NEAR WEST THEATRE ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL SPRING AND SUMMER PERFORMANCES FOR 30th YEAR

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Calyn Patzer, Associate Director of Development & Marketing

(216) 961-9750

Cleveland, OH (March 17, 2008) – In celebration of its 30^th anniversary, Near West Theatre (NWT) is pleased to announce additional performances for its 2007-2008 season.  NWT’s Spring Older Teen and Adult Musical, The Who’s Tommy, will now open on May 9, 2008 (originally scheduled for May 2^nd), and will include performances on Sunday, May 11^th (Mother’s Day – bring your mommy to Tommy!) and Thursday, May 15^th.  Due to popular demand and sell-out performances, NWT has also added an additional performance to its Spring Into Summer Youth Theatre program, Seussical, Jr., on Thursday, June 12, 2008. 

The Who’s Tommy opens Friday, May 9, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. and will run through Sunday, May 18^th.  Curtain times for Seussical, Jr. are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  All offerings are at St. Patrick’s Club Building, located at W. 38^th and Bridge Avenue in Ohio City and include free parking. Season Packages are now available for as low as $50 and individual tickets are only $6.  Packages and tickets are available by calling (216) 961-6391 or by ordering online at www.nearwesttheatre.org. 

Since 1978, Near West Theatre has engaged youth on Cleveland’s Near West Side in a positive activity that taps their energy, allowing them to discover their creativity and present themselves as contributing members of the community.  Through a process that is intense, challenging and transforming Near West Theatre, now intergenerational, engages participants and audience alike.  Individuals from all walks of life come together and share their unique life stories and experiences in order to find their own voices and make personal connections with the production.  Through this sometimes rugged and ragged process, people not only discover themselves in new ways but relate to each other through the medium of theatre. 

Near West Theatre’s unique blend of performing arts and community-building has played an instrumental role in the theatre’s success with its audience, community and participants.  Since its inception, more than 15,000 children, teens, and adults have been impacted on stage or behind the scenes at NWT.  Over 92,000 audience members have experienced the transformational power of the Theatre. 

"It is a gift to do something which transforms peoples' lives, and in that respect, Near West Theatre has been sharing its magical gifts with thousands over the years ...young people looking for some meaning in life who found it at Near West, audience members seeking respite from the pressures of daily life to experience the joy and energy onstage, and residents of the community who can take pride at having this gem in their midst.” – Ellen & Harold Ticktin

 NWT proudly recognizes the 2008 Season Sponsorship of Today’s Soft Rock, WDOK 102.1 FM and leadership support from The Cleveland Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The George Gund Foundation, Community Shares, and the residents of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. 

For Additional Information Contact the Near West Theatre Office:
216-961-9750
216-961-6381 fax

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