As the Stage Turned: A Front Row Theatre Memoir

by Jeannie Emser Schultz

Sammy Davis, Jr. opened it. Luther Vandross closed it. During the 19 years in between, a who’s who of the world’s top entertainers and speakers performed on the novel revolving stage of the Front Row Theatre, from Liberace to Alice Cooper, Jay Leno to Jerry Seinfeld, Marlene Dietrich to Dolly Parton, Presidents Ford and Carter and culinary grand dame Julia Child. Many were unknown opening acts, like Whitney Houston. Another, the legendary Roy Orbison, would unknowingly perform the final concert of his life there.

Cleveland Landmarks Press’ newest release, As the Stage Turned: A Front Row Theatre Memoir, captures the dynamic energy that sprung from one of the most unique entertainment venues in the country – a theater-in-the-round located in the sleepy suburb of Highland Heights, just outside of Cleveland.

Paperback

Published May 19, 2025

Reviews

[Katharine Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As the Stage Turned: A Front Row Theatre Memoir" - written by Jeannie Emser Schultz and published in 2025 by Cleveland Landmarks Press. This memoir is a treasure trove of anecdotes and details about life at the Front Row Theatre in Highland Heights, Ohio, written by their director of marketing and publicity. We attended performances a few times - a show with Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme stands out. The book highlights just about anyone who performed there, with all their glorious showmanship, their outlandish outfits, their eccentricities, and above all the pleasure they gave the audiences. The nuts and bolts of the operations are also featured - so interesting. A welcome bonus is all the great promotional photos scattered throughout the book. Definitely recommended for those who remember that erstwhile, unusual round theatre and for anyone who enjoys entertainment stories.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting behind the scenes look at the Front Row theater with lots of pictures. Makes me sorry I never got to experience it.

[Tom Pachuta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Front Row Theater was, without a doubt, my favorite place to see concerts.
The book has a lot of interesting tidbits. The writing is somewhat repetitive and has several surprising misspellings.

[Jim Szatkowski]

The book covers the history of the Front Row from opening to closing without being a classic "history book." The author uses stories of the performers. employees, agents and patrons to show the development and growth of the theatre. It is organized into sections that group types of acts together, with chapters on specific performers who were big parts of the theatre's history. It also includes a section on the media. The author uses anecdotes and short memories from her vast treasure trove of stories to weave a picture of the 19-year run of the Front Row. It is light and bright and only hints at the more sour performers and moments, and is a celebration of entertainment in Cleveland.