TrueNorth Cultural Arts Previews Spring Season

Though it doesn't look like spring outside yet, TrueNorth Cultural Arts' spring season is in full bloom.

The arts center, located in Sheffield Village, is wrapping up its first spring performance of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on April 3. The play had a pleasing turnout, said TrueNorth arts programmer Alex Arroyo, who played Snoopy.

“I'm surprised how much the kids loved it,” he said. “They were paying attention and were engaged the whole time.”

Along with the performance, TrueNorth partnered with Project Linus, a nationwide organization that donates blankets to children in need. Arroyo said TrueNorth has collected about 90 blankets, which will be donated to Cleveland area hospitals, those affected by the earthquake in Japan, battered women and homeless shelters.

“It's nice to finally give back with our programming, besides just offering classes. The coordinator of the (Project Linus) Cleveland chapter was very helpful,” he said.

TrueNorth's next scheduled performance is "The Creation" by Joseph Haydn, featuring the TrueNorth Chorale and Symphony. The concert will take place April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

This spring, the ensemble has 30 chorale and 25 symphony members, including Avon resident Cody Lumsden, who plays double bass. The performance will feature soprano soloist Janine Porter, the choir director at in Avon.

TrueNorth founder and executive director Rick Fortney said "The Creation" is particularly appropriate for the spring season.

“It's all about the story of creation, and Easter is a time of rededication, recommitment and rebirth,” he said.

In May, TrueNorth will present "Billy Bishop Goes to War," which chronicles the life and journey of a Canadian pilot in World War I. The two actors in the show are Fortney and Dana Hart, of Lorain, who will play 17 different roles, Arroyo said. The play will take place May 6 through 22. Saturdays will be dinner-theater performances.

In association with the play, on May 6, TrueNorth's art gallery will feature Cleveland artist Jim Ptacek, and the public will have a chance to meet him on opening night. On May 14, Paul Bieber, a Lorain educator, will teach “Food For Thought,” a World War I and II poster discussion.

This spring, TrueNorth also will offer several activities for families. TrueNorth Family Night is scheduled for April 29 at 5 p.m. with games and a preview of the next season.

Mommy and Me Arts and Games will take place every other Wednesday at 10 a.m., beginning with the spring break program, during the weeks of April 18 and 29. Preschool-aged children and their moms will enjoy singing, arts and crafts, a movie and games, Arroyo said.

The last Friday of the month, April 29 and May 27, at 11 a.m. will be Milk and Cookies Storytime for preschool through third-grade children. Cost is $2.

TrueNorth Cultural Arts is located at 4530 Colorado Ave., in Sheffield Village. More information on ticket prices and events is available on its website or by calling 440-949-5200.