TINTYPES @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

May 19 through June 19, 2016

(330) 374-7568

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Actors’ Summit’s musical revue is a plague upon our houses. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Kerry Clawson

Actors’ Summit’s Tintypes contains some faltering singing, which is unfortunate for a musical revue that’s about 99 percent song. Bottom line is that the opening night for Tintypes sounded like it needed more rehearsal time. Singing issues did not rest with Mark Seven alone: Nearly all of the vocalists in this quintet had their pitchy moments, except for Holly Reimer.

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

TALLEY'S FOLLY @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

Through May 1, 2016

330-374-7568

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Olmsted Falls-born, Catholic-raised, Actors’ Summit-based Keith Stevens sure makes a convincing Latvian Jew.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

TALLEY’S FOLLY is a fine play that gets an excellent production.  The cast (Keith Stevens and Shani Ferry) create real, accessible characters.  The story showcases the kinds of prejudices that often cause problems in people’s lives and gives a hopeful glow that there is hope, even in light of hate and gossip mongering.  This is a go-see evening of theater!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

David Ritchey

A good, old-fashioned love story provides an interesting night in the theater and something to talk about on the way home. “Talley’s Folly” is such a story and, now, it’s lighting up Actors’ Summit Theater.  Lanford Wilson (1947-2011) (playwright) provides the audience with a brief look into life in Lebanon, Missouri, where he lived as a child.  Set in 1944, at the peak of World War II, “Talley’s Folly” reflects the fears and hopes of mid-westerners as they prepare for the end of the war.  Will the country fall into an economic recession when the soldiers return home from the war?  Will people become more accepting of others, who might not be like themselves?

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

CHAPATTI @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

Through March 13, 2016

330-374-7568

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Place two chairs on a stage and put Anne McEvoy and Neil Thackaberry in them and great theater is likely to result.  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Kerry Clawson

Actors’ Summit’s CHAPATTI is a lyrical, gentle tale that explores loneliness, isolation and depression among senior citizens, whose story slowly and beautifully builds bonds of trust and companionship between an older man and woman.

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

Mark Horning

While charming at its core and extremely well acted, “Chapatti” carries more darkness than light that some may find unnerving in spite of the hopeful ending.  It is the happy/sad play that will have you thinking about a lot of issues.

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

David Ritchey

Dogs and cats usually aren’t the subject of stage plays.  “Chapatti” is different.  Chapatti is the name of the dog.  The cast of this 90-minute one-act play bring one dog and about 16 cats to life on the Actors’ Summit stage.  “Chapatti” deals with two lonely people, Dan (Neil Thackaberry) and Betty (Anne McEvoy).  Their pets, like glue, seem to hold their fragile lives together– Dan has Chapatti and Anne has about 16 cats.  Dan realizes he needs more than the dog to make his life complete. Unfortunately, he sees no opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

January 21 through February 7, 2016

330-374-7568

Or www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

While clearly not Actors’ Summit’s intention, it is impossible to sit through its production of “Same Time, Next Year” and not feel as if you’ve just binge-watched vintage sitcoms on Nick at Nite.  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN review here.

Roy Berko

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR is an old-fashioned comedy that is filled with tender and humorous lines.  It a perfect play choice for the Actors’ Summit audiences and gets a delightful production under the direction of Paula Kline Messner, with fine performances by Keith Stevens and Natalie Sander Kern.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The play’s dialogue and gender roles, depicting 1951 to 1975, come across as dated. And some of the references to race and sexuality are painful to listen to, as are a number of corny jokes. But the heart of the work is interesting in its two simultaneous character studies, with both George and Doris learning, evolving and finding themselves as individuals over more than two decades.

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

Mark Horning

For those “oldsters” looking to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this production is the perfect answer.  The laughs are genuine and are balanced with heartbreak to bring balance to the evening.  Expertly directed and acted, this is well worth the drive to Akron.

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

GUYS ON ICE @ ACTORS SUMMIT

Through December 22, 2015

330-374-7568 

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

‘Guys on Ice’ more bait than bite, but its charm is reeling.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

As a couple said in the elevator while exiting the theatre,  “It was kinda cute.”  Yep, all righty, if you are in the right mood, and don’t expect Shakespeare or Sondheim, GUYS ON ICE is kind of cute.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

It seems I’ve mellowed out over the last six years, considering I found the goofy little musical 'Guys on Ice' more entertaining this time around than I did in 2009 at Actors’ Summit.
The musical ... has a barely-there story and mostly schlocky tunes that attempt to hold the lightweight 90-minute show together. But this show knows how to laugh at its own lame hinterland humor ...

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for a non-holiday infused show that is witty and a true delight to watch, look no further than Actors’ Summit’s production of “Men on Ice.”  Spend a delightful evening with these “Ice Hole Philosophers” as they sing, dance and joke their way into your heart.  This gem of a show is well worth the short drive from Cleveland.  You Betcha.

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

QUILTERS@ACTORS' SUMMIT

October 8 through November 1, 2015

330-374-7568 

Or www.actorssummit.org

Mark Horning

Rarely does one find that rare combination of entertainment and education in a theatrical performance.  “Quilters” is the rare exception to that.  The show is engaging and well thought out, just like the quilts that are represented.  Everything falls into its proper place.  Just as quilts themselves are viewed from a distance for an initial impact and scrutinized closer for the detail of stitching, this show stands up to a closer inspection.  Bring the entire family.   

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

Always…Patsy Cline, Actors' Summit

Through June 21, 2015

Greystone Hall, 103 High St., Akron, 330-374-7568.

 Bob Abelman

“Always… Patsy Cline” is a sentimental journey that is well constructed and nicely performed.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

ALWAYS PATSY CLINE makes for a pleasant evening of songs, humor and musical delight.  If you appreciate country music or are an avid fan of Patsy Cline, you will have a wonderful time.

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

Kerry Clawson

Singer Jennifer Browning brings a deep well of emotion musically and a rather introspective characterization to the title character in Always … Patsy Cline, which combine for a lovely performance of the popular jukebox musical at Actors’ Summit.

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

Bad Jews @ Actors' Summit

Through May 3, 2015

Greystone Hall, 103 High St., Akron, 330-374-7568.

 Bob Abelman

More lows than chais in Actors' Summit's "Bad Jews."

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here or go to:  http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/.

Roy Berko

BAD JEWS is a poorly conceived play with a title that is a put-off for many and may well be misleading.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson
The unfortunately titled BAD JEWS is billed as a comedy, but at Actors’ Summit, the intermissionless play feels a lot more like a heavy drama with its 90 minutes of relentless insults between two key characters. ...
We end up feeling embroiled in the family battle, but we don’t experience a lot of laughs.

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


Mark Horning

In short, the play is an unnatural experience that fans of film noir might appreciate with a collection of characters that you will find hard to like, much less love.   

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

The Book Club Play @ Actors' Summit

Through March 15, 2015

Greystone Hall, 103 High St., Akron, 330-374-7568 

Bob Abelman

Director MaryJo Alexander recognizes this play’s potential and is skilled enough to follow up on it.  Through clever casting , fast pacing, and a concerted effort to reel in what comes across on the page as disingenuous, Alexander finds common ground between what is acerbic and what is asinine.  There are still moments when one brand of comedy wins out over the other and when an actor cannot find the humanity in the humor.  But the end result is a very funny play that will appeal to just about everyone.  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's article here: 
http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/


Kerry Clawson

As heavy-handed as the unlikable Ana is, playwright Karen Zacarias’ comedy, now running at Actors’ Summit in downtown Akron, is heavy-handed too. There’s nothing subtle or surprising about her humor: The play’s heightened sense of self-awareness leads to trite-sounding dialogue that overstates the obvious.  The comedy, which premiered in 2008 in Bethesda, Md., feels dated and overly simplistic now as it proffers a sort of book club for dummies to explain what the 'Twilight' series and Twihards are.

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


Mark Horning

The Book Club Play is an absolutely delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening.  The writing is smart and witty and the comic timing is superb.  There are some truly funny moments that have a universal appeal even to those not in book clubs.  This one is a real page turner.

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

 
Einstein

Actors' Summit

January 15 - February 1

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Brian Zoldessy is absolutely charming, accessible and endearing in his portrayal of Einstein. Yet the informative but unimaginative one-act, one-man show in which he appears – an informal and often humorous chat with the noted physicist in his disheveled home office on the campus of Princeton University in 1946 – shares few of those admirable adjectives.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

EINSTEIN is a must see production that offers an opportunity to access the man and his myths.  It also allows for a showcasing of Brian Zoldessy becoming Einstein!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Zoldessy, inarguably one of the finest actors in Northeast Ohio, captures our attention from the start and holds it closely for a full 92 minutes in the one-man show Einstein, now playing at Actors’ Summit.  This short, slight actor embodies Einstein’s famously wild look with his grown-out gray hair and mustache, and brings out his eccentric spirit as the renowned scientist engages in an animated chat with the audience.

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

HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES @ Actors' Summit

November 26-December 21, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Director Neil Thackaberry finds all the laughs loitering in the script, of which there are many, and his talented troupe – Stuart Hoffman (as Holmes and others), Frank Jackman (as Watson) and Jim Fippin (as Sir Henry Baskerville and others) – deliver them with comedic conviction.  But “Hound” is silly and unsatisfying.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

You have to go to Actors’ Summit to see “The Hounds of the Baskervilles” in the right state of mind.  Understand that this is not a “real” Sherlock Holmes mystery tale.  Be prepared to laugh, accept the outlandish, and groan at the ridiculousness.

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

Mark Horning

With gas prices hitting an all time low, a trip to Akron to see this show is a real bargain.  If you are looking for an absolutely silly program that is loaded with laughs, make the trip.  There are only two performances left so hurry.

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


Kerry Clawson

Three actors are working on overdrive at Actors’ Summit as they portray 14 characters in "Hound of the Baskervilles," a spoof of the Arthur Conan Doyle novel adapted by British authors Steven Canny and John Nicholson.

For audience members who are not well versed in Doyle’s original 1902 Sherlock Holmes story, the first act is bound to be confusing. ... While the play as a whole doesn't reach full-blown slapstick treatment, it does amuse.

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

MAKING GOD LAUGH @ Actors Summit

October 9-November 2, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Roy Berko
 
“Making God Laugh” is one of those nice escapist evenings of theater that will induce laughter, cause nostalgic trips to yesteryear for the more mature members of the audience, and incite awareness of the fears of some as they look forward to the “golden” years.   
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The play has plenty of explosive family dynamics and a running gag about a special holiday “fantasia dip,” but it also has its share of serious moments. For all the zingers playwright Sean Grennan has created for this family to insult each other with, when the going actually really gets rough, they’re there for each other.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/kerry-clawson.

BACK TO BACHARACH AND DAVID @ Actors' Summit

June 12-July 20, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

This production of easy-listening classics is corny but charming and so intimate that it feels as if you are sitting at a piano bar.  All that’s missing is the pretzels and highballs. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Kerry Clawson
 
The musical revue Back to Bacharach and David at Actors’ Summit offers an enjoyable evening of smooth pop stylings by songwriting team Burt Bacharach and Hal David. ...

The cast, featuring Brandon Isner, Chanda Porter, Debra Rose and Lisa Marie Schueller, sings in cool four-part harmony. On Thursday night, pro Mary Anne Prevost joined the group, adding her soprano voice to aid the higher range of Schueller’s vocal part, as the actress was suffering from bronchitis.

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

RING OF FIRE @ Actors' Summit

May 1-25, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Although careful to avoid impersonating Johnny Cash, there is no sidestepping Cash’s trademark low notes in many of the songs that are sung during this show.  Not one of the featured performers is able to go to that place where heartache and hard times reside, which speaks volumes about this production of “Ring of Fire.”  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.


Kerry Clawson
 

Parts of "Ring of Fire" need polish, but the Actors’ Summit production as a whole captures the rebel spirit and brooding style of the American icon that was Johnny Cash. ...
If audiences are willing to overlook some inconsistencies in quality, there’s still a lot to like about "Ring of Fire," named for the 1963 Cash hit that Rolling Stone named No. 87 among the Greatest Songs of All Time.

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


Mark Horning

What is lacking in a polished performance is made up by a hyper-enthusiastic audience who hung onto each note and rewarded the performers with loud clapping and cheering.  While not my cup of tea, fans of the man in black will flock to this show and love it despite its flaws.

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

HANDLE WITH CARE @ Actors Summit

March 27-April 13, 2014

For tickets:  330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Though well delivered, “Handle With Care” comes COD by asking its audience to forgive the playwright’s creative trespasses and accept fine storytelling in lieu of a fine story. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN review here.

Roy Berko

“Handle With Care” isn’t a great script, but makes for a smiling evening of theatre.  Seeing the show with a group of Israeli, Hebrew-speaking students, added a dimension of understanding of culture and language.

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

Kerry Clawson

HANDLE WITH CARE is a play on the rise, recently ending its New York premiere Off-Broadway and soon to be published by Dramatists Play Service. Yet the script is peppered with unnatural-sounding dialogue and some emotional connections are lacking between characters in a current production at Actors’ Summit in Akron.

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

Mark Horning

Although the story line is very predictable, it is the energy and skill of the actors that carries the day in this delightful morsel of escapism.  Bring a friend or a loved one to share this show with.  It is an unpretentious package that you will enjoy unwrapping. 

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

BUS STOP @ Actors' Summit

ACTORS' SUMMIT
FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 19, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman
 
Actors’ Summit captures all the Inge-enuity of "Bus Stop" -- the humor, the tenderness, the lonliness that drives this play.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's Cleveland Jewish News article here.

 

Kerry Clawson

William Inge’s BUS STOP is a comedy but it’s a quiet one, full of characters who yearn for personal connections in varying ways. At Actors’ Summit, the play is sensitively, beautifully directed by Ric Goodwin, a recently retired professor from Ashland University who has previously acted at Actors’ Summit. ... BUS STOP is a treat with all its finely nuanced characterizations, and theater lovers won’t want to miss this ride.

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


Tom Fulton 

BUS STOP is a lovely production, expertly directed and acted by a fine ensemble.  It is classic American theater.

To read the full review go to:  http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/waiting-for-the-bus-top-notch-acting-divines-fate-at-beautiful-actors-summit/Content?oid=3811887 http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/waiting-for-the-bus-top-notch-acting-divines-fate-at-beautiful-actors-summit/Content?oid=3811887

PHOTOGRAPH 51

Actors' Summit

January 16-February 2, 2014

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Roy Berko

PHOTOGRAPH 51 is a well written script which gets a very strong production.  The play is a must see for anyone who wants to be exposed to what, for most, will be a venture into the complex world of science that is presented in a meaningful way, by a cast that makes the lesson fascinating.

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


Kerry Clawson

Anna Ziegler’s PHOTOGRAPH 51 raises intriguing questions about ethics, sexism and anti-Semitism in the scientific world.


The drama, directed by Neil Thackaberry, takes awhile to warm up as the play’s male scientists look back at the conflict they experienced working with the outspoken, abrasive biophysicist Rosalind Franklin at King’s College. ... It becomes fascinating as Franklin begins her work, with actress Sally Groth painting a picture of a singularly focused, distrustful, defensive and solitary woman.

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

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic SocietyPresents A Christmas Carol

Actors' Summit
November 17-December 22, 2013

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Kerry Clawson
 
A Dickens classic becomes quite the giggly affair in the hands of some earnest yet inept British ladies. 

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

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

ACTORS' SUMMIT
October 10-November 3, 2013

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Kerry Clawson
 
''A Grand Night for Singing'' is a sophisticated, polished musical revue that celebrates one of the most enduring partnerships in musical theater — Rodgers and Hammerstein.
This 1994 show, playing at Actors’ Summit in Akron, puts a fresh, at times unexpected spin on scores of this duo’s classics, featuring sparkling musical arrangements by Fred Wells. 

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.
 
Fran Heller
 
If you love Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II as I do, you'll enjoy "A Grand Night for Singing", a musical stroll down memory lane with some of the greatest songs ever written for American musical theatre.
This breezy 75 minute revue features more than 30 tunes spanning the lesser-known "State Fair" and "Flower Drum Song" to hits like "Carousel," "Oklahoma," "South Pacific" and "The King and I."
 These golden oldies may seem corny and dated to younger audiences, but to this reviewer, they burn bright as ever.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Actors’ Summit’s “A Grand Night for Singing” is a well thought out musical review that streams a collection of unrelated songs from unrelated shows into a story of romance and love.  The singing is top notch with remarkable piano accompaniment.  Make the drive to Akron to see this one.

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