Big Fish @ Cain Park

Through June 30, 2024

                                                                   https://cainpark.com/

(216) 371-3000

 

Roy Berko

The songs are well interpreted, the story made clear, the performances quite good.  There is nice storytelling, nice music and a nice moral. If there is a flaw, it is the writing, not the production.  There are little real highlights, little encompassing action. 

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

Mark Horning

This is a show that seems to aimlessly flows along with little connection to reality. While a cute story of father and son trying to reconcile there is little meat on this bone. Add to this the uncomfortable conditions inside the theater and the extended length of the show it makes for a long sit. Those who love the movie (I am sure there must be a few of you out there) this might be a rare treat. To those people, I urge buy a ticket.

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

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

CAIN PARK--ALMA THEATRE

MAY 30-JUNE 6, 2024

216-371-3000 OR www.cainpark.com

 Roy Berko

Sometimes it’s fun to just sit in the theatre, smile and admire the talent of the cast.  If that is your kind of entertainment, THE 25^TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is your thing and will spell “d-e-l-i-g-h-t.”

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

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

Chris Howey

"In this Cain Park version which I saw at a preview performance, the direction by Patrick Ciamacco was energetic and the characters were all sufficiently dweeby as they fought off family issues, physical complications, and in one case a rogue boner to nab the championship."

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

FUN HOME

FUN HOME

ALMA THEATRE/CAIN PARK

August 10-27, 2023

216-371-3000 or www.cainpark/148/Buy-Tickets

 

Roy Berko

This is a dramatic message musical which deserves the accolades which it has won.  It gets a must-see production, with the caveat that audience members be aware of the subject matter.

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

Sheri Gross

This is the kind of show that runs you ragged through a revolving door of emotions, but makes you think and feel and keep on feeling long after the curtain call.

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

Mark Horning

While this production will have close to sold out audiences throughout its run, it may not be the show for everyone. If you are sensitive to subjects such as mental illness, compulsive behavior, extensive family control and suicide it may not be your cup of Ovaltine. Otherwise, it is great theater.

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

Chris Howey

Fun Home is a play dealing with heavy topics, but Kron's sharp wit and Tesori's evocative music save the day. And under the wise and thoughtful direction of Joanna May Cullinan, it becomes one of those musicals that, if you put in the effort, will reside within you long after the curtain falls.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

SCHOOL OF ROCK @ Cain Park

SCHOOL OF ROCK

June 9-26, 2022

cainpark.com

 

Roy Berko

SCHOOL OF ROCK is a fun-filled show with a nice moral message. The Cain Park production is well-directed and performed. The music rocks.  The cast entertains.  It’s the kind of show that audiences love.   

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

Chris Howey

If you want take children you know to a show, you should bring them down into the leafy environs of Cain Park and experience "School of Rock." It's not perfect and sure, it's predictable. But thanks to the skills of director Joanna May Cullinan and band conductor Bradley Wyner, "School" is family friendly with just enough sly winks. And when it comes to conveying joy, this show shreds.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

 

These Shining Lives @ Clague Playhouse

Through April 3, 2022

www.clagueplayhouse.org 

(440) 331-0403

 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.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

This is National Women’s Month and what better way to celebrate it than to see a production that shines the light on heroes of the female gender. In this play we are introduced to women who gave their all in the pursuit of justice so that future generations would be entitled to a safe work place. Well worth the time and price to see this show.

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

RAGTIME THE MUSICAL @ Cain Park

June 13-30, 2019
216-371-3000 
or http://cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

Cain Park’s exquisitely pared down ‘Ragtime’ finds the core humanity that drives this musical.

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

Roy Berko

“Ragtime” tells an important tale that needs to be seen and heard.   Except for an over-enthusiastic orchestra and some audio balance problems, this production does the script justice.  It’s well worth the sit!

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

Laura Kennelly

The swiftly-moving Ragtime: The Musical, now at Cain Park’s Alma Theater, gives a musical snapshot of early 1900s in New York City. Based on E. L. Doctorow’s fine and dramatic novel with the same name, it features book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The Cain Park production,  directed by Joanna May Cullinan, pays appropriate homage to the classic America-as-melting-pot narrative (at least to the New York City, East Coast  version).

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

THE TOXIC AVENGERS @ Alma Theatre, Cain Park

June 2-26, 2016

216-371-3000 or www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

“The Toxic Avenger” -- the  love-child of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show” --  goes from intoxicating to punch-drunk. 

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

Roy Berko

Under Nathan Motta’s creative direction, and a cast of talented and uninhibited performers, THE TOXIC AVENGER is a total hoot!  If you are in the mood for an evening of extended farce and ridiculousness, this is a must see. 

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

GODSPELL @ Cain Park

GODSPELL
Cain Park
June 11-28, 2015
Call 216-371-3000 or go to http://www.cainpark.com/

Bob Abelman

Cain Park’s ‘Godspell’ is a godsend.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's article at News-Herald.com.

Roy Berko

Cain Park’s GODSPELL is a creatively conceived and generally well performed production which will keep the audience rocking and laughing, while imparting the philosophical message of the “Book of Mathew.”  You don’t have to be a believer to be entertained by the high spirited songs and the clever staging.  “We Beseech Thee,”---go, see, enjoy---“You’ll Learn Your Lesson Well!”    

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

THE FROGS @ Cain Park

July 31-August 17, 2014

216-371-3000 or go on line to www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

Everything about this production -- the casting, the staging, the choreography -- is ribbiting.

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

Roy Berko

Though the message of “The Frogs” is generally clear, and Martin Friedman’s directing is on target, and Martin Céspedes’s choreography is prime, the script, the music, and the lyrics fail to incite much excitement.  The tepid response of the audience on preview night brings into question the wisdom in selecting this script. 

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


Andrea Simakis

Despite the tidal wave of talent that is Dan Folino – a shape-shifter who can play everything from glam-rock dead presidents ("Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson") to chainsaw-wielding avengers ("Evil Dead") – "The Frogs," now at Cain Park's Alma Theater, is a real sinker.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

AVENUE Q
CAIN PARK--ALMA THEATRE
JUNE 15-JULY 1, 2012
216-371-3000 or www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

“Sesame Street” gone to seed, “Avenue Q” simultaneously blows and bursts the bubble of familiar kid-vid conventions in its tale about transitioning from college to life.  When the musical moved from off Broadway to Broadway, many critics said it was too small, too simple and too silly an entertainment to justify the upgrade in real estate.  It is a perfect fit as a summer production in the small theater space located in charming Cain Park.

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


Roy Berko

-->

The award winning AVENUE Q, Sesame Street for adults, gets a well-honed production at Cain Park.  Show highlights include spot-on performances by Jesse Markowitz, John Paul Boukis and Todd Hancock.  This is a must see for the more liberal minded.

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


Fran Heller

This irreverent and wickedly funny show is a coming-of-age story about the rocky transition from childhood to young adulthood and the uncertainties and angst of contemporary real life.
The Cain Park production is as good as it gets under Russ Borski's vision as director, set designer and puppet designer/creator, featuring a made-in-heaven cast.

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


Kory
Avenue Q knocks one out of the park, pun intended, at Cain Park!

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


Marjorie Preston
“Avenue Q" is a rollicking good time.  Effortlessly, the cute, hand-made puppets – and the talented actors who give them voice – take taboo subjects like sex, money or racism and open them up for discussion in public by finding the universality and humor in them.  The years after college can be lonely and full of challenges, and “Avenue Q” explores that time, as well as posits that everyone’s a little empty, a little racist, and a little sad, but that life’s full of surprises. So’s this production of “Avenue Q” – unique, funny, enjoyable, and well worth seeing.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog or visit Cleveland.com here.