The Cleveland Stage Podcast

This episode we explore the art of playwriting, self-producing, and his new play “The Right Room” opening at Convergence Continuum this weekend with playwright and all around good guy David Hansen.We chop it up a bit about closing the Ferryman, showing love to the actors and artists involved, and the genius of putting babies in theaters. Goose poop too.We also discuss The Copley High School “She Kills Monsters” controversy. Then we wrap it up with what’s playing on the theatrical stages around town CSP - 003 Hansen.m4a

In this episode we learn about The Troubles and the struggle for peace and justice in Northern Ireland with Philip Metres, professor of English and director of the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights program at John Carroll University (https://www.jcu.edu/people/philip-metres). We also discuss the upcoming production of The Ferryman at Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland (October 2 - October 18, 2026 in the Marinello Little Theatre in the Lombardo Student Center on the campus of John Carrol University. For tickets visit: www.ensembletheatrecle.org

We are so back! That’s right after 8 years of wandering the woods of the cultural milieu Tyler, Becca, and Ian; the soothing voices that described a thousand stages have retuned to the podcast waves. In this episode we find out what’s been happening these past 8 years, where we are now, and what exciting things to expect from the newest podcast reboot on the interwebs! Plus as always the Cleveland Stage roundup of shows both upcoming and playing!

For the newest episode of CSP, Tyler welcomes his newest co-host, Becca Moseley. Becca has made the big time after years of toiling as a mere guest of the Pod. Tyler and Becca, who is beside herself just thinking about how lucky she is, speak with Shahrazad Theatre co-founders Kyle Huff and August Scarpelli to discuss their upcoming adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic “Around the World in 80 Days” which will run at Ensemble Theatre November 30 - December 16. The group discusses adapting classic works, what they learned from previous adaptations, and whether or not Becca is more excited now than she was when Kyle asked her to marry him. For tickets or more info, visit EnsembleTheatreCLE.org. Our Sponsors: Fogg.com DiscountMI.com @EnsembleCLE and @ClevelandStage on Twitter

Tyler and Ian welcome Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin to the theater. They discuss the play "Alabama Story" running September 7 - September 30, and the role libraries can play within their communities. They also discuss the banning of books and the root causes of the banning of several popular books (The Light in the Attic was banned by some!). Heights Libraries do more than just loan books: they provide meeting spaces for community organizations, assist in passport applications, organize food drives, and help bring awareness to social causes and so much more. You can visit Heights Libraries online at https://heightslibrary.org/ or follow them on Twitter (@HeightsLibrary), Instagram (@HeightsLibraries) or on Facebook. "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones and directed by Tyler Whidden runs September 7 - September 30 at Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland Heights. For tickets or more info, visit EnsembleTheatreCLE.org. Our Sponsors: Fogg.com DiscountMI.com @EnsembleCLE and @ClevelandStage on Twitter

It's the Season Premier of CSP as Tyler and Ian talk with actor Craig Joseph who is portraying children's book illustrator Garth Williams in Ensemble's upcoming production of "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones, which is making its Ohio premier. Tyler is directing the first show of Ensemble's 39th season about the true story of a children's book that caused a stir in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama. Craig discusses working on the play, as well as the play's own theatrical elements and themes, and why censorship can do long term damage to a society. "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones and directed by Tyler Whidden runs September 7 - September 30 at Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland Heights. For tickets or more info, visit EnsembleTheatreCLE.org.Our Sponsors:Fogg.comDiscountMI.com@EnsembleCLE and @ClevelandStage on Twitter

This week, Tyler and Ian say goodbye to Lilly, who was Ensemble's intern the past few weeks. They discuss the prospects for a young student venturing into higher education theater, and whether or not the Broadway production of Aladdin is worth it. Tyler and Ian then get into some of the plays that will be part of Ensemble's upcoming season, "The Future is Bright," including Kenneth Jones' Alabama Story, Eugene O'Neill's Moon for the Misbegotten, Lorraine Hansberry's Raisin in the Sun, and the new play from Cleveland playwright David Hansen, The Way I Danced With You, as part of the Annual Colombi New Plays Festival. Join Ensemble at their End-of-the-Year Celebration on June 2nd. For more info, visit EnsembleTheatreCLE.org.

This week Tyler goes it alone and visits with our friends at the Clinical Trials Unit in Cleveland to speak with Brooke Willis (Community Educator), Bob Bucklew Jr. (Outreach Coordinator), and Ann Conrad (Nurse Practitioner). The group discuss the advancements in HIV/AIDS testing & treatment and how the community can help bring awareness to the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. All this in connection with Ensemble's production of "Angels in America: Perestroika" opening April 27. You can reach the Clinical Trials Unit via: [email protected] / 216-844-4444 / ClevelandHIV.org You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on the Twitter at @CLEHIVTrials.

In this episode, Tyler and Ian finish up the #AmericanPlaysBracket Challenge wherein their 64-play bracket gets down to the final two. You can vote by following @EnsembleCLE on Twitter. August Scarpelli also joins the show to discuss Angels in America: Perestroika opening at Ensemble April 27, the trials Tony Kushner went through writing the play, Tyler misquotes George C. Wolfe (it was actually Oscar Eustis who said it), the guys do a shot every time Celeste says "oligarchy", and boy kicks a soccer ball against the door. Also this week, the Cleveland Stage Cleveland Round-up (music) of plays in the area including CPT, Play House, Western Reserve Playhouse, and more. Our Sponsors: Fogg.com DiscountMI.com @EnsembleCLE and @ClevelandStage on Twitter

Tyler & Ian discuss the Sweet 16 round of their #AmericanPlaysBracket Challenge and whether or not Ian would actually ever vote for "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" They also discuss other things that ended up on the cutting room floor.