Through August 18, 2024
www.ohioshakespearefestival.com
(888) 718-4253 opt. 1
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
King Lear @ Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Through August 4, 2024
https://www.clevelandshakespeare.org/
Chris Howey
All... is performed with admirable energy and invention under the direction of Rachel Gold, who also choreographs some borderline believable swordfights.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
o review yet.
Annie @ Porthouse Theatre
Through August 4, 2024
http://www.porthousetheatre.com
(330) 929-4416 or (330) 672-3884
Roy Berko
There is no “Maybe” about it, since “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without Smile,” get down to Porthouse theatre, today, not “Tomorrow” to see the “Little Girls” [and the rest of cast] of ANNIE, do their thing!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Chris Howey
This well-known musical is buoyed by Charles Strouse's catchy music and the witty lyrics by Martin Charnin, so it has a lot going for it from the jump. And in the Annie now at the Porthouse Theatre, Annie and everyone else hit their marks, turning in a thoroughly entertaining iteration of this popular (yes, damn near overdone) musical.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The Porthouse production of Annie, the last show of its 2024 season, is truly joyous, moving, and energetic. It gives hope to people living in a precarious, unstable, and grim world. It is not necessarily because of the famous song “Tomorrow” or its happy ending that celebrates Annie’s bright future as an adopted daughter of Mr. Warbucks. Rather, it is attributed to how director Terri Kent put together different elements—historical, narrative, and aesthetic—using music and storytelling power to change people’s attitude toward challenges and hardships.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Groundhog Day @ Blank Canvas
Through August 3, 2024
http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/
(440) 941-0458
Mark Horning
Needless to say, in spite of my words, this show will fill the seats for its last few performances. While not a bad show by any means it could use a bit of tweaking here and there to speed things along.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
Under the direction of Joanna May Cullinan the flawed play manages to stay on its feet and deliver some tender and reflective moments in Act Two, following the amusements revolving around a repeated day that take place in an overlong first act.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Friday, July 19, 2024
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
JULY 4-21, 2024
1-888-718-4253 OPT. 1 or ohioshakespearefestival.com
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The Ohio Shakespeare Festival is a true ensemble theatre that values continuity, music, festivity, celebration, and camaraderie. Their greenshow, performed by the ensemble in the show, entertains the audience as they enter the seating area after their picnic. Many of the ensemble members are musicians; their instruments include guitars (bass and alto), flute, djembe drum, hurdy-gurdy, ukulele, mandolin, fiddle, and tambourine. The greenshow songs, composed by Scott McKenna Campbell and led by Evan Wilhelms, poignantly critique a lack of women’s voices in Shakespeare’s work. The end of their greenshow on stage serves as the first scene of Much Ado About Nothing where—in this particular production’s interpretation— the household of Leonata passes the time, singing “Sigh no more ladies,” originally placed in Act II, sc. 3.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Thursday, July 18, 2024
MJ The Musical
MJ The Musical
Key Bank State Theatre
July 16-August 11, 2024
216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.com
Roy Berko
MJ, the Juke Box musical, puts a spotlight on a segment of mega star Michael Jackson’s career and conflicted life. The show gets a powerful production featuring exciting electronic graphics, dynamic musical arrangements, superb choreography, some strong performances and exciting choral work and dancing, encased in an acceptable story.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
The hallmark of this production ultimately rests -- and rests well -- on recreations of Jackson's over-the-top performances and stage production. This includes the sheer talent of Jackson with his brothers during his Motown Jackson 5 days and especially his frenetic signature dancing, brilliantly recreated and enhanced by choreographer and director Christopher Wheeldon, made even more illustrious with sets by Derek McLane, lights by Natasha Katz and iconic costumes by Paul Tazewell. By the time we get to Jackson's iconic "Thriller," the screaming audience members seem oblivious they are watching a facsimile.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
Let’s start by saying, “wow.” The energy at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre was palpable from the moment we heard the words “five minutes to Michael” until the well-deserved standing ovation that erupted before the final moments of “MJ the Musical,” came to a close.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
Let me wax poetic for a while...THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS TO HIT CLEVELAND EVER! I hope I have not understated this. It has it all...music, dancing, acting, videos and quite a few surprises thrown in. Buy a ticket and see this show. That is all.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
For those who love Michael, his moves and his music, this show is a feast of more than 40 songs played fully or in part. And the special effect that ends the show is an oldie but goodie that launch as the audience to its feet. This is one show where the standing ovations are richly earned and deserved."
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Kate Klotzbach
MJ the Musical puts the ‘human’ reality of Michael Jackson in front of the commercial version of this musical giant in the national tour now at Playhouse Square. Playing now through August 11 as part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, this 2.5-hour jukebox musical has both the magic of Michael and some of the truth about what life is like behind the scenes
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.
Joey Morona
Michael Jackson musical is an absolute thriller at Playhouse Square.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
Monday, July 15, 2024
BEAUTIFUL, The Carole King Musical
BEAUTIFUL, The Carole King Musical
July 12-August 11, 2024
216-521-2540 or beckcenter.org
Roy Berko
BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, though there were some acting and choreographic stumbles, and the script is more soap-opera than quality musical writing, gets an audience pleasing production at Beck. The music is wonderful. The cast sings with gusto. There is lots of dancing. It is well-worth a look-see!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
Despite a spectacular multifunctional Broadway-calibre set by Cheri Prough DeVol -- at once a TV soundstage, music studio and living spaces, reflecting fetching midcentury aesthetics -- the show's inherent demand for the kind of musical talent to convince the audience they are seeing iconic musical legends remains unfulfilled, despite convincing R&B choreography by Lauren Tidmore Marousek. Fortunately, matters of choreography are replaced by piano-playing and soulful singing verisimilitude of the titular character as she achieves such milestone albums as 1971's "Tapestry." In this realm, Beck Center and its star Elsie Carlisle are nothing short of "Kingly."
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
There are only a few more opportunities to catch “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at Beck Center – a show that shines the spotlight on King’s journey to stardom, the ups and downs of her marriage and partnership with Goffin, ultimately leading her to move across the country to create her breakout album, “Tapestry,” helping to shatter the ceiling for women who sing their own songs.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
While short on story and drama, in the end, the sold out audience was on its feet for the last two numbers “Beautiful” and “I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet” and everyone left “...with a smile on their face.” and you will to. Snatch up a ticket before they are all gone!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
While it leaves the audience waiting for the full King experience until late in the play, the build-up provides a look into her life's tapestry.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The musical reflects the album Tapestry, the marker that King found her voice, rights, value, priority, and independence after her divorce from Gerry Goffin and her relocation, with her two daughters, to Los Angeles. Elsie Carlisle plays Carole King with her amazing musical talent. A classically trained pianist—just like Carole King—Carlisle mesmerizes the audience by inviting them to a world where the beauty of the chords, melodies, and lyrics flow out of her elegance, sweetness, and humanity. Strong performers, including Mikhail Roberts, Reese Henrick, Chris Richards, Susan Stein, and Jordan Potter, play the people who are instrumental in King's growth and success.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Hype Man @ Cain Park
Through July 21, 2024
(216) 371-3000
Mark Horning
There are times when theatrical works go beyond the scope of their subject matter. Yes, this is a show about rap artists and hip-hop but it is also a show about principles and the cost of doing the right thing. You will find three actors giving authentic portrayals that will have you jammin’ to the beats. It is all in the words.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Monday, July 8, 2024
NUNSENSE
NUNSENSE, THE MUSICAL
PORTHOUSE THEATRE
JULY 5-13-2024
porthousetheatre.com or 330-672-3884
Roy Berko
Great theatre this is not, but the sold-out audience was totally delighted, and that is the goal of this type of show. If farce is your thing, go, see, enjoy! (BTW---it can get hot in the covered outdoor theatre so be sure to hydrate!)
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Mark Horning
This is silly theater just for the fun of it. It is a hilarious behind the habit look of what to many is a mysterious way of life as the nuns let their hair down (metaphorically speaking) and cut loose. All denominations welcome but tickets are going fast!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
Well-Worn 'Nunsense' at Porthouse Theatre Doesn't Quite Hit the Heavens
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
An entertaining musical with active audience participation, the Porthouse production of Nunsense captivated the audience members; many nodded and laughed as the performers ricocheted Catholic jokes and puns. Behind Goggin’s comical, farcical, double-entendre, and lighted-hearted façade are black (and morbid) humor and subtle criticism of conservativeness and patriarchy in the Catholic Church (and beyond). A spoof is one of the best cures for people and society, and Nunsense—which has produced its six sequels—continues to serve that purpose.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.