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.