The 2024 Theatre season features a mixture of French Creek Theatre shows and guest company productions ranging from indoor musicals to outdoor plays and from ballets to comedy shows! Don't miss your chance to engage with the local art scene throughout our beautiful park district this year! The entire season is listed below in chronological order.

Matt Venuti in Concert

For one show only, experience the electro-acoustic “sound immersion” music of Matt Venuti. French Creek Theatre presents Matt Venuti in concert on Thursday, March 14, at 7 PM.

Venuti is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist composer/performer and music video artist who is known for introducing rare and expressive acoustic and electronic instruments to the world through his concerts and videos. A resourceful live performer, Venuti performs as a multimedia artist using his original visuals to live music. He is known as a singer-songwriter and bandleader who has played on numerous national stages and high-profile events. In 2019, he was Artist in Residence in both the Everglades and Shenandoah National Parks.

Seating is limited and tickets are required for patrons of all ages. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.

French Creek Princess Ball

French Creek Theatre again invites your family to enjoy the French Creek Princess Ball. In partnership with Northeast Ohio Creatives, this event presents a magical experience for kids of all ages to engage with their favorite princess characters. Bring the entire family to experience the fun and sing and dance with royalty! This special presentation will offer three showtimes of 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM on Saturday, April 27.

Seating is limited and tickets are required for patrons of all ages. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.

Peter Pan - Ballet

Enjoy the summer with a Ballet in the Park. French Creek Theatre again partners with North Pointe Ballet to present their interpretation of the age-old story, “Peter Pan”. Meet us in Neverland with Wendy, Peter, and Tinker Bell as they discover that staying young is a matter of the heart. With original choreography by Janet Dziak, NPB’s professional artists and signature live narration will guide the audience through the classic tale of faith, trust, and pixie dust.

This program will be presented outdoors near the historic rose garden at Lorain County Metro Parks’ Lakeview Park in Lorain. Admission is free and includes lawn seating. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Registration is not required for this free program, but this event is weather dependent.

Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare in the Park

Enjoy French Creek Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park with their presentation of “Much Ado About Nothing.” This comedy includes two quite different stories of romantic love. Hero and Claudio fall in love almost at first sight, but an outsider strikes out at their happiness. Beatrice and Benedick are kept apart by pride and mutual antagonism until others decide to play Cupid. As these silly characters fall in and out of love, the audience will laugh and be frustrated. This production is presented outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation’s Bacon Woods Amphitheater.

In addition to wooden benches in the amphitheater, seating is available at picnic tables, and on the lawn surrounding the amphitheater. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Smoking and dogs (expect service dogs) are not permitted in the amphitheater, and this event is weather dependent. Due to limited space, registration is required for this free event.

High School Musical Jr.

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life in French Creek Youth Theatre Camp’s presentation of Disney’s High School Musical JR. Youth actors from our summer theatre camp will present the story of Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High. Sing along as they deal with issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to have you dancing in your seat.

Seating is limited and tickets are required for patrons of all ages. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.

Snowflake Comedy Club

For one show only, enjoy laughs from the Snowflake Comedy Club and snacks from a local food truck vendor. French Creek Theatre presents Snowflake Comedy Club on Saturday, August 17, at 7 PM.

The Snowflake Comedy Club is a pop-up comedy club in Northeast Ohio that features “comics from underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, and folks in the queer community.” With material that strives to “regulate and advocate for everyone that attends a show to be treated with dignity and respect.” This inclusive group believes in a “a better and stronger comedic environment that "punches up" rather than "punches down".”

Seating is limited and tickets are required for all patrons. Food truck sales will begin at 5 PM. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

French Creek Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. From comedic genius and multi-award-winning playwright, Ken Ludwig, this reimagined classic offers a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as these intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.

Seating is limited and tickets are required for all patrons. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.

Winter Wonderettes

French Creek Theatre presents Winter Wonderettes. This seasonal celebration finds the girls, Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy entertaining at the 1968 holiday party for Harper’s Hardware. The Wonderettes transform the hardware store into a magical winter wonderland but when Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Seating is limited and tickets are required for all patrons. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and all seats are general admission, first-come first served. For ADA seating options contact the box office at French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200.