Dee Hoty Among Honorees at Cleveland Play House's 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon

Cleveland Play House (CPH) will host their 17th Hall of Fame Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14th in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. This year's honorees have contributed to the success of CPH through many different avenues, and their professional accomplishments have accentuated CPH's proud history. This year's recipients include Dorothy and Frank Draz, Dee Hoty, Barclay Leathem and Jack Weston. Also being recognized is The Women's Committee of Cleveland Play House, which will be presented with the Heritage Award by Roe Green for their contributions to CPH.

Past CPH Hall of Fame recipients include Ed Asner, Joel Grey and Marlo Thomas, to name a few. CPH Artistic Director Michael Bloom stated, "We are delighted to induct another esteemed group into the CPH Hall of Fame. Their work has left an indelible mark on the Play House's storied history."

Frank & Dorothy Draz

Francis K. Draz was the architect of the iconic theatre building on East 86th Street in 1927 and, 20 years later, the conversion of a Christian Science church into the 77th Street Theatre with its innovative "thrust" stage and the original Play House Club. Dorothy Draz was active on the Women's Committee from its earliest days. She became a "Den Mother," cooking meals in the staff dining room and providing midnight suppers during "strike nights." For many a Play House actor or technician, friendship with the Drazes was an important part of their Cleveland experience.

Dee Hoty

Dee Hoty began her professional performing career at Cleveland Play House as a member of the repertory company from 1974 to 1977, appearing in a variety of productions such as Collette, Confessions at Night, Happy End, Richard III, Get-Rich-Quick-Wallingford, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Caesar and Cleopatra, First Monday in October, The Club, and The Cat and the Fiddle. Dee moved to New York City in June of 1977 to undertake her Broadway career that includes Tony nominations for starring roles in Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, and The Will Rogers Follies. Most recently, she has returned to CPH in the world premiere production of Rich Girl.

Barclay Leathem

Barclay Leathem was an educator at Western Reserve University (later Case Western Reserve University) who founded the Department of Drama and Theatre, obtained a Rockefeller Foundation Grant to build the Eldred Theatre, and developed important working relationships with Cleveland Play House and Karamu House. In the summer of 1931, Frederic McConnell and Leathem developed the first program where an educational institution and a professional theatre joined together to teach courses for college credit. He served as the first chair of CWRU's Theatre Department until 1970 and shaped the course of theatre education at Case Western Reserve University and theatre education across America.

Jack Weston

Jack Weston began acting at the age of 10, when he joined Cleveland Play House's Children's Theatre, the Curtain Pullers. In 1950, he made his Broadway debut as Stewpot in the long-running musical, South Pacific. After that, he quickly became a regular as a character actor in a variety of 1950's television shows. He also had a long film career including pictures such as The Four Seasons, Wait Until Dark, and The Ritz. While achieving great success as a film actor, he never abandoned his love for the stage, and he was a loyal supporter of Cleveland Play House.

Heritage Award Recipient

The Women's Committee of Cleveland Play House

In 1932, The Women's Committee of Cleveland Play House was formed as a liaison between the theatre and the public with the mission "to promote the welfare of the Cleveland Play House... and to foster an interest in its theatres." For over 79 years, The Women's Committee supported the Play House in a multitude of different ways - from social activities for students and actors... to strike night parties where participants dismantled the sets after final performances... to after theatre receptions... to fundraising events.

CPH's Hall of Fame Luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on May 14th in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. For tickets or additional information, please contact Kim Brundage at (216) 400-7031 or kbrundage@clevelandplayhouse.com.

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