Axios Cleveland

May 16, 2025
π€ On this date in 1985, Madonna brought "The Virgin Tour" to Cleveland's Public Auditorium with Beastie Boys as the opening act.
π Today's weather: Chance of thunderstorms, then sunny with a high of 83.
π§ Sounds like: "Art Decade" by David Bowie.
Today's newsletter is 956 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: π¨ The world of Takashi Murakami
The Cleveland Museum of Art has transformed into a wonderland of colorful Japanese contemporary art.
Why it matters: The new exhibit, "Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow," comes from a world-renowned Japanese artist and stands as one of the more jaw-dropping CMA showcases in recent memory.
The intrigue: Murakami is known for his vibrant works combining elements of traditional Japanese art with contemporary styles like anime and manga.
- His work has been featured on the covers of albums from artists like Kanye West, Future and Cleveland's own Kid Cudi.
State of play: The exhibit starts in the museum's atrium with a recreation of the Yumedono, or Hall of Dreams, at Horyuji Temple in Japan.
- Murakami worked with the design team from the award-winning television series "ShΕgun" to create a replica of the octagonal structure. The inside is illuminated by four stunning paintings by Murakami.

Between the lines: The exhibit then moves downstairs to the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Exhibition Hall and Gallery.
- The two large rooms showcase a wide range of Murakami's work, from fine art paintings and anime to fiberglass and acrylic manga sculptures.
π Troy's thought bubble: Murakami intends the inside of the Yumedono to metaphorically transport you into a different world, and you certainly get that effect.
- The brilliant colors in the gallery inspire a wide range of emotions. As one guest told me β "This entire space makes me feel happy."
If you go: The exhibit is exclusive to CMA members through May 24. It opens to the general public on May 25.
- Tickets are required and are $30 for adults, $15 for children 6-17.
2. π₯ A bodacious film series
Cleveland Cinemas is launching its totally tubular "I Love the '80s" film series this weekend with screenings of 1985's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure."
State of play: The series continues through mid-December with movies like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "The Lost Boys," "Gremlins" and more.
- Tickets are just $5.
ππ» Sam and ππΎ Troy are so psyched about this radical series, they couldn't help but offer their wicked '80s movies outside of the ones being shown in the series.
Sam: Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) is probably my favorite all-time rom-com. Among other things, it's a showcase for aspirational late 80s fashion.
- Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" (1982) is in the sci-fi pantheon for me, a triumph of literary adaptation with one of the decade's seminal scores by Greek soundtrack god Vangelis.
Between the lines: How about a round of applause for my guy Werner Herzog, whose epic "Fitzcarraldo" (1982) is surely one of the most outlandish films of the decade.
- Though not especially "80s" in vibe, it's the perfect marriage between a madman director and a madman protagonist.
The latest: I got a chance to see John Sayles' "Matewan" (1987) at the Cinematheque last year and was absolutely floored.
- It's an immersive labor organizing flick set in 1920s West Virginia coal country and is one of the most riveting, quotable movies I've seen from any decade.
Troy: I routinely watch the last 20 minutes of "Purple Rain" (1984) to remind myself what true talent is.
- The 1980s featured my favorite romantic comedy of all-time in "Broadcast News" (1987) and my favorite sports movie, "Field of Dreams" (1989).
Between the lines: I'm pretty sure the first movie I ever saw in a theater was "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (1989).
3. The Terminal: Oh, those Browns
ποΈ The Browns' 2025 schedule is rated as one of the toughest in the NFL, with the five of the first six games against playoff teams from last season. (ESPN)
π½οΈ Film production company Macro Room helped produce the Browns' mystical schedule release video. (Axios)
ποΈ Dave Jenkins, COO for the Haslam Sports Group, sent an email to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne stating the Browns will move forward with an enclosed stadium with or without the county's help. (Fox 8)
π° Charles Woodson, the Hall of Fame defensive back, is purchasing a 0.1% stake in the Browns. (NBC Sports)
4. π¦ΈββοΈ Pic du jour: Cleveland, look up

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission has released special artwork celebrating Northeast Ohio's role in this summer's "Superman" film.
The intrigue: The custom movie poster shows Superman and his dog Krypto on a ledge overlooking Cleveland, where much of the movie was filmed.
- The image coincides with the nonprofit film commission's new campaign, "Be a Cleveland Film Hero," which asks Northeast Ohio residents to become GCFC members, starting at $10 a month.
What they're saying: "Productions like 'Superman' don't just choose Cleveland, even productions telling the story of a character born in Cleveland," GCFC president Bill Garvey said in a statement.
- "It takes months, sometimes years, of GCFC laying the groundwork with studios before they choose Northeast Ohio as their filming destination, creating thousands of local jobs and sourcing from hundreds of local vendors."
What's next: "Superman" flies into theaters on July 11.
5. π½οΈ Dinner + a show: Talespinner Chidren's Theatre
If you're looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, check out one of Cleveland's cultural hidden gems.
The intrigue: Talespinner Children's Theatre is debuting its production of "Ista and Her Garden" at 78th Street Studios.
- The play takes the audience through an immersive exploration of a larger-than-life garden filled with plants native to Northeast Ohio.
Between the lines: The show is recommended for children ages 1 to 7, who will be able to smell and touch some of the plants and creatures in the garden.
If you go: Talespinner operates with a pay-what-you-choose model.
- Suggested ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for children.
Stop by: Local West on Detroit Avenue is just a five-minute walk from 78th Street Studios.
- The craft sandwich and beer spot's menu is kid-friendly with everything from tasty burgers and gyros to grilled cheese and pita pizzas.
Thanks to our editor Tyler Buchanan and our team of copy editors.
π Sam is seeing how many of his sweaters match the one's Billy Crystal wore in "When Harry Met Sally."
πΊ Troy is not sure he's willing to pay $30 a month for an all-access ESPN streaming service.
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