Beck Teen Theater Presents ‘PG-13 Rated’ Avenue Q

Tickets are on sale now for the regional premiere of “Avenue Q: School Edition,” running from Feb. 8 through Feb. 10 and Feb. 14 through Feb. 17 on the Mackey Main Stage.

A hit Broadway musical coming to the Beck Center for the Arts. But this production of “Avenue Q” has a little less of the lewdness it’s often known for. Tickets are on sale now for the regional premiere of “Avenue Q: School Edition,” running from Feb. 8 through Feb. 10 and Feb. 14 through Feb. 17 on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays with a special student matinee performance 10 a.m. Feb. 14.  According to a press release, the performance is based on “Avenue Q” — the 2004 Tony Award “Triple Crown” winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.  This “laugh-out-loud musical adaptation” tells the story of Princeton, a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment all …

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Beck Café Closing, Gypsy Beans Moving In

New coffee shop expected to open on Nov. 1.

The Beck Café, which has been at the Beck Center for the Arts since 2009, is closing its doors on Monday.  Gypsy Beans Baking Co., a staple of the Gordon Square Arts District, is opening its second location in its place. Niki Gillota, opened Gypsy Beans in 2005, at the corner of W. 65th Street and Detroit Avenue. The “traditionally styled European coffee house” specializes in soups, salads and pastries. And, of course, coffee. Gypsy Beans is expected to open on Nov. 1. “Niki is such a good fit,” said Kathleen Caffrey, the spokeswoman for the Beck Center. “She’s so well-known in the arts community and she’s very community driven.” “We’re very excited to welcome her onboard to the beck family.” Paul Sykes, an arts dealer who’s operated the …

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Beck to School for the Arts

Beck Center is offering more than 200 classes, lessons and programs. Classes start Sept. 5.

While students returned to classes in the Lakewood City Schools on Wednesday, the Beck Center for the Arts is signing up pupils for the fall semester. The Beck Center is offering more than over 200 classes, lessons and programs each week for all ages and abilities. Classes begin Sept. 5.  “Whether you want to try something new, introduce your child to the arts, or continue your own artistic journey, there is something for everyone at Beck Center,” according to a news release. The Beck Center is offering online schedules for the complete course catalog.  To make the process easy, there are a few ways to register:

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Beck Center for the Arts Names New Board Members

New board members begin their terms on Sept. 1.

The Beck Center for the Arts has announced the election of three new members to the Board of Directors at their meeting on June 25, 2012.  Ms. Kazi, Ms. Score and Dr. Wagner have served on several committees at Beck Center including Development, Education, Facilities, and Strategic Planning. “We are pleased that three such well-respected and outstanding members of our community will be further engaged as members of our Board of Directors,” said Lucinda B. Einhouse, president and CEO of Beck Center for the Arts. Their terms begin September 1, 2012.

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Colin McEwen

11:51 am on Monday, July 16, 2012

Mike, I deleted all the related comments you referred to. Thanks for the heads up.   more ›

Legally Blonde, The Musical: A 'Nonstop Sugar Rush'

Show opens at the Beck Center for the Arts' Mackey Main Stage on July 6, runs through Aug. 12.

The Beck Center for the Arts presents Legally Blonde The Musical on the Mackey Main Stage, July 6 through August 12, 2012. This award-winning Broadway hit musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM major motion picture, Legally Blonde which starred Reese Witherspoon. With music and lyrics by a top-of-their-class creative team, Legally Blonde The Musical was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Score and Best Book of a Musical. The New York Timescalled it a “nonstop sugar rush of a show.” Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Don’t underestimate Elle Woods, a college sweetheart, homecoming queen, and not-so-dumb blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for …

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Beck Center Kicks Off Season with Solstice Soiree

Crowd of about 50 joins catered affair with a "Legally Blonde" moment or two.

Although it wasn't officially the solstice, one day late is close enough.  The Beck Center for the Arts on Thursday launched this summer's “Talk of the Town,” its seventh annual summer party series, with a Summer Solstice theme at Chann and Ed Spellman's lakefront home in Rocky River. And the weather didn't let anyone forget about the summer solstice. A blazing sun and temperatures near 90 kept some of the roughly 50 guests indoors, but those brave enough to venture outside were treated to a lake breeze and spectacular views of the lake. Boaters and sea gulls frolicked on the lake as guests chatted and sampled refreshments and hors d'oeuvres prepared by Madd Chef Richard Cicic. Entertainment included pianist Larry Goodpaster, members of …

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Beck Theater Season Features 'Annie,' 'Xanadu' and 'Spamalot'

Professional Theater Season kicks off with 'Xanadu' in September. Subscriptions available now.

Expect to hear an "outrageous French accent" and perhpaps to be taunted a second time during the 2012-2013 Professional Theater season at the Beck Center for the Arts. Or flash back to the early 1980s and the roller disco scene.  The center announced its season including five locally produced premieres and an eclectic mix of outrageous comedies, award-winning musicals and inspiring dramas that Northeast Ohio audiences have come to expect from Beck Center.  “Selecting the 2012/2013 season was truly a labor of love and an exercise in patience, but the payoff is worth the wait,” said Artistic Director Scott Spence. “We are thrilled on so many levels, from our locally produced premieres, to continuing our newfound collaboration with Baldwin-…

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'Velocity of Autumn' Premiere Slated at the Beck Center

Starring the "grand dame of Cleveland theater," the show is set to run from Friday through April 29.

The regional premiere of the show "The Velocity of Autumn" is slated for this Friday at the Beck Center for the Arts. And it’s bringing the “grand dame of Cleveland theater” along with it. Dorothy Silver, stars as an aging artist, in a show written by one of “Cleveland’s most prolific playwrights,” Eric Coble. Tickets are on sale for the show, set to run from Friday through April 29 in the Studio Theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tonight is preview night, for $10 with general admission seating. In addition to Silver, who portrays Alexandra, "The Velocity of Autumn" stars David Hansen as her estranged son, Chris.  Spoiler alert here: Despite her children’s attempts to move her into a nursing home, …

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Snapshot: Beck Center Gets ‘Reckless’

Tony-nominated show opens this Friday; runs through March 4.

The Beck Center for the Arts is getting a little “Reckless” this Friday. And by Reckless, we mean the satirical comedy by Tony-nominated playwright Craig Lucas is coming to town. And running through March 4.  The show will take place in the Studio Theater at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. There is a special student matinee at 10 a.m. March 1. According to a Beck Center press release, Reckless — directed by Jonathan Kronenberger, Beck Center’s associate director of Theater Education — is an absurdist midwinter night’s dream that features a talented cast of 16 teenage actors who are students at the Beck Center. “This is my third time directing this show and each time I return to the play, I find it richer and funnier,” …

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Lakewood Actor, Director Indicted on Rape Charge

Kevin Joseph Kelly faces charge of raping a 15-year-old boy.