LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through April 14, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Nicole Sumlin on a bandstand with a microphone is simply worth the price of admission.

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

Nicole Sumlin is superb as Billie Holiday, Ed Ridley plays one mean piano and Bradford McGhee plucks a happy tune.  The result is a special evening of musical theater!  This is an absolutely must see!

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

Mark Horning

The Beck Center production of Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and Grill is a chance to see a falling star as it plummets to earth and is suddenly extinguished. It is a morality play of an immense talent whose life was cut short due to her self destructive behavior. A mixture of sad and delight it is an example of intimate theater at its best.

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

Laura Kennelly

Attention! Attention! Ladies and gentlemen, the Beck Center proudly presents Ms. Nicole Sumlin, songstress and actress extraordinaire! Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill gives a glimpse of the late chanteuse Billie Holiday’s last days as a singer. It also offers a great chance for a vocalist with acting chops to entertain, move and impress an audience. Enter Sumlin, who, as Holiday, does just that.

To see a full review of this show see Cool Cleveland.

A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through March 30, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Most people can think of better ways to spend three hours than watching four-acts of Eugene O’Neill’s emotionally wrenching “A Moon for the Misbegotten.”  But those who attend Ensemble Theatre’s astounding production will be glad they chose none of them.

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

THE NETHER @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 31, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

The prolonged, ear-splitting sound of cicadas during “Appropriate.” The spooky Civil War-era house with its creepy dead-eyed doll collection in “John.”  The political and profane provocation that is “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.”  Dobama Theatre seems to be daring an audience to attend its productions.  This is particularly so in its current staging of Jennifer Haley’s “The Nether.” 

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 Nether” is a thought-provoking, disturbing script which gets a fine production.  It is not for those who go to the theater to escape from the real world, but for those who wish to probe into ideas and are willing to look for the consequences of the decisions we make, whether they be in real life or a fantasy world.  

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

Mark Horning

This is a dark play that deals in subject matter of the most horrendous nature. For those who enjoy roller coasters and scary movies you will be intrigued, especially by the numerous plot twists at the conclusion. If you are overly sensitive to the depicted subject matter you will probably leave prior to the end of the intermission-less ninety minutes which would be a mistake. See this show if you dare!

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

Andrea Simakis

“The Nether” is a showcase of terrific performances and ideas worth exploring: We destroy the home we have, in the hopes of a better life online -- or off-world, à la Elon Musk’s plans to move to Mars -- at our peril. But like the Web that inspired it, it’s missing the warmth of a human touch.

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF "SCHOOL OF ROCK" @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through March 24, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

I didn’t find the touring production to be as dynamic as the Broadway show, but few patrons are going to leave not entertained. Come on, the stage is filled with talented kids, loaded with shticks and gimmicks, a dynamic score enfolded in an easily followed, yet obvious, story.  What’s not to like?

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

Howard Gollop

With a book (script) by Julian Fellowes — yes, the one who gave us “Downton Abbey” — adapted from Mike White’s screenplay, the musical version of “School of Rock” succeeds where many a more ambitious show has failed. Like the protagonist himself, this musical just wants us to have a good time — clap a little and laugh a lot.

All would be for naught if the show had no worthy descendent of comedy king Jack Black. However, Marritt David Janes takes the reins and reigns supreme — an adept balancing act of ogre and teddy bear, not quite a Black impersonation, but clearly evoking his spirit while dancing and singing rather better.

Mark Horning

Once more the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square plays host to a blockbuster Broadway hit that pulls out all the stops. Be dazzled by the stage sets, costumes, dancing and music but especially the amazing talents of what is probably the world’s youngest rock band. Rock On!

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

Laura Kennelly

School may be classified as “work” for children, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. School of Rock, now playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace Theatre, offers a raucous musical treatise about how to have a blast in school, fool parents and teachers, and learn to be a hot rock star — at least if you have the right substitute teacher.

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

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN @ Blank Canvas Theatre

March 1-16, 2019

For tickets and directions go to http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com//

 
Roy Berko

 “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is a haunting musical drama which generally gets a fine performance. The stellar performances by Scott Esposito and Michael Snider is a master class in acting.  It is a production very well worth seeing!

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

THE LION IN WINTER @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through March 10, 2019
(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

In their endless barrage of putdowns, confrontations and one-upmanship, Henry and Eleanor act like marriage is a zero-sum game that must end in one spouse being annihilated.
And, boy, is their blunt nastiness funny, as delivered by Dede Klein as the conniving Eleanor and Terry Burgler as the scheming Henry.

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

GUYS AND DOLLS @ Rubber City Theatre

                                                  February 15-March 3m 2019
                                         For ticket information call 234-252-0272

 Kerry Clawson

The quality of performance was a mixed bag last weekend in Frank Loesser’s classic “Guys and Dolls” at Rubber City Theatre. The show’s biggest problems were weak dancing by the cast and an anemic-sounding orchestra, which was most obvious during the overture.

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

David Ritchey

This company of saints and sinners evoke a simpler time and provide a gentle, entertaining evening in the theater.  

YANKEE TAVERN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

For about half of this play, we can laugh off all the wild conspiracy theories that kooky Ray offers ... With this crazy character, [Robert] Branch walks an amazing line between talking like a loon and conveying such intelligence that you just may wonder if his words could carry any truth. Branch — who has a largely balding head with long, wild gray hair on the sides — plays a character who’s passionate about the world in his mind and talks to ghosts upstairs, including Adam’s dead father Vince.

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

David Ritchey
  
The acting is superior. Director Sean Derry did an excellent job with his small cast, confronting the audience in the theater. He helped build the suspense. 

To see a full review of this show, go to 
http://akron.com/akron-ohio-entertainment-news.asp?aID=40004

TWO BY TENNESSEE @ KARAMU THEATER

Through March 10, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Bob Abelman

Karamu’s ‘Two by Tennessee’ misses its mark.

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

Mark Horning

Do not be fooled by the brevity of these two works. Combined they give you a solid dose of entertainment with the type of message that Tennessee Williams was famous for. This is an intimate evening of theater that is a nice break from the 180 minute extravaganzas we have become used to. It is well worth the time.

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

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 10, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes Theater’s ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ a guilty pleasure. 

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

With fine acting, clear directing, impressive technical aspects, and encompassing writing, “Witness for the Prosecution” makes for a wonderful theatrical experience. Go.  See.  Enjoy!

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

Howard Gollop

Granted, it’s hard to adjust expectations of any stage incarnation if one is a fan of the near-classic 1958 Billy Wilder film version — with those indelible performances by Tyrone Power as the accused, Marlene Dietrich as his mysterious and enigmatic wife (as only Dietrich could be) and Charles Laughton as the loveably unlovable attorney. But the Charles Fee-directed Great Lakes company — particularly Aled Davies in the Laughton role — manage quite a feat of convincing British and German accents, controlled stature and modulated emotion. 

Mark Horning

The hardest role that an American actor can take is one that involves a British accent. Great Lakes Theater has done the nearly impossible by outfitting their actors with believable speech patterns that truly add to the story. This is a colossal show that if you are among the few who have never witnessed Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in any form, you are in for a huge treat of suspense, drama and even comedy. The court is now in session...you be the judge.    

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: An old-fashioned talky courtroom drama, well-executed by a good cast in both major and minor roles. The play itself, however, seems extremely sedate as written and so despite some rather well-done high drama that flares out all too briefly, I want more. To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's post here at Cool Cleveland.

FIRE ON THE WATER @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through March 2, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

This expanded version (two and a half hours plus intermission) of the original 2015 performance (Part 4 of the Elements Cycle) is a theatrical masterpiece that utilizes every square inch of the performance area while using nearly every form of artistic endeavor known to man. It is as complete a show as you will ever see. Come to be wowed.

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

ONCE @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through February 24, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

‘Once’ at the Beck Center entrances but does not transport.

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 Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program production of “Once,” is vibrant, and has talent overload.  This production rivals the Broadway staging and is much superior to the touring show which was part of the Key Bank Series.  It’s the kind of production that you might be tempted to go back and see again!  Go. You will enjoy!

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

Kerry Clawson

 There’s a deep sense of melancholy as well as a quiet joy emanating from the Beck Center for the Arts stage now with the musical “Once.”
Audience members are transported to a Dublin bar and its environs for this show, a partnership between Beck Center and the musical theater program at Baldwin Wallace University. With a cast of 16 directed by Victoria Bussert, it’s extraordinary how this talented young ensemble brings to life the world of an Irish and Czech community brought together by music.

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

Mark Horning

You simply cannot be made to feel any better than seeing this extraordinary production with its wide range of musical numbers (soft love ballads to rousing dance numbers). The cast is spot on in their acting, singing, musician and dancing skills as they fill the stage with unabashed glee. Feeling under the weather? This is the tonic you need to cure your mid-winter blahs. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Once is a deeply spiritual work though that might not be obvious from its completely secular environment (a Dublin street, a bar, a vacuum repair shop, a hillside). We see love, charity and hope manifested in this tender story that never descends to sentimentality (or religiosity for that matter).

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

SHERWOOD @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through February 24, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

CPH’s swashbuckling ‘Sherwood’ parodies as it parries. 

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

“Sherwood” is for those who love to laugh at the ridiculous and see a well-written farce performed at the highest level.  The staging, the acting, the technical aspects are superb.  Go…laugh…escape from the ridiculousness of what’s going on in this country and the world, and have a good time!!!

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater simply needs to supply us with a break from the seriousness of life. Sherwood certainly fills the bill for that. Just like the classic swashbuckling movies of the 30s this show is a great escape from the humdrum. Come share a laugh or two.

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

Laura Kennelly

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, now at the Cleveland Play House’s Allen Theatre, sets a snappy pace. As seen in previous CPH Ludwig comedies (such as Baskerville, A Comedy of Tenors and The Game’s Afoot), farce rules in this capsule sketch of the triumph of Robin Hood and his Merry Band. It’s directed by Adam Immerwahr.  While nothing is safe from Ludwig’s gentle mockery, it’s all in good fun. Arrows fly (see if you can figure out how they do that without killing each other), towers are scaled, bad guys are trounced, and new love comes for Robin (yes, it’s Maid Marion, but it was a surprise for Ludwig’s Robin).

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

THE IMPACT OF SHUFFLE ALONG @ KARAMU

Through February 9, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko


“The Impact of Shuffle Along” brings two unique organizations together, each with different demographics to heighten the CLE community’s awareness of an important musical, “telling a story of then and today.”

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater goes beyond its scope by offering not only entertainment but education as well. This is the case with the Karamu/Musical Theater Project production of The Impact of Shuffle Along. It is an evening of just plain feel good music, vocals, poetry, dance and story telling that will delight everyone who is fortunate to see this show.

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

FREAKY FRIDAY @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

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

Bob Abelman

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

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

Roy Berko

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

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

MISS SAIGON @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 17, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“Miss Saigon” is a powerful piece of musical theater, with a vital story and soaring music.  It tells a tale of historical significance, not sugarcoating the conflict, the effect of the presence of American GI’s on the Vietnamese population, and the human chaos that was left behind.   The impressive touring production was hampered by an overly loud sound system which had the orchestra drowning out the singers and direction, which resulted in overblown chaos in almost every scene. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Everything about this production is magnificently larger than life, from its dramatic love story to its massive score, gorgeous sets, bold staging and over-the-top sleaziness of the Engineer character.

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

Howard Gollop

With slightly less scenic gimmickry and a bit more definition in musicality and dramatics, the revival production comes across much more emotionally satisfying and engaging. Yes, Broadway has grown smarter technologically as well as theatrically since the days of the Broadway dinosaur.

Laura Kennelly

Miss Saigon, that tale of war and woe, is back in Cleveland after all these years. The KeyBank Broadway Series musical, directed by Laurence Connor, offers a slightly reworked version of the first national tour that played here in 1992.  Although the show lacks a hummable score and relies too heavily on sung dialogue, it does succeed in adding a human face to the horror that was the Vietnam War. Its focus is on the fall of Saigon in 1975 when the Viet Cong took the city and the exodus of South Vietnamese troops and the U.S. military turned into panic-fueled chaos.

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

Andrea Simakis

What I'll remember of the re-imagined "Miss Saigon" is Kim, almost spectral in white, riding the shoulders of a crowd trying to breach the gates of the American Embassy, her arms reaching out, and finding nothing.

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

A RAISIN IN THE SUN @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 17, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ is a week away from perfection.

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

Mark Horning

As controversy charges the emotions of our nation in regards to 

who “deserves” to live “where” this work is a stern reminder of 

the basic freedoms enjoyed by us all. This is classic theater at its
 
very best and just as hard hitting today as it was 60 years ago. 

Fill the seats for this one!

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

Roy Berko

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a play about the need to keep fighting to make this a more just and free world.  This is a scropt which is meant to counter those who believe that disdain for those who are different is what would “make America great again.”  Ensemble does the script proud.  It is a production very worth seeing!

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

REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN. @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through February 17, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s anarchic ‘Revolt’ a reminder that theater can and should shock.

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

Maybe the clue to gaining some concept of ““Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again,” is to look at the hundreds of shoes that totally surround the three-sided thrust Dobama stage, and realize that they are all different styles, sizes and colors, and accept that they, like the words of the script, are a clue to the chaos of our era, and though some may fit some, they will not fit all, and though some may serve one purpose, they each may fit another.  As such, the play, or any one pair of shoes, each is not for everyone!

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

Mark Horning

Disturbing! Visual! Loud! This play fully captures all of the unleashed pent-up fury of being a woman in the 21^st century. Should men attend? Hell yes! Should couples attend? Hell yes! Bring the kids? Hell no! Just be warned that you are in for a jarring experience much akin to your first exposure to Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9 (1979) and Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues (1996). It is the type of theater that can bring empires down. 

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

Andrea Simakis

But, my sisters, there is a fine line between a play that is naughty rude, and even anarchic--all traits I admire--and one that is often annoying.  That explains why I left the show not pumping my fist, electrified by the challenging, transgressive theater I'd just seen, but deflated and confused.

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

AN ILIAD @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through February 10, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

‘An Iliad’ at Cleveland Play House takes us on a theatrical odyssey. 

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

In a virtuoso performance, Tarah Flanagan, using language that ranges from contemporary realism to epic poetry, and inhabiting over 50 characters, challenges us to realize the role of rage and think, “How do you know you’ve won?”  As the modern day conflicts in Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan illustrate, “How do you know?”  This is an absolute “must see” production for anyone who desires to experience a theater production at its finest and is willing to probe what makes us human.

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



 
Kerry Clawson

 In “An Iliad,” the tale of war that actress Tarah Flanagan recounts, is an age-old song of conflict, rage and destruction. But this single actress on a nearly bare stage makes the story feel contemporary as she addresses the audience directly as the Poet.

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

Mark Horning

Take an epic poem, translate it into modern vernacular, relate it to situations that have been going on since time immemorial, add dashes of humor, the unworldly sounds of a cello, the sheer theatrical power of one tremendous actress and you have indeed a modern epic that will in itself go down through the ages. 

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

Laura Kennelly

How about a war story? Stomping across the bare floor of the Outcalt Theatre, the seemingly indefatigable Tarah Flanagan as The Poet calls upon the muses to sustain and inspire her as she recounts An Iliad. Her version, crafted by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, is based on the Robert Fagles translation of Homer’s classic.

See a full review at artstillmatters.com or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

"An Iliad" is spellbinding, a rollicking adaptation filled with shrewd modern day references and burning with wit, intelligence and empathy, flawlessly executved by Tarah Flanagan and Eva Rose Scholz-Carlson.

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.