Les Misérables @ Huntington Bank Featured Performance

Through September 22, 2024

www.playhousewquare.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

LES MIZ!  It is still captivating and is a major piece of the musical theater tapestry which gets an excellent production.  If you haven’t seen it before or need a refresher, get to Playhouse Square and get “A Heart Full of Love.”

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

Howard Gollop

As the latest national tour proves, the Broadway classic works just as well with a traditional sets by Matt Kinley, still lavish by national tour standards. This "Les Miz" is still at once melodramatic and divinely inspiring -- qualities that beckon to be captured musically.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Chris Howey

Again? Certainly. As the Thénardiers sing in their concluding bleat "Beggars at the Feast:" "Life is easy pickings/If you grab your chance."

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF ANASTASIA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

There is an adage in theatre that after seeing a musical one should not leave talking sets and costumes.  In the case of the touring company of “ANASTASA” however, that’s exactly what the audience was doing.  Yes, this is not a great musical.  The plot is obvious and the music pleasant, not memorable.   However, the production values are outstanding and the cast excellent, so, all in all, what we have is a pleasant, if not spectacular,  evening of theatre.

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

Kerry Clawson

“Anastasia” is a visually stunning musical whose tale has an epic sweep. But for much of the first act, its momentum felt a bit slow Wednesday night at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

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

Howard Gollop

Luckily, the sets and costumes add color and nuance to a production that could use more of both. At the very least, one would think a veteran director named Darko Tresnjak (for real) could imbue his cast with an authentic Eastern European aura.

No such luck. Although the show is nevertheless engaging and expensive-looking, particularly for a national tour,  it's about as Russian as St. Petersburg, Fla. 

Mark Horning

What we have is the usual collection of pleasant but hardly memorable songs, a predictable story line combined with an excellent cast and spectacular stage set and video projections that add depth. In short this is a show worth venturing out into the cold and weather to see. It is indeed a very nice way to spend an evening at the theater.

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

Bottom Line: Anastasia is a light, enjoyable musical that offers a new take on the rags-to-riches motif. It’s a perfect winter treat. The national touring company does a bang-up job of bringing Broadway to Cleveland. (And yes, Cleveland was mentioned in the dialogue — but I bet a different town is named at the next stop — we all laughed anyway.)

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF WHITE CHRISTMAS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through December 1, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

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

"White Christmas" is back with nonstop candy-colored backdrops befitting both a Cinemascope movie and a Currier and Ives Christmas card; decorated trees rolling in from the wings; tons of bubbly snow falling from the stage and auditorium; scene-stealing bits from Elyria's own Cliff Bemis; and abundant evergreen tunes by the great Irving Berlin.

Mark Horning

This show is a perfect early Christmas gift for the entire family as nothing has been spared in this lush production filled with nostalgia and great show tunes. With a short run of only four remaining performances you need to order tickers NOW! This is the ultimate feel good show of the season.

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.

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

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA @ Connor Palace (Huntington Featured Performance)

January 15-20, 2019

216-241-6000 
or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

You’re welcome.  If you choose to turn off the news, put down your cell phone, forget Facebook and head downtown to Playhouse Square to see the touring production of “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” you will thank me for recommending these two and a half hours of unabashedly romantic, unadulterated, uninterrupted escapism. 

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 touring production of ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA is well conceived and performed.  It is charming and delightful to the eye and ear.  It’s the wonderful experience that will leave audiences, young and old, glad they went to the theater and wishing for return trips. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

And so, the book goes off in more directions and plot distractions than a Victor Hugo novel. This becomes even more jarring, because few, if any, of these topical–relevance distractions are supported by the magnificent original Rodgers & Hammerstein score.

Fortunately, the songs are good enough and self-contained enough so that, no matter how far the book casts the fairytale astray, the music can take the show back over, if only briefly. All it takes is the wave of a conductor’s magic wand.

Mark Horning

Sometimes even a chestnut like Cinderella can surprise and delight. In this case it is the cast that brings out the magic carried solidly on the shoulders of youthful enthusiasm. Bring the entire clan for an astounding mid-winter break of happiness. It will have you believe that wishes can come true.

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

SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY (National Tour) @ Hanna Theatre

December 24, 2018-January 6, 2019
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“Spamilton: An American Parody” can be a fun evening of theater if you don’t set the bar of pleasure at the “I have to understand everything that is sung.” Just grab what you can and enjoy the cleverness of the writer, the talent of the cast, and appreciate the homage being paid to Lynn-Manuel Miranda, who has created a musical masterpiece by the name of “Hamilton,” changing the American theater forever.      
     
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

Relax.  "Spamilton" is not some sophomoric cash-in on the unbridled "Hamilton" craze, trying to stretch a few middling jokes into a two-hour had one  This is the work of Gerrard Allessandrini, Broadway's foremost lampoonist who's best known for his constantly updated cabaret revue, "Forebidden Broadway."

Mark Horning

Will you be able to catch each and every small nuance of reference sprinkled throughout the show? Probably not and that is the fun of the show. It is like reading a book by fanning the pages. It will most probably be the fastest 63 minutes that you have ever experienced in the theater.

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

Say what you will about Hamilton, Hamilton,/ but ya gotta see it before Spamilton, Spamilton,/ or you’ll be:/ lost. /So study what you can/ (YouTube is your best friend)/ then you can laugh a little/or a lot and say:/ “I gave it my best shot.”

As with Hamilton, the Broadway hit it’s based on, Spamilton ricochets an abundance of wit and words right at the audience. It seemed impossible to hear every nonstop word over the laughter from the previous riposte, especially (and paradoxically) since the sound was loud where I sat. But even though it was impossible to catch every allusion, the ones that were clear poked good-natured fun at musicals and the theater world in general. It helps to be a Broadway fan (hand raised here) and it helps (see above) to review Hamilton: The Musical.

Link to Cool Cleveland Review

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

DISNEY ALADDIN @ Key Bank State Theatre/PlayHouseSquare

DISNEY ALADDIN 

May 2-27, 2018

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

In much the same way tabbies are attracted to shiny things and rendered dopey by a hit of catnip, audiences will be drawn to and stupefied by the supersaturated stagecraft of Disney’s “Aladdin.”  

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

Roy Berko

“Aladdin” is a charming, well produced, escapist musical that gets a fine production.  It’s a must see family-friendly show that should be enjoyed by everyone.

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

Kerry Clawson

The national tour of "Aladdin" delights and dazzles, a magnificent example of classic Broadway entertainment at its best that appeals to all ages.  The Disney musical, at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre, is one of the most visually spectacular national tours I’ve ever seen, with stunning Arabian-style costumes in saturated colors by Gregg Barnes, exotic-looking sets by Bob Crowley and exhilarating stage magic.

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

Howard Gollop

What else could a stage adaptation of an animated Disney hit be other than eye-rollingly bland and jaw-droppingly extravagant? Yes, it’s all there: Infectious music by Alan Menken with a decided nod to Tin Pan Alley and the Cotton Club of the 1940s; richly hued mercurial sets by Bob Crowley that flip from exotic Arabian streetscapes to a dazzlingly jeweled cave; endless slinky, glittery and revealing costumes (in the G-rated realm); and a flying carpet that actually appears to be a flying carpet.

 
Christine Howey

The Disney production of the musical Aladdin, now at Playhouse Square, has two song scenes that are so jaw-dropping, they don’t just stop this show, they may accidentally be stopping other shows in the area, 

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: This light and happy show doesn’t break any new musical theater ground, but it’s perfectly suited for spring, flowers, and happy thoughts. On opening night, children made up much of the audience and their reactions and responses to the show were wonderful, both joyous and very immersed in the story. 

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

Andrea Simakis

"Aladdin" is a visual feast fit for a sultan, a glorious example of what we mean when we say "Broadway magic."

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

LOVE NEVER DIES @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through January 28, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘Love Never Dies’ puts the see in sequel.

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

Kerry Clawson

A lot has changed since the Phantom lurked under the Paris Opera House.
In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Love Never Dies," the sequel to the 1986 blockbuster "The Phantom of the Opera," the Phantom’s love for his muse Christine is no longer a one-sided obsession. Now, 10 years after the "Phantom" story, we see that a grown-up Christine is not just under this masked man’s music-making spell: She has loved him deeply.

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

Howard Gollop

It’s a bit dull and a tad strident; sometimes tacky and occasionally inspired; teetering on monotone and tottering on melodious; instantly forgettable and forever mesmerizing.

Well, what else would anyone expect from “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera?”

Mark Horning

For the many people who witnessed the grandeur of the original Phantom of the Opera some may be in for a bit of disappointment. To their credit, this touring company manages to excel in all aspects of the performance using sheer will. Is it as good as Phantom? No, but few things are. Is it worth seeing? Definitely, due to this stellar cast.

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

Christine Howey

Under the direction of Simon Phillips, the show is a misbegotten attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Phantom franchise. Too bad they didn’t follow their own advice as spelled out in “Why Does She Love Me?” That’s when Meg counsels Raoul, “You should have never come to America/It’s not a place for people like you and Christine.” Amen to that.

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

Phantom of the Opera fans rejoice! No chandeliers fall, but the mysterious Phantom still holds dangerous powers. Music still means love. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, running through Sun 1/28 at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre, reveals the tortured genius at work (I mean the Phantom, of course). (More at Phantom of the Opera)

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's post at Cool Cleveland.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's blogat artstillmatters.com

MAMMA MIA! @ Connor Palace

March 14-19, 2017
Tickets:  216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“Honey, Honey,” “The Name of the Game,” is “The Winner Takes All” when you go to see what may well be the final tour of “Mamma Mia!.” Yeah, be a “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance on Me” and be a “Winner [who] Takes It All.” 

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

 

THE KING AND I @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 26, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The remarkable success of the touring ‘The King and I’ is no puzzlement.

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


Kerry Clawson

The national tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s "The King and I" is a breathtakingly gorgeous production that appeals to our most romantic natures.  The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which sailed into Playhouse Square this week, presents an iconic culture clash between two of the most famously strong-willed characters in musical theater history: Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam.

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

Howard Gollop

This “King and I” is hardly a style-over-substance endeavor. Director Bartlett Sher gracefully goes for introspection, not outward theatrics. He culls profundity and even timeliness from what has been dismissed by other directors as a creaky standard-issue musical book.

Mark Horning

This is THE ONE! The single show that you need to put on your must see winter list. With its sparkling grandeur, fabulous costuming, exquisite lighting, delightful dance sequences and crystal clear singing it is the must see show of this season’s Key Bank Broadway Series. 

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

Christine Howey

In short, The King and I has all the Broadway zazz you’re looking for, while giving us another perspective on what’s happening in our world today. Hard to ask for anything more.

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

Andrea Simakis

[Director] Bartlett Sher's "The King and I" not only honors the Rodgers and Hammerstain golden age classic--with a muscular pit orchestra giving a rousing performance of its lush, memorable score--but offers us a fresh, 21-st century face."

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

INTO THE WOODS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through January 29, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Put Sweeney Todd in lederhosen and brightly colored socks and he is still the demon barber of Fleet Street.

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

Roy Berko

The Fiasco Theater staging of INTO THE WOODS, part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is not a flashy production filled with special effects.  It is a visionary piece of directing excellence by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, who looked beyond the surface and came up with a concept which gave new life to an oft-produced play.  Will everyone like it?  No.  Those who live for escape, want conflict-free stories, who are tired of seeing yet another production of this script, and those who don’t appreciate Sondheim’s musical genius, may well be turned off.  The rest of us will revel in a magical evening of theatrical creativity.

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

Kerry Clawson

Fiasco Theater’s Into the Woods is a breath of fresh air,  full of offbeat imagination and crystal-clear storytelling that makes for a stimulating evening with Stephen Sondheim’s most famous musical.

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


Mark Horning

Whether you are a Stephen Sondheim fan or not, you owe it to yourself to see this adult targeted performance simply due to the uniqueness in which it is portrayed. The simplicity in the stage set, costuming and musical numbers allows more room for the story to stand on its own.

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

Christine Howey

Into the Woods is all about dreams and the reality of how those dreams often turn out, based on the decisions we make. In that regard, this production is a fine and inventive interpretation of this work. But at almost three hours with one intermission, and placed on a single unchanging set, it takes the resolve of a fairy tale hero to stay focused on these colliding yarns.

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

David Ritchey

Once upon a time, a team of actors and stage technicians went into the woods – or maybe just on tour and found themselves in the Connor Palace Theater, Cleveland, Ohio.  Yes, they tour with “Into the Woods.”  But, something went wrong.  Or even worse, several things went wrong.  Those Cleveland audiences known for giving everyone a standing ovation, did not stand for the cast of “Into the Woods” at the curtain-call time.  The audience rushed out of the theater.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

Andrea Simakis

Be careful what you wish for, because it might just come true. It's a lesson we'd do well to heed, now and ever after.
Still, it's worth straying from that moral here, because one couldn't wish for a finer iteration of an American masterwork than Fiasco Theater's "Into the Woods."
Don't be afraid of the dark.

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

FINDING NEVERLAND @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 20, 2016

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

It may help resuscitate fairies, but no amount of clapping can reconcile what the musical “Finding Neverland” is and the kind of musical it wants to be. More Lost Boy than Pan, the show crows but doesn’t fly.

For more of this review, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/. 

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

Roy Berko

The touring production of FINDING NEVERLAND is a technically impressive and nicely conceived, if somewhat stilted production.  It clearly lays the prequel story of Peter Pan with a strong score and clear story. 

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

Kerry Clawson 

The most beautiful thing about the musical "Finding Neverland" is that every detail of both its story and stage production is created in the service of celebrating the imagination. ...
The national tour of the musical, now playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, features winsome romantic leads and fabulous video projections that sweep audiences up.

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

Howard Gollop

When Barrie goes on an outing one day and comes across a lovely widow and her pack of cheerfully rambunctious boys who become his muses (and no one questions they might be anything more), the location doesn’t seem so much like Kensington Gardens as “Sesame Street.”
Although scenic designer Scott Pask manages fetching etchings of trees, flowers and buildings, and the cast members look period-perfect in their Victorian costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb, everyone smiles too broadly, carries too many balloons, skips too maniacally (thanks to Mia Michaels’ strident choreography) and sings too many indistinguishable pop songs by Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy.

Mark Horning

This is a show that the entire family will appreciate.  With over the top big Broadway numbers, delightful singing and dancing, a good moral theme and a general fun feel that makes time fly by faster than Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle.  This is a great way to share musical theater with your children.  Get your tickets quickly.

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

Christine Howey

As for the show, it's produced to the hilt. But it is so much less than it might have been, with a bit more boldness on the part of the creators.

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

MATILDA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

May 3 through 11, 10`6

216-241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘Matilda’ stays true to Dahl’s dark, delightful children’s book. 

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

Roy Berko

The touring production of MATILDA,THE MUSICAL follows the production and staging of the London and Broadway productions.  If only the sound system was better, the kids weren’t screeching in high pitched overly accented British pronunciation, and the orchestra didn’t drown out the speeches of the actors, maybe the results would have been better.  As is, MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, now on tour and housed at the State Theatre, is less than a wonderful theatrical experience.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is a witty, imaginative, wondrous show for all ages, now playing on national tour at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.
Based on the beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl, it is a brilliantly conceived, boldly painted fairy tale world whose infectious energy and joy have made it a worldwide phenomenon.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review he


Howard Gollop

 "Matilda: The Musical" ... is no sappy Disney show of the Great White Way but an import from the much edgier London West End.   And forget anything like a Leslie ("Willie Wonka") Bricusse score. Songs by Tim Minchin are rooted in a British pop-rock vernacular with a few classical gothic flourishes. His lyrics are sly and witty, like those of cabaret musical satirist -- most likely because he is one.  The biggest surprise is the comedic, singing, dancing and acrobatic talents of the show's true heavy  (in more ways than one) -- David Abeles. He plays the monstrous, allegedly female school principal and former hammer-throwing champion Miss Trunchbull, sporting an outfit  that can only be described as Victorian SS officer schoolmarm.

Mark Horning

For fans of the book, this is a no brainer.  The entire family will love the show.  For those not familiar with the story it is still a well spent evening at the theater.  Tickets may become dear for this particular run.  
    

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

Christine Howey

When you were growing up, if you ever felt like an alien creature plopped into a foreign land, Matilda the Musical will take you back to that time with plenty of wit and some splashy stage effects. And that's a darn good way to revisit childhood.

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

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

April 5 through 17, 2016

216-241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring jukebox musical ‘Beautiful’ is aptly named

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

Roy Berko

BEAUTIFUL THE CAROL KING MUSICAL is a solid script which gets a superior production that should delight local audiences.  Every element of the juke box show, the performances, the visual effects and the musical sounds are appropriately “beautiful!” 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson


 Music legend Carole King wrote scores of chart-toppers for other artists in the ’60s and produced more than 100 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout her career. But deep down, she was a normal, down-to-earth Brooklyn girl who was devoted to her family.

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

Howard Gollop

Vocally, everyone rises to the occasion, at least achieving the recognition level of a good cover band As the curtain falls, we really don’t learn much more about King than a casual fan might have already known or imagined ...   But sometimes, just spending a couple of hours with a nice Jewish girl and her and her exceptional music is more than enough for a fulfilling evening of theater.

Mark Horning

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” gives a truthful and unblinking look at the musical maturing of one of the greatest composers ever.  Fans of Carole King will love the show with new fans being made as well.  The show is Beautiful, indeed.    
  

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

Christine Howey

The result is a bead-stringing process of covering a whole bunch of hits from the past while injecting some humanity into the proceedings. And even though you can see the show straining to touch all the bases, the music and some interesting performances win the day.

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

David Ritchey

 “I didn’t know she wrote THAT,” seemed to be the echo heard round the Connor Palace Theatre, in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.   “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” took the stage and filled the Connor Palace Theatre with 26 hit songs by Carole King.  The songs link the life story of Carole King from a 16-year-old girl,  in the mid-1950s, who takes her first songs to an agent and concludes with  her concert in Carnegie Hall after her award winning album, “Tapestry.”

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

MAMMA MIA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

March 8 through 13, 2016

216-241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

“So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me S.O.S.”  These are more than the lyrics to one of the many songs by Swedish pop group Abba that make up Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical “Mamma Mia!”  They are a desperate cry for help from the national tour, which came through Cleveland in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2012, and is once again on stage – this time in cardiac arrest – at Playhouse Square.

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

Mark Horning

If you’re a fan of ABBA and are looking for a nice evening of escapism you can do no worse than to “Take A Chance” with “Mamma Mia.”  This feel good musical gives you nearly two dozen hits that are all ‘sing along’ strong.  Bring your gal pals for a night out!

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

GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER@CONNOR PALACE

November 3 through 15, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Yes, “A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder” – the show that won the 2014 Tony Award for best musical – is on national tour and currently on stage at Playhouse Square.  And, yes, the award is warranted and attendance is wholeheartedly recommended.  But be forewarned: It takes a sophisticated palate to enjoy a show so silly.

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


Kerry Clawson

"A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder" is so witty and has so many deliciously comical surprises, you’ll wish you could see it twice just to take all the mayhem in again.
The celebrated musical, now showing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, is one of the best national tours theatergoers will see all year, with marvelous acting, singing, costumes and production values.

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

Howard Gollop

The audience should also root for the book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and more lyrics by Steven Lutvak. They are new musical-theater talents who uncannily evoke the witty operetta world of Gilbert and Sullivan. 

Matching ingeniousness of the material is the brilliant production design Alexander Dodge. Utilizing standard theatrical set pieces and animated computer graphics, Dodge created a theater-within-a-theater that opens up to Edwardian splendor, albeit rendered in hilariously mocking antiquity.

Mark Horning

Add some British accents, some engaging sparkling musical numbers (one involving dancing on a casket) along with some witty comedic dialog and lyrics and even murder becomes a delight.  For those willing to pay attention, the laughs spill off the stage at an impressive rate as one funny gag after another is revealed to the audience’s delight.

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

Christine Howey

The sprightly music enables this serial killer operetta to charm the socks off anyone. 

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

Andrea Simakis

"A Gent's Guide" isn't tinged with the tragedy of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," the world's most famous musical about a prolific murder, nor does it boast number sof gorgeous and haunting . . . But the score . . . is terrifically clever its lyrics fast and fun, and written by people who love the dexterity of language.

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