Monday, August 14, 2023

EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR



EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR

congruence-continuum

August 11-September 2, 2023

https://www.convergence-continuum.org/ or 216-687-0074

Roy Berko

I am a strong advocate for theatre.  But, I have to be honest. The best I can say is, if you’d like to suffer through 90-minutes of an absolutely poorly written theatrical concept, EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR is the play for you!

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

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey


The wayward and weirdly flaccid production of this self-described revenge comedy by Lauren Gunderson is so absent of humor, it could be medically prescribed as a soporific for those needing coma-level sleep.


To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Saturday, August 12, 2023

FUN HOME



FUN HOME

ALMA THEATRE/CAIN PARK

August 10-27, 2023

216-371-3000 or www.cainpark/148/Buy-Tickets

 

Roy Berko

This is a dramatic message musical which deserves the accolades which it has won.  It gets a must-see production, with the caveat that audience members be aware of the subject matter.

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

Sheri Gross

This is the kind of show that runs you ragged through a revolving door of emotions, but makes you think and feel and keep on feeling long after the curtain call.


To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning


While this production will have close to sold out audiences throughout its run, it may not be the show for everyone. If you are sensitive to subjects such as mental illness, compulsive behavior, extensive family control and suicide it may not be your cup of Ovaltine. Otherwise, it is great theater.


To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

Fun Home is a play dealing with heavy topics, but Kron's sharp wit and Tesori's evocative music save the day. And under the wise and thoughtful direction of Joanna May Cullinan, it becomes one of those musicals that, if you put in the effort, will reside within you long after the curtain falls.


To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Thursday, August 10, 2023

SIX THE MUSICAL



SIX:  THE MUSICAL
Connor Palace
August 9-September 10
playhousesquare.org or 216-241-6000

 

Roy Berko

Younger audience members will be turned on by the musical style which is pop and hip-hop and literally invites them to yell, clap, sing and jump out of their seats as if at a rave.  Those of a certain age and/or of conservative political/social attitudes may want to cover their ears from the beating sounds and “course” language.  All in all, the clever concept of the show and the talented ensemble will enchant many more audience members than those who might be turned off.  Me?  I loved it!!  More please, I want some more.

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

Howard Gollop

Each performer is sensational, and the show never stops being fun (with Lucy Moss' and Jamie Armitages's energizing direction and Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's arena-concert choreography). The nods to modern feminist mores -- with all of the characters realizing that they do not need the context of their shared husband to be historically relevant -- are enlightening without becoming preachy. Forget anything by PBS. Considering even the onstage musicians are attractive and talented females, this show makes the perfect stage companion to the runaway film hit also about female awakening -- "Barbie."

 To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross


Suffice it to say, the show is not only a blast, but a vehicle that brings women to the forefront; both theatrically and historically, in a creative and innovative way. Grabbing a front row seat for this one is a “no brainer.” (groan)  

        
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

While I only heard half of the show as my finger was firmly planted into my right ear during the entire show due to the vocal exuberance of some young “ladies” seated nearby it was in fact an exciting show that lasts just long enough. It’s a history lesson concert put to a driving beat that will have many screaming and dancing in their seats. You will love it but don’t forget the ear plugs.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss as an idea for a fringe festival goof, Six has grown into a behemoth of color, movement, lights and stellar voices that demands your total attention.


To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Part rock concert, part feminist revenge, SIX at Playhouse Square combines today’s pop and yesteryear’s British history. Last Wednesday’s performance lit up the Connor Palace stage with bouncy, ear-shaking dance and music that reflected the spirit of our times.

*****

Bottom Line: A light look at Tudor history through today’s eyes. (Rock newbies might want to bring ear plugs — it got loud.) I only wish Henry could have been there to see the show.

To see a full review of this show,go here or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach

History is INTERESTING again! Although many people might remember history class as a boring experience of memorizing dates and names without much substance (at least that was my experience), SIX brings life and shimmer to the wives of Henry VIII.

What does this mean? It means you’re in for 80-minutes (no intermission) of non-stop contest magic, where each fierce female vies for votes for having the “worst” story about her marriage to Henry VIII (King of England from 1509 to 1547). The pop concert vibe feels like a mix of Spice Girls, Beyonce, J Lo, Rihanna, Britney, and more as the ladies tell their tales about how things ended: “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.”

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona

'SIX' in Cleveland:   Girl power musical that reimagines King Henry VIII's wives as pop stars is cheeky good fun

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Erma Bombeck @ Cleveland Play House


Through August 20, 2023

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/ 

(216) 241-6000

 

 

Roy Berko


ERMA BOMBECK:  AT WIT’S END, CPH’s “pre-season treat,” will delight those of a “certain age” who are familiar with the era and role of women as described in Bombeck’s references.  Modern feminists will roll their eyes at many of her situational references.


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

Howard Gollop

Mark Cuddy's knowing direction nevertheless keeps the evening alive and even manages to enhance the vague dramatic arch of the script. Perhaps after a few more productions, Pam Sherman will embody Erma Bombeck inwardly as she does outwardly. But even as the show now stands, the titular Erma Bombeck proves to be not only the real star but the able "ghostwriter" who keeps the production entertaining and at times even enchanting. Despite the show's title, there certainly is no end to Erma Bombeck's wit.


To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

It is good to have shows like this make their way to the theater where folks can sit back and relax to the gentle humor of a comic master. This is one show you should not miss.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

The assemblage created by the Engels manages to highlight some of Bombeck's better gags (on Regrets: "Think of all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.") But those are surrounded by many more supposed laugh lines that have not aged well or were never that amusing to begin with.


To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.