Northeast Ohio theatre scene remains vibrant, offering virtual events while stages remain dark Updated Mar 16, 2021; Posted Feb 22, 2021 Valet parking sits empty in front of Playhouse Square on March 12, 2020, the day the performing arts center closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Plain Dealer Facebook Share CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Had it not been for the pandemic, theatergoers in Northeast Ohio might be talking about that performance of “The Cher Show” they just saw at Playhouse Square, or making plans to see the Great Lakes Theater’s production of “Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee” at the Hanna this weekend. Instead, theatres across the region remain dark for the 49th consecutive week. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.