The Allen theater is one of the many theaters that make up Playhouse Square today. The theater originally opened in 1921 as a movie palace. It showed it’s last picture, Bonnie & Clyde, in 1968.
In 1971, it hosted the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. At the time Cleveland had one of the largest Hungarian populations outside of Hungary. The show was a success but the theater was not in the best shape at that time. Snow fell through the holes in the roof and onto the orchestra as they performed!
It was saved from being demolished in the 1990’s and has been since been renovated into several smaller theaters. It’s lobby still reflects the grandeur of its beginnings!
Through the years it has hosted concerts from Bruce Springsteen, James Brown, the Doors, Eric Clapton and the Bee Gees to name a few. It has also hosted comedians such as Lily Tomlin, Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx.
Visit www.playhousesquare.org to see what’s playing this week.
