ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE'S AIDA @ KARAMU

May 23-June 16, 2019

216-795-7077 
or go to http://www.karamuhouse.org/

Bob Abelman

Karamu’s ‘Aida’ is so good it earned a standing ovation at intermission.

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 evaluating productions, it is important that a reviewer take into consideration the venue and the company doing the show.   Karamu’s “Aida” cannot be compared to the Broadway or professional touring company. None of the youngish cast are Equity members.  They range from being seasoned community and educational theater performers to stage newbies.  That taken into consideration, audiences should enjoy themselves with this Tony Sias directed production.

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

Kerry Clawson

In the musical “Aida” at Karamu House in Cleveland, actress Mary-Francis Miller creates a supreme blend of power and passion as the mythical title character. ... It’s too bad that her leading man, though, Darelle Hill as Radames, took a while to warm up to his role as the other half of this star-crossed duo in Sunday’s performance.

To see a full review of this show, see https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.

Mark Horning

What makes this show an exciting viewing experience is the sheer power of the vocals that sweeps the audience along for an amazing ride back to ancient Egypt. It is a show of love, loss, political intrigue, power, lust and greed...in effect, great entertainment. This is a great show to bring the entire family.

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

STATEMENTS AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

May 24-June 15, 2019
216-687-0074
or http://convergence-continuum.org

Bob Abelman

con-con’s ‘Statements After An Arrest’ still arresting.

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 the recent election of a new President of South Africa, resulting in a probe of the economic and social status of blacks in that country, con-con’s play choice is relevant.  Informing of the horrors of apartheid, which seem to parallel the desires of some of US citizens, also makes the topic germane.   Unfortunately, the quality of the script and some of the directorial decisions leave the audience wanting.

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

Mark Horning

While at times the script tends to weaken, the totally (au) natural performance of the two principles helps make this seventy-five minute theater experience time well spent. This nearly Shakespearean theme of illicit romance tells the tale of generations of oppressed blacks and the whites who loved them during the reign of apartheid in South Africa in a way all can understand.

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

CENTRAL CONCERN @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through June 8, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

‘Central Concern’ at Cleveland Public Theatre offers an absurdist civics lesson. 

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

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE @ BLANK CANVAS

Through June 1, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas rescues ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ from itself.

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

“Little Miss Sunshine” is not a great musical script nor does it have a strong score.  The show’s farcical nature is a challenge for any cast and director.  In spite of a gallant effort, the Blank Canvas production just doesn’t work as well as it could have.  

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

TWO @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 31, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘Two’ a master class in heartbreak.

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

“Two” proves once again that none-too-fragile is the consistently best off-off Broadway in the Greater Cleveland area.  The quality of play choices, the prime acting and the spot-on directing, makes going to this venue a theatrical wonder.   

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

Kerry Clawson

The dramatic comedy “Two” is both sad and funny at None Too Fragile as married British pub owners welcome an array of personalities to their watering hole in the north of England.  
In this two-hander directed by Sean Derry, expert actors Derdriu Ring and David Peacock portray not only the Landlady and Landlord, but also 12 other regulars at the bar ... Ring and Peacock, who are a joy to watch opposite each other, are chameleons as they create couples in multiple permutations.

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

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through May 26, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes Theater’s rock ‘n’ roll tribute ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

worth every penny.

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

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is one of those enjoyable evenings of theatre.  It’s filled with great music and good enough performances that led to screaming, yelling, clapping, and multi-standing ovations given by the audience.  Yes, Memories Are Made of This!

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

Mark Horning

If your looking for a healthy dose of good ol’ Rock and Roll played with all of its original firecracker energy this is one show you will not want to miss. The cast has amazing chemistry that shines past the footlights clear back to the farthest seats. Million Dollar Quartet will have you rockin’ and rollin’ in the aisles. ROCK ON!

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

1776 @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through May 5, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

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

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

WATER BY THE SPOONFUL @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through May 19, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘Water by the Spoonful’ adds gravitas by the tbsp when a tsp would do.

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

Pulitzer Prize winning “Water by the Spoonful” is a thought-provoking play which gives a clear picture of the horrors of addiction, the difficulty of overcoming its grip, and what it is to live with a force controlling you, instead of you controlling it.

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

THIS @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through May 26, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama finds the truth in ‘This,’ an engaging play about loss.

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

Melissa James Gibson’s “This” is a realistic presentation of existence and the stumbles and needed adjustments that must be made as life progresses.  It gets a fine production at Dobama and is well-worth the 90-minutes sit.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Bits of comic relief bubble to the surface from time to time to give counter point to the harsh reality of mid-life survival as the under-noticed middle-agers of the world get some well deserved time under the lights. Well crafted, thoughtful and carefully written this play will give you pause to think about life, death your place in the universe and how it is the little things that make or break a relationship.

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

Andrea Simakis

In the end laughs outweigh the flab.  Ah well, no marriages--and very few plays--are perfect.

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

NATIVE GARDENS @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through May 19, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Cleveland Play House’s ‘Native Gardens’ sprouts comedic catharsis.

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

“Native Garden” is that perfect script which grabs and holds an audience with humor and good story telling, while clearly making its philosophical point. It gets a picture-perfect production at CPH.  It is a wonderful piece to define and explain the political and societal climate of today.  Go!  See!  Enjoy and learn!!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Cultures and horticulture collide in this absolutely delightful range war that examines how conflicts begin and get resolved. Such subjects as American privilege and entitlement, squatter’s rights, Latino influence, the American Dream, environmental impact and what makes and breaks good neighbor relationships are carefully examined in this thoroughly entertaining work. Come to laugh...leave having learned.

  

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

Laura Kennelly

“Good fences, make good neighbors?” Well, maybe not always. Karen Zacarias’s witty and abundantly funny Native Gardens, directed for The Cleveland Play House by Robert Barry Flemming, plants two contrasting families side by side in a wealthy Washington, D.C. neighborhood. As the drama grows, entwining Zacarias’s characters into battle despite their good intentions, it becomes harder to tell the weeds from the flowers.

From Laura's blog at www.artstillmatters.com
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

Beneath the laughter--and teh demented deployment of a chainsaw,--is a play for our tribal times that wears its poroselytism with pride:  There is no hope for peaceful co-eistence wihtouit compromise.  Now tht's a bipartisan message we can all get behind."

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF A BRONX TALE @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through May 12, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘A Bronx Tale’ a crowd-pleasing, color-by-number musical.

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

 After seeing A BRONX TALE on Broadway, I wrote: “Look for A Bronx Tale to be one of the hits of the 2016-2017 Broadway season.”  Anyone who sees the touring version of the musical now on stage in CLE will know why I made that prediction. Yes, this is an excellent production of a nicely conceived musical drama.  Go! “Divertitevi”!  Enjoy yourself! 

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

Kerry Clawson

This is the memory play of Calogero, whose teen character is played by the winsome, handsome Barreiro. ... Although it’s C’s story, I found myself wanting to get to know other characters better, including the colorful assortment of mobsters whose names range from Frankie Coffeecake to JoJo the Whale. Most of all, I wanted to know more of young, black character Jane, C’s love interest played by former Stow resident Brianna-Marie Bell.

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

Howard Gollop

For the cynical, the moderately successful Broadway musical “A Bronx Tale” comes across as some sort of seen-it/done-it contrivance for “Jersey Boys” fans -- checking off all the familiar boxes of the “fahgettaboudit” testosterone-imbued Italian American urban life and the Mafia flirtations that go with it. But as one of the ballads by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and three-time Tony Award nominee Glenn Slater goes, “Look to Your Heart.” Indeed, the heart of “A Bronx Tale” -- specifically, the heart that belongs to its creator and book (script) writer and original film star Chazz Palminteri -- renders the musical heartfelt and hearty of talent.

Mark Horning

In the case of this touring production of A Bronx Tale it is all with the cast who manage to squeeze out every bit of emotion from what otherwise could have been a pretty dry show. Well worth the ticket to see this one.

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

Laura Kennelly

Vibrant, touching, tuneful and above all, a gift to start summer right. Playhouse Square’s latest Broadway Series musical, A Bronx Tale, feels real and a lot more than just a remix of  Jersey Boys, Hairspray and West Side Story (though it does artfully combine appealing aspects of all three). With book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and direction by Jerry Zaks and Robert De Niro (yes, that Robert De Niro) and with choreography by Sergio Trujillo, it’s a winner.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland or on her blog www.artstillmatters.com

Andrea Simakis

Here's to a job well done.

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

PINCH AND SQUEAL'S WIXBANG @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through April 20, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

Forget the rain, forget the cold, forget all your troubles...in short fagetaboudit! Come to Cleveland Public Theatre for an adult treat of Pinch and Squeal’s Wizbang. It’s two hours packed with crazy that will have you laughing your horse off.

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

ART @ BLANK CANVAS

Through April 20, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

In Blank Canvas’ comedy, ‘Art,’ the devil is in the details.

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

“Art” is a fine example of “thinking-persons” theater.  It is the type of script that stays with the viewer a long time after the production encouraging probing into the value of not only art, but friendships and relationships.  Blank Canvas helps the thinking process with a strong production.

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

Mark Horning

What is art? What is its value? Can a white painting really be more valuable than fifteen years of friendship? Three friends battle tooth and claw over a white painting that is valued more for who created it rather than its content. Can there be any winners in this conflict? Come see for yourself.

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

THE PRIDE @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through April 20, 2019

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Mark Horning

This is a show that requires rapt attention to all the nuances of speech as well as a very liberal and accepting attitude about homosexuality. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is an enthralling piece of theater for those with the courage to view it. See it if you feel a bit adventurous. 

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

Roy Berko

con-con is noted for doing scripts that other area theaters won’t attempt.  Sometimes their bold steps work well.  In this instance, sorry, no gold ring.  As presented, “The Pride” is a long and tedious sit, interrupted by a few laughs.

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through April 20, 2019

(216) 241-6000

www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Perpetually touring ‘Phantom’ still evergreen and thoroughly entertaining.

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

 
 Kerry Clawson

The national tour of “The Phantom of the Opera” is a spectral, wondrous thing, from the show’s beginning with its shrouded “Lot 666″ chandelier being auctioned above audience members’ heads, to the final confrontation with and disappearance of the Phantom.

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


Mark Horning

No matter how many times you have witnessed a performance of The Phantom of the Opera mark this one on your calendar as a must see show. Although nearly two and a half hours in length, time flies by as you are mesmerized by this truly spectacular version of a time honored classic. Come see how truly great The Phantom of the Opera can be. 

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