Saturday, December 20, 2025

The Secret in the Wings @ convergence--continuum

Photo Credit: Kate Smith/convergence-continuum

The Secret in the Wings

convergence-continuum, 2438 Scranton Road, Cleveland

Through December 20, 2025

convergence-continuum.org or 216-687-0074 

 

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

“The Secret in the Wings,” a play that features old, lesser-known fairy tales, demonstrates that scaring children with stories of harsh consequences and dark, gruesome events is nothing new; however, it is wildly entertaining. 

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.

 

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

How The Grinch Stole Christmas @ KeyBank State Theatre



Through December 14, 2025
(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

When the Grinch goes Broadway you can expect sparkling songs, exuberant dance numbers, wildly wonderful costuming and dazzling sets. This touring production does not disappoint in any way. Nearly half of the audience was youngsters and the rest the young at heart. The 90 minute no intermission is a perfect amount of entertainment for the youngsters. Come enjoy a superb family live theater experience.

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.

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025



THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
BECK CENTER
DECEMBER 5, 2025-JANUARY 4, 2026
216-521-2540 or beckcenter.org

 

Roy Berko


“Spongebob Squarepants The Broadway Musical” delighted on Broadway.  The Beck production is an acceptable, if underwhelming version!

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. 

Gwendolyn Kochur

While it might not resonate with the SpongeBob rookie, those who feel nostalgia for that absorbent and yellow and porous cartoon sponge will find Beck Center’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” to be boatloads of fun. 

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.

 

Monday, December 8, 2025

The Hobbit @ Dobama Theatre



Through January 4, 2025
(216) 932-3396

 

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 definitely the show to gather the entire family for. Children of all ages will marvel at the stage set, costumes, character changes and delightful story of cooperation and friendship. Bring the entire clan and share a wonderful holiday treat as you root for the good guys and boo the bad ones. This is a treasure not to be missed.

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

“The Hobbit” may be considered children’s literature, but that does not mean that it is childish, which is one of the many reasons that it resonates with varied audiences. Dobama’s production is theatrically sound, and when approached from a children’s theater lens, you’re not likely to be disappointed. However, for the Tolkien fans eager to revisit Middle-earth this holiday season (of which there will be no shortage), it is important to temper expectations and realize that “fun for the whole family” might not be as fun for everyone.

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.

 

I Wear My Dead Sister's Clothes @ Cleveland Public Theatre



Through December 20, 2025
(216) 631-2727 extension 501

 

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

At time humorous, at times poignant and at times quite loud and angry the show is a study into the frailty of life and how we owe it to our survivors to take stock of our possessions and reduce, reuse and recycle where needed. This show is a love letter to someone who has passed as well as part of the healing process needed to move on. It is a well constructed study of life.

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

“I Wear My Dead Sister’s Clothes” brings to life an immediate, raw picture of what it means to love someone during their life and after their death. Schwabauer’s vulnerability and honesty is as brave as it is impactful; for, no matter how you choose to cope with grief, you will walk away from this show knowing that you are not alone. 

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.

 

Friday, December 5, 2025

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival





Through December 28, 2025
(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

Sometimes “we need a little silly” during the craziness that is the winter holidays. This show is a perfect tonic as we are bombarded at light speed with every holiday reference known to man and beast. This show dazzles with sparkling improv and truly funny situations.

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

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.

 

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Spamalot @ Playhouse Square



Through December 6, 2025
https://www.playhousesquare.org/
(216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

 A reviewer said of the original production, "It's UNFAIR to make me laugh this much!”  I wish I could say that of the touring show.  Unfortunately, I can’t.  This production seems to be missing some of the abandonment needed to really get the audience to let loose.
 
That’s not to say the show is bad.  It’s not.  But, it  seems a little uninspired, a little too much on automatic pilot, and not as zany as it could be or has been in previous incarnations.  We need more ridiculous farce and less-Hamlet drama!


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

Howard Gollop

Nothing seems so fresh as "Spam," especially when it's mixed and stirred with an unrelentingly hilarious dollop of "Camelot." But the better surprise on Playhouse Square's launch of a new Broadway tour of "Spamalot" is that the non-stop comedy cavalcade of King Arthur shenanigans seems fresher than ever. It remains the holy grail of musical comedy.

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

Mark Horning

For adult fans of Monty Python this show is a feast of one liners and quotables well loved since 1975 when the film premiered. The action is lighting fast as the just little over two hours whisk by at a breakneck pace. With this limited run do not delay on getting your tickets.

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

Laura Kennelly
Spamalot---a comic, irreverent look at King Arthur, the “Camelot” era, and life in general—dropped by for a visit at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace December 1—6. Opening media night (the middle of only six shows) attracted avid Monty Python fans of all ages. Cleveland, the first city on the latest national tour of the classic satire (Broadway debut in 2005) has seen it before, but that didn’t seem to matter---everyone still laughed The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including Best Musical. A good joke is a good joke and Spamalot with book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle enjoys an abundance. It might help to see the 1974 film it’s based on before you go (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) because last night’s dialogue flew by so fast and furious some funny got lost. But the show’s over-the-top bits are impossible to miss. Of course, in Spamalot nothing is taken seriously, especially not death. In an opening scene, plague victims rise up from the body-collecting wagon. One vigorous one (Steven Telsey) sang loudly “I Am Not Dead Yet” as workers kept trying to pile him on the wagon. The indefatigable Telsey shone again in another memorable scene that involved the fluffy-white “Killer Rabbit” who had to be destroyed by the “Holy Hand Grenade.” Fur blown off, jock-strap clad Telsey gave it his all in a comic race offstage. .
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

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.

 

Monday, December 1, 2025

A Christmas Story @ Cleveland Play House



Through December 21, 2025
(216) 241-6000

      

Mark Horning

One thing that I noticed as the audience members began to file in for the show was that for the most part it was family groups coming to share the play together. This totally relatable tale simply has a soft spot for everyone. Bring someone you love...I triple dog dare you.

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.

Joey Morona

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

 

A Christmas Carol @ Great Lakes Theater



Through December 21, 2025

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

      

Mark Horning

If you are among the few who have never witnessed this production it is high time for you to come see it. For the rest, gather the clan and make the pilgrimage to the Mimi Ohio for a shared experience. It is after all what Christmas is all about, the gathering of family...God Bless us Everyone!

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

Howard Gollop

Lorain native Gerald Freedman's script at times stalls on heavy narration, but The Great Lakes Theater production, nearing its 40th anniversary,  nevertheless reminds us of the beauteous prose of one of the world's most cherished novelists. So, by all means, join the fictitious "Cleaveland Family" onstage as they reencounter a magical and mythical nocturnal Yuletide dream. 

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Laura Kennelly
It’s no wonder Charles Dickens’ wonderful classic, A Christmas Carol, returns annually to Cleveland. And it’s also no wonder every year the merry GLT troupe moves from the Hanna to the Mimi Ohio Theatre (yes, this is the 37th year there) to tell the story. The Mimi Ohio stage, crafted for Scrooge over the years, sports trap doors, a rear stage wall that splits open (to Hell as well as to cheery Christmas spirits), and hissing fog machines.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.


Joey Morona

The staging is as dazzling as ever: swirling smoke, sudden bursts of light and entrances that defy explanation. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come remains the show’s signature effect — a towering, shrouded figure with a Dementor-like presence that never fails to draw oohs and ahhs.


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