BRECKSVILLE, Ohio -- The Brecksville Theatre once again wowed the Brecksville Home Days crowd with superb vocal performances by several talented actors.
The appreciative audience was then favored with the special announcement of the theater’s 2025 season.
The Brecksville Theatre 2025 lineup is:
• “13 The Musical” (teen production), directed by Tony Heffner; choreographed by Sarah Heffner
• “The Secret Garden,” directed/music directed by Jordan Cooper; staging by Kristy Cruz
• “La Cage Aux Folles,” directed by Kristin Pohlig; music directed by Bryan Bird; choreographed by Jill Smith
• Children’s Summer Theatre Camp: “Aladdin Kids,” directed by Jen Sindyla
• “Dracula,” directed by Anthony Salatino
• “The Pajama Game,” directed by David Turner; music directed by Jason Falkofsky; choreographed by Jen Justice
Season ticket subscriptions are now available at https://www.onthestage.tickets/the-brecksville-theatre/subscriptions.
Let’s not forget what excitement is still to come this year.
“The Who’s Tommy” is the next production, running at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 8, 15 and 22.
Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, “The Who’s Tommy” is an exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit.
The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 40 years.
This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical wizard Des McAnuff into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.
The production crew includes director/assistant choreographer Kristin Pohlig, music director Dave Coxe and choreographer Sarah Heffner.
Dan Brown, a favorite at comedy clubs, theaters and corporate events all over the United States, will be performing at The Brecksville Theatre.Dan Brown
The Brecksville Theatre is also offering a special event -- “The Dan Brown Comedy Show” -- on Oct. 12.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Brown’s comedy journey took off in the Buckeye State. Since his start in the Ohio‘s Funniest Amateur Comedian contest in Akron in 2010, Brown has become one of the most hard-working and determined comedians in the country.
Brown combines his real-life observations and experiences into a performance that is honest and insightful -- something that all audiences can relate to and laugh at.
Brown talks about life from the perspective of a father, family man, relationships and laughing through life as a “wannabe” superhero.
He is a favorite at comedy clubs, theaters and corporate events all over the United States.
For tickets, go to www.thebrecksvilletheatre.org. Tickets are $20.
Fireworks: Strongsville is set to celebrate Independence Day with its annual fireworks show, which will take place at dusk on July 4 on the Commons, at the corner of Pearl and Royalton roads.
This much-anticipated event promises to be a highlight of the summer season for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to the spectacular fireworks display, the festivities will kick off earlier in the evening with a family fun festival from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Commons.
The festival will feature a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, including inflatables, face painting and a balloon artist.
Food enthusiasts will be delighted to find a food truck and the popular Kona Ice truck onsite, offering a range of delicious treats.
The event is organized and hosted by the Strongsville Recreation Department, which has worked diligently to ensure a fun and safe environment for all attendees.
The success of the fireworks and festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of numerous sponsors, including individuals, groups and local businesses, whose contributions help bring this community tradition to life.
Community history: Enjoy strolling through history by visiting the Broadview Heights Historical Society July 7 and 21.
Walk in the footsteps of the settlers who founded Broadview Heights.
Don’t forget the wonderful Military Display as well.
The Historical Society is located at 9543 Broadview Road on the city campus near the police station.
Community standout: North Royalton High School senior Naisha Chopra has been named the winner of the “Community Standout” category in the 2024 cleveland.com High School Standouts Awards.
From an impressive pool of nominees, Naisha’s remarkable impact through her Share a Smile organization set her apart, as chosen by a distinguished voting board from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
Northeast Ohio’s High School Standouts, including Naisha, were honored in a special section published in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com, highlighting their exceptional achievements.
Each winner received an award package with a certificate and recognition.
Naisha founded Share a Smile Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides birthday boxes and organizes parties for low-income families.
“We aim to spread the joy of celebration to low-income children and families who would not have been able to celebrate otherwise,” she said.
“From homeless shelters to youth centers, our events reach countless families, regardless of racial or economic status.”
The organization’s primary goal is promoting economic equality by ensuring every child feels special on their birthday, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Through in-person celebrations and “party-in-a-box” kits, Share a Smile volunteers meticulously plan events, prepare decorations, arrange activities and provide gifts and treats to make each child’s day truly memorable.
Naisha’s inspiration stemmed from personal experience when her uncle lost his job during the pandemic and her family sent a birthday kit to bring joy to her cousins.
“With that small effort, a little joy was brought into their family. This inspired me to create Share a Smile -- and share that joy in my community with other families facing hardship,” she explained.
Garden club: Chippewa Garden Club’s next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. July 23 in the Brecksville Human Service Building at 2 Community Drive.
Kevin Gross will present “Organic Farming Techniques used at Crown Point Ecology Center.”
Gross is the executive director of Crown Point and has a biological science and education background.
Crown Point Ecology Center is located on a 115-acre countryside farm, from which the farmers feed both the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and those in needs through the produce donation program to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and other food pantries in the local area.
Under the umbrella of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Crown Point has emerged as a leader in the area in terms of ecological education, organic farming and sustainability.
For more information, go to www.ChippewaGardenClub.com and Facebook.
Community band: Strongsville Community Band’s 35th Summer Season Concert Series continues Friday (June 28) with “Band Favorites” -- songs that members have chosen because they enjoy playing these tunes.
Among these selections will be two John Williams marches: “Midway March” and “March” from the movie “1941.”
The featured soloist will be trumpeter Jack Brndiar. You won’t want to miss “Trumpeter’s Lullaby” and “The Volunteer.”
The concert will take place on the front lawn of Strongsville Middle School, 13200 Pearl Road in Strongsville.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a summer evening with family and friends.
In the event of rain, all outdoor concerts will be moved to the Ehrnfelt Senior Center in the Strongsville Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd.
Movie night: Come and enjoy North Royalton’s July Movie Night in the Park -- The Sequel.
The second movie of the summer will be shown July 19 at Memorial Park.
The evening starts with free pizza, courtesy of Zeppe’s Pizzeria, and free popcorn. The serving of food will begin at 7 p.m.
Kona Ice will be available for purchase.
The movie, “Sherlock Gnomes,” is also sponsored by Zeppe’s and will begin at dusk.
Residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blanket.
See all of the upcoming 2024 Community Events at northroyalton.org/events.
Let the Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville communities know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at [email protected].
Read more from the Sun Star Courier.