Long Day's Journey Into Night @ Ensemble Theatre

Through February 22, 2026

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

 

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

One of the great advantages of great theater is that it illustrates situations that many of us would wish to turn away from but cannot. In this case the entire Tyrone family puts the “fun” in “dysfunctional” to the point where witnesses (audience members) feel the urge to step in and do an intervention on the entire family. It is well worth the time investment that this show requires.

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.

 

Proof @ Ensemble Theatre

Through November 16, 2025

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/ 

(216) 321-2930

 

Mark Horning

This production is a perfect example of pure theater with real people dealing with real circumstances in a real environment. Theater and math geeks will totally relate and the rest of us will be totally entertained as we escape the world for a few short couple of hours. Well worth the walk from the JCU parking lot (there is also a cart available). Do the math.

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

Heisenberg @ Ensemble Theatre

Through May 23, 2025

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Ensemble Theatre production’s Heisenberg, written by Simon Stephens and directed by Tom Fulton, introduces the audience to a new look at an encounter–which can be called a more positive and lighter version of Albee’s Zoo Story. Yet, throughout the 90-minute performance, the two characters—Georgie Burns and Alex Priest—exist somewhere between the theatre of the absurd and the “romantic comedy.”

Fulton, working with scenic designer Ian Hinz, created a simple stage featuring several black blocks and a bench, accompanied by the scarlet curtain backdrop. Hinz also designed lighting and used sectional illumination to heighten a surreptitious and timeless atmosphere. Though it could be set in any year, the “year”—according to several lines—is wondrously specific, in 2014, the year the playwright was writing this play. Locales are London and New Jersey, though they are embodied through Stephens’s lines.

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

THE PROSPECT OF EQUALITY

THE PROSPECT OF HUMANITY

ENSEMBLE THEATRE

MAY 24-JUNE 9, 2024

216-321-2930 OR WWW.ENSEMBLETHEATRECLE.ORG

Roy Berko

Though the script could use a little more dramatic tension, and possibly some additional humor, and the staging would be aided by eliminating the excessive movement of furniture to create different settings, the general quality of the writing and the acting excellence makes for an evening of highly satisfying theatre and added appreciation and admiration for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman who optimizes the phrase, “A life well lived!”  See this!

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

"It is easy to understand why Zake would fall in playwright-love with this woman and do everything in her power to convey how extraordinary a person she was. Unfortunately, the result in this case is a less-than-compelling piece of theater."

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

So many things have gone backward in the past 8 years, destroying many laws that RBG spearheaded to change and introduce. Two RBGs in this play are confident that generations to follow will pick up the mission and jobs they could not finish. But what if there are strong waves to destroy what they have completed—already many works RBG and other people have fought to build were destroyed.  Zake’s play gives us the energy and hope needed to stay positive in the next five months.

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.

 

Mother Courage and Her Children @ Ensemble Theatre

MOTHER COURAGE

Ensemble

February 9-25, 2024

ensembletheatrecle.org or 216-321-2930

 

Roy Berko

Theatre lovers, rejoice!  At 2 hours and 30 minutes MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN is a long sit, but a well-worth investment of time when realizing that you are seeing one of the epics of Western culture’s theatrical cannon which is getting an impressive staging.

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

To say that this production is not one of my favorites would be an understatement. Perhaps it was an off night. If so, humor me, buy a ticket and see for yourself. For me there was no mother's love.

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

Chris Howey

"Mother Courage illustrates the fragility of human values, the ones we cherish and hold onto in the grim hope they will save us. And this trenchant production reveals them for what they are."

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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Ensemble Theatre’s Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht, translated (adapted) by Tony Kushner with music composition by Duke Special, and directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz and Rebecca Moseley, is a powerful work that addresses multiple issues around war, business, and people. Although the play is set in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), these themes are universal, relevant to “any war, anywhere, at anytime” as the program states. The central character Anna Frierling, Mother Courage, is a middle-aged woman who pushes her wagon with her children, crossing the war-torn fields. They sell what they can sell—pots, pans, schnapps, soups, and sometimes, ammunition—to survive. The play is about survival, “war as a business,” sacrifice, bravery, courage, hypocrisy, and the devastation of human lives. 

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.

 

THE ISLAND @ Ensemble Theatre

Ensemble Theatre @ Notre Dame College 

www.ensembletheatrecle.org 

216-321-2930

 

Roy Berko

THE ISLAND helps to keep the history and human torture of apartheid alive, and like plays, books and films about the Holocaust, keeps the vision, thoughts and memories of those horrible times alive, so that they are never repeated again.  This is an absolutely must-see production!

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

Thousands of men and women were imprisoned on Robben Island (including Nelson Mandela) and this work is a fitting testimony to their grit and their knack to survive and not be oppressed no matter how harsh the conditions. This show is a political statement that needs to be shared over and over again. Come be amazed.

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

Chris Howey

Under the eloquent direction of Sarah May, these two fine actors [Robert Williams & Nnamdi] create a complete world on their almost bare stage. Beyond the specific and telling reference to actual prisons and prisoners, it reminds us that we are all chained together on a little island called the world. 

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.

 

LUNGS

LUNGS

Dobama

September 8-24. 2023

214-321-2930 or www.ensembletheatrcle.org 

Roy Berko

The script, with its strong language and themes, is a thinking person’s play.  This is not a production for those who go to theatre to escape, to be “entertained.”  Many people will not “like” this play.  “To be liked” is not its purpose.  The author wants you to think about the role of communication in a relationship.  To think about the world in which we live.  To think about what “good” people are.  To think, about…maybe even overthink!  The production succeeds in developing the intent and purpose of the author!

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

Sheri Gross

“Lungs” debuted in 2011, and the issues at the center of the story are not only still relevant 22 years later, but they are even more dire. While there are plenty of laughs, it is an intense, and in some ways, exhausting theatrical experience that may not be everyone’s cup of chai, but It is an important piece of theater if it is handled correctly and done well, which speaks directly to this impressive production at Ensemble Theater.

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

Lungs is a smart play that will keep you on your toes, even as you contemplate the vagaries of love, family and our assault on our planet. And it reminds (in case you needed reminding) that things are plenty complicated in this fraught 21st century.

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

 

THE LIGHT @ Ensemble

THE LIGHT

   Ensemble Theatre 

May 26-June 11, 2023

216-321-2930 or www.ensembletheatrecle.org

Roy Berko

Every once in a while a theater-goer is blessed with an emotional and logical experience that lives for a long time in their being.  Such is THE LIGHT, Loy A. Webb’s searing must-see play that is having its Cleveland area premiere at Ensemble Theater.

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

Mark Horning

This is one of those rare theatrical treats that is known as “a complete play” that takes the theater goer on a wild and rambunctious ride while at the same time teaching us a much deeper lesson then we expected to see. Damn! You really must see this play!

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

The River @ Ensemble Theatre

Through March 5, 2023

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

 

Roy Berko

THE RIVER is not a play for everyone.  Go if you love theatre which is well directed and acted; but, as with most absurdist plays, it doesn’t render a solution.  It is a play that, even after you leave, doesn’t let you go.  

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

Mark Horning

There is a certain lilting poetry that runs through the dialogue of this play. To those of Northeast Ohio residency who has ever hooked into a six pound Steelhead on a perfect spring morning you will feel the electricity described. Non-anglers will find an intriguing tale of love and loss. This is definitely one you need to catch.

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

Chris Howey

"(The playwright's) trademark rich language and evocative rhythms all seem wasted in a short (80 minutes) and slight effort that seems to smirk at anyone foolish enough to take it seriously."

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

DESCRIBE THE NIGHT @ Ensemble

DESCRIBE THE NIGHT @ Ensemble

October 28-November 13, 2022 

Notre Dame College--4545 College Road--South Euclid

Roy Berko

This journey of myth, loss, power, and pain leaves a message of how historical facts, rumor and subterfuge tells a story that opens the door to the present day, which evolves from experiences of the past.  Anyone interested in history and philosophy should be captivated by this tale. 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

This Ensemble Theatre production is a thinking man and woman's show that will challenge your intellect. I would suggest asking for a paper program in order to keep track of the various scenes, times and locations as listed on the title page. This is cerebral theater at its best.

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

Chris Howey

Late in the engrossing play "Describe the Night," a character says, “Behold...the black magic marker. The most useful tool in all of communism. There is nothing that cannot be eventually crossed out and changed. This is what we are here to do.” And that is what this script by former Clevelander Rajiv Joseph is doing at Ensemble Theatre. Joseph and director Celeste Cosentino explore the intricate filaments of truth and untruth that composed government rule in the past 100 years, and then subtly asks us to look at our own country and consider the mess we currently confront.

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

CLYBOURNE PARK @ Ensemble Theatre

CLYBOURNE PARK

Ensemble Theatre @ Notre Dame College's Performing Arts Center

September 23-October 9, 2022

216-321-2930 or www.ensembletheatrecle.org 

Roy Berko

Clybourne Park is a unique evening of theater.  The Pulitzer Prize play is well written and relevant.  The production is basically well-conceived by director Celeste Consentino.  This is a go see production.

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

The lack of timeliness doesn't take any of the glow off this production, which is gripping and entertaining throughout. It would be rude to call out each actor individually for their performances since they all blend with such brilliant timing and nuance as they craft indelible individual characters. This is an Ensemble that is a joy to behold.

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.

KINDERTRANSPORT @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Due to the illness of Dorothy Silver the reviews of this show are being held until March 13!

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

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

Howard Gollop
No review yet.

Mark Horning
No review yet.
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.

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

INTIMATE APPAREL @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 16, 2020

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

“Intimate Apparel” is a well-honed script which gets a superior production under the adept direction of Sarah May.  This is a play well-worth seeing!

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

Mark Horning

This is a superbly crafted play populated by actors who really care about the people they portray and have put in long hours and experience to become their various roles. This is a work that regular theater goers will relish and newcomers will have a high bar set for future plays that they will visit.

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

Chris Howey

Director Domingue is a perfect match for this material, employing her effusive energy and proven storytelling skills to create a powerful ensemble performance while attending to the larger themes. To wit: We are all like Shanita, in a way, relying on the steady "background music" of our lives to provide a sense of stability. And when we sense that music is about to waver, or stop completely, it is terrifying. That is why we go on, because there is no other way to keep the music playing.

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

PENELOPIAS @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

“The Penelopiad” is a well-directed and performed play which exposes the audience to the lost art of Greek theater production while telling a contemporary tale of women caught in a man’s world.  It will be of interest to true theater-goers who appreciate quality theatrics.

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

Mark Horning

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest productions to hit Cleveland in quite some time. Although the Greek names remain intact, the contemporary writing style makes this epic work easy to follow. You will find yourself swept along for a wild ride. If you are serious about theater you should seriously consider seeing this wonderful show.

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

BY THE BOG OF CATS @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through September 29, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

Much in the tradition of Brian Friel and James Joyce, “By the Bog of Cats” is one of those Irish angst plays that shares the customs and folkways of the Emerald Isle.  The Ensemble production is nicely conceived, with a master class in performance skills by Derdriu Ring. 

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

Mark Horning

As the audience was leaving the theater, having witnessed an Irish tragedy of epic proportions many were openly crying. This is powerful writing and acting combined with all the needed technical elements that can bring to the surface such strong emotions. This is raw theater in its most elemental form and should not be missed. Be brave and see this play.  

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

WATER BY THE SPOONFUL @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through May 19, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘Water by the Spoonful’ adds gravitas by the tbsp when a tsp would do.

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

Pulitzer Prize winning “Water by the Spoonful” is a thought-provoking play which gives a clear picture of the horrors of addiction, the difficulty of overcoming its grip, and what it is to live with a force controlling you, instead of you controlling it.

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

A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through March 30, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Most people can think of better ways to spend three hours than watching four-acts of Eugene O’Neill’s emotionally wrenching “A Moon for the Misbegotten.”  But those who attend Ensemble Theatre’s astounding production will be glad they chose none of them.

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

A RAISIN IN THE SUN @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 17, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ is a week away from perfection.

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

Mark Horning

As controversy charges the emotions of our nation in regards to 

who “deserves” to live “where” this work is a stern reminder of 

the basic freedoms enjoyed by us all. This is classic theater at its
 
very best and just as hard hitting today as it was 60 years ago. 

Fill the seats for this one!

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

Roy Berko

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a play about the need to keep fighting to make this a more just and free world.  This is a scropt which is meant to counter those who believe that disdain for those who are different is what would “make America great again.”  Ensemble does the script proud.  It is a production very worth seeing!

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

EAST OF EDEN @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through November 11, 2018

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

“‘East of Eden’ surely is the more challenging of the two narratives when it comes to dramatization,” says Frank Galati, who adapted the novel for Steppenworlf Theatre's world premiere production and which services Ensemble Theatre's current staging.  “Its emotional demands are more complicated, internalized, intense.”  Complicated, internalized and intense are exactly what is missing from Ensemble’s production of the play, resulting in a valiant but largely ineffective effort under Ian Wolfgang Hinz’s direction.

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

"East of Eden” is a classic Steinbeck novel which has been adapted into an excellent stage play.  The production, though long, is effective and is a theater piece well-worth seeing!

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

Christine Howey

Ensemble is to be applauded for taking on a show this complicated, which is a big lift for a small theater. It’s the kind of thing they often do well. But this time around, the well’s run a bit dry.

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

ALABAMA STORY @ Ensemble Theatre

September 7-30, 2018
216-321-2910 or www.ensembletheatrecle.org

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘Alabama Story’ strikes a familiar, formidable chord.

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

“Alabama Story,” a well written account of a real life incident is theater at its finest displaying excellent acting, an enveloping script and a technically complementing design. This is an absolutely, must see production!

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

Christine Howey

In all, this is an admirable and well-intentioned effort. But the script by Jones, while sweet and compassionate, is often far too instructive and didactic. It also gets tangled up in unnecessary factoids about Reed’s life and career, unable to shake off the urge to share all the jots and tittles of his Wikipedia research. 

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