Jayne Clark

USA TODAY

Yes, the lights may be brighter on Broadway. But can New York's storied theater district top the 20-foot-tall, 4,200-crystal chandelier that's set to light up above Cleveland's Playhouse Square tonight?

Billed as the world's largest outdoor chandelier, it's the sparkling (when the lights are on, anyway) crown on a $16-million streetscape improvement that includes new retro signage and entry arches.

The 1920s-era district, which has 10 performance spaces and claims status as the nation's second-largest theater complex (after Lincoln Center), was set to be demolished 40 years ago. Now it's enjoying a renaissance with residences, restaurants and retail outlets, much of it stewarded by the nonprofit Playhouse Square Foundation, which also operates the theaters.