REEFER MADNESS @ BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

December 4 through 19, 2015

440-941-0458 

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

In spite of over-zealous musical sounds, REEFER MADNESS is a farcical delight that is a tongue-in-cheek examination of the “dangers” of marijuana.  The production elements are aptly overdone, resulting in a fun experience for an open minded audience or one that is “toked” out.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

If you have ever seen the ridiculous propaganda film from 1936 by the same name (and even if you haven’t) you really should see the Blank Canvas production of “Reefer Madness.”  It is a hilarious farcical send-up of the film with a driving rock score.  The cast is on a real high and you will be too.  This is the kind of show that will give you visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.

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

Christine Howey

This raucous musical—with music by Dan Studney, lyrics by Kevin Murphy and book by both—is a giggle-fest whether you’re high when you see it or not.

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

MARY POPPINS @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

December 4, 2015 through January 3, 2016

216-521-2540 

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Mark Horning

If you enjoyed the sell out production of Mary Poppins last year, you will love this show even more.  The returning cast is more comfortable in their roles and really put forth the effort in song and dance to sell the show.  Tickets will go fast for this one so order early.

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

THE WIZARD OF OZ @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

December 1 through 6, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

This touring ‘Wizard of Oz’ proves that there’s no place like homage.

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

Roy Berko

Yes, Dorothy, I’d love to come back again and again to see you and the rest of the cast of THE WIZARD OF OZ.  This was a very special production that showed the value of new electronic media techniques used to their highest level of creativity to help reinvent a well-loved story.  Yes, the show takes us “Over the Rainbow,” and is filled with “Wonders of the World,” as we “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” and come to appreciate that there is no place like home.  Too bad the show only stays here for a very short run.  Go!  Enjoy!

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

Howard Gollop

Fortunately, the orchestrations by David Cullen and Graham Hurman (vocal and dance music) ingeniously gel old and new music, plus work in a bit of Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain.” The result is a reasonably cohesive, if not seamless, score...  What elevates this “Oz” is not the cast members — who are great singers but ultimately unexceptional actors (with the exception of Morgan Reynolds as the Scarecrow) — but the production value.

Mark Horning

If you are a family looking for a wonderful first time big theater experience for your children, you need look no further than “The Wizard of Oz: The Musical.”  It is the stuff that dreams are made of as well as memories that will last a lifetime.  Reserve your ticket NOW so that you can be off to see the Wizard!

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

Christine Howey

All in all, this Wizard is a splendid adaptation and actually serves as a wonderful companion piece to the movie.

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

Art Thomas

You'll enjoy the music from the movie in this production which also boasts new music and lyrics from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The four core characters connect with the audience fully and the production design is the perfect frame for the enchanting choreography. 

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

THE LOUSH SISTERS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

November 27 through December 19, 2015

216-631-2727 

Or go to www.cptonline.org

Roy Berko

THE LOUSH SISTERS LOVE DICK’NS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS is a fun evening of escape from shopping, decorating and the pressures of life.  Sit back and let Jolly and Holly tease and taunt you and enjoy yourself as you realize that there is a family “more dysfunctional than your own!”

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

Mark Horning

The Loush Sisters are back at Cleveland Public Theatre with their more naughty than nice take on the traditional holiday themed show.  If you’re looking for an evening that will jingle your bells in all the right places, this is the performance you have been waiting for.     
  

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

Christine Howey

If the mere utterance of (naughty words) makes you laugh uproariously, you're in for a treat.

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

Andrea Simakis

Like Dickens' dyspeptic Victorian miser, Holly and Jolly learn valuable lessons while crooning everything from "Like a Virgin" to "O Holy Night" and dancing to "Thriller" with red S&M ball gags in their mouths, a visual homage to Rudolph's shiny red nose.  So naughty. So nice.

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

A CHRISTMAS STORY @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

November 27 through December 23, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

It’s back!  Once again CPH is presenting “A Christmas Story.”  This production, as has become the tradition, is a charming reenactment of the Jean Shepard story.

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

Mark Horning

Although this production has come through with very little changes, it is the kind of story that bears repeating from time to time.  It is a story of hope, fighting against the odds, friendship and winning over adversity.  Plus it is just plain fun to watch.  Bring the family and have a ball.

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

GUYS ON ICE @ ACTORS SUMMIT

Through December 22, 2015

330-374-7568 

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

‘Guys on Ice’ more bait than bite, but its charm is reeling.

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

Roy Berko

As a couple said in the elevator while exiting the theatre,  “It was kinda cute.”  Yep, all righty, if you are in the right mood, and don’t expect Shakespeare or Sondheim, GUYS ON ICE is kind of cute.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

It seems I’ve mellowed out over the last six years, considering I found the goofy little musical 'Guys on Ice' more entertaining this time around than I did in 2009 at Actors’ Summit.
The musical ... has a barely-there story and mostly schlocky tunes that attempt to hold the lightweight 90-minute show together. But this show knows how to laugh at its own lame hinterland humor ...

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for a non-holiday infused show that is witty and a true delight to watch, look no further than Actors’ Summit’s production of “Men on Ice.”  Spend a delightful evening with these “Ice Hole Philosophers” as they sing, dance and joke their way into your heart.  This gem of a show is well worth the short drive from Cleveland.  You Betcha.

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

BOB:A LIFE IN FIVE ACTS@CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through December 20, 2015

216-687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org 

Bob Abelman

"Bob" offers the perfect juxtaposition of epic storytelling and anemic story, of vibrant verbiage used to describe a pallid person and his meaningless journey.  And this very clever comedy has found a home at con-con.

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

Roy Berko

BOB:  A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS, gets a con-con production, under the creative interpretation of director Geoffrey Hoffman, and the acting skills of the cast, that well exceeds the script’s development, purpose, and excessive length.

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

Mark Horning

If your humor runs the course between outrageous and farcical, this is the perfect show for you.  Close attention is needed as the puns and quips fly by in rapid fire sequences.  Open minded people only need to apply.  It is minimalist theater done to perfection as Bob takes you on a trip you will not forget.

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

Christine Howey

It's a complicated production that is choreographed well by Hoffman, with lots of odd props (an umbilical cord, for one) and quick costume changes. And some projected photos help anchor a few scenes. But perhaps more time should have been spent on shaping a raft of vivid supporting characters that could have made Bob's life more entertaining and sustainable, theatrically speaking.

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

BASH:LATTERDAY PLAYS@NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through November 21, 2015

330-671-4563 

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

Less than a third of the way through the play "Bash: Latterday Plays,"  you feel sick to your stomach. And it doesn’t go away.  The Neil LaBute play, now playing at None Too Fragile Theater in the Merriman Valley, is a collection of dark one-act plays.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.


Christine Howey

You could call it “The Book of Mormon: The Dark Side.” Because unlike the popular Broadway musical, this collection of three one-acts by Neil LaBute is a brutal and caustic journey into the black hole of our souls. 

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

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.

AGES OF THE MOON@ENSEMBLE THEATRE

November 13 through December 6, 2015

 216-321-2930

 Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble Theatre’s ‘Ages of the Moon’ lacks gravitational pull.

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

Roy Berko

AGES OF THE MOON is a typical Sam Shepard play.  The characters are well-etched, hard to love or even like, and leave us with a lesson of abject frustration as to why some people lead lives of little meaning or purpose.  It’s a script for those who like raw, well performed theater.

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

Christine Howey

While it doesn't delve boldly into its themes, Shepard's signature language — crackling sharp and often impulsively amusing — still manages to tickle the ear with its unexpected rhythms.

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

TALL SKINNY CRUEL CRUEL BOYS@THEATER NINJAS

October 29 through November 14, 2015

http://theaterninjas.com

Bob Abelman

‘Tall Skinny Cruel Cruel Boys’ is an intriguing but indecisive psychodrama.

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

Roy Berko

Though not for everyone, TALL SKINNY CRUEL CRUEL BOYS will be a positive experience for those who like “thinking” person’s theater.  It also makes for a positive Halloween season scare-treat.  What’s hiding under your bed?

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

Christine Howey

In the daunting role of Brandy, Rachel Lee Kolis demonstrates a raw physicality that gives her performance a mesmerizing quality. 

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

Andrea Simakis

The marriage of playwright and company is  match made in surreal heaven.

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

THE CALL@DOBAMA THEATRE

October 23 through November 15, 2015

216-932-3396 

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s thought-provoking but highly entertaining ‘The Call’ comes collect.

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

Roy Berko

THE CALL is one of those special theatrical performances that encourages thinking and contemplation, while adding just enough humor to avoid depression.  The topic is contemporary, the script is meticulously written, the production well staged, the acting of the highest level.  This is a must see production!

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

Mark Horning

Much like a guitar string that is tightened to the snapping point, this show gradually ratchets up the energy until the tension is built to the point of breaking only to have calm reason and love to smooth the troubled waters in the end.  It is a roller coaster ride with a long climb and a single fast hill that at the end flattens out to a gentle coast.

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

Christine Howey

It's always a shame when a play targets an important topic and falls short. But with The Call, it feels like the playwright just keeps pivoting away from the bull's-eye, firing arrows off in all directions.

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

BAT BOY THE MUSICAL@BLANK CANVAS

October 16 through 31, 2015

440-941-0458 

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Does Blank Canvas director Patrick Ciammaci, who routinely traverses between the worlds of classic drama and cult comedy, find common ground and create a more tempered treatment of “Bat Boy: The Musical?”  Nahhh!

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

Roy Berko

BAT BOY, THE MUSICAL is a farcical show, which gets an entertaining production at Blank Canvas under the creative direction of Pat Ciamacco. To truly appreciate the show you have to go with the attitude that you are going to have a fun-filled time. It’s worth seeing the show, if for no other reason, to observe the wonderful character development by Pat Miller as the Bat Boy.

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

Christine Howey

Director Ciamacco has perfect pitch for surreal stories such as this, and once again his sprightly, inventive sense of humor shines forth.

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

THE INVESTIGATION@CESAR'S FORUM

October 16 through November 14, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or http://www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The current staging of this play by Cesear’s Forum is lifeless.  This is because director Greg Cesear has little faith that the words can speak for themselves and offers his assistance to make the play – a dramatic rendering of court transcripts – more inventive.  

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

Roy Berko

My ride home after Cesear’s Forum’s THE INVESTIGATION was done in silence.  I sit here now, trying to write a review, with welled eyes.  Oh, the inhumanity of man.  

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

Christine Howey

While The Investigation does not succeed, it is one more example of the risks Greg Cesear and his troupe love to take. And for that, they deserve a deep bow.

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

FIRST LOVE @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

October 9 through October 24, 2015

330-671-4563 

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Nothing happens in this play and it is absolutely enthralling because of what actors Anne McEvoy and Robert Hawkes bring to it. 

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


Kerry Clawson


Charles Mee's "First Love" is strangely poetic as two senior citizen characters dance around the prospect of love at None Too Fragile Theater.

The first meeting between Edith and Harold - played by the excellent Anne McEvoy and Robert Hawkes - is combative when they become acquainted on a park bench. The two look comically disheveled with their ripped, dirty clothing, she with a babushka-like scarf on her head and pushing a cart full of belongings.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.


Christine Howey

The superb three-person cast of Robert Hawkes, Anne McEvoy and Rachel Roberts, and their director Sean Derry, invest this script with such pulsing humanity you can’t look away, even as your mind races to make sense of a not particularly sensible plot.

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