About Joe Garry
Joe played a key role in the rescue and rebirth of Playhouse Square’s historic theaters as the director of the early-1970s’ historic run of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris in the lobby of the KeyBank State Theatre, which served as the spark to an artistic engine that continues to drive us. For that, and for his belief in and perseverance toward what many thought was unachievable, we are forever grateful.
Fondly referred to “America’s theater professor," Joe has shared his vast theatrical knowledge as the host of our popular Broadway Buzz pre-show talks since 2009. Rarely missing a curtain, Joe would deliver more than 150 in-person pre-show talks each season, developing a devoted fan base over the years.
For his dedication and service to the arts in Cleveland, Joe has been awarded an honorary degree from Baldwin Wallace University, induction into the Cleveland Play House Hall of Fame, the 2021 Cleveland Arts Prize Robert P. Bergman Award, and the Playhouse Square President’s Award (now known as the Falco Award).