Broadway Hits and Appalachian Roots: What’s On in Cleveland Today
Broadway Hits and Local Stagecraft
Cleveland’s theater scene is in full swing this Thursday, January 22, 2026, with a variety of high-caliber productions. Leading the evening is the Tony Award-winning play Stereophonic at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square. This production, featuring music by Will Butler, invites audiences into a 1970s recording studio for an intimate look at the friction and creative energy of a rock band on the verge of stardom. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
For those looking for a mix of comedy and music, the Near West Theatre is hosting a collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University’s Music Theatre Program for a production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This beloved musical follows six mid-pubescents as they vie for the championship of a lifetime. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m., offering a night of hilarious, high-stakes competition.
Museum Highlights and Historic Cinema
The Western Reserve Historical Society offers a unique blend of film and fashion today. As part of the American Dream Film Series, the museum is screening the 1937 classic The Women at 6:00 p.m. Attendees will also enjoy a private group tour of the related exhibition, "American Dream: Immigrants and the Business of Fashion," which explores the profound impact of immigrant designers on the American style landscape. Earlier in the day, the society also hosts a glassblowing workshop starting at 10:30 a.m. for those interested in traditional craftsmanship.
At the Cleveland Museum of Art, visitors can explore the acclaimed exhibition Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses. This show traces the evolution of Italian style from the influential Medici family through the rise of modern giants like Versace and Ferragamo. The museum is open today from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a perfect afternoon for art and fashion enthusiasts.
Live Music and Evening Entertainment
The city’s diverse music venues are offering everything from folk to rock tonight. The Treelawn Social Club welcomes the Mr. Haney Appalachian Stringband at 7:30 p.m., promising a night of traditional roots music and storytelling. Meanwhile, the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights presents Westside Live at 8:00 p.m., a showcase of local energy and talent.
If comedy is your preference, the hilarious Jordan Jensen takes the stage at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Known for her sharp wit and popular podcasts, Jensen’s performance is a highlight for anyone seeking mid-week laughs. For a more nostalgic evening, the Music Box Supper Club is hosting its Cleveland Boomer Memories dinner party. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the storytelling and supper beginning at 7:00 p.m., focusing on the shared history and culture of Northeast Ohio.
Community Events
On the community front, the Cleveland Public Library’s Brooklyn branch is holding a Reentry Job and Resource Fair from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event is designed to connect residents with vital employment opportunities and support services, reinforcing the library’s role as a cornerstone of local community development.