COCK

Dobama
October 25-Novembver 23, 2013

216-932-3396 or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

What determines whether we are attracted to men or to women?  Some would argue that it is our sexual orientation as prescribed by biology.  Others would argue that it is our sexual identity as influenced by whoever’s welcoming arms and supportive community we fall into first.  Both arguments are made in Dobama Theatre’s wonderful production of “COCK,” but the conclusions are as ambivalent as the main character’s sexuality.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article: http://www.news-herald.com/search?text=Bob+Abelman


Roy Berko

COCK, Mike Bartlett’s compelling script, under the meticulous and creative direction of Corey Atkins, and some of the very best acting seen on a local stage, is an absolutely must see production.  It’s an A+ experience.   
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Fran Heller

At first, the play seems little more than a facile inversion of the classic love triangle.
However, as it develops, it evolves into a thought-provoking work in which issues of identity and sexuality are explored with humor, insight and bracing dialogue.
Don't let the eyebrow raising title turn you off.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Dobama Theatre’s production of “Cock” is top notch.  It is the pure science of acting distilled down to its essence.  This is the play that you wait to appear during the season.  It is here.  Go see it.  

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


Christine Howey

"...if you're up for a battle (cockfight, if you will) between a gay Man, a straight Woman, and John, the fellow who is the object of their affection, then playwright Mike Bartlett has something for you."

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

Andrea Simakis

Generating steam without showing any skin isn't easy, but Atkins and his actors do it. As John and W talk dirty - as well as comment admiringly on the other's anatomy - they move closer and closer, until they stand face to face, rocking slightly and moaning in orgasmic pleasure until the stage goes black. (This is the best time to check out the audience across the way.)"

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

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

ACTORS' SUMMIT
October 10-November 3, 2013

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Kerry Clawson
 
''A Grand Night for Singing'' is a sophisticated, polished musical revue that celebrates one of the most enduring partnerships in musical theater — Rodgers and Hammerstein.
This 1994 show, playing at Actors’ Summit in Akron, puts a fresh, at times unexpected spin on scores of this duo’s classics, featuring sparkling musical arrangements by Fred Wells. 

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.
 
Fran Heller
 
If you love Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II as I do, you'll enjoy "A Grand Night for Singing", a musical stroll down memory lane with some of the greatest songs ever written for American musical theatre.
This breezy 75 minute revue features more than 30 tunes spanning the lesser-known "State Fair" and "Flower Drum Song" to hits like "Carousel," "Oklahoma," "South Pacific" and "The King and I."
 These golden oldies may seem corny and dated to younger audiences, but to this reviewer, they burn bright as ever.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Actors’ Summit’s “A Grand Night for Singing” is a well thought out musical review that streams a collection of unrelated songs from unrelated shows into a story of romance and love.  The singing is top notch with remarkable piano accompaniment.  Make the drive to Akron to see this one.

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

Insomnia

Cleveland Public Theatre
October 10-26, 2013
216-241-6000 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

This is a post from the previous CPT production of INSOMNIA:
CPT’s INSOMNIA THE WAKING OF HERSELVES is blessed with flawless acting and is well paced. Anyone who is interested in good acting and a challenging theatrical experience should go to this production. 

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

Mark Horning

Cleveland Public Theatre’s production of “Insomnia, The Waking of Herselves” is probably geared more towards a woman’s point of view and psyche.  Although it was superbly acted, it was not something that I readily understood, but I am not going to lose any sleep over it. 

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


Christine Howey

Director Bobgan keeps the action streamlined and cohesive so that this very internal play never lapses into navel-gazing. The result is a production that is tight, witty and often quite powerful—encouraging all of us to make friends with those moon voices and fanciful spirits that speak to us in the dead of night.

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

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL!

Blank Canvas

October 11-November 2, 2013

440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL is a fun evening of theatre, as long as you have a sense of humor, aren’t uptight and appreciate absurdity.  Others better stay away!   Me, I kept asking myself, “Why am I laughing hysterically at all this gore?” The answer?  The whole thing was just so bizarre and the epitome of well done farce!

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


Fran Heller

The show isn't great theatre, but it's great fun, depending on your predilection for the mock macabre and blood flying everywhere.
Think "Silence of the Lambs" meets "Bonnie and Clyde."
The musical is a blast, thanks to Patrick Ciamacco's tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek direction and a superb cast who get the creepy camp just right.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Blank Canvas Theater’s production of “The Texas Chainsaw Musical” is a campy romp that is embarrassingly funny.  You will find yourself laughing at some truly absurd moments while being sprayed with blood from top to bottom…all in fun.  It’s more blood for the money than any show in town.  

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


Christine Howey

Best advice: Grab some of those fun-size candy bars from your plastic Halloween pumpkin bowl and have a blast with this irreverent, song-infused bloodbath.

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

LILIES, the Revival of a Romantic Drama

convergence-continuum
October 12-November 2, 2013

convergence-continiuum.org or 216-687-0074

Bob Abelman

In its playbill for “Lilies, or the Revival of a Romantic Drama,” convergence-continuum asks its patrons to “deposit conventional thinking at the door, and join us in renouncing the real in favor of living the imaginable.”  This may be gilding the “Lilies” just a tad.  French Canadian Michel Marc Bouchard’s play is certainly an interesting piece of theater, and it is getting a very fine production in its Ohio premiere, but it is far from transformative art and requires leaving nothing at the door but one’s mainstream inhibitions. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article: http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131021/theater-review-con-cons-lilies-is-a-tender-rendering-of-revenge#.UmU6z5j-dII.facebook

Roy Berko

LILIES is the type of script that should appeal to con-cons niche audience.  The production works well in the small intimate theatre and is nicely directed by Tyson Douglas Rand.

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

33 VARIATIONS

Beck Center for the Arts
October 11-November 17, 2013
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Like Peter Shaffer’s play “Amadeus,” which dramatizes the lives of Mozart and Salieri, “33 Variations” allows us to live with the legendary Beethoven; to share his thoughts and creative process.  But like Beethoven’s creation of 33 variations of a second-rate waltz when only one was requested, playwright Moises Kaufman could not leave well enough alone. His efforts to provide variations on the themes of obsession and illness turns “33 Variations” into a second-rate drama and public service announcement.  Yet, director Sarah May and her cast and crew have created a first-rate production of it. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article:  http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131014/theater-review-beck-center-hits-right-notes-despite-flawed-33-variations#.UlwMGH7ZUfk.facebook


Roy Berko

33 VARIATIONS is an intriguing theatrical experience.  The well written script is effectively interpreted by director Sarah May and well performed by an excellent cast.  You don’t have to know anything about music, Beethoven, or the research process to enjoy the multi-messaged work. You should leave with a new appreciation of the musical process, gain an understanding of ALC, and be aware of the fragility of life’s journey.

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

Fran Heller

In this contrived and largely schematic work, fictional elements feel shoehorned in to fit historical fact.
The result is an overly long 2 1/2 hour play that held my attention only minimally until the close finally won my heart.
The best part of "Variations" is Beethoven's glorious music, performed with precision and passion by pianist Stuart Raleigh.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

The Beck Center for the Arts production of “33 Variations” is a splendid mix of classical music, drama and mystery that catches hold of your imagination.  While not designed to solve the mystery, it gives enough clues for you to garner your own opinion on the subject.

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

SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Great Lakes Theater

October 4-November 2, 2013

216-664-6064 or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Director Victoria Bussert’s approach to “Sweeney Todd” is to accentuate all that is theatrical in this play and go for the melodramatic.  And why not.  She has at her disposal a classically trained resident company capable of mastering Shakespeare (its brilliant production of “Richard III” is playing in repertory) as well as Sondheim.  They milk the meaning out of each and every phrase and are skilled at rapidly spewing mouthfuls of words without losing comprehension, lesoning their devised rhythm, or compromising their dire intention.  This is a masterful production of Sondheim's dark and disturbing musical drama.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article: http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131007/theater-review-great-lakes-unearths-the-shakespeare-in-sweeney-todd


Roy Berko

Great Lakes Theater’s SWEENEY TODD is a spell binding production of a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece.  Those turned off by violence, or who aren’t Sondheim aficionados, may not appreciate the show, but anyone interested in hearing complex music, well sung, encased in a well-honed script that is finely performed, will be turned on by this must see production.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

Director Victoria Bussert draws lots of gore (as well as laughs) with a winking production that hypes the melodrama from the pulse quickening opening scene of a coffin oozing blood to the closing corpse-cluttered bloodbath that borrows a page out of "Hamlet."
More than a murderous tale of a deranged serial killer, Sweeney is an indictment of a soulless and corrupt society (19th century industrial London) of haves and have-nots in which the powerful suppress the powerless, a theme that resonates today.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Great Lakes Theater’s production of Sweeny Todd is “Broadway Worthy” on so many levels.  The combination of the exceptional sets, special effects, costuming, make-up, music, singing, comedy and acting makes you forget the grim nature of this tale and enjoy the show.  It is truly “a cut above.” 

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

Christine Howey
Even with some small wrinkles, the propulsive energy of this production catapults you into this nightmare tale, timed perfectly for the Halloween season.

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


Andrea Simakis

In director Victoria Bussert’s hands, "Sweeney Todd" has both a winking, pop-culture sensibility and the dark, discomfiting tinge of true madness. It’s not an easy line to walk, but Bussert and company do it, delivering a Grand Guignol extravaganza – and the results are bloody spectacular.

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

MATTHEW BOURNE'S SLEEPING BEAUITY

Key Bank Series--Playhouse Square--Palace Theatre
October 1-13, 2013
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

This romantic tale about a beautiful princess, the enchantment of sleep, and a handsome prince has been told and retold.   It is being told once more at PlayhouseSquare by master storyteller/choreographer Matthew Bourne.  It takes the form of dance theater set to Tchaikovsky’s score and is placed in a darkly gothic setting that mixes fairies with vampires and ballet with contemporary dance.  It is wonderful in conception and gorgeous in execution.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article: http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131007/second-opinion-sleeping-beauty-meets-twilight-in-glorious-gothic-retelling-at-playhousesquare


Roy Berko

Matthew Bourne’s SLEEPING BEAUTY: Gothic fairy tale, is a ballet not only for the ballet aficionado, but for the person who knows nothing about the dance form, but wants to see a well told tale, marvelously performed, as one will probably never see it again.  As a male acquaintance, who only initially went because he had subscriber’s tickets said to me the day after the performance, “I never thought that I’d go to a ballet, but would say that it was one of the best things I’ve ever seen on stage.”   Yes, this is an absolute MUST SEE!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Lush staging, elaborate storytelling and thrilling dance are more than enough to sweep audiences away in Matthew Bourne's stunningly dramatic version of Sleeping Beauty.
This gothic spin on the original 1890 Tchaikovsky-Petipa ballet combines high danger and awesome beauty in an all-new version of the classic fairy tale that fleshes out Princess Aurora’s love story and humanizes the heroine.

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

Fran Heller

 Is Matthew Bourne's "Sleeping Beauty" dance or theatre?

 The answer is a bit of both.

 Bourne has seized upon a success formula that contains all the elements of drama (character, mood, emotion, conflict) and legerdemain stagecraft without sacrificing any of the fabulous dancing, from classical ballet to more contemporary movements.

The result is a evening of great theater AND great dance. 

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty is an amazing production of epic proportions that will dazzle even those who have never seen Classical Ballet before.  It has all the elements needed to take your breath away.  Order your tickets now!

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


Christine Howey

Every movement of the dancers, from the grandest leap to the smallest twitch, is done with an exactitude that is marvelous to watch. And the eye-pleasing scenic design—which ranges from an ornate bed chamber to a misty birch tree forest to a pulsing nightclub bathed in red—keep one engaged throughout.

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

Kory

Is this a traditional night of Broadway? No. Is it an unforgettable, beautiful, eye-popping spectacle? Absolutely. I would recommend everyone (even those who don’t “get” traditional ballet) see this show immediately.

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


Andrea Simakis

The piece is extraordinary, unlike anything you have ever seen, if what you've seen is presentational, classical ballet.  If you think the art form is stuffy and old-fashioned, a boring relic from the 19th century, you must buy a ticket and count the seconds before Borune and his New Adventures company change your mind.

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

Art Thomas

 You don't need to be a fan of ballet to enjoy this production. Princess Aurora, first seen as a puppet with personality, is kissed by her true love before she falls asleep. In a nod to contemporary culture (the final scenes are the present) the happy couple march not off to church but to a bed as the curtain falls. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

RICHARD III

Great Lakes Theatre

September 27-October 20, 2013
http:www.greatlakestheater.org or 216-241-6000

Bob Abelman

For this production of “Richard III,” the script has been significantly cut for greater expedience, restructured for enhanced comprehension, restaged in a contemporary setting to facilitate relevance, and performed with remarkable skill and artistry.  Purists will see all these alterations as blasphemous; the rest of us will simply thank director Joseph Hanreddy as we leave the theater at a reasonable time and after being thoroughly entertained.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald review at: http://www.news-herald.com/search?text=Bob+Abelman

Roy Berko.

RICHARD is a finely crafted production and is a perfect compliment  to SWEENEY TODD as the partners of the “ maniacs gone wrong” duet that comprises  Great Lakes Theatre’s fall 2013-2014 season. Go see both!

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

Fran Heller

There are few moments in theater making when every element of the production melds into a perfect whole.  Richard III is one such, a masterpiece and one of the most thrilling Great Lakes Theater productions of Shakespeare in recent memory.  While there is plenty of bloodletting in director Joseph Hanreddy's masterful production, what struck me about his contemporary take is how relevant this 500-year-old history play remains.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Richard III by Great Lakes Theater is must see Shakespeare that will impress everyone with its sharp execution.  Newcomers and long standing fans of the Bard will agree that this is truly an exceptional performance that should be shared by all.

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

Christine Howey

The cast is led ably by Lynn Robert Berg as Richard, limping about on his twisted legs as he coos and snarls to put people in their place. It is a masterful and often witty performance that never becomes tiresome.

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

Andrea Simakis

What I can say is go see it!  What I can say is--bravo!

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

Art Thomas

There's more to this reimagined production than contemporary costumes. Messengers deliver communications through cell phones and computers appear on the battlefield. At the core however, Lynn Robert Berg captivates the audience with the evil title character. Joseph Hanreddy's direction effectively capitalizes on the extremes in what might be Shakespeare's most passion filled play. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER

Ensemble Theater
September 27-October 20, 2013
www.ensemble-theatre.com or 216-321-2930

Roy Berko

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER is an often amusing, thought provoking play about what happens when the lives of mismatched people collide in complicated ways that highlight hurt  and the challenges of individuals who don’t know who they are or how to be in the world. The Ensemble production doesn’t quite reach the quality of the play’s writing, but does hold attention and leaves the audience thinking.

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

Fran Heller

At first blush, origami sounds like an off-putting subject for a play.
In Rajiv Joseph's 2008 comedy/drama, the Japanese art of paper folding serves as a metaphor for examining the human condition.
An intimate three-hander revolving around an artist, a teacher and a gifted student, this deceptively simple play deepens in complexity over issues of love and loss, pain and suffering and growing up.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

“Animals Out Of Paper” at Ensemble Theatre is a good example of “Intellectual Theater” that challenges us to think.  The only shortcoming is in the ending which allows us “the audience” to “think” our own conclusion to the play.  If you like to use your imagination, see this one. 

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

Christine Howey

It's true in love as it is in theater: opposites attract. But when you pile up a few too many opposites in one play, the initially interesting friction can lead to some problems.

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

Andrea Simakis

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER is an apt choice for Ensemble's season opener.  The company is known for championing the work of homegrown playwrights, and [Cleveland Heights native, Rajiv] Joseph is a star.  The production, directed by Celeste Cosentno, is an engaging one. 

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

BOEING-BOEING

 

Lakeland Civic Theatre
September 20-October 6, 3013

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

Bob Abelman

“Boeing Boeing” premiered in Paris in 1960, where it ran for seven years.  An English translation was first staged in London in 1962, where it ran for seven years.  When the show came to Broadway in 1965, it lasted 23 performances.  Unless you are French or British, you will likely side with the New Yorkers when seeing this Lakeland Civic Theatre production.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article:  http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20130924/theater-review-boeing-boeing-fails-to-take-off-at-lakeland-civic-theatre#.UkHrW7scApU.facebook

Roy Berko
 
BOEING-BOEING is a light-weight farce that receives what should be an audience pleasing production at Lakeland Community Theatre.    

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

Fran Heller
 
Farce, with its pratfalls, pummeling, slamming doors and split-second timing is pure physical theater and fiendishly difficult to pull off.
The production at Lakeland Civic Theatre does not induce paroxysms of laughter, but it holds its own, gathering comic steam in the second act after a sluggish takeoff in the first.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

Once you accept the show’s premise as a charming anachronism, the stage is set for lots of door-slamming hijinks. And that does happen at times.  But the over-long and repetitive script, as translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans, eventually wrings a lot of the humor out of what should have been a sprightly romp.

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

SHE LOVES ME

Beck Center for the Arts
September 20-October 20
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

“She Loves Me” is a good, old-fashioned romantic romp that makes you feel so much better about life after watching it than when you first entered the theater. 

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


Roy Berko

If your are a fan of old fashioned, escapist musicals, with pleasant music, performed by a talented cast, you’ll love SHE LOVES ME.

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

Fran Heller

Call me an incorrigible romantic, but I adored "She Loves Me" the 1963 musical comedy that hearkens back to the Golden Age of musical theater.
This gem of a chamber musical exudes a sweet charm that never grows cloying throughout the (longish) two-and-a-half hour production, owing to Scott Spense's deft direction and a cherry picked cast that kept the show buoyant.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

 “She Loves Me” is one of those nice little surprises that you come across in local productions from time to time.  At spots during the show the degree of professionalism makes you forget you are in a local theater as you see hints of a truly Broadway worthy performance. You’ll Love It.

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

Christine Howey

Performed by an exceptional cast and featuring superb work by director Scott Spence and choreographer Martin Cespedes, this is an old-fashioned musical that scores on almost all counts.

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

Kory
She Loves Me has all of the classic elements of a delightful musical and is sure to entertain theatre lovers of all ages.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.


Art Thomas

The show has a beautiful melodic score and a first-rate script. Beck's production capitalizes on local talent and Broadway luminary Rebecca Pitcher. The result is a fully engaging performance of musical theater at its best.


Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

WODDY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE

Cleveland Play House

September 13-October 6, 2013

216-241-6000 or go to www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

The 90-minute bio-drama offers historical facts in an easily digestible format that is as entertaining as it is unsatisfying.  Fortunately, Woody Guthrie’s songs – which take center-stage in “Woody Sez” – still resonate. When played and sung with the virtuosity and passion possessed by these performers, the show becomes more than the sum of its parts and is incredibly moving.   

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


Roy Berko

If your definition of a musical is an orchestra in the pit, dancing, and a plot in which the songs perfectly fit into the story line, WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE isn’t for you.  If, however, you get off on learning about a real person, and sharing his music and philosophy, presented by an engaging note-perfect cast, this is the show for you.  CPH has opened its 98th season with a sure audience pleaser!

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

Fran Heller

Woody Sez" is an informal, largely shapeless and rambling work whose weaknesses are two: neither drama or musical, but a hybrid that tries to condense too much material in the 90 minute revue and whose format of story and song grows repetitious.
Show's strength lies in Woody's songs and musicians who strum their guitars, banjos and fiddles with such expressiveness that the instruments assume a character of their own.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

 “Woody Sez, The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie” goes well beyond the folk music.  It is a fascinating story in song of a man who earned the right to stand up and shout for the downtrodden yet is told with humor and hope.  You will leave feeling better than when you arrived. 

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


Christine Howey

If a combination of folk music and liberal politics (remember those?) sounds perfect for you, then you best hustle down to see Woody Sez at the Cleveland Play House.

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

Andrea Simakis

One of the best things about WOODY SEX is how smartly and seamlessly it weaves biography and music into a passionate portrait of a man who spoke truth to power with little more than a guitar and gumption.  It is simply one of the bet of its genre, the wheat-gold standard by which all other musical bios should be judged.

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

Art Thomas

Those who remember Woody Guthrie will find many new songs in the show's three dozen playlist. More importantly, "Woody Sez" will introduce a new generation to the social activist. Personal tragedies, unions, and Communism are dealt with in a cursory way, but what emerges strongly is the passion that Guthrie had to right the wrongs he saw. The first-rate cast have unbounded joy for the material---and the musical chops to transfer the joy to the audience. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

NERVE

none-too-fragile
September 13-28, 2013

330-671-4563 or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Mark Horning

“Nerve” is a dark psycho comedy/drama that asks, “Can a neurotic and a sociopath find true love through computer dating?”  The answer may surprise you, or if you’re in the mental minority, maybe not.

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

Kerry Clawson

How much is too much to divulge on a first date?
The 2005 comedy Nerve at None Too Fragile takes that question to numerous extremes, as playwright Adam Szymkowicz leads audiences through a comical and sometimes sad mating dance that often becomes confrontational.

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

Christine HoweyThe amusing flop-sweat nervousness and spontaneous verbal combustion of the first date, an unavoidable dating ritual, is all there. Unfortunately, the repetitive script is mated to performances that never grow or evolve, leaving the 80-minute play caught in a trap of its own devising.

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

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