friend Bassanio so that he may woo an heiress in another city. Antonio, cash-poor until his ships return from their trade route, in turn borrows from the moneylender Shylock, who sees in this arrangement the possibility to exact a gruesome revenge for the years of injustice he’s suffered at the hands of Antonio and the rest of the city.
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dr. Scott Miller
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2015, Runtime: 1h 43m)
A documentary play on the impact and aftermath of the Tamir Rice shooting, expressing unheard voices from the Cudell neighborhood and Greater Cleveland. This new work lets the people speak, with their fears, reservations, and hopes fueling monologues drawn from original interviews.
Written by: Mike Geither, Tom Hayes, Lisa Langford, Michael Oatman, and David Todd
Directed by: Terrence Spivey
(Produced by Playwrights Local, 2016, Runtime: 1h 33m)
Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of ambition, betrayal, jealously, and love.
Part 1, Part 2
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Aaron D. Elersich
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2011, Runtime: 2h 10m)
"The Short Play Project" is a social distance art experiment. Playwright David Hansen, has written over one hundred and fifty short plays, and have asked folks to create short films from them. This is a YouTube playlist featuring all the plays submitted so far.
(Collected by David Hansen, 2020, Each play is 1-5 Minutes long)
Romance is dangerous in a time of war. The young soldier Troilus and his beloved Cressida are driven apart by forces beyond their control, and vengeance can raise its head from the most surprising of corners. A timeless and troubling tale, told with wit, pathos, and style.
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by David Hansen
(Produced by Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, 2018, Runtime: 1h 23m)
Play Readings
(Audio or Video)
In William Shakespeare's royal-family tragedy, the aging King Lear divides his estate between his three daughters, ultimately refusing his youngest and favorite her share because she won't publicly admit her love for him. The decision leads to chaos and treachery within the kingdom and madness for its monarch. King Lear is a classic tale of love, loss, and legacy. Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Act 4, Act 5.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Chris Bizub
(Produced by Western Reserve Playhouse, Runtime: 2h 24m)
It’s hard to be a struggling writer. Especially one with a successful older sibling and a difficult teen aged daughter to boot. But Vivian is willing to take what she’s been given in life and find inspiration wherever she can. Featuring: Casey Jane, Patricia McGuinn, and Lucy Mulholland (Podcast reading from Southern California)
Written by local playwright Stuart Hoffman
(Produced by Roaming Theatre, Runtime: 34m)
Three friends combat religion, fierce love, and mundane grief when they reunite in their small town for Jezebel’s funeral. The Curve of your Spine is my Home uncovers the mysteries of magic in Christianity, what it means to be a faithful and Queer, and the coincidences that scare us more than any horror movie or rollercoaster. Maybe if we want something to be true hard enough, it will be.
Written by: Olivia Billings
Directed by: Erik Andrews
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 1h 24m)
A beatnik finds peace through visions of a mythic turkey. A legless lout survives a ruthless drug dealer and rises to fame by manufacturing trailer hitches. The origin of the human body is recounted by two friendly anthropologists. And to bring them all together – a house-sized puppy made entirely of flame.
Written and directed by Mike Geither
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 1h 12m)
Sophie Kellogg is hosting Thanksgiving for the first time with the intention of introducing her family to her fiancé, Luke. However, after a quick panic, Sophie convinces her roommate, Mary, to help her hide her engagement. Between mistaken relationships, unexpected guests and a kitchen fire, it’ll be a miracle if Thanksgiving turns out alright.
Written by: Cassidy Tilden
(Produced by Avenue Arts Theatre, Runtime: 1h 46m)
In William Shakespeare's royal-family tragedy, the aging King Lear divides his estate between his three daughters, ultimately refusing his youngest and favorite her share because she won't publicly admit her love for him. The decision leads to chaos and treachery within the kingdom and madness for its monarch. King Lear is a classic tale of love, loss, and legacy. Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Act 4, Act 5.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by:
(Produced by Western Reserve Playhouse, Runtime: 3h 1m)
Men Don’t Cry is a choreopoem based on the lives of five men of color. As each man takes the journey from childhood to adulthood through trials, surviving life’s drama, successes and identity failures, they discover manhood and the wisdom that follows. As they explore topics such as death, religion, spirituality and growth, these men share their deepest secrets of discovery of who and what they are, and what the future holds for them.
Written by: Stephen D. Hood & Susan E. Hughes
Directed by: Luther Pete Robinson
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 1h 18m)
The Mirror Effect presents Amanda Reis, a self-searching female writer who explores her inner life through language and disguise. Her story is inspired by the lives and work of other female artists (Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Anne Sexton, Marylin Monroe, etc.). Her poetic monologue is an astronaut’s shout in space, a place where sound waves can’t travel. She is a clown afraid of clowns, an actress trying to free herself from her persona.
Written by: Oana Leuca
Directed by: Christine McBurney
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 1h 37m)
Young lovers Hero and Claudio are to be married next week. To pass the time, they conspire with Don Pedro to set a "lover's trap" for Benedick, an arrogant confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, his favorite sparring partner. Meanwhile, the evil Don Jon conspires to break up the wedding by accusing Hero of infidelity. In the end, though, it all turns out to be "much ado about nothing." Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, Act 4, Act 5.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Hannah Hilty
(Produced by Western Reserve Playhouse, Runtime: 1h 55m)
Based on the short story by Charles Dickens, a practical-minded narrator meets a railway worker who has been seeing supernatural visions. The narrator doubts the man at first, but at the story's conclusion a strange event makes him a believer.
Written by: Stephen Ostertag
(Produced by Avenue Arts Theatre, Runtime: 33m)
Summer of 2004 at Youghiogheny Christian Camp, four counselors are settling in for a night away from their campers before an unexplained voice is heard over a walkie-talkie. As the night grows later, the storm grows heavier, dredging up the what is buried within.
Written by: EJ Dahl
Directed by: Brooke Turner
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 2h 1m)
Touch follows nine people’s experiences from the onset of COVID-19 through the initial reopening of their city. Their tales, though seemingly disparate, are woven together as the show progresses. Set in Cleveland, Ohio, in Spring 2020, this one-act play is told through a series of vignettes.
Written by: Rachel Zake
Directed by: Greg Vovos
(Produced by Playwrights Local, Runtime: 2h)
An unsettling tale of witchcraft, betrayal, and murder in a small town. Persecuted by her neighbors, Elizabeth Sawyer turns to the devil - who appears in the form of a black dog - for consolation and revenge. Once unleashed, the canine makes his own forays into the lives of the citizens of Edmonton.
Adapted and directed by: August Scarpelli
(Produced by Western Reserve Playhouse, Runtime: 2h 2m)
Radio/Podcast Plays
(Audio)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! The heat of the Santa Ana winds blowing into Los Angeles can cause a man to do anything.
Written by: Raymond Chandler
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 36m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Also known as "The Case of the Careless Client," listen to your favorite Belgian detective search for a reasonably priced apartment in the heart of New York City while investigating the criminal egomaniac Hillary Kent!
Written by: Agatha Christie
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 41m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! An action-packet episode of the world's greatest detective featuring: waltzing elephants, tootsie rolls, unrequited love, and mysterious murders - all jam-packed in a three ring circus!
Written by: Sidney Sloan
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 38m)
Johnathan Harker travels to Transylvania on real estate business to meet a polite, yet mysterious, count. Little does he know that this journey will set into motion a horror that he, and his family, have never even dreamed possible.
Written by Joe Pine, adapted from Bram Stoker's novel
Directed by Tess Burgler
(Produced by Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Runtime: 2h 3m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Sergeant Joe Friday and Officer Frank Smith investigate the elephant in the room trying to find the murderer of George Pilson.
Written by:
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 34m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! The Case of Mr. Short and Mr. Long.
Written by:
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 28m)
A Historical Fantasy of Almost-Love and Almost-Loss, Art History and Entry-Level Quantum Physics
Written by Les Hunter
Directed by Christine McBurney
(Produced by Playwrights Local & Radio and the Lake Theatre, Runtime: 26m)
Layers of privilege collide when a naïve bridesmaid meets a semi-famous blind artist on a public bus. It’s Julia’s first time on the RTA and Jason offers to guide her across town. On the way, the unlikely pair discovers an unusual connection that is central to Jason’s art and career, making Julia the perfect subject for his next book.
Written by Meghan Louise Wagner
Directed by Constance Thackaberry
(Produced by Playwrights Local & Radio and the Lake Theatre, Runtime: 40m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Diana has nothing to fear from the dead... but what about... the UNdead?
Written by: Milton Lewis
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 36m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! An unexpected guest to Mrs. Hinkle's party overstays their welcome.
Written by: Arch Oboler
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 36m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Sam Chase tries to finish he novel with the help of an unexpected acquaintance.
Written by: Willis Cooper
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 28m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Murder and stolen diamonds are involved with a collection of antique clocks. The story of a clock that "chimed in with death!"
Written by: Stedman Coles
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 36m)
The two dignified households, those two star-crossed lovers, and that one famous balcony. Opening our outdoor summer season at historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, we present Shakespeare’s classic tale of young romance and dazzling swordplay. This ageless and fresh production is sure to remind us all that Romeo and Juliet is one of Will’s most engaging comedies, right up until that fated moment when tragedy strikes. A remote, digital performance designed to aid students reading and studying ROMEO & JULIET during quarantine.
Written by William Shakespeare
(Produced by Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Runtime: 2h 3m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Watch as it is being recorded before a live audience!
Written by: Edith Meiser
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 31m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! Petri wine brings you a tale of a suspicious death over a body of water.
Written by: Edith Meiser
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 39m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! On an average evening in the apartment where she lives alone, the bedridden Leona Stevenson picks up the phone to make a call. But the telephone operator connects her call incorrectly. It’s not a friend on the other end of the line — it’s two men plotting a murder. The intended victim? Stevenson herself.
Written by: Lucille Fletcher
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 28m)
For your enjoyment, Curtains! Mystery Theatre in Akron has created new productions of vintage radio mysteries from yesteryear! It's hard to be an attractive young thing just out of bobby-sox... especially when you're being FRAMED for MURDER - let's hope the bum living off of his wife can come to the rescue!
Based on the Novel by: Dashiell Hammett
Directed by: Mark Seven
(Produced by Curtains! Mystery Theatre, Runtime: 28m)
Vickie Schultz, a reporter, is not happy. Let go by her newspaper in Cincinnati, she starts a new job in New Jersey without her family, friends, and cheating fiancé. Vickie expects to cover a breaking story about the Mayor and his female Police Chief. Instead, she’s assigned to the arrival of a whale on the shore — a huge pelagic mammal, not unlike the mythical Moby Dick. The sooner this stranded subject returns to the ocean (or doesn't), the sooner Vickie gets her career back on track. As with her own struggles, though, the whale’s plight won’t be resolved quickly.
Written by Edward J. Walsh
Directed & narrated by Tim Tavcar
(Produced by David Todd for Playwrights Local, Runtime: 40m)
Concerts/Cabarets
Jingles the elf is searching for a promotion at the North Pole. She will help our cast earn “Nice” points by having them share holiday memories and familiar melodies like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Where Are You, Christmas?,” and many more. The original performance is family-friendly, uplifting, and just what you need to start off your Holiday in a cheerful way!
(Produced by Fine Arts Association, Runtime: 1h 6m)
Five local theatre performers have been summoned to a darkened theatre by a mysterious man. He is forcing them to entertain the spirits that are preventing theatres to open. The cabaret will include Halloween favorites such as Monster Mash, Witchcraft, I Put a Spell on You, Defying Gravity, and many others from genres like Rock, Pop, and Musical Theatre.
(Produced by Fine Arts Association, Runtime: 58m)
GLIDING THROUGH LIFE: An educational, personal, and musical look at my life as a disabled individual.
(Produced by Near West Theatre Runtime: 41m, including 11m intro)
Live from our stage and straight to your living room! In this brand new performance opportunity, NWT hands the mic to alumni and local artists for an intimate showcase of music, dance, spoken word, and poetry. Tune in for a night that reminds us that entertainment and social justice don't have to be so far apart.
(Produced by Near West Theatre Runtime: 51m including 15m intro)
A Virtual Evening with Mo Eutazia - Celebrating Community and Transformative Love through a night of music, poetry, and gratitude.
(Produced by Near West Theatre Runtime: 1h 2m, including 14m intro)
In this performance series, NWT hands the mic to alumni and local artists for intimate showcases of music, dance, spoken word, and poetry.
This performance is intended for audiences ages 13 and older.
(Produced by Near West Theatre Runtime: 1h 5m including 15m intro)