POTUS @ Dobama Theatre

POTUS

DOBAMA

October 4-November 3, 2024

boxoffice@dobama.org or 216-932-3396

Roy Berko

The night I saw the production a number of John Carroll students were in attendance as a class assignment.  They howled, laughed, shouted and applauded as their reality played out on the stage.  These young people got it!  This is the world which the present older generation has left them.  Oh, woe is me!   This is absolutely must-see theatre! 

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

Sheri Gross

Sitting in the audience of Selina Fillinger’s raucous political farce “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” on stage at Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights, is like being strapped into a roller coaster that has no brakes. It’s sharp, fast, and just when you think it’s peaked in outrageousness, it throws in another upside down loop. Fans of thrill rides will be tickled pink, but for those who prefer to stick closer to the ground, this ride might be a bit too daring.

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

Mark Horning

If you like to laugh and do not mind a barrage of naughty words and are paying attention to the current political climate (which is stormy at best) then you will love this show. It’s a fast moving romp of behind the scenes of the most powerful office in the world and what people have to deal with on a daily basis. Buy a ticket.

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

Chris Howey

When it comes to theatrical farce, we all draw our own lines. How ridiculous is too ridiculous? When does absurdity become overdone and become tiresome? And what is the point where vulgarity tips into juvenile indulgence?

You will have a chance to answer all those questions and more in the excellent Dobama Theatre production of Selina Fillinger's POTUS or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. This all-female creation (playwright, director, and entire cast) goes over the top in so many ways you may develop acrophobia by the final curtain.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Selina Fillinger’s POTUS, or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Sever Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, produced at Dobama Theatre (Nathan Motta, Artistic Director) under the direction of Carrie Williams, is exuberant, fast-paced, outrageous, and poignant.  Incorporating several past US Presidents’ traits, decisions, and scandals, POTUS peels off all the façade and “decorum” of the White House despite their staff’s attempt to keep the “walls of the appearance” intact.  Consisting of a series of short vignettes, the work evokes the feelings of a TV sitcom, introducing different locations—within the White House—and underscoring comedic and physical interactions among the characters.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

 

POTUS (OR BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE

Dobama

October 4-27, 2024

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

Chris Howey

This all-female creation (playwright, director, and entire cast) goes over the top in so many ways you may develop acrophobia by the final curtain. Until then, you will be immersed in creative vulgarity and dagger-like wit wielded by the entire 7-person cast. As for the script, it includes massive doses of the f-word, the b-word, the c-word and any other nasty word with an alphabet letter in front of it. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Selina Fillinger’s POTUS, or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Sever Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, produced at Dobama Theatre (Nathan Motta, Artistic Director) under the direction of Carrie Williams, is exuberant, fast-paced, outrageous, and poignant.  Incorporating several past US Presidents’ traits, decisions, and scandals, POTUS peels off all the façade and “decorum” of the White House despite their staff’s attempt to keep the “walls of the appearance” intact.  Consisting of a series of short vignettes, the work evokes the feelings of a TV sitcom, introducing different locations—within the White House—and underscoring comedic and physical interactions among the characters.

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.

 

Something Clean @ Dobama Theatre

SOMETHING CLEAN

DOBAMA

MARCH 8-30, 2024

DOBAMA.ORG or 216-321-2930

Roy Berko

Combine the fine writing by Selina Fillinger, with the focused directing of Shannon Sindelar, add in the excellent technical aspects of the Dobama staff, and three finely-etched realistic portrayals, and the result is a superb evening of must-see theatre.

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

What happens when undeserved blame is showered on the innocent? This play, ripped right out of the pages of the nation’s newspapers and social media feeds tells the unabashed story of a family in crisis and their manner of coping. You will feel yourself drawn in as the story unfolds and rooting for maybe not so much a happy ending but a fair one. See this show.      

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey'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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
We rarely take a glimpse of the (inside of) the lives of those who are involved with sexual assault cases beyond the media coverage. Thus, the play gives a fresh and intriguing internal “story” about the assaulter's family and what they have gone through. So the play is extremely moving, making the audience feel for the parents of Kai  (never on stage), who is scheduled to be released within a week. Derdriu Ring’s Charlotte—the mother of Kai—exquisitely portrays the woman/mother/wife—who forever keeps “why my son ended up raping a girl?”

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.

 

LITTLE WOMEN

LITTLE WOMEN

DOBAMA

December 1-31, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org/ 

Roy Berko

At this time of holiday, yet living in a world of stress and strife, it is nice to be able to go back in time and relive one of the English language’s epic tales.  The Dobama production nicely develops Louisa May Alcott’s sappy, but well-intentioned picture of life in a by-gone era, where melodrama ruled in literature.

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

Sheri Gross

As the chill of winter begins to set in, there is nothing cozier than curling up with a good book. But if you are someone who also has the itch to make plans on the weekend, you can achieve both of those things by making a trip to Dobama Theater and cozying up to the adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women.” 

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

Mark Horning

While not perfect, this show takes us back to a gentler but to some degree highly sacrinated time where drama held sway over substance. It is a pleasant painting of a simple by-gone era. Like a hot cup of tea next to a fire on a winter’s eve it warms the soul and creates a feeling of well being. Savor the moment.   

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

Chris Howey

The latest iteration of Little Women—now at Dobama Theatre as adapted by Heather Chrisler—lights up the stage with four characterizations of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth that are so sharp you could use them to field dress a musk ox. 

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

Kate Klotzbach

If you’re looking for a touching tale that is huge on whimsy, adventure, and family, then the stage adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN written by Heather Chrisler and directed by Melissa Crum is the perfect warm-fuzzy for you this December. This smartly-directed gem is full of feel-good fun and all of the emotions of growing up.

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

MAKE BELIEVE @ Dobama

MAKE BELIEVE

Dobama

October 6-29, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org

Roy Berko

MAKE BELIEVE is play with a compelling premise, especially in this era of multi-dysfunctional families and days and nights of angst.  With some careful cutting, and some extra-time spent working with the younger members of the cast, based on comments of reviews of other productions of this script, this may have been an exceptional experience.  As is, the production makes for a thought-provoking evening with some lacking qualities.

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

Sheri Gross

Dobama Theater kicks off its season with Bess Wohl’s ambitious and complex play “Make Believe,” a drama that explores how childhood trauma can have long lasting effects, even into adulthood. The first part of the play is set in the 1980s in an attic playroom fully stocked with plenty of toys to keep any child happy and occupied for hours on end. Sadly, the children playing in this attic are not very happy, and unfortunately, the script does not successfully keep us occupied.

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

Mark Horning

This is a work that you must steel yourself beforehand in order to appreciate it to its fullest. As advertised, it is an adult play with language and themes that for some may be a bit too much but for others an opener of conversations with their significant others. You decide.

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

Chris Howey

Ultimately, Wohl's title for this overwritten play is all too accurate. It does indeed feel like "make-believe," as in a story that lacks the snap, surprise and stakes of real life. 

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

WHAT WE LOOK LIKE @ Dobama

WHAT WE LOOK LIKE

Dobama Theatre

APRIL 21-MAY 14, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org

Roy Berko

Often with plays of new playwrights, over-complicated plots, over-done premises, and the need for extensive cutting waters down the effect of the premise.  This is the case with WHAT WE LOOK LIKE.  The Dobama staging, under the direction of Darius J. Stubbs, does an adequate job of creating as good a production as possible with the often unfocused and overly-long script.

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

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

First off, this show is very believable. Reactions from the mixed audience attested to that fact. While some parts are extremely funny and approaching poignant it is a show trying to do too much with too much time on its hands. A bit of sanding down, editing of redundant scenes and toning down on the emotions would make this a much better vehicle...but it is still worth seeing.

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

Chris Howey

It would be accurate to say that What We Look Like is not a bad play. But it is a play that doesn't realize how good it would be if it were edited with vigor and staged with more verve.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

THE OTHER PLACE @ Dobama

THE OTHER PLACE

DOBAMA

March 10-Apri 2, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org

 

Roy Berko

If you are a comedy and/or a musical theater junky who is reluctant to see a “serious” play, make an exception and get thee to Dobama to experience an important and well-written script, experience a well-conceived production, with an award-winning performance.  THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY MUST-SEE PRODUCTION!

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

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

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

While an excellent production, this show is not for everyone. In concern for the subject matter, loud yelling, profanity and intensity those of a more gentle nature may wish to pass on this production. However, you who love riding hyper-intense roller coasters, this production is right up your alley. Strap in and hang on because you are in for the wildest ninety minute ride of your life. 

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

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

THE THIN PLACE @ D0BAMA

THE THIN PLACE

October 7-30, 2022

216-932-3396

Roy Berko

THE THIN PLACE is a disappointing script that gets a better-than- deserved production at Dobama. If you are a true theater- buff and like trying to figure out if an author has an intent and purpose, while observing good performances, this may be a show for you.

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

Sheri Gross

THE THIN PLACE attempts to conjure the feelings of a Saturday night sleepover with a Oujia board in a more serious and contemplative vein.  And it succeeds most of the time.

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

Mark Horning

This is in essence a 90 minute intermission free ghost story designed to make one think. What really awaits us in The Thin Place? As the play comes to it’s rather perturbing ending we find the audience waiting for the other shoe to drop only to find it hanging in suspension. Everyone who witnesses this production will spend much time afterwards discussing this work. Boo!

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

Chris Howey

"The Thin Place" is an elaborate ghost story, one that might succeed in making you gasp out loud—and that will be plenty satisfying for some. But there are many unexplored ideas and unresolved relationships left unattended—so many that it makes this theatrical experience a lot thinner, bordering on anorexic.

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

Kate Klotzbach

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

DANCE NATION @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

 Though the Dobama production is well conceived, the language, over-wrought angst and dramatic structure render is probably not a play for everyone.  It’s worth going to observe the talented cast.

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


Mark Horning

This show can be described as a bumpy ride at best. Between scenes of high intensity the pace shifts down to nearly a crawl then ramps back up for more intense high jinks. Fans of Roller Coasters will love it. In a word...it is a fierce 100 minutes of non-stop theater.

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

Andrea Simakis

The production exerts the power of a spell, able to strip away the year, taking you back to when you were 13 and thought you'd die if the thing you want more the anything isn't happen.

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

SKELETON CREW @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through February 16, 2020

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Mark Horning

This is no Pollyanna rainbows and ribbons production but a stark dose of reality about the decline of America’s manufacturing might as portrayed by the survivors who held on until the last. In spite of the grim details there is still a faint breath of hope in the end.

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

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


Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THE OLD MAN AND THE MOON @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through January 5, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Dobama’s “OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON” creates a world which will enchant many and confound others.  In order to truly participate in the experience, you must combine your inner curious child and let loose of your inhibitions and expectations of the format for traditional theater.  It’s worth seeing if just to immerse yourself in experiencing what “non-traditional” theatre can be, realizing that this is not theater for everyone, especially children.

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


Mark Horning

With a rambling story line and bit confusing conclusion this extended version of the original production could use a bit of red penciling to trim off some of the fat. An earlier start time would also draw in more parents with children.

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

Andrea Simakis

Dobama Theatre’s ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’ takes aim at family-friendly magic, but misses the mark

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

WAKEY WAKEY @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Will Eno’s “Wakey, Wakey” is a heartfelt look at the end of life which invites the audience to be psychologically present while the emotional tale masterfully plays itself out.  Justifiably, there is no curtain call.  Who applauds a eulogy?

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

Mark Horning

This powerfully concentrated work is bound to elicit a cornucopia of reactions from each show’s collection of audience members. Some will understand while others will leave with “WTF?” on their lips and still others will think that they have gone through a drug free acid trip. No matter what the response, everyone who sees this show will be changed in some way. This is the distilled essence of good theater.

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

STUPID FUCKING BIRD @ Dobama

  September 6-29, 2019

  216-932-3396 

or http://www.dobama.org

Roy Berko

As a person present at the very start of Dobama, I would say that Donald Bianchi, the theatre’s founder, would approve and be delighted that “his” theatre is still fulfilling “his” dream by producing the wondrous likes of “Stupid Fucking Bird.”  Kudos to the director, technicians and actors for launching this glorious flight.

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

Mark Horning

For those in the legions of theater goers in the Cleveland area who like stark and conflictatory in your face theater this little gem is a must see “Site Specific Performance Event” that will have you attempting to wrestle with inner questions of your own. See it with someone whom you love to argue with for an interesting ride home.

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

Andrea Simakis

After seeing the Dobama Theatre production of "Supid f---ing Bird," Aron Posner's "sort of"adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull," it'll be hard to sit through the real McCoy again.  It just won't be as fun.

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

33 1/3 @ Dobama

Through July 14, 2019

216-932-3396
 or http://www.dobama.org/

                                                              

Bob Abelman

In Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners “Private Lives,” music plays a crucial role when the brilliant dialogue cannot carry all the emotional weight of the storytelling.  So much so that one of the characters casually remarks: “Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.”

This sentiment drives Jay Turvey and Paul Sportelli’s new musical “33 1/3,” which re-imagines the jukebox musical so that pop music becomes the subject matter and not the accompanying score.  And it does so with endearing sentimentality, a subtle sense of humor, and a remarkable delicacy that draws the audience into its nostalgic world and keeps us there in a gentle embrace.

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

“33 1/3,” in its world premiere at Dobama, is a work in progress.  It will be interesting to see what, if any changes the authors make as the piece moves forward.  You might want to see it here, so you can say “I saw it in its infancy.” 

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

Mark Horning

All shows during their evolution have needed shortening, the inserting of a block buster song as well as a song to illustrate the main character’s desires. This is what this show could use. While this staging is “nice” it needs more biting comedy, a stronger story and a hit song or two all in a shortened time frame. 

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

THIS @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through May 26, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama finds the truth in ‘This,’ an engaging play about loss.

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

Melissa James Gibson’s “This” is a realistic presentation of existence and the stumbles and needed adjustments that must be made as life progresses.  It gets a fine production at Dobama and is well-worth the 90-minutes sit.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Bits of comic relief bubble to the surface from time to time to give counter point to the harsh reality of mid-life survival as the under-noticed middle-agers of the world get some well deserved time under the lights. Well crafted, thoughtful and carefully written this play will give you pause to think about life, death your place in the universe and how it is the little things that make or break a relationship.

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

Andrea Simakis

In the end laughs outweigh the flab.  Ah well, no marriages--and very few plays--are perfect.

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

THE NETHER @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 31, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

The prolonged, ear-splitting sound of cicadas during “Appropriate.” The spooky Civil War-era house with its creepy dead-eyed doll collection in “John.”  The political and profane provocation that is “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.”  Dobama Theatre seems to be daring an audience to attend its productions.  This is particularly so in its current staging of Jennifer Haley’s “The Nether.” 

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

“The Nether” is a thought-provoking, disturbing script which gets a fine production.  It is not for those who go to the theater to escape from the real world, but for those who wish to probe into ideas and are willing to look for the consequences of the decisions we make, whether they be in real life or a fantasy world.  

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

Mark Horning

This is a dark play that deals in subject matter of the most horrendous nature. For those who enjoy roller coasters and scary movies you will be intrigued, especially by the numerous plot twists at the conclusion. If you are overly sensitive to the depicted subject matter you will probably leave prior to the end of the intermission-less ninety minutes which would be a mistake. See this show if you dare!

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

Andrea Simakis

“The Nether” is a showcase of terrific performances and ideas worth exploring: We destroy the home we have, in the hopes of a better life online -- or off-world, à la Elon Musk’s plans to move to Mars -- at our peril. But like the Web that inspired it, it’s missing the warmth of a human touch.

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

REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN. @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through February 17, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s anarchic ‘Revolt’ a reminder that theater can and should shock.

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

Maybe the clue to gaining some concept of ““Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again,” is to look at the hundreds of shoes that totally surround the three-sided thrust Dobama stage, and realize that they are all different styles, sizes and colors, and accept that they, like the words of the script, are a clue to the chaos of our era, and though some may fit some, they will not fit all, and though some may serve one purpose, they each may fit another.  As such, the play, or any one pair of shoes, each is not for everyone!

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

Mark Horning

Disturbing! Visual! Loud! This play fully captures all of the unleashed pent-up fury of being a woman in the 21^st century. Should men attend? Hell yes! Should couples attend? Hell yes! Bring the kids? Hell no! Just be warned that you are in for a jarring experience much akin to your first exposure to Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9 (1979) and Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues (1996). It is the type of theater that can bring empires down. 

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

Andrea Simakis

But, my sisters, there is a fine line between a play that is naughty rude, and even anarchic--all traits I admire--and one that is often annoying.  That explains why I left the show not pumping my fist, electrified by the challenging, transgressive theater I'd just seen, but deflated and confused.

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

ELLA ENCHANTD THE MUSICAL @ Dobama

November 30-December 30, 2018
216-932-3396 or http://www.dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s ‘Ella Enchanted’ brims with bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.

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

In spite of getting a fine production, “Ella Enchanted, The Musical” fails to be everything it should.  Too bad.  It’s the “fa la la la la” time of year and a better red-bow theatrical present would have been nice.  

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


Kerry Clawson


At least in the first act, “Ella Enchanted” feels a lot more like a play with music than the full-fledged musical it’s billed to be. The show by playwright Karen Zacarias, in its regional premiere at Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights, receives a beautiful presentation despite its shortcomings as a musical.


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


Mark Horning

The real fall short factor of the show is its length. It is a one hour tale stretched over two hours. For some this will not be a problem. Although it was mostly adults in attendance this really is a show to bring the young children to. They will appreciate the Disney-esque music, story and puppets far more than the adults if the youngsters are willing to sit still for the duration.

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

Christine Howey

This is an extremely slick and professional production on the surface, and the acting is certainly more than satisfactory. But a story that could have been told neatly and simply in an hour or so has been padded out, and the stuffing begins to leak out by the end.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

For those of us with no impressionable darlings in tow there's less reason to be there  The gags are broad, the songs pleasant and instantly forgettable.

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

JOHN @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 11, 2018

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

It’s red herring season in Annie Baker’s ‘John.’

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

In spite of several outstanding performances, Dobama’s “John” is overly long and too slowly paced.  The author misses the opportunity to develop the potential of the core concepts of the tale.  It is worth the long sit, however, to experience the astounding five-minute between acts monologue by Dorothy Silver!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

While the acting is superb, the meandering story line goes out of its way to avoid any hint of mystery or ghostly approbations. It is 168 minutes (with two ten minute intermissions) of tepid suspense that leads you to wonder what all the fuss was about. 

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

Christine Howey

As the play enters its fourth hour (there are two intermissions), one wonders if all this could be handled in a less time-consuming manner. But under the sensitive direction of Nathan Motta, John glistens most brightly in the silences carved out by these talented actors.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

You’re sure to reach the end knowing more, thinking more, feeling something more, than when you started. [Dorothy] Silver’s monologue detailing how she lost her mind... is so funny, disquieting and riveting that when she completes it, you feel as though she has just released you from a spell... Silver delivers what amounts to a mini “King Lear.” That’s how it hit me, days later – as if the entirety of that work had been boiled down to a three-page monologue, performed by a woman.

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