Sunday, March 24, 2013

THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES
Beck Center for the Arts
March 22-April 21, 2013
                                                216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

“The House of Blue Leaves” demands that its actors walk that fine line between absurdity and broad comedy, so that the pathos and pratfalls stroll hand-in-hand.  This production trips over its own shoelaces upon occasion but it is an otherwise balanced and delightful production. 

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


Roy Berko


THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES is an absurdist black comedy that asks, “Is this the way to live?,” while exposing the craziness individuals possess that drives them to adulate and desire to be celebrities and hero worshippers.  Though the production is good, this is not a play for theatre-goers wanting realistic people in realistic situations. 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Fran Heller

The play meshes absurdist farce with tragic realism.
In director Russ Borski's well-balanced production, the wackiness makes the pathos more keenly felt.


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

Christine Howey


It seems like a farce, and often plays like one, but this is a tragedy of substantial proportions. This juxtaposition is where Guare’s genius resides, and where director Russ Borski finds all the right notes to play, unlike his musically challenged protagonist.

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


Kory


THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES is dark, at times funny and well staged, but overall comes across as a confusing mess of scattered characters with no clear conflict or purpose.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog at New102.com



Andrea Simakis

Borski [the director]chooses the madcap over the maudlin, an artistic decision that pays off in laughs early on but ultimately deflects the gut punch of the play's final, shocking moments.  So do the varying abilities of the cast members.

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

Art Thomas

Director Russ Borski's passion for this show is clear. His interpretation is valid, but heavy on a presentational style which squelches a lot of the poetry which marbles the script. Christine Fallon and Todd Hancock give a huge boost to the second act while the principals carry on quite well in the first act.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife