Summer theater can be found around Northeast Ohio

Summertime means different things to different people. For theater lovers, it’s an excellent opportunity to take in a variety of offerings, ranging from Shakespeare in the Park to community theater and children’s theater.

Here’s a look at some shows taking place this summer in Northeast Ohio:

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival features small casts with a mission statement to produce exceptional, accessible theater that celebrates the talents of local artists in all aspects of production.

“This year is a nice contrast that builds off of the love theme for our two shows,” Cleveland Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Tyson Douglas Rand said. “I’m really excited about it because last year being our 20th anniversary, we did the first two shows we ever did.

“So this year, we’re doing a show that we’ve never done and a show that’s one of the most popular we’ve ever done.”

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is producing the relatively obscure “Troilus and Cressida” through July 1 and “Twelfth Night” July 20 through Aug. 5 around Northeast Ohio. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the free performances. For more information, call 440-794-1273 or visit cleveshakes.com.

Mercury Theatre Company

Family-friendly programming is what the award-winning, nonprofit Mercury Theatre Company provides Northeast Ohio. Its mission is to create extraordinary theatrical experiences and advance theater as a means of educating, challenging and inspiring the community. This year’s summer season includes “Shrek” (July 7 and 8), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (July 20 through Aug. 12) and “Caroline, Or Change” (July 27 through Aug. 11). Performances take place at Notre Dame College’s Regina Hall in South Euclid. Tickets are $20 adults and $16 students. Call 216-771-5862 or visit mercurytheatrecompany.org.

Oberlin Summer Theater Festival

The Oberlin Summer Theater Festival, which presents free productions of theater classics, returns with “Little Women” (through Aug. 5), “Romeo and Juliet” (July 6 through Aug. 4) and “Picnic” (July 20 through Aug. 4). Performances take place at 7 p.m. (or at 2 p.m. on certain days) in Hall Auditorium, 67 N. Main St. Visit oberlinsummertheaterfestival.com.

Porthouse Theatre

Kent State University’s Porthouse Theatre celebrates its 50th summer season with “Anything Goes” (through June 30), “Next to Normal” (July 5 through 21) and “Oklahoma!” (July 26 through Aug. 12). The performances are presented outside on the grounds of Blossom Music Center. Times vary. Tickets are $24 to $40. Call 330-672-3884 or visit porthousetheatre.com.

Lorain Community Music Theater

Armed with a mission to provide the Lorain County area with quality musical theater and offer both performance and educational opportunities to local actors and musicians, the Lorain Community Music Theater presents “Anything Goes” (July 13 through 21, times vary) at Lorain Performing Arts Center, 2600 Ashland Ave., Lorain. Tickets are $20 adults and $16 students. Visit loraincommunitymusictheater.org.

Sandstone Summer Theatre

Celebrating its 48th year creating opportunities for children and adults to develop talents in all aspects of theater arts, Sandstone Summer Theatre, with support and cooperation of the Amherst School District, presents “Grease: The Musical” (July 12 through 14) at the Lorain Palace Theater. Tickets are $15. Call 440-245-2323 or visit www.lorainpalace.com.

Lorain Palace Youth Theatre

It strives to maintain a program that inspires, motivates and engages children with an interest or passion for theater on stage and off returns with “Little Mermaid Jr.” (July 27 through 29) at the Lorain Palace Theater. Tickets are $12. Call 440-245-2323 or visit www.lorainpalace.com.

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