Into The Breeches @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through November 17, 2026

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/ 

(330) 374-7574

 

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

1942 was an extremely charged time in our history. Young families were torn apart with no assurance that the men would return in one piece. No modern theater work comes close to recreating that time of doubt. Many older audience members will recall what their parents went through. Ohio Shakespeare Festival manages to recreate the vibe that was that faraway time. Get there early to enjoy the music from that era.

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
The strength of this production under Cates’s direction is the performers’ grasp of Shakespeare’s works. Recitations embedded in Brant’s script are delivered with musical and poetic precision, and a group of performers excels at embodying their Shakespearean characters from the 15th century and their 1940s counterparts. Sarah Pine, as Maggie, portrays her character with clarity and commitment. With impeccable enunciation (no one uses a microphone), Pine conveys her character’s thoughtfulness and kindness on one hand and tenacity and determination on the other. Opposite Pine’s Maggie is Holly Humes, as Celeste, a diva-actor who clings to the young roles for which she was once celebrated.

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.

 

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 28, 2025

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

 

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

Sometimes “we need a little silly” during the craziness that is the winter holidays. This show is a perfect tonic as we are bombarded at light speed with every holiday reference known to man and beast. This show dazzles with sparkling improv and truly funny situations.

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

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.

 

King Lear @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 17, 2025

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com

(330) 574-2537

 

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.

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

The Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s King Lear is a powerful work that speaks about the high price that one ruler needs to pay for their arrogance, pride, and poor judgment. By casting a fabulous female performer, Tracee Patterson, for the role of King Lear, this production, directed by Tess Burgler, underscores the universality of this tragic theme beyond traditional gender specification, emphasizing the father-daughter relationship. 

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 TEMPEST

0HIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

7/3-20, 2025

ohioshakespearefestival.com or 1-888-718-4253 opt. 1

Mark Horning

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

"Magic is a driver in “The Tempest.” It fuels not only the tempest from which the show derives its name, but also nearly all of the antics that occur throughout the play. OSF’s production, with its masterful cast, captivating costuming, and seamlessly integrated music provides a night of theater as magical and enchanting as the play itself."

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Director Nancy Cates emphasizes nature and spirits as depicted in the script through trees, grasses, and different natural sounds—including those of frogs in the pond—to highlight the atmosphere of the play locale. On this island, Prospero resides with her daughter Miranda for over 15 years.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through May 18, 2025

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/ 

(330) 574-2537

 

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

This spritely and lavishly produced production goes to show that sometimes crime does pay and that good guys can finish first. This is modern light opera at its best with a brilliantly created fanciful and farcical topsy-turvy world where absurdity is stretch to its limits then taken to a logical and satisfactory conclusion. 

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
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.

 

Romeo and Juliet @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through March 2, 2025

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

 

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

Seldom will you find productions of the Shakespearean masterpiece “Romeo and Juliet” done with such attention to detail right down to the youthful ‘teenage’ appearance of the principles. This is a smooth error free production that will leave you feeling fully entertained. Make the drive to Akron.

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
Mielcarek and scenic designer Natalie Steen created a simple staging with a few props, including storage chests that transform into benches, beds, and stone sarcophaguses. Mielcarek, a veteran of OSF, finds it important to use props with multiple transformational possibilities to provide quick transitions and swift changes. The balcony area of Juliet's chamber is used as an additional performance space suggesting different locales, including the entrances to the two families—stage right for the Capulets and the stage left for the Montagues, and the entrance to the Capulets’ family vault.
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.

 

Othello @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 18, 2024

www.ohioshakespearefestival.com

(888) 718-4253 opt. 1

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

JULY 4-21, 2024

1-888-718-4253 OPT. 1 or ohioshakespearefestival.com

 

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Ohio Shakespeare Festival is a true ensemble theatre that values continuity, music, festivity, celebration, and camaraderie. Their greenshow, performed by the ensemble in the show, entertains the audience as they enter the seating area after their picnic.  Many of the ensemble members are musicians; their instruments include guitars (bass and alto), flute, djembe drum, hurdy-gurdy, ukulele, mandolin, fiddle, and tambourine. The greenshow songs, composed by Scott McKenna Campbell and led by Evan Wilhelms, poignantly critique a lack of women’s voices in Shakespeare’s work. The end of their greenshow on stage serves as the first scene of Much Ado About Nothing where—in this particular production’s interpretation— the household of Leonata passes the time, singing “Sigh no more ladies,” originally placed in Act II, sc. 3. 

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

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through March 17, 2024

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

 

Mark Horning

Personally, I would have wished for an earlier start time and perhaps dividing the show into two segments and alternating each piece on succeeding days. This would put far less stress on the actors and audience alike. With that said, it is a well produced show with just a couple of fixable problems that will right themselves as the show carries on. 

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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Under the direction of Nancy Cates, the design team created an environment in which this epic story is told seamlessly. Scenic Designer Natalie Steen keeps the stage minimalistic, installing four different performable levels with several staircases.  The upper level “balcony,” as familiar in the Elizabethan theatres, serves as a performing area and a passage for the performers.  In addition, the actors use the second level of the auditorium of the Henry C. Bishop Stage in Greystone Hall. These spaces illustrate the world of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby: London, Yorkshire, and Portsmouth.  Within in each location are sub-locations that include the residence of Ralph Nickleby, the inn, the tavern, the millinery, and the backstage of the theatre in Portsmouth. Tables, tablecloths, chairs, and a chaise support the production’s numerous “scene changes” (without interruptions).

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

Shakespeare In Hollywood @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 17, 2023

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/ 

(303) 574-2537.  

 

Mark Horning

What can be better than comedic Shakespeare? Ken Ludwig and Ohio Shakespeare Festival takes us on a wild ride of fantasy in this supernatural screwball romp that pokes fun at not only Shakespeare but the entire 30s movie industry including the Hays Office that wielded way too much power. This delightful show is well worth the trip to Akron. Bring a friend.

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.
 

LOVE'S LABORS LOST @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

LOVE'S LABORS LOST

OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

JUNE 29-JULY 16, 2023

Ohioshakespearefestival.com

Chris Howey

Love's Labor's Lost now at the Ohio Shakespeare Festival is an LOL treat, even at the run-time of more than three hours, including the half-hour "green show" that begins the evening. Under the spirited direction of Tess Burgler, the talented OSF company squeezes old Will's comedy like a ripe orange, and out squirts a gaggle of randy dudes (both sexes now), disguises, mistaken identities, and a couple dazzling performances.

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

Cinderella @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 17, 2022

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

 

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.
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

This is more than a show. It is a wonderful gift that parents can share with their children and lovers can share with their significant others. It is lavish in both sight and sound. This year, why not give the gift of live theater to your family. “It’s Possible!”

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.

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

 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through October 23, 2022

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

Kerry Clawson

There's plenty that goes bump in the night as the Headless Horseman rides again at Ohio Shakespeare Festival's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

The classic tale by Washington Irving has been adapted by company members Sarah and Joe Pine into a spookily entertaining stage production that enhances the ghost story with original music by Scott McKenna Campbell and a spirited cast of 16.

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

Chris Howey

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a musical scare-fest now at the Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron, is a prime example of how to do a kid-friendly show the right way.

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

TAMING OF THE SHREW

OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

July 7-August 14, 2022

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/shrew 

Kerry Clawson

... something's missing here because we don't feel the chemistry between her [Tess Burgler's] Petruchio and Katarina. After Petruchio goes through elaborate machinations to force Katarina to comply as his new wife, we're supposed to believe that a real spark develops between them by the end. But I wasn't feeling it. 

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

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

The Importance of Being Earnest @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through May 15, 2022

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/earnest

(330) 574-2537

 

Kerry Clawson

It's a lot of fun watching the blithely superficial young characters navigate all their silliness in "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron. ... Ohio Shakespeare Festival's cast of nine, directed by Nancy Cates, expertly performs Wilde's abundance of witty dialogue as the play's hopelessly shallow characters take themselves ever so seriously. 

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

Mark Horning

Take a wonderful story with comedic overtones, add extraordinary actors on a well appointed stage with exquisite period costumes and a surprise ending and you have the formula for an extremely entertaining evening of great theater. This show is worth the drive to Akron. Huzzah!

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

Cinderella @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

December 2-12, 2021

Kerry Clawson

For Ohio Shakespeare Festival's production of "Cinderella," forget the preconceived notions about this girl being the princessy type.

In this production of the musical, Maya Nicholson's Cinderella feels much more like a real girl, one who isn't necessarily the picture of grace during the big reveal for her ballgown, but who jumps up and down with joy when it happens. And that makes the moment all the more exciting for folks in the audience.

In this Akron company's production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, the Fairy Godmother is a tattooed badass who, rather than looking typically fairy-like, appears mythological and sings with throaty alto power.

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

 

Midsummer Night's Dream @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 22, 2021

(330) 574-2537 https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/midsummer

Kerry Clawson

A deluge put a stop to opening night of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" within just two scenes Friday at Stan Hywet's lagoon but that didn't keep me from going back to see all of Shakespeare's delicious comedy Saturday.

The hardy troupe of Ohio Shakespeare actors were awfully game Friday as they were sprinkled on on the outdoor stage during both the company's uproarious greenshow and the beginning of the beloved comedy. Early on, I felt bad for the actors whose backsides became wet after sitting on the sodden stage at various points. But when the rain turned into a downpour, director Tess Burgler called for a break and soon canceled the show.

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

Mark Horning

Come experience Shakespeare as it was meant to be seen (in the open air complete with bugs, bats and frogs). This production is a great way to introduce first time attendees of the Bard’s plays. Once they have experienced this live they will find themselves coming back over and over again.

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.

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

 

THE COMPETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through August 9, 2020

(330) 673-8761
Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

 Roy Berko

No review yet.

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

Kerry Clawson

Laughter is the best antidote to our worries and woes, and Ohio Shakespeare Festival is sharing loads of mirth at the Akron area’s first live play in four months with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised],” a carefully socially distanced outdoor performance at Stan Hywet.

Opening night Friday was a momentous occasion for the performing arts as local theatergoers attended the first live stage production since coronavirus shuttered theaters in March. 

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

Howard Gollop

No review yet.

Mark Horning

Here is your chance to support local theater, have a safe and entertaining evening out (remember those) and catch a little culture while having a rollicking good time either at the live performance or online in the safety of your abode.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/2020/08/08/Ohio-Shakespeare-Festival-proves-that-the-show-must-go-on-%E2%80%98in-spite-of%E2%80%99

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.

 

SHE KILLS MONSTERS@OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through December 22, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

This play about teens and young adults has a script with some truly juvenile dialogue, including crude language from teen characters playing fantasy roles. That could play as comical, but I wasn’t feeling any big belly laughs at Sunday’s show. “She Kills Monsters,” which premiered Off-Off Broadway, may just be too much of a niche show that appeals mainly to D&D lovers. ... Fight director Ryan Zarecki has choreographed fight after fight in this show as the team must slay several “bosses” to find the lost soul of Athens, Ohio. There’s quite a bit of floor work but too often, female warriors look like they’re lying and waiting for their next fight cue.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.beaconjournal.com/topics/clawson.

1776 @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through May 5, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

It’s great to see how funny America’s founding fathers can be. And, no, I’m not talking about “Hamilton” this time. I’m talking about the musical that came 46 years earlier — “1776.”  The 1969 musical, rarely produced in the Akron area, is now playing with a 27-member cast of excellent actors and fine singers at Ohio Shakespeare Festival.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.