Cleveland Play House

As a proud member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), we are deeply honored to stand alongside so many extraordinary theatres across the country who share a commitment to artistic excellence, community impact, and the belief that theatre changes lives.

Last night, that collective impact was recognized on one of the biggest stages in our industry:
LORT received the 2026 Special Tony Award, celebrating decades of groundbreaking work, bold storytelling, and the thousands of artists, administrators, educators, and audiences who make this national theatre family so vibrant.

We couldn’t be more thrilled for our colleagues — and more grateful to be part of this remarkable community.
The work happening on LORT stages shapes the future of American theatre, and Cleveland Play House is honored to contribute to that legacy every day.

Take a look at this beautiful tribute to LORT’s mission and impact: https://youtu.be/W5mVz3AQDtw?si=1lp0dyOziDgCEnKJ

Here’s to the power of resident theatre — in Cleveland and across the nation.
And here’s to many more stories, artists, and audiences who make this work matter.

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The reviews are in and Freak The Mighty is a HIT! And you can say you saw this here FIRST, right here in Cleveland! Get your tickets now at clevelandplayhouse.com

"With its uplifting story and built-in audience of readers who grew up with Philbrick’s novel — or saw the 1998 movie version “The Mighty” — it certainly has what it takes to make it to Broadway. If it does, it’ll be worth bragging that you saw it here first." - Joey Marona, cleveland.com https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2026/06/freak-the-mighty-review-cleveland-play-house-world-premiere-musical-is-a-moving-tale-of-friendship.html&subscribed=9676796

"The Cleveland Play House has done audiences a tremendous service by not only producing great theatre, but nurturing it. Freak The Mighty is a touching adaptation. The dialogue resonates, and the music is memorable. I truly believe the adventures of this dynamic duo are far from over."- Julie Zatko, BroadwayWorld Cleveland https://www.broadwayworld.com/cleveland/article/Review-FREAK-THE-MIGHTY-at-Cleveland-Play-House-20260602

"While “Freak the Mighty” will resonate most with a young crowd, there is a broad appeal to be found in the story’s cuteness." - Gwendolyn Kochur, Cleveland Scene Magazine https://www.clevescene.com/arts/world-premiere-freak-the-mighty-at-cleveland-play-house-is-full-of-promise/

“I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for a while, and that’s the truth, the whole truth. The Unvanquished truth, is how Freak would say it.” With this opening teaser we are hooked for the next two hours as we witness a brilliant musical, Cleveland Play House’s production of “Freak The Mighty” - Mark Horning
https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/cleveland-play-house-s-freak-the-mighty-sings

"The play is more than a special friendship between two outsiders. It sheds light on the possibility of supporting and respecting one another more, regardless of differences, challenges, and “gaps.” The musical also highlights the miraculous power of reading, imagining, and writing, as well as the important creative process, which people tend to forget." - Yuko Kurahashi
https://theatrereviewskurahashi.wordpress.com/2026/06/01/empowerment-in-fantasy-and-real-worlds-the-world-premiere-of-freak-the-mighty/

World Premiere ‘Freak the Mighty’ at Cleveland Play House Is Full of Promise Freak the Mighty at Cleveland Play House captivates with its loveable duo and a feel-good story. Discover more in our review.