For four years, Theatre in the Circle transformed Judson Manor’s ballroom into a professional, intimate stage where residents and the broader community came together through live performance. Then the pandemic hit, and founders Bill and the late Mark Corcoran pressed pause.
Now, Theatre in the Circle has returned — reigniting the magic with its first new production in five years: Always…Patsy Cline, Oct. 3-5, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
A Vision Rooted in Community
Bill and Mark moved into Judson Manor in 2013. As a longtime musical director, Bill quickly saw the potential of the historic building’s spaces for theatre. “From the beginning, my eye had identified that the spaces here would lend themselves well to intimate theater,” Bill recalls (photo below).
With Judson as a partner, Theatre in the Circle launched in 2016, producing professional shows that drew audiences from across Greater Cleveland — nearly 60% from outside Judson’s walls. Even after Mark’s passing in 2022, Bill felt compelled to continue. “In memory of Mark, and because so many residents were asking for it, I decided to bring the theatre back,” he says. “This time, Judson’s involvement is even deeper — it’s a true collaboration.” Resident volunteers are assisting with costumes, sets, and even refreshments, making it an all-hands effort.
A Cast with Cleveland Roots
The relaunch features professional performers from the Cleveland theatre world, including Braelin Andrzejewski and Jacqui Loewy, who also directs the production.
Braelin (photo on right)describes returning to the role of Patsy as deeply personal. “Mark and Bill always encouraged me, saying it was a role they’d love to see me play one day,” she says. ‘To now be invited back by Bill, and to help launch a new era of Theatre in the Circle with this long-anticipated production, feels like coming full circle in the most meaningful way.”
For Jacqui (photo on left), the revival affirms the theatre’s value for residents and beyond. “When we did the memorial performances for Mark, we felt the excitement and energy in the room from the residents,” she says. “An in-house professional theatre company is a great benefit for them and, as you may or may not know, the first retirement community resident company in the country. Other communities are now looking into following the model Bill and Mark created.”
Honoring a Legacy
In her director’s note, Jacqui reflects on the timelessness of Patsy Cline’s music and the healing power of live theatre: “In a time when we are all on edge and finding it hard to agree on anything, I think we can all agree that Patsy Cline was a shining star. Let the healing power of laughter and reminiscence live in your soul.”
For Bill, the excitement comes from transforming the Manor’s ballroom once again into a complete professional stage. “This is a whole show — the lights, the sound, the sets,” he says. “It’s a real asset for Judson and Cleveland.”
And for the community, it’s a chance to celebrate friendship, artistry, and resilience — an enduring tribute to both Mark’s memory and to the promise of Theatre in the Circle.
For more information and tickets, visit www.theatreinthecircle.org.
