Great Escape: Dinner and a Show at the Cleveland Play House

If you're looking for a romantic night out with your significant other (or a fun evening with friends), head over to the Cleveland Playhouse this weekend for a truly interesting presentation of My Name is Asher Lev, a story that explores a young man's conflicted feelings about religion, family and loyalty.

The main character, Asher Lev, played by Noel Joseph Allain, is a young Jewish boy with an artistic talent which manifests itself in his breathtaking paintings. His Hasidic upbringing and a possibly-forced move to Vienna however, presents him with a variety of challenges when it comes to being able to express himself artistically.

As Asher grows up, his problems intensify as he begins to slack in school; he just can't quite balance his incredible artistic talent with his school work or religious upbringing. It's a heart-wrenching tale with a surprising twist.

The play has received some interesting, and mostly positive reviews including one from Tony Brown of The Plain Dealer. 

You can enjoy dinner and drinks before or after the show at The Cleveland Play House's on-site, upscale restaurant, Stages. The restaurant features a chic, modern atmosphere with low lighting and quiet music.

Before the show, the restaurant serves a full dinner menu including entrees like rack of lamb with honey-infused burgundy demi-glace; braised veal Osso Bucco with goat cheese polent; pan-roasted Atlantic swordfish with roasted garlic and pecans and eggplant Napolean with chevre and baby mozzarella cheeses.

After-show menu options include lighter fare like mushroom pizza with tomato pesto and brie; crab cakes with lemon-white wine-caper remoulade; a six-ounce bistro burger and fried duck drumettes with house barbecue sauce.

The Cleveland Play House, on Carnegie Avenue in Cleveland, was founded in 1915 and was America's first regional theater. Having hosted more than 1,300 productions in the past 96 years, it's safe to say that this familiar institution is a pillar in the Cleveland arts community.

For tickets visit the Cleveland Play House website

For dinner reservations the day of the show, call 216-795-1111. Reservations aren't required for late-night dinners at Stages.