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Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

The new performance of The Notebook takes on the unique challenges of navigating time skips and weaving it within a musical scheme.

The last notes of a love story: romantic echoes and “The Notebook” (2024)

Mariana Parilli Castillo, Copy Editor October 3, 2025

“The Notebook,” the 2024 musical of the same name as Nicholas Sparks’s 1996 novel and its 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, has humongous cultural shoes to fill in the...

The Players' Theater Group tradition continued this past weekend, with the group continuing to put on entertaining shows with something for everyone—both in the audience and on the stage.

Play in a Day continues to slay

Penelope Cloonan, Life Editor September 26, 2025

The time is 8 p.m., Friday night. Writers are given a prompt: “Master of Deception.” They get their start and it is off to the races. The scripts are finished by that morning, actors and directors...

PTG actors bring the stage to life in one of their many performances this year. As a completely student-run club, PTG showcases the talent and creativity of student-produced theatre.

I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more “PTG Live!”

Penelope Cloonan, Staff Writer April 4, 2025

The Players’ Theatre Group (PTG) is an entirely student-run theater company that puts on a variety of shows each semester, including dramas, comedies and sketch programs. This spring, PTG’s upcoming...

CWRU Footlighters put on a stunning production of "Footloose," bringing together vibrant technical elements, memorable acting performances and an infectious energy to deliver a night of dance and music.

CWRU Footlighters dance into our hearts with “Footloose”

Shivangi Nanda, Executive Editor April 4, 2025

Released in 1984, the original “Footloose” follows protagonist Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) as he seeks to rewrite the rules of his new hometown, Bomont, Utah. A Chicago native, Ren is taken aback by...

PTG's production of "Melancholy Play" this past weekend portrayed themes of love, friendship and compassion, which were reflected in the skills of the actors and director Ave Tallarida.

PTG’s “Melancholy Play” is a treat, like an almond

Kethan Srinivasan, Social Media Content Creator February 21, 2025

On Feb. 13-15 in Eldred Hall, six students from Players’ Theatre Group (PTG) came together to rationalize the concept of melancholy. “Melancholy Play” is an hour and fifteen minute-long production...

For many invested in the arts, November is marked by CWRU Footlighters' highly anticipated fall musical. This year, Footies put on a comedic rendition of the off-Broadway musical "Heathers," filling Eldred Hall with heartfelt laughter.

Footlighters’ “Heathers” hits all the right notes

Shivangi Nanda, Executive Editor November 15, 2024

On Nov. 7-9, Footlighters returned to the stage with their production of “Heathers: The Musical.” Based on the 1989 cult classic film, “Heathers” blends sharp wit with catchy rock ballads, exploring...

Left to right: Johanna Perry, Cam Grealis and Chris Tipton Jr. starred as Susan, Jon and Michael in PTG's recent production of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" They each gave their characters a unique energy and meshed with one another perfectly through their songs and acting.

Players’ Theatre Group triumphs with a hopeful “Tick, Tick… Boom!”

Maya Zimmer, Contributing Writer November 1, 2024

The anxieties of growing older vibrated throughout the recently sold-out production of “Tick, Tick… Boom!” by Players’ Theatre Group (PTG). The quirky, small-cast pop-rock musical was powered by...

The CWRU Department of Theater's recent production of "Silent Sky" highlighted the feminist struggles of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt throughout her career in the early 20th century.

Take a trip through the stars with “Silent Sky”

Kennedy Smith, Staff Writer October 11, 2024

This past weekend, the Case Western Reserve University Department of Theater presented “Silent Sky,” a production depicting the life and research of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. It was directed by...

CWRU's Department of Theater puts on an impressive performance in their production of "Cabaret" in Maltz Performing Arts Center, highlighting the achievements of both the cast and crew.

Willkommen to CWRU Department of Theater’s production of “Cabaret”

Madeline Golya, Staff Writer April 19, 2024

Willkommen, bienvenue and welcome! Running from April 12-21, the Case Western Reserve University Department of Theater is welcoming audiences to experience their hauntingly enthralling production of “Cabaret.”...

“Funny Girl” delivers showstopping performances at Playhouse Square

Zachary Treseler and Shivangi Nanda April 12, 2024

The classic 1964 musical “Funny Girl” hit Playhouse Square at the start of spring break, bringing with it Fanny Brice’s story of ambition, love and the price of fame. While this rendition was not...

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