PlayhouseSquare--Palace Theatre
February 2-16, 2014
February 2-16, 2014
216-241-6000
or www.playhousesquare.org
Bob Abelman
Despite all the nay-saying from
traditionalists and composer Stephen Sondheim’s dismissal of the work
in the pages of The New York Times,
the musical being performed on the Palace Theatre stage is an immediately
accessible, thoroughly enjoyable piece of epic entertainment. And the tour,
which launched in November, has lost none of its vibrancy or intensity.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's article here.
Roy Berko
For those concerned because some touring companies aren’t as good or the productions as grand as Broadway shows, worry not with the road performance of THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS. It is, as its title says, “The Broadway Musical.” For anyone who wants to see and hear a fine staging of a very important classic, this is it!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Kerry Clawson
Alicia
Hall Moran’s earthy, rough-around-the-edges, downright unfeminine
characterization of Bess in THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS helps me
understand this iconic, deeply flawed, tragic figure better than ever.
The musical version of the Gershwin opera, which runs through Feb. 16 at PlayhouseSquare’s Palace Theatre, is an emotional, musically ravishing production that not only does justice to the original masterpiece, but also makes its story and characterizations more vivid.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.
Tom Fulton
It feels very much like the director, the highly regarded Diane Paulus, has unnecessarily constrained her actors with results, and not leaving them free to discover. The struggle to crawl, crippled, into the freedom of a new life drives this play. In the end we are left feeling like something precious has been mislaid. And the great promise of the Palace Theatre has let us down.
To see the entire review of this show go to http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/promise-unfulfilled-actors-raise-porgy-and-bess-on-high-though-story-and-direction-fall-flat/Content?oid=3781451 http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/promise-unfulfilled-actors-raise-porgy-and-bess-on-high-though-story-and-direction-fall-flat/Content?oid=3781451
Mark Horning
There really are no words worthy of describing this
production… fantabulouslyderful comes close.
Great songs sung by truly great operatic singers on a well appointed
stage set accompanied by a stupendous orchestra makes this a true entertainment
bargain. Immerse yourself in the spirit
of Catfish Row. This show is, “where the
livin’ is easy”.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.Andrea Simakis
Live theater, especially musical theater, moves so quickly, scenes tend to merge into an impressionistic blur. But director Diane Paulus, in her triumphant reimagining of the classic opera, is a grabber of lapels. "Hold on," she seems to say – "really watch this."
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
Art Thomas
This is an important production of an important work. Sensibly shortened for contemporary sensibilities, the remarkable capture of Black culture by the Gershwins perfectly melds musical theater with opera. You'll not hear a better cast sing this show and the dramaturgy is suited for the huge Palace Theater stage.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife
