The Observation Deck

While not strictly a Lakewood story, the history of the Great Lakes Theater Festival started here 46 years ago. Tom Hanks got his start here in the Lakweood version of the theater in the 70's prior to it moving downtown to the Ohio Theater where it was located until this past week when they found their newest and most personalized home at the restored/re-imagined Hanna Theater at Playhouse Square. (On a side note, being a fan of the local Hilliard Theater, it shows what an old time theater can look like with some great ideas...and money, of course).

I am a big booster and fan of this theater and company and am happy to report that the opening show is a worthy kick off. Check out Tony Brown's review of the first of two shows to be in rep at the Hanna this fall (the other, "Into the Woods" opens in two weeks).

Tony Brown's Plain Dealer review

Enjoy!


Phil

I remember when the Great Lakes Theater Company was first started. I saw 4 or 5 Shakespeare plays there at Lakewood Civic. Actually it was The Great Lakes Shakespeare Theater Company back then, I believe.

I really loved the experience. I was at St. Augustine's then. We would read the play and then go see the play. Truly amazing.

One of our own, Bill Grulich was in on the inception of the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival from Lakewood and through its move to downtown.

Bill is currently chair of the Lakewood Planning Commission but still retains ties and remembrances of the early days.