IF/THEN @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

January 31-February 16, 2020

440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Roy Berko

IF/THEN has a wonderful score.  Too bad somewhere in the show’s development, the confusing plot and excessive length weren’t dealt with. 

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

Chris Howey

The saving graces in this production are that it is directed by Martin Friedman, a man whose plays always pulse with humanity, and that it stars Sandra Emerick, a woman who knows how to act a song while doing full justice to its musicality. 

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

FREAKY FRIDAY @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

Lakeland Community College, Kirtland
February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16,, 2019 @ 7:30 PM and 
February 3, 10 and 17 @ 2 PM
440-525-7134
or www.lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

Lakeland Civic Theatre finds the fortitude in ‘Freaky Friday.’

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

“Freaky Friday” is a farce which should delight an audience.  As is, except for the audience member on opening night who thought he was at a football game, and kept loudly cheering “way to go” and “good job” after each song and scene, the production should disappoint many.  Too bad!

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

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

September 7-30, 2019
440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp                          

Bob Abelman

“Isn't it bliss? Don't you approve?” asks Desirée in the opening refrain of the money-song “Send in the Clowns” in “A Little Night Music.”  “Well, for the most part” is the honest answer after watching a respectable but not remarkable production of this musical at Lakeland Civic Theatre.

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

Roy Berko

In spite of a talented cast, “A Little Night Music” is uninspired and not up to the usual high level of Lakeland’s Sondheim script presentations.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

From the vocal overture sung by a five-person chorus to that rom-com conclusion, this production directed by Friedman (his 50^th at this theater!) is a nearly constant delight. 

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

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

Through February 18, 2018

(440) 525-7134

Or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

This production manages to circumvent what many have long believed to be so problematic about this musical and put on stage what director Martin Friedman and other true Sondheimaphiles have recognized and admired since 1981.

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

Roy Berko

 It may have been a flop on Broadway, but ““Merrily We Roll Along” is a hit at Lakeland Civic Theatre.  It’s definitely a must see!!!

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to the talented company of actors, crisp musical direction by Jordan Cooper, a fulsome-sounding 11-piece orchestra, and Friedman’s thorough understanding of Sondheim’s theatrical impulses, it all works. 

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

BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

February 3 through 19, 2017

(440) 525-7134

Or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

Rickety ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ is bolstered by Lakeland Civic Theatre’s talent and vision.

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

Roy Berko

It may be cliché and overly dramatic, but The Bridges of Madison County makes for a fine evening of theatre.  The Lakeland production was stellar.  Applause, applause, applause!  

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

THE LAST FIVE YEARS @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

September 16 through October 2, 2016

(440) 525-7134

Or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

In this remarkable piece of slice-of-life storytelling, nearly every song is an intricate and strenuous vocal callisthenic that tests the metal of the performers.  Neely Gevaart and Jason Leupold have what it takes.

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

Roy Berko

The Last Five Years is a musical which many audience members, including myself, will like due to its structure, exquisite music, and the talent of the cast.   Don’t’ go expecting large production show stoppers and dance numbers as they are not part of this script or concept. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

It’s pretty hard to connect with a love story, or a break-up story, when the two principals never engage in intercourse (I mean the talking kind). But that’s exactly what happens in The Last Five Years, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown.

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

INTO THE WOODS @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

February 5 through 28, 2016

440-525-7134

Or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

Lakeland Civic Theatre offers a tepid ‘Into the Woods.’

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

Roy Berko

INTO THE WOODS, which is yet another of Stephen Sondheim’s creative and challenging shows, gets a very credible performance at Lakeland Civic Theatre.  A lighter and more playful first act would have helped make the deep and thought-provoking second act more meaningful.  As is, the production should please those who like Sondheim’s works and appreciate the difficulty of staging one of his creations.

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

Christine Howey

Director Friedman has mounted this play before at Lakeland, in 2003, but this time it feels a bit static, and at times almost feels like a concert version of the show. 

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