MANNING UP
Actors' Summit
May 6-June 2. 2013

                                           330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Roy Berko

MANNING UP, like the more entertaining comic sitcoms (think EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND or SUBURGATORY), delights while making a few thought provoking points about the plight of the modern male.  If you are looking for a fun evening of escapism, this is it!

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.


Fran Heller

Much has been written about expectant moms, much less about expectant dads.
Sean Christopher Lewis levels the playing field with "Manning Up," a slight comedy about a pair of husbands about to assume the mantle of fatherhood.
Part sitcom, part self-help therapy session, the intimate two-hander upends traditional notions of manhood, gender roles and male bonding.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THRILL ME:  THE LEOPOLD LOEB STORY
convergence-continuum
May 17-June 8, 2013

                                                     convergence-continiuum.org or 216-687-0074

Roy Berko

The Leopold-Loeb story has retained its fascination, even after all these years.  Though THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY has a somewhat flawed script and musical score, convergence continuum’s production is very  well worth seeing.  It should grasp and hold the attention of the audience.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

As a musical, songs are prosaic and forgettable, with much of the music sounding alike.
Making the show compelling are the finely etched performances of Mike Majer and Zac Hudak who wear their roles like second skin as the infamous killers, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Kory
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

Though nearly 90 years have passed since poor Bobby Frank's disfigured body was found in a culvert, everything about the "thrill killers" and their botched attempt to commit the perfect crime fascinates.  The same can't be said for the production now on stage at the Liminis.  Everything about it,  from the set design to the warbling of the two leads, is relentlessly flat.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

TENDER NAPALM
CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE
May 2  through 18
216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org

Roy Berko

TENDER NAPALM is an “In-Yer-Face” flow of pseudo-intellectual double talk and esoteric mumbo jumbo, splattered like colors into a mélange of existential gibberish.  Its real value, however, is that it allows two superb actors (Melissa Crum and Matt O’Shea) to display their talents.  That’s the only reason to go see this production, and that may be reason enough. 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kory

TENDER NAPALM is graphic, vulgar and funny, but ultimately left me scratching my head and grasping for meaning.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.


Christine Howey

If you like rough sex but without, um, the sex part, then you're sure to be entranced by this one-act exploration by Philip Ridley into the psychosexual byways of a relationship. However, if you don't come in with that attitude, it may be hard for you to catch up with this dense, florid, fantasy-drenched and relentlessly in-your-face piece.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS
Cleveland Public Theatre
May 10-May 25, 2013  
216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

The ancient Greeks believed that poets are inspired by muses. They remove from the artist all human senses and replace them with divine inspiration. Playwright Mickle Maher’s muse must have stopped off at Dionysus’ place for a few drinks, for this riveting and ridiculous comedy is inspired by someone else's poetry and a delightful, drunken nonsense persists rather than no sense at all.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.


Roy Berko
 
If you went to college, and took a course in poetry, you’ll find yourself morphing back and wishing that your professors had had a romp in the grass, and expressed themselves with such absurd hysterical language, as the duo in THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, which is getting a fine production at CPT.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kory

Every piece of this elegant puzzle comes together to create a moving, funny, eloquently profane, and brilliant night of local theatre.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.



Fran Heller

Profound and profane, funny and serious, intellectually challenging and erotic, "Happiness" is 90 witty and entertaining minutes of poetic and comic bliss.
Director Beth Wood's seductive production and a trio of pitch-perfect character-centric performances make for an evening of riveting theater.
"Happiness" provides ample rewards for the attentive listener. Anyone who revels in language will enjoy it.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey
It is a theatrical experience not to be missed, since the splendid script is matched by absolutely riveting performances. And even if the boat gets a little rocky towards the end, director Beth Wood skillfully brings it all to a most satisfying conclusion.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

Every aspect of this quick and quick-witted production--the best I've sen at CPT all season--helps build to an, ahem, most unanticipated climax.  Let's just say it's a 90-minutes lecture any student in her right mind would want to miss.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

GUYS AND DOLLS
KEY BANK BROADWAY SERIES--Hanna Theatre
May 3-June 30, 2013

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The Broadway musical and national tours of the Broadway musical that come through PlayhouseSquare have become a performing arts paradox.  They single-handedly raise the casual theater audiences’ entertainment expectations while lowering their standards.  Not true for the absolutely stellar production of “Guys and Dolls” produced by Great Lakes Theater in collaboration with PlayhouseSquare.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.

Fran Heller

The production bubbles over with joy. The actors' delight in their roles is infectious and palpable.
Every aspect of this show bears the imprimatur of the director's love for this legendary classic.
I loved this show. I bet you will, too.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

Those lovable cardsharks, bone-shakers, horserace touts and their dames are back again, filling the fictional streets of New York City with their tortured syntax and great songs, in Guys and Dolls. This co-production by Great Lakes Theater and PlayhouseSquare gets plenty of things right—including a couple juicy performances and some ensemble dance scenes that jolt the Hanna stage to life. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Kory

Guys & Dolls wreaks of ‘Old Broadway.’ Huge, brilliantly choreographed, full company dance numbers, a classic romance or two, a witty, fast-paced and intelligent script, a perfect cast, and a dazzling set combine to make this a DO NOT MISS production.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

Everything about this smart, joyful production pays homage to the original but adds the fizz of the new.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

WORKING
Blank Canvas
May 3-18, 2013
440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Despite a superb cast and a valiant effort, Blank Canvas’ production of “Working: The Musical” is as tedious as the jobs this one-act ode to the ordinary American worker tries to champion. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.

Roy Berko

WORKING is the type of theatrical experience that is both purposeful and entertaining.  The message is clear, the lyrics and spoken words meaningful.  This is a well performed, meticulously conceived, and fine production under the creative powers of Pat Ciamacco.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Fran Heller

Good voices, strong impersonations enhanced by Luke Scattergood's high-definition costumes, and Patrick Ciamacco's well-paced direction and smooth transitioning keep the episodic format from growing stale, though the uninterrupted show runs a tad long.
Director Ciamacco says he chose this show because "it's a perfect musical for our city and what the country is going through today." I agree.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

BC’s six-person cast under the compassionate direction of Patrick Ciamacco presents more than two dozen distinctive people in different jobs. The songs, by a variety of composers, vary in quality but are often quite touching.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Kory


Battery Park’s Blank Canvas Theatre has taken a late 1970’s musical, updated it, localized it, and put together a cast that is some of the very best non-union talent Cleveland has to offer. As it says in the show’s tagline, this truly is “The perfect musical for everyone who has ever worked a day in their lives,” and that is you!


To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

RICH GIRL
Cleveland Play House
April 19-May 19, 2013

                                               216-241-6000 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Director Michael Bloom has been given a gift by playwright Victoria Stewart, and he unwraps “Rich Girl” with incredible patience and precision.  Here is a romantic comedy with just the right balance of both, offered at just the right intervals and with just the right flair. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.


Roy Berko

RICH GIRL grabs and holds the attention, the cast is strong, and the technical aspects excellent.  Go see this sure-fire audience pleaser!

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

As the saying goes, money can't buy happiness. Or, can it?
Playwright Victoria Stewart raises and savors the question in her romantic comedy, "Rich Girl."
It's a smart, sophisticated look at women, their relationship with money and men, and whether art can transform a material culture.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey
Basically, this is a chick flick dropped onto a stage, as it deals with dating and romance, the oppressive demands of money, and a mother-daughter relationship from one of the nastier rings of Hell. Deft direction by Michael Bloom and a solid four-person cast bring out the humor while also managing to land a couple substantial reflections on our culture.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Kory

Rich Girl is an engaging, intelligent and hilarious look at the life of Eve Walker, played by three time Tony nominee Dee Hoty.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

From the moment she walks into the spotlight of the Second Street theater, you can feel the savage glee that Lakewood native and three-time tony-nominated actress Dee Hoty brings to the role of th financial guru Eve Walker, her plum of a part in RICH GIRL.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas

Money IS important, and so are relationships to it and those who seek it. "Rich Girl" explores all of this in a script that is contemporary and genuinely funny, with a suspenseful roller coaster of emotions.
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

THE LYONS
DOBAMA
April 19-May 19, 2013

                                                            216-932-3396 or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama's final show of the season serves up epic domestic dysfunction as the evening’s entertainment, with terminal cancer as its punch-line and some of the most unlikable characters to ever populate a stage to deliver it.  Yet, “The Lyons” is hilarious.  Think "Seinfeld" if everyone was a Costanza.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.

Roy Berko

Nicky Silver’s absurdist play, THE LYONS, gets an excellent production at Dobama.  The balance between comedy and tragedy should get positive audience response and inspire some personal awareness.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

American playwrights own the patent on family dysfunction.
Chief amongst them is Nicky Silver, whose latest serving of familial carnivores, the aptly named "The Lyons" is also his most sympathetic and humane.
The black comedy is a hilarious mix of laughter and life lessons. Don't miss.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Christine Howey

The backbone of at least half of all theatrical productions is the American-style dysfunctional family, a fetid trough where playwrights greedily feed to fuel both comedies and tragedies. But the dysfunctions don’t often come with the level of dark humor and wicked bite that’s displayed in The Lyons, now at Dobama Theatre. Written by Nicky Silver, this play plops us down in the hospital room of a man dying of cancer and forces us to laugh at him and his whole nuclear bomb of a family.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan


Kory

The Lyons is a brilliantly written, cleverly staged, and perfectly acted, hilarious night of theatre!

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

Under the direction of Dobama Theatre's new artistic director, Nathan Motta, the production lives up to the pitiless comedy of the script.  It has to move fast for the brutal humor to work--no time for hugging, learning or wallowing--and for the most part, it does.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THE ICEMAN COMETH
ENSEMBLE THEATRE
April 19-May 12, 2013
www.ensemble-theatre.com or 216-321-2930

Bob Abelman

Some plays, like “The Normal Heart,” inspire social awareness and political activism.  Others, including the musical “Anything Goes,” make you feel like dancing.  “The Iceman Cometh,” Eugene O’Neill’s classic drama currently on stage at Ensemble Theatre, makes you want a drink or two.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald review here.

Roy Berko

THE ICEMAN COMETH is a daunting undertaking.  It has a huge mostly male cast, all of whom have major speeches.  Keeping an audience’s attention for four act, is nearly impossible.  Ensemble should be praised for not only the general quality of this production, but for taking on staging this classic.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

In a world of 90-minute plays with two and three characters at most, a four hour drama peopled with more than 20 characters may appear daunting.
"The Iceman Cometh," Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece about a bunch of besotted down-and-outers who sit around and talk is anything but that in the accessible, theatrically satisfying production at Ensemble Theatre.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

In Shakespeare plays, the clowns and noblemen are separate characters. But in Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, virtually each drunken character is foolish and wise, pitiable and exalted. And that is why this play is so wondrous to behold. Fortunately, it is being given a remarkably fine presentation at Ensemble Theatre, directed with fluidity by Ian Hinz on Ron Newell's gorgeously lived-in set, with an array of more than 15 actors who often occupy the stage together.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

The Ensemble production of "Iceman," isn't just good:  It's Marvelous, a must-see experience for theater aficionados as well as those who don't know a stage manager form a dramaturge.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

WHITE PEOPLE
none too fragile theater
April 12-May 11, 2013

                                    330-671-4563 or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

WHITE PEOPLE is very well worthwhile for anyone who thinks that gaining insight into personal ideas and values is a mission of theatre.  You won’t leave this production the same person as when you entered.  This is compelling theater!

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
In the drama White People, playwright J.T. Rogers’ goal is to take an unflinching look at the deep-seated prejudices held by three white Americans. He achieves that, but not without some meandering along the way.
The play, running about 90 minutes without intermission at None Too Fragile Theater, confronts racism through the uncensored comments of buttoned-up St. Louis attorney Martin, New York professor Allen and housewife/former cheerleader Mara Lynn in Fayetteville, N.C.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.



Fran Heller

 J.T. Rogers' 2000 play, "White People" is an intriguing, albeit heavy-handed polemic on the explosive issue of race.

Sean Derry's inspired direction and a trio of heroic performances result in a production that is alternately interesting and tedious.
More character study than drama, the unwavering format grows static, making the 90-minute play (no intermission) feel considerably longer.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

This production of White People, while intermittently funny and dark, feels mired in self-absorption when it should accost and jar the audience.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

WARHORSE
PlayhouseSquare (Palace Theatre)
April 9-21, 2013

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Those who don’t like sentimentality in their entertainment or who are self-conscious about emoting in public are in for a long evening.  “War Horse” is a technically amazing, thoroughly engaging, emotional rollercoaster not to be missed.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald review here.

Roy Berko

Filled with amazing puppetry, stirring music, a riveting story, compelling graphics, and fine acting, WARHORSE is mesmerizing must see theatre.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Magnificent staging and excellent ensemble work seamlessly create a world fraught with the dangers of war in the drama War Horse, now playing at PlayhouseSquare’s Palace Theatre in Cleveland.

The 18 puppeteers who operate the horses are the true stars of the show, especially the trios who team up to animate Joey and Topthorn as each animal’s Head, Heart and Hind.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Fran Heller

A heartwarming story of loyalty and friendship as well as a graphic depiction of the horrors of war, "War Horse" is magical; a winning combination of stagecraft, storytelling and puppetry. It's everything good theatre should be and a show that appeals to young and old alike.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Christine Howey

If one were to offer a concise comment on the script of War Horse, now at PlayhouseSquare, it might read: It's an after-school special about the love shared between a boy and his horse, with bullets.

But this show is much more than that, thanks to three things: some invigorating scenic effects, a ripping good performance by former Cleveland actor Andrew May, and life-size horsey puppets that seem so real you can almost smell the pony biscuits from the lobby.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Kory

WarHorse is a powerful, heart-string-tugging story, and an action packed, immersive night of theatre you will never forget.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

So many moments in WAR HORSE--the triumph of stagecraft now wokring its magic at the Palace Theatre--can be described as breathtaking (and that's without a dollop of hyperbole) that to isolate just one takes some doing.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas

There's enough theatricality in this production for ten shows. "War Horse" is the merging of a compelling story line, based on reality, with sublime puppetry that makes equine characters as real as humans. There's music too for those that require it. 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD
Actors' Summit
April 4-21 2013

                                               330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Roy Berko

MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD is a delightful, thought provoking evening of theatre that should be positively perceived by all audience members.  

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
In the poignant play Motherhood Out Loud, a mother overcome with emotion tells her newborn baby, “I want  you to know why I love you so much more than you will be able to tolerate one day.”
It’s one of the most poignant lines from a collection of vignettes about the cycle of motherhood, now playing at Actors’ Summit in downtown Akron. The play, conceived by Susan Rose and Joan Stein, is woven together from short scenes and monologues by 14 contemporary authors in theater, film and television, two of whom happen to be men.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.



Fran Heller

 It's spring, the season of renewal, and perfect timing for "Motherhood Out Loud," a series of 18 short sketches and monologues about becoming and being a mom and the trials and tribulations of parenting.
Alternately amusing, moving, and downright gooey, "Motherhood" is a light divertissement of uneven appeal and quality, with some pieces clearly superior to others.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Marjorie Preston

The regional premiere of “Motherhood Out Loud” at Actors’ Summit, conceived and developed by Susan Rose and Joan Stein and written by a team of successful and prolific writers, runs the gamut from laugh-out-loud funny to moving and sad, while remaining for the most part a relatable and heartfelt show. The first half is mostly funny and relatable while the second half delves more into moving, and at times sad, subject material before returning to a touching and funny finale called “My Baby.”.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog, "Brava!" here.

PERHAPS PERICLES
Cesear's Forum
April 5 though May 4, 2013

                                             216-241-6000 or go to http://www.playhousesquare.org


Roy Berko

For those who are interested in seeing a version of what may be the very little performed PERHAPS PERICLES, the Cesear Forum’s showing is a good opportunity. 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller 

The play is a seriocomic look at one of Shakespeare's most convoluted plots, a meandering tale of incest, murder, a pair of shipwrecks, prostitution and piracy.
The two-act, 90 minute production proves that good acting, minimalism and a hefty imagination is all that's needed for a pleasant evening of condensed Shakespeare, upfront, close and personal.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

Written in verse and clotted with plotting detritus, it's often hard to pull apart what's happening. The language (much of it, one assumes, authored by the less-than-iconic Wilkins) is often torturously dense and defiantly indecipherable. With all that convoluted storytelling this show is, miraculously, often quite funny.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

FELA!
PlayhouseSquare--Palace Theatre
April 2-4, 2013
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

FELA! has a compelling story, fantastic choreography, and high production quality. It’s a shame that it was only booked into the Palace for a three-day run.  Positive word of mouth would have propelled the show into a long running box office hit.  

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kory


FELA! is a hilarious, heartfelt, controversial, transformative, immersive and wildly entertaining piece of musical theatre!

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.

Andrea Simakis


This isn't a perfect show -- narrative clarity is often sacrificed to the din -- but it is perfectly unforgettable.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.