Sweeny Todd @ Rabbit Run Theater

Through August 30, 2025

https://visitashtabulacounty.com/venue/rabbit-run-theater/

(440) 428-5913

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Growing up in Tokyo, I attended several performances of Japanese productions featuring our superstars like then Ichikawa Somegorō VI (currently Matsumoto Hakuō II) and Otori Ran. According to my record and recollection, the Rabbit Run Theater production of Sweeney Todd, directed by its executive director, Brint Learned, is my first US production to attend; it is indeed a strong and impressive community-theatre work, demonstrating their excellent collaboration and love for theatre.

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

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Beetlejuice, The Musical. The Musical. The Musical @ Playhouse Square

Through August 17, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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

This is a raucous in your face scream fest that will have you laughing until you hurt. Although lasting a bit over two hours plus intermission the time goes by fast. Put on your best black and white stripes and join the fun. This is a short six day run so get your tickets quickly.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

King Lear @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 17, 2025

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com

(330) 574-2537

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s King Lear is a powerful work that speaks about the high price that one ruler needs to pay for their arrogance, pride, and poor judgment. By casting a fabulous female performer, Tracee Patterson, for the role of King Lear, this production, directed by Tess Burgler, underscores the universality of this tragic theme beyond traditional gender specification, emphasizing the father-daughter relationship. 

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

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Freaky Friday @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through August 16, 2025

http://www.CLVT.org

(440) 247-8955

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

      

Mark Horning

While being a very entertaining non-musical series of movies, the stage musical tends to throw too much at us for comfort. Sometimes less is more. Some serious snipping needs to be done in order to make this show easier to view. Regardless, CVLT fans will love it none the less.

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

Calendar Girls @ Rabbit Run Theater

Through August 2, 2025

https://www.clevelandstagealliance.com

(440) 428-5913

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

  

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

It is delightful to see so many theatre lovers on a hot July evening in Madison, Ohio. The theatre, one of the two facilities operated by the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, is located in Madison Township, near Lake Erie. Surrounded by meadows and trees, the picnic area is lovely for theatre patrons to enjoy a picnic before a performance.

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

 

Pippin @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through August 9, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com

(216) 941-0458

      

No review yet.
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

This is one of the shows that defy definition. It could be billed as a psychedelic circus influenced historically flavored romantic coming of age dramedy...but by any definition, this production is simply GREAT! High energy throughout with a lot of heart and life lessons. Well worth seeing.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“Pippin” explores the consequences of exchanging the mundane in favor of chasing the extraordinary. Blank Canvas Theatre doesn’t try to wow you with acrobatics, contortionists or a massive big-top tent: it packs power with its minimalism, it trusts its performers to transport and it allows the story to speak for itself.

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn Kochur's Review here.

      

SCHOOL OF ROCK (Porthouse Theatre)

 

Roy Berko

Capsule judgment:  SCHOOL OF ROCK is a fun-filled show with a moral message. The Porthouse production was nicely done, in spite of some age-casting problems and a mid-production medical issue. The music rocked.  The cast entertained.  It’s the kind of show that audience’s love.  

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for a fun summer show this definitely fills the bill. Combine a heartfelt message with an off the wall teaching method and throw in some rock and roll and you have a great reason to picnic prior on the surrounding theater grounds.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

Under the direction of Terri J. Kent, Porthouse Theatre’s production taps into the heart of the show. Porthouse recognizes that the real stars of “School of Rock” are the kids, and it gives talented, young, up-and-coming actors plenty of room to embrace the spotlight.

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn Kochur's Review here.

Dr. Yuko Kkurahashi

Director Terri Kent embodies and amplifies the musical’s core energy, artistry, freedom, and collaboration, as well as memory through visual and auditory elements. Scenic designer Jonathon Taylor designed and built the panel that looks like the front of a multi-purpose portable CD player (with an opening for a cassette tape and a radio tuner scale). It looks rather retro, suggesting that this boombox metaphorically implies part of Dewey’s life growing up in the 1980s. Three openings on this panel accommodate different pieces of furniture (such as a bed and sofa) and the band platform (with the musical instruments) that slides out downstage.   

To see a full review of this show, read Yuko Kurahashi's post here. 

Chagrin Arts’ production of Blind Injustice @ Playhouse Square Outcalt Theatre

July 11th through 13th, 2025

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Bringing Blind Injustice to Cleveland required monumental work by many people. Their time and efforts resulted in the work impacting many Ohioans and beyond through their three performances and three post-show discussions.

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

Kimberly Akimbo @ Playhouse Square

Through August 3, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

The script will never be compared other teen-centered musicals such as WEST SIDE STORY or DEAR EVAN HANSEN or even HAIRSPRAY, but the story is interesting, the touring-show is well performed and all-in-all, it makes for a pleasing evening of theater.

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

Howard Gollop

Try explaining the basic plot of "Kimberly Akimbo" (which debuted on Broadway in 2022) to someone who's not a Broadway aficionado, and you might get little more than blank stares ...Yet this surprisingly upbeat, heartwarming musical -- with an incisive book/script and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on his lesser-known 2001 comedy of the same name -- quickly wins over audiences as they identify the power of those who embrace whatever life gives them and triumph as best they can.

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

Mark Horning

Try explaining the basic plot of "Kimberly Akimbo" (which debuted on Broadway in 2022) to someone who's not a Broadway aficionado, and you might get little more than blank stares ...Yet this surprisingly upbeat, heartwarming musical -- with an incisive book/script and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on his lesser-known 2001 comedy of the same name -- quickly wins over audiences as they identify the power of those who embrace whatever life gives them and triumph as best they caTo see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review hMark Horning

At last, a fun comedy that is full of heart and most important a happy ending for all. This group of nine professionals fill the stage with enormous talent. This is the feel good show of the year.

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

Laura Kennelly

Want to deal with an extremely rare disease that forces sufferers to endure adolescence and aging simultaneously? This is sixteen-year-old Kimberly’s fate. Kimberly Akimbo, the Tony Award-winning musical now at Playhouse Square, shares a comically exaggerated look at poor Kimberly’s life as a “not typical teenager.” (Most people with her premature aging condition don’t make it past sixteen years old.) With book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, score by Jeanine Tesori, choreography by Danny Mefford, and direction by Jessica Stone, it ticks all the boxes for traditional Broadway success.To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Kimberly’s story is filled with courage and determination to “act,” though the musical satirizes this “action” with hilarity and outrageousness to the fullest extent. Carolee Carmello’s Kimberly, with her full range of expressions—from bewilderment to tension and happiness—plays this teenager with both physical and emotional challenges compellingly and convincingly.  The leader of the gang who makes Kimberly’s road trip possible is her aunt Debra, who does everything outside the box. Emily Koch’s Debra demonstrates the character’s big presence. Laura Woyasz plays Kimberly’s good-hearted narcist mother, emphasizing the character’s eccentricity and obtuseness. Jim Hogan performs Kim’s “nice” but inconsiderate father, who cannot keep his promises to his daughter, escaping from reality to beer.

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

Joey Morona

“Kimberly Akimbo,” offers something different: an intimate production, featuring a nine-person cast, a modest (yet inventive) set design and none of usual Broadway razzle dazzle.

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

 

THE TEMPEST

0HIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

7/3-20, 2025

ohioshakespearefestival.com or 1-888-718-4253 opt. 1

Mark Horning

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

"Magic is a driver in “The Tempest.” It fuels not only the tempest from which the show derives its name, but also nearly all of the antics that occur throughout the play. OSF’s production, with its masterful cast, captivating costuming, and seamlessly integrated music provides a night of theater as magical and enchanting as the play itself."

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Director Nancy Cates emphasizes nature and spirits as depicted in the script through trees, grasses, and different natural sounds—including those of frogs in the pond—to highlight the atmosphere of the play locale. On this island, Prospero resides with her daughter Miranda for over 15 years.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

A Chorus Line @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through August 10, 2025 

http://www.beckcenter.org

(216) 521-2540 

Roy Berko

The Beck show is a fine example of what happens when a fine script is staged by a talented director/choreographer, who has the fortune of finding a well-trained and talented cast.  The enthusiastic audience left on an emotional high, humming and singing one of the many memorable songs of the score, realizing that there are those in the world of theater who constantly illustrate, “What I Did for Love!”  

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

Howard Gollop

Amazingly, Beck managed to cull top triple-threats (singing/dancing/acting) from the region, many from local college and university musical theater programs. Director and Choreographer Christopher Chase Carter managed to recreate the essence of Michael Bennett's magical celebration of the nameless faces behind the spotlighted stars. 

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

Mark Horning

Hopefully the five week run can be improved with a turn of a knob to boost up the sound quality, a heart to heart talk with the cast on “putting it all out there on stage” and a quickening of the pace during the slow periods. Adding a short intermission would not be a bad idea as well. Judging by the opening night audience reaction most in attendance seemed to appreciate the show but there is definitely room for improvement.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

On the bare stage with a distorted back-wall mirror, designed by Cheri Prough DeVol, is spectacularly lit by also Prough DeVol, using horizontal and vertical lighting beams.  Although spotlights have occasional challenges, such as insufficiently lighting the person sharing their story, for example, the lighting is generally adequate and effective, reflecting each auditioner’s story—both individually and collectively—and underscoring key moments using varying tones and levels of intensity.  As theatre scholar Christine Essin explains in her 2015 essay in Theatre Journal, “The sharp angle of the spots’ beams allowed the dancers onstage to easily step back and fade into darkness.”  DeVol’s lighting followed the original design’s methods, with more advanced technology available today, underscoring real/past/imaginary realms alternately and poetically. The silhouettes of the 17 finalists are spectacular, reflecting the original Broadway show’s window card and album cover.

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

 

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown @ Porthouse Theatre

Through July 12, 2025

http://www.porthousetheatre.com

(330)672-3884

 

Roy Berko

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, in spite of its appearing to be an easy script to stage, is quite complex.  The Porthouse production is pleasant, but misses out on some of the creating the joy of childhood and the textured realities of the Peanuts gang.

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

Mark Horning

While not my favorite production this summer, it is still a high energy performance that will bring back childhood memories of a simpler time. It is a show that awakens the inner child in everyone aged 8 to 80 and a nice excuse to pack a picnic basket of goodies to share with friends before the show. Bring the entire family...especially the youngsters.

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

"Beautiful - The Carole King Musical @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through July 13, 2025

http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com

(330) 836-2626

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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

For the older crowd, this is music we all grew up with and learned to love but will also be appreciated by today’s youngsters. Each performance shines with brilliance. Comments from those exiting the theater were 100% positive. 

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Disaster @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through June 28, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com

(216) 941-0458

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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

Disaster movies are a big part of the Hollywood offerings even now and for every disaster film there is a ribald comedic send up. This show takes the best of all the classic films of the 70s and blends them seamlessly together while dovetailing the songs in as an integral part of the plot. Brilliant and hilarious.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Fiddler on the Roof @ Porthouse Theatre

Through August 11, 2025

http:www.porthousetheatre.com

(330) 672-3884

 

Roy Berko

Reviewing a preview performance of a show is a disservice to the director, choreographer, musicians and cast.  Usually this is the first chance to perform before and get used to an audience’s presence.  But, seeing a preview, I did, and I was pleased that Director Terri Kent and choreographer Martin Cespedes’s FIDDLER, was generally set and ready, only needing little polishing needed in vocal cadence, keying and waiting for laughs, and some musical blending.  

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

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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

Porthouse Theatre has been putting on superb musical productions for over 50 years and each season seems to get better and better. Many patrons arrive hours before curtain to picnic and relax on the acres of spaciously treed green space. Those who have experienced Porthouse need no inducement but for those who have not made the drive it truly is worth it to see this Broadway gem.  

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Hamilton @ Playhouse Square

Through July 6, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

     

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

Mark Horning

With the current state of political turmoil in this country we need a reminder of the courage it took to form this country in the first place. This is a truly inspirational show that illustrates we are not a country ruled by an uncaring king. With 34 songs and weighing in at two hours and forty minutes (that includes the intermission) it might not be suitable for the very young. The rest of us will love it. 8647!

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona

Maybe someday “Hamilton”'s music will sound as simple to modern ears as “Baby Shark,” and its choreography will look as quaint as early TikTok videos. But even if that day comes, the show will endure. Because beneath all the flourishes, the musical tells a timeless, deeply human story about ambition and idealism, love and loss, ego and forgiveness. It’s about building a country while trying to build a life and creating a legacy.

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

 

Death Cruise 2020 @ Convergence-Continuum

Through June 28, 2025

http://www.convergence-continuum.org

(216) 687-0074

 

Mark Horning

As Convergence-Continuum shows go, this one does not rise up to their usual high standards both in acting acumen and stage presentation. The silent puppets seemed to serve no useful purpose and the actors seemed in need of a few more rehearsals and previews before launching this show on an unsuspecting public.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

The Robber Bridegroom @ The Beck Center For The Arts

Through June 29, 2025

http://www.beckcenter.org

(216) 521-2540

 

Roy Berko

 A farcical, nonsensical piece of blue-grass musical theatre fluff, which gets a” funish” production at Beck.

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

Howard Gollop

But what elevates this production well above Cleveland's Play House's well received version some four decades ago is the seemingly magical infectious choreography and staging by Lauren Marousek. It's a celebration of constantly transforming stage images and tapping toes. Small surprise that many of the audience members wish to join everyone on stage.

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

Mark Horning

This little diamond of a show really is an absolute delight. The well played blue grass music combined with excellent voices, dancing and fine acting make for a very enjoyable evening of theater. Seats are limited so order yours early and head out to the Natchez Trace!

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

Laura Kennelly

Plantations, hillbillies, scheming females, murderous men, bandits, accents, romance, sex — well, almost everything, is fodder for the show’s heavy-handed humor — except maybe bluegrass music.

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

CLUE @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through June 15, 2025

http://www.cvlt.org

(440) 247-8955 

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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

If you are among the many cult followers of the film you will love the stage adaptation of this precious farce as they follow the story line quite closely. Those new to this production will enjoy the zaniness that is taken to the “emph” power. Farce at its finest, this is a killer show.

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

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Heisenberg @ Ensemble Theatre

Through May 23, 2025

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Ensemble Theatre production’s Heisenberg, written by Simon Stephens and directed by Tom Fulton, introduces the audience to a new look at an encounter–which can be called a more positive and lighter version of Albee’s Zoo Story. Yet, throughout the 90-minute performance, the two characters—Georgie Burns and Alex Priest—exist somewhere between the theatre of the absurd and the “romantic comedy.”

Fulton, working with scenic designer Ian Hinz, created a simple stage featuring several black blocks and a bench, accompanied by the scarlet curtain backdrop. Hinz also designed lighting and used sectional illumination to heighten a surreptitious and timeless atmosphere. Though it could be set in any year, the “year”—according to several lines—is wondrously specific, in 2014, the year the playwright was writing this play. Locales are London and New Jersey, though they are embodied through Stephens’s lines.

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

Alice By Heart @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through May 17, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com 

(440) 941-0458

 

Mark Horning

If you relish a bit of reality meets fantasy this is definitely a show to put on your calendar. It is a pleasant evening of light musical theater that will help chase the rainy blues away.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

In addition to the band, led by musical director Kenny Lear, which resonantly plays the musical’s songs, the show is accentuated and punctuated by different sounds produced by the performers, who bang the helmets, violently closing lids of the antique treasure chests, and stomping. Some parts remind me of the staging of Spring Awakening, as the energy produced by the performers, who constantly move vertically and horizontally, becomes infectious and irresistible.

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

Choir Boy @ Karamu House

Through May 18, 2025

http://www.karamuhouse.org 

(216) 795-7077

 

Mark Horning

This is a show that is full of surprises that encourages audiences to participate in their own way. It is a musical play that uses this tool to advance an idea of diversity, equity and inclusion...a lesson still in need of being taught more than ever. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Karamu House production’s Choir Boy, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Nathan Henry, is a superb work with seven talented singers/performers and two seasoned actors, exploring and problematizing the very reality of the strict “code of ethics and morality” imposed, unrealistically and unpractically, on a group of a prestigious boarding high school—The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. In a 100-minute one-act show, the audience witnesses a series of vignettes that capture snips and pieces of a dormitory high school life centered on well-choreographed songs sung by the seven performers.  These “affluent” and privileged yet with dilemmas, traumas, and anxieties remind me of the two boarding school students–Omari and Jasmine–in Dominique Morriseau’s Pipeline.

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

J

Fiddler on the Roof @ Cleveland Play House

Through May 25, 2025

http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(216) 400-7096

 

Howard Gollop

Still, the Play House production holds onto the tradition of quality, with choreographer Stas Kmiec assiduously tailoring the original 1964 choreography of Jerome Robbins (son of a Clevelander), lush musical direction by Diane Louie and intelligently simplified scenic design by Raul Abrego, unfortunately less inspired by the Jewish artist Marc Chagall, as in the original production, but still evocative in its own way.

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

Sheri Gross

this show is a part of who we are, in a way that is different from other musicals. This show is … a tradition.

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

Mark Horning

Somehow this large company has been able to fit this colossal musical on a smaller than usual stage bringing all the excitement, drama, laughs, pathos and heart of the original. It is a truly great show that has the time flying by without nary a notice.

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

Laura Kennelly

Magic, beguiling fiddler, romance, song, and dance? Yes, please, thank you. The engaging Cleveland Play House production, directed by Michael Barakiva, lights up Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre. It makes clear why Tony Award-winning Fiddler on the Roof has remained popular since its 1964 Broadway premiere. With book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, produced by Harold Prince and choreography by Jerome Robbins, it’s an affirmation of creativity and community.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Barakiva meticulously creates and maintains each moment, educing a “still picture” as the text and music suggest. Wooden cut-out motifs and multiple wings allow the stage to be seen as a page in a book or a framed painting—perhaps to pay homage to Marc Chagall’s “The Green Violinist” —which one would, some day in the future, appreciate in a gallery, library, and museum, hinting at the everlasting nature of this musical. In addition to cut-out motifs, scenic designer Raul Abrego designed and built slightly slanted houses (like those in “The Green Violinist”) along with a big central gate—beyond that point is outside of the shtetl of Anatevka. With a Star of David, this double metal gate ominously signals that the world beyond is resonant with concentration camps. On stage are benches for some audience members, and the wooden siding behind them suggests the exterior of Tevye’s humble farmhouse.

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

Joey Morona

“Fiddler on the Roof” is a classic not just because of its songs or its place in the musical theater canon, but because it beautifully captures the enduring challenge of balancing tradition with the need to adapt and change. Cleveland Play House has made those ideas feel as timely as ever.

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

 

Dial M For Murder @ Weathervane Playhouse, Akron

Through May 18, 2025

http://wwwweathervaneplayhouse.com

(330) 836-2626

 

Sheri Gross

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

Mark Horning

If you have never seen the movie or play before then you are in for a treat. The great stage set, costuming, accents and acting are all top notch. It is also brilliant the manner of breaking up the show into three short acts with two intermissions so as to give the audience a break. BRAVO all the way! If you have seen it before, it is time to see it once more.

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