Friday, August 22, 2025

Caroline or Change @ Cain Park



Through August 24, 2025

https://cainpark.com/theater-events/

(216) 371-3000

      

Mark Horning

This show goes far deeper than its race relation overtones. It is a microcosm of circumstances that we still witness to this day. With only three more performances left you should hurry to see this tiny slice of Americana history. You will find the singing and acting far beyond your expectations. 

 

Monday, August 18, 2025

We Are Continuous @ Convergence-Continuum



Through August 31, 2025
(216) 687-0074

 

Mark Horning

Forget for a moment that this is a gay play. Look at it instead as a representation of the evolution of acceptance by friends and family. The acting is at times genuinely funny, at times poignant, at times dramatic, at times tragic and at all times totally entertaining. This is what great theater is all about...exposing us to ideas no matter what our thoughts or beliefs may be. It will be time well spent.    

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“we are continuous” is far from the first show to explore gay or bi-racial relationships. Nor is it rare in how it explores themes of family, acceptance and forgiveness. Instead, convergence-continuum’s show distinguishes itself by the unique way in which it journeys through those explorations: directly and with immense sincerity.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The Convergence Continuum production of we are continuous, written by Harrison David Rivers and directed by Jeannine Taskin and Lauren Lash, is a touching, moving, and significant work, especially today when the putting down of humans and nature, including children and young adults by rich, judgmental, powerful, self-serving, and hypocritical older or old adults becomes the national and hegemonic norm and standard.

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.

 

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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.

 

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

     

Howard Gollop

Is the Broadway musical version of "Beetlejuice," continuing a return tour on Playhouse Square, a phenomenon in itself? Judging by a discernible amount of cosplaying members of the KeyBank State Theatre opening-night, replete with demonic makeup and striped blazers and gowns emblematic of the title character's couture aesthetic, it is indeed. Does it deserve the cult status of the original 1988 film that inspired this Hollywood-to-Broadway conversion (reinvigorated in an acclaimed film sequel only last year)? Director Alex Timbers makes sure of it. 

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

The hyper-saturated visual elements of the production are practically a show in themselves. Add in a few characters with massive personalities and a high-energy ensemble, and you get a show that hardly ever pauses to catch its breath. It’s a true testament to the cast and crew of “Beetlejuice” that they can consistently deliver such a demanding show with such intensity and vigor after nearly three years of touring.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

On August 12, 2025, The KeyBank State Theatre, the venue of the KeyBank Broadway Series’ Beetlejuice (Music and Lyrics by Eddie Perfect and Book by Scott Brown and Anthony King), was packed with many Beetlejuice heads, dressed in all types of attire with motifs from the musical: black and white stripes, beetles, vines, and leaves.  

This “cult” musical’s “characters” include lighting, special effects, scenery, and costumes as they all become part of the organic living “creatures” that live and breathe with living humans—performers—on the stage.

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

Monday, August 11, 2025

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.

 

Saturday, August 2, 2025

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.