Broadway Soul and Orchestral Grandeur: Cleveland's Event Guide for Today
Cultural Highlights in the Forest City
Cleveland is alive with creative energy this Thursday, February 5, 2026. From the historic theaters of Playhouse Square to the world-renowned acoustics of University Circle, the city offers a diverse schedule of performances and exhibitions. Whether you are a fan of award-winning musical theater, classical masterpieces, or contemporary art, today provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.
Theater and Stage
The spotlight is firmly on the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square tonight for the production of Suffs. This 2024 Tony Award-winning musical, featuring a book and score by Shaina Taub, explores the passionate and often humorous history of the American women who fought for the right to vote. As a cornerstone of the current Broadway Series, it offers a powerful narrative coupled with a celebrated modern score. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.
For those seeking a more lighthearted evening, the comedy scene is active at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre. Comedian Lara Beitz, recognized for her sharp observational humor and unique comedic timing, takes the stage at 7:30 PM. It is a perfect mid-week opportunity for those looking to enjoy one of the city's premier stand-up venues.
Classical and Contemporary Music
Music enthusiasts have several high-profile options tonight. At the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall within Severance Music Center, The Cleveland Orchestra presents "Hadelich Plays Mendelssohn." Under the direction of conductor Antonello Manacorda, acclaimed violinist Augustin Hadelich will perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. The program is part of the 2025-26 Classical Season and is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
On the more contemporary side, the Music Box Supper Club hosts blues artist Ronnie Baker Brooks, bringing a soulful energy to the Flats. Meanwhile, electronic music fans can head to Globe Iron for a set by Opiuo, known for his bass-heavy, glitch-hop sounds. Both performances provide distinct musical atmospheres for a Thursday night outing.
Exhibitions and Community
During the day, the Cleveland Museum of Art remains a hub for visual exploration. A featured exhibition titled still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper is currently on display in the James and Hanna Bartlett Prints and Drawings Galleries. This collection highlights the museum's expanding holdings of Indigenous art, featuring works from the mid-20th century to the present day. Additionally, the museum's Textile Gallery is showcasing American Printed Silks, 1927–1947, a look at the intersection of industry and art in American fashion history.
Event Summary for Thursday, February 5
- Suffs – Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 7:30 PM
- The Cleveland Orchestra: Hadelich Plays Mendelssohn – Severance Music Center, 7:30 PM
- Lara Beitz (Comedy) – Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 7:30 PM
- Ronnie Baker Brooks – Music Box Supper Club, 7:30 PM
- Opiuo – Globe Iron, 8:00 PM
- still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper – Cleveland Museum of Art, Open Daily