Playhouse Square Partners and the Jump Back Ball

You know about Playhouse Square Center. Even if you’ve been in Cleveland for a short period of time, it’s hard not to. Playhouse Square represents a revival of the arts and culture scene in Cleveland; the revitalized block of theaters really began Cleveland anew. Clevelanders with fresh and old eyes alike now see the district as the keystone to the region’s arts community.

What you might not be aware of, is that there is a group of energetic young professionals working hard behind the scenes to keep that opulence alive and the interest in Playhouse Square and the arts spreading. This group is called Playhouse Square Partners and they emerged around the same time those theaters returned to their shining elegance and opulence.

Their goal? To raise awareness of the arts in Cleveland and to inspire others to “go and do likewise.”

Playhouse Square Partners was established in September 1991 by a group of 9 passionate folks who wanted to become more involved in the revitalization of the Playhouse Square Center district. But these individuals wanted to do more than just “tap into the entertaining, irreverent culture that makes Cleveland unique,” as Martha Ruthmeyer recently told Cool Cleveland in an interview. The real goal was to “promote and encourage Cleveland’s community of young professionals to be more aware, educated and engaged as volunteers and patrons” of PSC.

Call it “succession planning” for the future arts enthusiasts of Northeast Ohio.

"The impetus was to bring those up-and-coming Clevelanders together with the idea that enjoying arts at a young age and supporting and sustaining the arts community is important to the city and the region,” Ruthmeyer added. “It was a big, important step for Playhouse Square, not to mention for local groups of young professionals—who, by nature, are already a transient group of people. That commitment is key. Some of them are now a part of our annual fund level; some have become full blown board members as well. The whole purpose [of PSP] was to move them up the ranks.”

Aside from what could be deemed “straight-up fundraising,” the Partners group has also done an incredible job of raising funds to provide educational outreach for the city—building free arts experiences into the education of the city’s youth. "Our education committee in charge of raising funds for a bus subsidies program,” Ruthmeyer said. “They’re raising money throughout the year so Cleveland City School students can come down to the theaters and be a part of enjoying theatrical arts."

The PSP group celebrates their 15th anniversary this year, and suffice it to say, they're reflecting on quite a bit of an impact: Aside from generating some $1.5 million through events, membership and eclectic Jump Back Ball over those years, they have grown to boast a membership of over 400 people.

And they keep on growing.

Part of the attraction to Playhouse Square Partners comes in their annual event, the Jump Back Ball. The event, which Ruthmeyer describes as “eloquently theme-based, irreverent and world-class,” is also celebrating its 15th anniversary. This year’s Jump Back Ball is entitled Frolic on 42nd-A Broadway Blitz. The fun takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 1 am at Playhouse Square Center in the State and Palace Theatres.

“Everyone enjoys the event in grand style,” Ruthmeyer said. “It’s always eclectic and electric. This time around, you’ve got the raw edges of New York paired up with the glamour of Broadway. We have a lot of fantastic talent lined up… an amazing raffle and silent auction, and of course the Ketel One martini bar, which everyone seems to love!”

In keeping with the theme, Broadway-inspired décor will adorn two of Cleveland's most breathtaking theaters. Guests are encouraged to come to the Jump Back Ball dressed as their favorite Broadway Character (break out your Phantom of the Opera and Cats costumes) or in their finest black tie apparel. Catering will be provided by Sammy’s and you’ll get live music from Cleveland's own Grammy® award-winning funk group Dazz Band. There’s even some casino-style gaming action to be had, I'm told. Sounds like a blast, right? You had better believe it.

When it’s intimated that some local journalists, arts enthusiasts and bloggers all call Jump Back Ball the hottest party of the year, Ruthmeyer smilingly replied, “It's more than just your typical fundraiser. It’s a great time, supporting a great cause and it celebrates 15 years of longevity and success in Cleveland’s most important demographic.”

With that kind of reputation and a veritable list of draws, you just can’t go wrong.

Ticket prices for Frolic on 42nd-A Broadway Blitz are $115 for Partners (limit of two per person); $130 for non-Partners and there's a special discounted price of $250 for two tickets. The price might seem a tad high, but you are promised a fantastic night out... you will meet some fantastic people... and you will help raise money for the Playhouse Square Foundation. The Partners are hoping to exceed their goal of $120,000 to support the operations of the foundation.

For more information on Frolic on 42nd-A Broadway Blitz or info on Playhouse Square Partners, call Ruthmeyer at 348-5265 or visit http://www.PlayhouseSquarePartners.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com (:divend:)