THE MAYHEM POETS & Their Spoken Word Opus Return To PlayhouseSquare 5/9

Back by popular demand! THE MAYHEM POETS return to PlayhouseSquare for the first time since February 2007 to perform their powerful spoken word opus that seamlessly mixes the power of personal expression, issues of diversity and acceptance, hilariously random topics and mind-boggling hip-hop rhythms. These theatrically trained performers tell gut-wrenching truths that will leave audiences forever changed.

THE MAYHEM POETS started their journey in 2000 at Rutgers University, when students Kyle Sutton (aka Black Skeptik) and Scott Tarazevits started an open-mic night on campus called Verbal Mayhem. Their idea was to find a way to introduce people from all walks of life to the power of spoken word poetry. As a result, the group reached out to prisons, fraternities, churches and hip-hop and poetry fans alike as they assembled one of the most diverse poetry open-mic scenes in the world. The spirit of Verbal Mayhem convinced the two young performers to craft a touring show and go on the road on a mission to reshape society's view of poetry. In addition to Sutton and Tarazevits, the Cleveland performance features poet Mason Granger and violinist Josh Henderson.

THE MAYHEM POETS unique approach to spoken word has landed them feature spots on The Today Show and New York's ABC 7 Eyewitness News. In 2006, the group was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Microsoft Idea Wins Challenge for their spoken word performances. Most recently, the group has collaborated with hip-hop pioneer (and Boogie Down Productions founder) KRS-ONE on a video project designed to raise awareness on the growing problem of increased rent in many of America's cities. More information on the groups various projects can be found at www.mayhempoets.com

THE MAYHEM POETS will perform May 9 at 11:00 a.m. in the Ohio Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Ticket prices range from $10 to $20 and are on sale now at the PlayhouseSquare Ticket office (1519 Euclid Avenue), by calling 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org. In addition, $15 discount tickets are available on select preferred seating locations by mentioning discount code POET

Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling 216-664-6044.

The Discovery Theater Series for Families is made possible in part by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Additional funding for special literacy activities and for the series in general is provided by the Children's Theatre Endowment established by the Junior League of Cleveland and the Laub Foundation.