Tuesday, June 26, 2012

 
ROUTE 66
ACTORS' SUMMIT
May 21-July 22
Tickets:  http://actorssummit.org or 330-374-7568

Kerry Clawson

Actors’ Summit has been high on Roger Bean lately, producing his perky, campy holiday revue Winter Wonderettes at Christmas and now turning to his all-male musical ode to American automotive history — Route 66.  Both shows are full of silly humor but they do deliver the best of what musical revues should offer — nicely arranged and sung harmonies. In Route 66, male quartet Frank Jackman, Shawn Galligan, Adam Klusty and Gabriel Riazi bring to life Bean’s rock ’n’ road assemblage of ’50s and ’60s pop hits that celebrate that American need for speed and travel.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

AS YOU LIKE IT
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
For information on dates and venues go to http://www.cleveshakes.org/


Christine Howey
f you're in the mood for a summer romance garnished with wit, satire, and a soupçon of cynicism, the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival has what you need. And to top it all, it's outdoors and it's free.

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

Marjorie Preston
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s current production of “As You Like It,” by William Shakespeare, is a lighthearted tale of love at first sight, as fresh as spring, and played in the open air. Director Dana Hart has used his wonderful cast well, the highlight being Kilmer’s quick wit. The team has put in the work and it shows. It is refreshing to see so much love at first sight.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog or visit Cleveland.com here.



THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF KING HENRY VIII
THE CLEVELAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
For dates and locations go to:  http://www.cleveshakes.org/



Marjorie Preston

The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival's current production of “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry VIII” – or – “All Is True,” by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, is the perfect antidote for stuffy, long-winded “Bard of Avon” productions of Shakespeare. “Henry VIII,” shortened to ninety minutes, modernized and well-played, the cast dressed in familiar contemporary business attire à la “The West Wing,” is refreshing as a breath of fresh, warm summer air.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Monday, June 18, 2012



CATS
MERCURY SUMMER STOCK
JUNE 15-30, 2012
216-771-5862 or www.mercurysummerstock.com

Bob Abelman

“Cats” devotees justify their fervor by mentioning the show’s seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and its impressive literary and musical pedigree.  Detractors simply call attention to the fact that… this is a play about cats.  They both have a point, yet there are aspects of the Mercury Summer Stock production about which groupees and grousers can agree.

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

Roy Berko

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CATS was not all that could have been hoped for as an opening show in Mercury’s new venue, but, considering the difficulty of the show, and the developing abilities of the cast, Brault and company can be commended for a “nice try.”

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


Christine Howey

Mocked for being unsophisticated, plot-less claptrap aimed at pre-teen girls, theater rubes and burnt-out Asian businessmen, one can tend to forget that the show has undeniable strong points. And although this production by Mercury Summer Stock is raw in parts and lacking in vocal depth, the staging is nicely detailed and at times even captivating. 

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

Kory

Despite a glitchy opening weekend, Mercury Summer Stock's CATS shows promise in South Euclid!

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

Marjorie Preston

With just a hint of a plot and very little dialogue, “Cats” is told through an eclectic variety of songs, and also incorporates fantastical costumes and stylized dancing – a head tilt here, an ear scratch there. However, the musical never settles on a character for very long, and is more a series of introductions to the all-cat cast, which can lead it to feel bland despite the quality of the work on stage. The strength of “Cats” lies in its high-caliber dance talent, though those looking for a more traditional linear plot line or conflict will find it lacking.

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

Friday, June 15, 2012

 
DAMN YANKEES
PORTHOUSE THEATRE
JUNE 6-30, 2012
Tickets:  330-672-3884 or http://dept.kent.edu/theatre/porthouse/TicketInfo.htm

Bob Abelman

When leaving the outdoor Porthouse facility at the end of its production of "Damn Yankees," there is a distinct odor of camphor in the air.  It is unclear if it is coming from the bug repellent used by theatergoers or from the mothball musical just performed.  Try as it might, and it tries mightily, the Porthouse production can’t quite get over, around or through the obstacles of the work itself.  

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

Roy Berko

-->DAMN YANKEES is not a great script, but quality singing and dancing, and a solid cast, headed by MaryAnn Black, Eric vanBaars and Michael Glavan, create an enjoyable evening of summer entertainment.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson

While Porthouse Theatre’s production of Damn Yankees has its share of delightful moments, the overall effect leaves a musical theater fan feeling deflated. The biggest thing that stops this production in its tracks is the underwhelming dynamics between main characters Lola and young baseball player Joe Hardy. As Lola, MaryAnn Black, 59, is a knockout in the dance category. But a seductress Black is not.

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

Fran Heller

"Damn Yankees" is a throwback to the heyday of big, bold and brassy Broadway musicals.
The exuberant Porthouse production pulls it off with brio.


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


Christine Howey

Once again this classic show delivers the goods, thanks to the spot on direction of Terri Kent and some winning performances. The production is tied together with excellent dance numbers choreographed by John R. Crawford and a chorus of ballplayers (male and female) who are energetic and sharp in every scene. 

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


Saturday, June 9, 2012



AVENUE Q
CAIN PARK--ALMA THEATRE
JUNE 15-JULY 1, 2012
216-371-3000 or www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

“Sesame Street” gone to seed, “Avenue Q” simultaneously blows and bursts the bubble of familiar kid-vid conventions in its tale about transitioning from college to life.  When the musical moved from off Broadway to Broadway, many critics said it was too small, too simple and too silly an entertainment to justify the upgrade in real estate.  It is a perfect fit as a summer production in the small theater space located in charming Cain Park.

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


Roy Berko

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The award winning AVENUE Q, Sesame Street for adults, gets a well-honed production at Cain Park.  Show highlights include spot-on performances by Jesse Markowitz, John Paul Boukis and Todd Hancock.  This is a must see for the more liberal minded.

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


Fran Heller

This irreverent and wickedly funny show is a coming-of-age story about the rocky transition from childhood to young adulthood and the uncertainties and angst of contemporary real life.
The Cain Park production is as good as it gets under Russ Borski's vision as director, set designer and puppet designer/creator, featuring a made-in-heaven cast.


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


Kory
Avenue Q knocks one out of the park, pun intended, at Cain Park!

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


Marjorie Preston
“Avenue Q" is a rollicking good time.  Effortlessly, the cute, hand-made puppets – and the talented actors who give them voice – take taboo subjects like sex, money or racism and open them up for discussion in public by finding the universality and humor in them.  The years after college can be lonely and full of challenges, and “Avenue Q” explores that time, as well as posits that everyone’s a little empty, a little racist, and a little sad, but that life’s full of surprises. So’s this production of “Avenue Q” – unique, funny, enjoyable, and well worth seeing.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog or visit Cleveland.com here.