This year marks 80 years since Rabbit Run Theater first opened its barn doors in the summer of 1946. To commemorate this milestone Rabbit Run Community Arts Association is hosting a fundraising event, “Winter Gala Encore Evening – A Hop Through Time,”  on Feb. 28 at St. Noel’s Banquet Cent er, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. The evening will include a buffet dinner, following which guests will be entertained by a cabaret performance as past and present Rabbit Run performers return to the spotlight to perform memorable songs and show moments that have shaped the theater’s rich history, according to a news release. The evening will also include chances to bid on live and silent auction items, 50/50 raffle and more. The Madison barn housing Rabbit Run Theater was built in the late 1800’s. The main crop on the farm was broccoli which attracted numerous rabbits. The rabbits seemed so pleased with their home that they stayed long after the broccoli was gone so that the name “Rabbit Run” seemed an appropriate name for the theater. On July 3, 1946, Rabbit Run Theater opened its doors for the first time with the production of “Here Today.” Over the years, Rabbit Run has seen many famous actors perform, including Hume Cronyn and his wife Jessica Tandy, Jim Backus, Charles Grodin and Sandy Dennis. The year 1962 saw a very young Dustin Hoffman performing throughout the summer. Tickets are $100 a person and are available at rabbitrun.org or by calling 440-428-5913.  The cost of admission includes a buffet dinner, open bar and entertainment. All proceeds will to RRCAA, the release stated. ...read more read less