Big Dog Theater to open in Coventry Village

Big Dog Theater is set to officially opens its door in February in the historic Centrum Theater, at 2781 Euclid Heights Blvd in Coventry Village. This new theatrical performance and training facility is the creation of Cleveland actor Don Mitri. Each weekend, Big Dog Theater will host different shows and various forms of comedy, including national stand-up acts, sketch groups and improv. In addition, Big Dog Theater will house a training center offering a challenging selection of classes and workshops. Taught by locally and nationally known instructors, these classes will be offered to everyone from novice to the professional performer.

“As you walk through the Coventry Arts District," Mitri said, "you see a neighborhood filled with diverse restaurants and shops, but you notice something important missing: live theater.” A local actor with extensive performance experience, Mitri was a member of Something Dada Improvisational Theater Co., and played Tony in Cleveland’s longest-running stage show, "Tony n' Tina’s Wedding," at Playhouse Square. He also founded and operated the Cleveland Improv Institute and has taught improvisation for more than 10 years.

On Feb. 19, Big Dog Theater will celebrate its grand opening with an evening of comedy, featuring a brand-new show from two of Cleveland’s hottest stand-up comics, Quinn Patterson and Jeff Blanchard.

The festivities begin with a preshow party at City & East, from 7 to 8 p.m., with a cash bar, and light appetizers provided by Coventry staple, Tommy’s. Showtime is 8:30. A meet-and-greet with Patterson and Blanchard will be held at Fracas Restaurant, immediately following the performance. Tickets for The grand opening event will be $12 at the door and $10 in advance. A special dinner and show package is available at Fracas restaurant for $35 per person. For reservations call 216-472-3636 or reserve tickets online at www.bigdogtheater.com.

Jennifer Raimondi is a local actress who hails from Baltimore, MD.

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Volume 4, Issue 2, Posted 12:56 PM, 01.20.2011