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Note in the above link that "Hamilton" currently has two national touring companies -- the "Angelica" and the "Philip" tour. Cleveland will host the "Philip" tour, which launched in Seattle earlier this year. As the "Philip" tour is playing in smaller theater markets (see past and future dates for both tours in the following links), I wonder if this second tour is scaled down or has a lesser quality cast.
Notice in the following reviews that some actors are playing multiple characters in this production, but this also is true of the "Angelica" tour where cast listings are provided in ibdb.com link above.
Note that there is no cast listed in the ibdb.com link for the "Philip" tour (which would indicate the size of the cast and perhaps provide some indication of its quality in comparison to the "Angelica" tour), but the cast is listed for the "Angelica" tour.
This preview from Salt Lake City of the Philip tour discusses the stars of the Philip tour.
Notice that the cast of the Angelica tour appears to have been downgraded in January as it transitions to shorter stays from more lengthy sitdown stops. So hopefully there is little difference between the two tours in cast size and quality. Note that the original stars of the Angelica tour are transitioning back to leading roles on Broadway, including to the actual role of Hamilton in the Broadway production of "Hamilton."
Unless someone sees both the "Angelica" and the "Philip" tour, it will be difficult to assess the relative quality. These comments from the Los Angeles Times about the large size of the Angelica tour are what me wonder about differences between the two tours.
<<Moving the production city to city is a far more complicated undertaking than it might seem, says production supervisor Jason Bassett, responsible for every aspect of the physical transfer, an endeavor that includes more than 100 people and 14 trucks in all. No fewer than 42 wardrobe gondolas, manned by eight dressers, two pressers, a stitcher and full-time laundry person, are making the move along with 513 lighting instruments, prop trunks and a full-time physical therapist for the cast. Even the copy machine that's part of the company's mobile management office travels with the show.
Whereas the Broadway and Chicago productions of "Hamilton" have permanent sets secured to their theaters' stage floors and walls, the "Hamilton" tour must be more nimble, so it can pack up and move easily within a few days. For many touring shows, that means scaling back the set's grandiosity, with less furniture on stage or soft backdrops instead of hard ones because they're easier to disassemble. But for "Hamilton," Bassett says, the creative team of Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervisor and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire made a strategic decision: Except for its cast and crew, "Hamilton" on the road will be an almost identical replica of "Hamilton" on Broadway. So rather than scale back the touring set, they built a second, full-size stage floor — the most cumbersome element to install — that arrives before the props, costumes and other scenic pieces.
" 'Hamilton' decided, 'We're not gonna compromise anything.' Because they can afford it. Not every show can," Bassett says. "They decided, 'We're gonna invest' — more people, more time, doubling up on pieces of the set — so we get the highest quality of everything and that when the country sees it, they're seeing the same show they would have seen on Broadway.">>
Is this massive effort, including two separate decks to allow for double turntables, being duplicated for the Philip tour? Has the Angelica tour been scaled down now that the long sitdown runs are over? Just wondering.
This review of the Angelica tour from St. Louis seems more laudatory than the reviews from Seattle and Portland. Perhaps it's just my active imagination.
Reading the reviews, sound quality seemed to be an issue in Seattle, but reportedly was nailed in Portland. Hopefully, that will be the case in Cleveland as well, as there have been some sound disasters of Broadway shows in Cleveland (everybody sitting around me had trouble understanding the dialogue and lyrics of "Matilda").
PlayhouseSquare theaters have excellent assisted listening devices for the hard of hearing. They are light-weight, with adjustable volume and no static, and provide a greatly enhanced listening experience for the hard of hearing.
The above page says that theaters are equipped with induction loops which can be used for guests with a compatible telecoil in their hearing aids or cochlear implants. I didn't know this and I know several persons with hearing aids who attend plays and also did not know this. So I don't know how well this system works; does anybody know anyone who has used this induction loop system with their hearing aid?
To check out a listening device before a show, visit each theater's manager's office. The Connor Palace office is down a flight of stairs next to main staircase on the right as you enter the theater. The State office is on the left just before you turn right to enter the theater from the lobby. They write down your ticket seat and keep your driver's license until you return you listening device (call and ask if you don't have a driver's license); a single person can check out multiple listening devices.
This came to my mind because a friend of mine who saw Hamilton in Cleveland also went to see it in Columbus this week. He said it's very difficult for him to understand the Hamilton lyrics without a listening device. He said the assisted listening device that he and a friend had in Columbus were worthless. They had a lot of static and the user was given a transistor radio-like device to pick up the transmission (the PlayhouseSquare devices are wireless). I have no personal knowledge about the assisted listening devices used in Columbus.
This may help explain why the elderly find performances at PlayhouseSquare so enjoyable, and this is just another example of amenities offered in Cleveland that so many of us just take for granted.
Note in the above link that "Hamilton" currently has two national touring companies -- the "Angelica" and the "Philip" tour. Cleveland will host the "Philip" tour, which launched in Seattle earlier this year. As the "Philip" tour is playing in smaller theater markets (see past and future dates for both tours in the following links), I wonder if this second tour is scaled down or has a lesser quality cast.
Notice in the following reviews that some actors are playing multiple characters in this production, but this also is true of the "Angelica" tour where cast listings are provided in ibdb.com link above.
Note that there is no cast listed in the ibdb.com link for the "Philip" tour (which would indicate the size of the cast and perhaps provide some indication of its quality in comparison to the "Angelica" tour), but the cast is listed for the "Angelica" tour.
This preview from Salt Lake City of the Philip tour discusses the stars of the Philip tour.
Notice that the cast of the Angelica tour appears to have been downgraded in January as it transitions to shorter stays from more lengthy sitdown stops. So hopefully there is little difference between the two tours in cast size and quality. Note that the original stars of the Angelica tour are transitioning back to leading roles on Broadway, including to the actual role of Hamilton in the Broadway production of "Hamilton."
Unless someone sees both the "Angelica" and the "Philip" tour, it will be difficult to assess the relative quality. These comments from the Los Angeles Times about the large size of the Angelica tour are what me wonder about differences between the two tours.
<<Moving the production city to city is a far more complicated undertaking than it might seem, says production supervisor Jason Bassett, responsible for every aspect of the physical transfer, an endeavor that includes more than 100 people and 14 trucks in all. No fewer than 42 wardrobe gondolas, manned by eight dressers, two pressers, a stitcher and full-time laundry person, are making the move along with 513 lighting instruments, prop trunks and a full-time physical therapist for the cast. Even the copy machine that's part of the company's mobile management office travels with the show.
Whereas the Broadway and Chicago productions of "Hamilton" have permanent sets secured to their theaters' stage floors and walls, the "Hamilton" tour must be more nimble, so it can pack up and move easily within a few days. For many touring shows, that means scaling back the set's grandiosity, with less furniture on stage or soft backdrops instead of hard ones because they're easier to disassemble. But for "Hamilton," Bassett says, the creative team of Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervisor and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire made a strategic decision: Except for its cast and crew, "Hamilton" on the road will be an almost identical replica of "Hamilton" on Broadway. So rather than scale back the touring set, they built a second, full-size stage floor — the most cumbersome element to install — that arrives before the props, costumes and other scenic pieces.
" 'Hamilton' decided, 'We're not gonna compromise anything.' Because they can afford it. Not every show can," Bassett says. "They decided, 'We're gonna invest' — more people, more time, doubling up on pieces of the set — so we get the highest quality of everything and that when the country sees it, they're seeing the same show they would have seen on Broadway.">>
Is this massive effort, including two separate decks to allow for double turntables, being duplicated for the Philip tour? Has the Angelica tour been scaled down now that the long sitdown runs are over? Just wondering.
This review of the Angelica tour from St. Louis seems more laudatory than the reviews from Seattle and Portland. Perhaps it's just my active imagination.
Reading the reviews, sound quality seemed to be an issue in Seattle, but reportedly was nailed in Portland. Hopefully, that will be the case in Cleveland as well, as there have been some sound disasters of Broadway shows in Cleveland (everybody sitting around me had trouble understanding the dialogue and lyrics of "Matilda").
We saw "Hamilton" at the State last summer (a Sunday matinee) and loved every aspect. The play itself almost feels it's audience-involved (and you're practically out of breath by the end)... it must be experienced -- it's like nothing else you'll ever see on stage...
... we were also highly impressed with the size and grandeur of the State Theater. I hadn't been to a PHS theater in over a decade and have grown used to the older, generally smaller theaters of Philly and NYC. The State is huge and the lobbies, seating areas and even the bathrooms (the men's bathroom actually has a wood-paneled foyer with a fireplace(?). We had balcony seats but were looking right up on the stage...
... and the traveling company and set changes/direction were flawless. I can't imagine anywhere in the world putting on a better performance for this totally unique musical.
Republic soon will open doors, replacing Otto Moser's
Driftwood Group increases its grip on Playhouse Square, adding Republic Food & Drink to its Cibreo and Bin 216 restaurants. Republic replaces the iconic Otto Moser's.
Cibreo, across the street from the Connor Palace and State Theatres, is a tough last-minute reservation for pre-performance meals. Republic, actually located inside the main Playhouse Square theater center, will take reservations and likely will be an even more popular reservation than Cibreo in winter months when theater-goers parking in the main Chester garage sometimes are loath to venture outside to dine.
It especially interested me that Republic will emphasize prime rib. That seems especially astute as it's a popular offering among carnivores not readily available in the Playhouse Square district.
Also, once Playhouse Square's Lumen apartment building opens, Republic intends to offer a brunch. It may be especially popular prior to weekend matinees.
For those desiring to dine before or after an event in Playhouse Square, IMO definitely consider Yours Truly.
Recently I went for the first time in several years to see a play, the "Music Man," at the Hanna. The play was very good, and my opinion that the Hanna is one of the best performance venues in the U.S. was reinforced. It's much more intimate than the State or Connor Palace, for instance, and the thrust stage tips the Hanna above the Allen IMO. For the "Music Man," actors repeatedly used the aisles to exit the stage through the audience.
Anyway, we decided to dine at the recently new "Yours Truly," the first downtown outpost of the iconic east-side Cleveland chain and located off Euclid Ave in the Halle Building next to the Crowne Plaza hotel.
The 2-story restaurant seemed to have sufficient seating capacity that reservations aren't required. We didn't try to make reservations, which are recommended at many other Playhouse Square restaurants.
The food was very good, with the sweet potato fries with "home-made tango sauce" a hit.
Perhaps the real attraction of YT Playhouse Square is the price of meals there versus most of the more upscale Playhouse Square dining options.
By comparison, a recent visit to the new Republic Food + Drink, which took over the old Otto Moser's space inside the main theater complex, was a comparatively decided bust in the food/price assessment. Yours Truly was well worth a walk across the street.
Didn't know that YT has opened a restaurant in Medina.
For those desiring to dine before or after an event in Playhouse Square, IMO definitely consider Yours Truly.
Recently I went for the first time in several years to see a play, the "Music Man," at the Hanna. The play was very good, and my opinion that the Hanna is one of the best performance venues in the U.S. was reinforced. It's much more intimate than the State or Connor Palace, for instance, and the thrust stage tips the Hanna above the Allen IMO. For the "Music Man," actors repeatedly used the aisles to exit the stage through the audience.
Anyway, we decided to dine at the recently new "Yours Truly," the first downtown outpost of the iconic east-side Cleveland chain and located off Euclid Ave in the Halle Building next to the Crowne Plaza hotel.
The 2-story restaurant seemed to have sufficient seating capacity that reservations aren't required. We didn't try to make reservations, which are recommended at many other Playhouse Square restaurants.
The food was very good, with the sweet potato fries with "home-made tango sauce" a hit.
Perhaps the real attraction of YT Playhouse Square is the price of meals there versus most of the more upscale Playhouse Square dining options.
By comparison, a recent visit to the new Republic Food + Drink, which took over the old Otto Moser's space inside the main theater complex, was a comparatively decided bust in the food/price assessment. Yours Truly was well worth a walk across the street.
Didn't know that YT has opened a restaurant in Medina.
I wonder why there are no YT restaurants in western Cuyahoga County.
Thanks for the tip. We usually end up at Heinens down there, but I love YT so we'll make that our next venture when we're going downtown. Love their pancakes BTW.
Have you seen Hamilton when it was in town last time? We have not but were considering it.
For those desiring to dine before or after an event in Playhouse Square, IMO definitely consider Yours Truly.
Recently I went for the first time in several years to see a play, the "Music Man," at the Hanna. The play was very good, and my opinion that the Hanna is one of the best performance venues in the U.S. was reinforced. It's much more intimate than the State or Connor Palace, for instance, and the thrust stage tips the Hanna above the Allen IMO. For the "Music Man," actors repeatedly used the aisles to exit the stage through the audience.
Anyway, we decided to dine at the recently new "Yours Truly," the first downtown outpost of the iconic east-side Cleveland chain and located off Euclid Ave in the Halle Building next to the Crowne Plaza hotel.
The 2-story restaurant seemed to have sufficient seating capacity that reservations aren't required. We didn't try to make reservations, which are recommended at many other Playhouse Square restaurants.
The food was very good, with the sweet potato fries with "home-made tango sauce" a hit.
Perhaps the real attraction of YT Playhouse Square is the price of meals there versus most of the more upscale Playhouse Square dining options.
By comparison, a recent visit to the new Republic Food + Drink, which took over the old Otto Moser's space inside the main theater complex, was a comparatively decided bust in the food/price assessment. Yours Truly was well worth a walk across the street.
Didn't know that YT has opened a restaurant in Medina.
I wonder why there are no YT restaurants in western Cuyahoga County.
Yours Truly, esp the Shaker Square location, has been a family fave for decades... I checked out the newer PHS location and enjoyed it... unfortunately when we went, on a Sunday afternoon, it was pretty empty although our waitress said the place is pretty busy Sunday mornings and during the week at lunchtime, which is cool. I liked the 2-level design of the PHS YT.
Another more reasonable dining option for visitors to Playhouse Square may be the Heck's Express located underneath the new Beacon apartment building on the north side of Euclid Ave. across from East 4th St.
It's a 10-minute walk from the Connor Palace. Check out Google Transit, but it also could be reached using the free C-line bus trolley or Healthline bus rapid.
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PlayhouseSquare services for hard of hearing
