A Christmas Carol @ Great Lakes Theater

Through December 23, 2022

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Mark Horning

This is the kind of show that is a touchstone tradition for many Cleveland families and with good reason. Each season it seems just as fresh as it can be. Many in the audience will find themselves with something in their eye. Don’t be a Scrooge, come join the fun!

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

THE MUSIC MAN @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 10, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

“The Music Man” is an apple pie, All American, feel good musical which gets a fresh, dynamic and engaging production at GLT under the creative direction of Victoria Bussert.

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

Howard Gollop

As is the case with all Great Lakes Theater productions, this "Music Man" is shared with the co-producing Idaho Shakespeare Festival, where all performances are staged in an undoubtably cavernous outdoor amphitheater.  That may be why this otherwise ernest production at the comparatively intimate Hanna Theatre (with the orchestra hidden under a stage that extends into the audience) comes across as way too broad -- and even strident at times. It's a big brass band of a show marching through a living room, and it's a missed opportunity to mine a bit of nuance in a high-school/community theater warhorse.

Mark Horning

Nothing beats a well conceived and executed live performance of this classic Broadway musical and Great Lakes Theater does an extraordinary job. The casting is perfect, the music stirring and the acting superb. Come witness Broadway magic in the intimate Hanna Theatre.

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

Laura Kennelly

How many ways to say “wonderful?” Meredith Willson’s beloved classic, "The Music Man," now at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre inspires a search for fresh adjectives to describe this lively look at small town life in 1912. Director Victoria Bussert and her cohorts make every minute engaging, from overture to triumphant finale.

The Music Man won Best Musical at the 1957 Tony Awards. In the right hands (and this Great Lakes production is), it’s still easy to see why: terrific score, romantic storyline, and engaging, loveable characters (even the villains turn loveable despite their villainy). It’s just fun to imagine living in 1912 River City, Iowa (at least in the Disneyfied version of Willson’s River City we see here).

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland or her blog at artstillmatters.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through December 23, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Mark Horning

This is a show that is a must see for the entire family and should be a part of a yearly holiday tradition for all residents of Northeast Ohio. If you have never seen the show or have not seen it recently you owe yourself this holiday treat. It is one of those productions that no matter how many times you view it you still find yourself laughing and crying at the same time. 

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

BEEHIVE @ Great Lakes Theater

May 4-20, 2018

216-664-6064 
or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

‘Beehive’ at Great Lakes Theater all honey and no sting.

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

 www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

Go tap your feet, hark back to those “olden” days when life had a different level of angst, hum or sing along with the talented young ladies, and be educated in the way that theater represents the era from which it comes.  In this case, the musical 60s.

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

Howard Gollop

A strange featherweight offering for a classic theater company like Great Lakes Theater, “Beehive” is not particularly profound and certainly not new. But infatuation with mid-century Americana has not waned and neither has the adoration of the music of female pop from the 1960s -- from Leslie Gore to Janis Joplin. Ironically, what’s missing from Great Lakes Theater’s “Beehive” are, well beehives, the infamous lacquered, teased-out hairstyle that could never bee too high or too wide. Esther M. Haberlen’s costumes (and presumably wigs) are beautiful, but, ironically, too detailed and subtle for the broad visual strokes a show like this needs -- especially since the stage is so bare. Fortunately there’s no way to minimize the over-the-top vision of Tina Turner or the Supremes, and those moments when these icons comes to life, the entire production comes back to life as well.

Mark Horning

If you want to take a whirlwind musical journey of the 50s, 60s and 70s Beehive is just the ticket. Six extremely talented females take to the stage to relive the classic sounds of the girl groups and solo artists of this bygone era. This is must see musical.

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

Christine Howey
 

As talented as the kids from BW can be, you’d think GLT could find some quirky end-of-the-season show that could employ their stable of talented and experienced professional actors.  That would be a treat. And we could let Larry Gallagher get back to setting up banjo act gigs in Altoona.

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

Laura Kennelly

But Beehive belongs to the Queen Bees — the six dynamic young women who breathed life into the featured golden oldies. When the show began they were decked out in pastel dresses with full skirts, but by the time the show was over, the fluffy petticoats were ditched, and glitz and sexy looks dominated. Alternating ensemble and solo songs showed talent galore. Adrianna Cleveland, Annalise Griswold, Shelby Griswold, Christiana Perrault, Camille Robinson and Hannah-Jo Weisberg kept us dazzled with their conviction, talent, and energy (They didn’t let it show, but it sure seemed like a workout from where I sat).

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

Andrea Simakis

"Beehive" blows a tire when it sells itself s a journey of women's empowerment, moving from those innocent days to Aqua Net and "Beach Blanket Bingo" to the woke age of Woodstock and Women's lib.   I wish they and the artists behind the scenes--had been given better material.  Something equal to their talents--and to our attention.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

HAMLET@ Great Lakes Theater

 

March 31-April 15, 2017
Tickets:  216-664-6064 or wwwgreatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

By featuring male and female twins in “The Comedy of Errors” and “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare capitalized on the humor that comes from mistaken identity and the provocation found in issues grounded in gender roles and social politics. 

By double-casting the title character in “Hamlet” with a male and a female  actor in alternating performances, the only thing Great Lakes Theater director Charlie Fee meant to capitalize on was his deep and diverse talent pool of performers.   

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

Roy Berko

The preview performance of “Hamlet” grabbed and held the audience’s attention.  Laura Welsh Berg was convincing and gave a “different” dimension to the role of the Prince of Denmark.  Though Shakespeare traditionalists may scream “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (GLT), others who see the “female” version of the play should leave saying, “Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” 

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

Mark Horning

One thing is for certain, whichever performance you choose to see, be it Hamlet portrayed by a man or a woman, you will be witnessing one of Great Lakes Theater’s finer productions and a premiere adaptation of a great and noble work. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Happily, the production delivers the jolts and jibes we've come to expect of what is arguably Shakespeare's most famous play.

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

THE FANTASTICKS @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

May 13 through 29, 2016

216-664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

The Fantasticks’ delicate theatricality captured in GLT production.

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

Roy Berko

THE FANTASTICKS is a charming show with a fine score which has a meaningful message.  It is a script which looks easy to direct and stage, but its depth is deceiving.  The Great Lakes Theater’s production should be well received by audiences.

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

Mark Horning

While one of the most oft staged and seen shows, this Great Lakes Theater production is a sheer delight of great singing, dancing, comedy, romance and heart.  This is the feel good show you’ll want to take everyone to see…maybe twice.  A truly great production. 

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

Christine Howey

All in all, The Fantasticks is a wonderful play, and any chance to see it is a treat. Even with some glitches.

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

Andrea Simakis

And it is fantastic.

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

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through April 24, 2016

216-664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

In her program notes for Great Lakes Theater’s current production of “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” director Tyne Rafaeli calls the play “a polyphonic explosion – a feast of style and language.”  An explosion it is, but the writing is more smorgasbord than feast.  

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

Roy Berko

LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST is a lesser Shakespearian comedy.  It gets an over-the-top farcical production under the direction of Tyne Rafaeli.  The liking or disliking of the show is going to depend on your reaction to lots and lots of shticks and gimmicks replacing letting the script speak for itself.  The opening night audience seems to have been evenly split…many stood and cheered at the final blackout, others sat politely clapping or silently looking on. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Forget the Shakespearian experience you had in High School.  An evening of the Bard as produced by Great Lakes Theatre is easily understood and appreciated.  In this production in particular you will find yourself caught up in the story as you try to predict the ending during the intermission. (Spoiler Alert: Don’t read the program notes.)

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

Christine Howey

In this Great Lakes Theater production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, a play filled with heightened language and topical references, it’s pretty easy for many details of the story to get lost. To remedy that, director Tyne Rafaeli has turned the whole thing into a fairly non-stop game of Chutes and Ladders. And much of it is diverting while not exactly serving the play’s story and theme.

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

Andrea Simakis

Rafaeli [director Tyne Rafaeli] has delivered one of the smartest, freshest interpretations of Shakespeare at Great Lakes Theatre in years.

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

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

February 26 through March 20, 2016

216-664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

It is a long-standing theater tradition that those who attend an Agatha Christie murder mystery must never expose its secrets to those who will be attending it next.  This tradition ends here, for this review will divulge – against better judgement and the expressed wishes of the theater’s artistic director – precisely whodunit .  

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

Roy Berko

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is a typical Agatha Christie mystery, filled with plot twists and turns.  It receives a very competent, if not compelling production at Great Lakes Theater.  It is a staging worth seeing for those who are novices to the world of Christie or want to activate their “who done it” prowess and figure out the “villain” based on the new ending to the script.

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

Mark Horning

Combining a magnificent set with superb costuming and impeccable acting makes this the must see production of the season for fans of gripping crime dramas.  Be forewarned that the theme of murder and violent death (combined with a truly shocking and graphic ending) may be too intense for some.

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

Christine Howey

If you'd like to take a delicious bite of something really corny right about now, open wide and devour And Then There Were None, now presented by Great Lakes Theater.

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

Art Thomas

Great Lakes Theater continues to "reimagine the classics" with this Agatha Christie piece in which the original bleak ending provides additional thrills to those who "remember the movie" or the play in its multiple incarnations. Directed by Charles Fee, the cast act as stylized as the set shouting from the play's start and getting louder as they are bumped off one-by-one. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

November 28 through December 23, 2015

216-664-6064 

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

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 blog.

Christine Howey
No review yet.
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

David Ritchey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

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

Art Thomas
No review yet.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

KING LEAR@GREAT LAKES THEATER

October 2 through November 1, 2015

216-664-6064 

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

As he emerges from prison carrying Cordelia’s body, Lear howls in despair ranting, “heaven’s vault should crack” because of his daughter’s death. It does not, and are we left with no answers.  It is this lack of unexplained horror that makes KING LEAR such a powerful, maybe even excruciating play, and a classic example of Shakespeare at his finest.  Joseph Hanreddy, his cast and crew make this a fine GLT offering. 

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

Christine Howey

There is much to admire in this staging of King Lear by Great Lakes Theater, including some incisive performances under the direction of Joseph Hanreddy and a scenic design that falls into a state of decrepitude right alongside the King's. 

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

Andrea Simakis

There is a "Man Max" quality to the electrifying Great Lakes Theater production of "King Lear" at the Hanna Theatre, a grungy, post-apocalyptic feel that is only heightened as the play speeds toward its dark denouement like a killer meteor hutrling to Earth.

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

Art Thomas

The straightforward story of Lear's descent into madness is clear in this iteration which is surprisingly traditional despite the contemporary costuming. The production has a lot of bells and whistles, making it probably the nosiest production of "Lear" you will ever see. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

THE SECRET GARDEN@GREAT LAKES THEATER

September 25 through October 31, 2015

216-664-6064 

or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

The tears start welling up right about the time the pale apparition of Lily Craven makes her entrance early in Great Lakes Theater’s absolutely gorgeous telling of “The Secret Garden.”  They’re welling up still.   

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

Roy Berko

Victoria Bussert, her technical crew and the cast join their skills 

to make the Great Lakes production of THE SECRET GARDEN a very special theatrical offering.  This is a show that deserves the standing ovation that it should get after each performance.  Bravo!

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

Mark Horning 

It can be a real challenge putting on a show as well known and as well liked as The Secret Garden especially as a musical but Great Lakes Theater pulls it off with aplomb.  The singing is magnificent, the costumes breathtaking and the easy to follow moral tale of loss and redemption rings clear as the wonderful voices of the cast.  Take the entire family to see this one (if you can get tickets).  This is a spectacular way to start the GLT season. 

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

Howard Gollup

Let’s just get this out of the way: “The Secret Garden” is majestic, magical, meaningful and melodious as superbly rendered by the Great Lakes Theater company at the Hanna Theatre on Playhouse Square.   The concept by librettist and lyricist Marsha Norman is to move the original work well beyond a Shirley Temple movie. 

Christine Howey

While the material itself can get on some nerves, the performances under the direction of Bussert are blameless. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Witnessing such a moment teaches that sometimes live theatre can offer the very gift Mary gave her family--a cure for soul sickness, a spiritual lift that banishes grief, if only for two transporting hours.

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

Art Thomas

I'm not a fan of this show, but you'll never have to see another production of  it after experiencing the spot on cast who carry off the music with  boundless energy. Opening with death by cholera and ending with floral theatrical drops, "The Secret Garden" is less typical than most and refreshing in its musical innovations.
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

The Tempest @ Great Lakes Theater

Through April 26, 2015

Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14^th St., , 216-241-6000 

Bob Abelman

High concept seems low-budget in Great Lakes’ "The Tempest."

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

THE TEMPEST, reported to be Shakespeare’s last solo dramatic writing, is not one of the Bard’s great plays, but there is enough fantasy and intrigue to allow for a pleasant evening of theater.  The GLT production does justice to the script.

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

Mark Horning

While the acting itself for the most part is superb, Great Lake Theater’s production of “The Tempest” is too convoluted to be understood by a first time audience member. Distractions ranging from costuming, set design and continuity make it difficult to follow. It is the Bard’s last work and not his best and neither is the Great Lakes Theater rendition their best as well.

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

Christine Howey

Give credit to GLT for trying something new in this interpretation of The Tempest. But when the story gets camouflaged in a torrent of design flourishes and jarring tonal switchbacks, the audience has to work even harder to find Will’s real magic.

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

Art Thomas
  
"Reimagining the classics" has gone a bit too far in this production where the story becomes lost in the sometimes intriguing, sometimes bizarre production concept. Prospero's "cell" is a huge magic box right out of David Copperfield's Magic where spoken of people, props, and events appear. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

Dial "M" for Murder @ Great Lakes Theater

Through March 22, 2015

Hanna Theater, 2067 E. 14^th St., , 216-241-6000

Bob Abelman

The biggest mystery in this classic psychological thriller is what the good folks at Great Lakes Theater have in store to keep the plot twists camouflaged, make the abrupt turns sufficiently disorienting, and serve up Tony’s  pathology in a fresh and interesting way. As it turns out, what they have in store is not nearly enough.  

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

Roy Berko
 
Great Lakes production of DIAL “M” FOR MURDER makes for a wonderful escapist evening of theatre.  Anyone liking murder mysteries, good acting, and good staging will enjoy this production.  As to the theatre’s evolving pattern of staging a mystery each season, as long as they continue in the vein of their DEATHTRAP, MOUSETRAP, and DIAL “M,” let’s have some more!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Dial M for Murder is a surprising disappointment from what many consider the gold standard of classic theater in Cleveland.  In theater, the two most difficult genres to pull off are comedy and mystery.  In both, timing is everything.  In this slouthfest time seems to stand still.  Hopefully some of the bugs can be worked out as the performances continue.

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


Andrea Simakis

Great Lakes Theater's 'Dial "M" for Murder' gleams, but there's too little life beneath the surface sheen.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas

The script and music are solidly rooted in the 1950's but Charlie Fee's production has nods to this decade. The result is a show that is relevant to the technology savvy denizens of the 21st century. Imagine, young people will learn about the archaic phones with dials! This is a handsome and well conceived production. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

LES MISERABLES @ Great Lakes Theater

October 3-November 9, 2014

216-664-6064 or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Is there a person left on earth who has not yet heard the people sing, singing the song of angry men?   “Les Misérables” has played over 48,000 professional performances and reached over 70 million people in over 40 countries, including two U.S. national tours that swept through Cleveland in 2011 and again in 2013. The question is not who has not yet heard the people sing; the question is whether it is worth hearing again in its current incarnation by Great Lakes Theater.  The answer is yes. Yes it is.

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

Roy Berko
 
Director Victoria Bussert and her production team fashioned  a marvelous and impressive “Les Misérables.” Besides the quality of staging, it’s worth seeing the show, to experience Stephen Mitchell Brown’s ownership of the difficult role of Jean Valjean. The GLT production is an absolutely must see!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Stephen Mitchell Brown is on fire as Jean Valjean in Great Lakes Theater’s production of 'Les Misérables', which captivatingly brings to life the epic sweep of Victor Hugo’s 1862 tale of the downtrodden and unjustly treated.


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

Howard Gollop

As recent productions of the 34-year-old-musical have proved, less is more — but not too much less.
... Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the huge cast (by regional-theater standards) is exceptionally good — rising to the occasion of star turns and ensemble synergy.

Mark Horning

This epic big stage production still packs a mighty punch even when done in a smaller venue.  Emotions run high as audience members realize that they are being witness to Cleveland Theater history.  Word of mouth will surely have this show become a sellout throughout its run.  It is great beyond description.  This is theater that will change you for the better.  See it!

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

Art Thomas
 
The intimate setting of the Hanna Theatre puts the emotions of the passion driven characters right into the laps of the audience as they sing and talk to you. Combine that dynamic with a first rate cast and high production values. This is my favorite production of "Les Mis" and I've seen five.
 And GLT has finally solved the sound issues of past musicals in the space. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR @ Great Lake Theatre

September 26-November 2, 2014

216-664-6064 or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko
 
Opening night audience reactions to “The Merry Wives of Windsor” varied greatly.  Many of the spectators generally sat in stony silence, not even giving the show the traditional Cleveland standing ovation.  A group in the theatre’s rear section laughed constantly and stood at the curtain call.  A fellow reviewer left at intermission stating, “I’ve never walked out of a show before!” Me?  Though there were some very entertaining segments, this was not one of my favorite evenings of Shakespeare.

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

Howard Gollop

The correlations between this bizarrely updated milieu contrived by director Tracy Young and whatever it was that Shakespeare had in mind are thin at best. The audience is left bereft of any context, responding only to the most superficial of stage antics drummed up by the reasonably talented but desperate cast.

Mark Horning

If you have never seen a Shakespearean play (especially one done by Great Lakes Theater) you simply must see The Merry Wives of Windsor.  It is literally a laugh riot throughout with easy to understand dialog and situations.  Get your tickets early for this is sure to be a sellout.

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

Christine Howey 

For silly stuff to work on stage, it has to have sharp and genuine wit, which is on display in plays such as Spamalot, Urinetown, and Avenue Q. Otherwise, it’s just a collection of old jokes lashed together loosely with mugging and forced gaiety. It's the "try to do something funny here" school of acting.

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

Andrea Simakis
 
Whatever the conceit, Young delivers a Shakespeare that travels at whiz-bang speed powered by pop culture riffs, broad physical comedy and modern slang. Purists might cringe, but "The Merry Wives" is hardly a sacrosanct masterpiece – legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I loved the character of Falstaff so much that she ordered the playwright to whip up another play featuring the chubby charmer in a mere 14 days.

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


Art Thomas
It's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" but it's not Shakespeare. That's fine, but in such a reworking, one would expect half of the changes to make the play more accessible or funny. Here, gross accents obscure meaning, and there are few laughs in the show's first hour. Production concepts are clever but sadly are an experiment with "no reaction".  
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife