2019 CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE THEATER AWARDS

The Cleveland Critics Circle each year honors local theaters, performances, writers, performers and technicians of plays staged by Cleveland area professional theaters during the January 1-December 31 2019 year.

Award Committee Voters: Roy Berko, Kerry Clawson, Howard Gollop, Mark Horning, Laura Kennelly and Andrea Simakis.  Participation in these awards does not preclude individual critics from preparing their own recognitions.

Those recognized for Superior Achievement are listed alphabetically, not by order of achievement.

Best Musical Production  

ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Honorable Mention:

KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas  

MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best Non-Musical Production

TWO, none-too-fragile

Honorable Mention:

AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

BY THE BOG OF CATS, Ensemble

HAMLET, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

INTO THE BREECHES, Cleveland Play House

STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

            

Best Actor – Musical

Fabio Polanco, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

           Honorable Mention

Alex Syiek, THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Jake Slater, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Patrick Ciamacco, THE TOXIC AVENGER, Blank Canvas

Scott Esposito, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas

            

Best Actors – Non-Musical

David Peacock, TWO, none-too-fragile

Robert Hawkes, KING LEAR, Beck

           Honorable Mention

Alex Brightwell, EVERY BRILLIANT THING, Cleveland Play House

Christopher M. Bohan, GLENGARRY, GLEN ROSS, Beck Center

Kieron Cindric, HOMOS OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA, convergence-continuum

Best Actress – Musical  

Nicole Sumlin, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Beck Center

            Honorable Mention

            Jillian Kates, THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater.

            Kelsey Brown, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre 

Program

            Mary-Francis R. Miller, AIDA, Karamu

Best Actress – Non-Musical  

Tarah Flanagan, AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Amy Fritsche, THE PINELOPIAD, Ensemble

Derdriu Ring, TWO, none-too-fragile

Laura Perotta, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

Tess Burgler, HAMLET, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Rising Stars

            Male 

            Jake Spencer, RAGTIME, Cain Park

            Female

            Calista Zajac, NETHER, Dobama

            

Best Director – Musical

Victoria Bussert, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre

           Honorable Mention

Patrick Ciamacco, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas

Terri Kent, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Victoria Bussert, MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best Director – Non-Musical

Nathan Motta, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

           Honorable Mention

Robert Barry Fleming, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Sara Brunner, JULIUS CAESAR, Great Lakes Theater

Sean Derry, TWO, none-too-fragile

Tarah Flanagan and Andrew Carlson, AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

Best Choreographer

Martin Céspedes, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Honorable Mention

           Gregory Daniels, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Imani Jackson, RAGTIME, Cain Park

Martin Cespedes, MATILDA, Beck

Best Musical Direction  

Mathew Webb, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

           Honorable Mention

Ed Ridley, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Beck Center

James Barry, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Great Lakes Theater

Jonathan Swoboda, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Best Scenic Design  

Arnulfo Maldonado, TINY HOUSES, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Jason Ardizzone-West, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Jordan Janota, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Richard H. Morris, Jr., PARADISE BLUE, Karamu

            

Best Lighting Design

Rick Martin, JULIUS CAESAR, Great Lakes Theater

           Honorable Mention

Michael Boll, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Cynthia Stillings, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Ian Hinz THE PENELOPIAD, Ensemble

Best Projection Design

Katherine Freer, PIPELINE, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Benjamin Gantose, RASTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

T. Paul Lowry, AIDA, Karamu

T. Paul Lowry, NETHER, Dobama

Trad Burns and Jason Taylor, MATILDA, Beck Center

            

Best Costume Design

Angela Calin, INTO THE BREECHES, Cleveland Play House

            Honorable Mention

            Leah Piehl, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Great Lakes Theater

            Inda Blatch-Geib, AIDA, Karamu

Best Sound Design

Mathew Webb, JULIUS CAESER, Great Lakes Theater

           Honorable Mention

Patrick Ciamacco, LOBBY HERO, Blank Canvas

Richard Ingraham, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

Best Touring Production  

THE BAND’S VISIT, Key Bank Broadway Series

Best New Play by a Local Playwright

Lisa Langford, RUSTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

            Honorable Mention

            THE HAT BOX, Eric Coble

            LIVE BODIES FOR SALE, Christopher Johnson

Best Ensemble in a Musical:  

ONCE, BW/Beck

           Honorable Mention

MAN OF LAMANCHA, Porthouse

AIDA, Karamu

THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best World Premiere in The Cleveland Area: 

RUSTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

            Honorable Mention

            LIVE BODIES FOR SALE, Playwrights Local

 MAID MARION: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

TINY HOUSES, Cleveland Play House

Special Mention: 

Co-production of THE IMPACT OF SHUFFLE ALONG by Karamu and The Musical Theater Project for placing a spotlight on the story of the first all African American written, produced and performed hit Broadway musical

None too fragile…for finding a permanent home

Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program for producing the national Collegiate Premiere of KINKY BOOTS

Cleveland Public Theatre’s Teatro Publico de Cleveland and Y-Haven Theater for giving a voice to minority performers and playwrights

Scott Campbell for his original music and lyrics in the world premiere of Sarah Coon's MAID MARION: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Fight director Ryan Zarecki for the exceptional stage combat in HAMLET at Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Eva Rose Scholz-Carlson, for her original cello compositions and performance in AN ILLIAD, Cleveland Play House

THE OLD MAN AND THE MOON @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through January 5, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Dobama’s “OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON” creates a world which will enchant many and confound others.  In order to truly participate in the experience, you must combine your inner curious child and let loose of your inhibitions and expectations of the format for traditional theater.  It’s worth seeing if just to immerse yourself in experiencing what “non-traditional” theatre can be, realizing that this is not theater for everyone, especially children.

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


Mark Horning

With a rambling story line and bit confusing conclusion this extended version of the original production could use a bit of red penciling to trim off some of the fat. An earlier start time would also draw in more parents with children.

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

Andrea Simakis

Dobama Theatre’s ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’ takes aim at family-friendly magic, but misses the mark

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF MEAN GIRLS @ THE CONNOR PALACE THEATRE

Theough December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“MEAN GIRLS” is filled with music, characters and Tina Fey-satire that will appeal to audiences.”  Go, see, enjoy, but don’t expect “DEAR EVAN HANSEN” or “FAR FROM AWAY” greatness.

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

Kerry Clawson

“Mean Girls” is a humorous musical about teens behaving badly. But it’s not the comedic perfection that the 2004 teen film was.

The national tour of the musical, adapted from Tina Fey’s movie with a book by Fey, music by husband Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, has a lot of likable elements. They just don’t all come together on stage in as sharply satirical fashion as the subversive movie did.

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


Howard Gollop

Does the entertainment world really need another go-round of a teen outsider navigating the trials and tribulations of high-school life and its social-cliques hierarchy? Well, if that go-round has the wit and heart of "Saturday Night Live" legend Tina Fey, why not?

Mark Horning

If high school had been this much fun many of us would never have left. This high energy show dazzles with brilliant choreography, great singing numbers and superb acting. It is a moral tale of redemption and acceptance that should be required viewing by all high school age children and their parents. See if you can spot yourself among the cast.

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


Laura Kennelly

It’s not Carrie or Heathers (no one ends up dead, although someone does get hit by a bus), but it is definitely one of those “high school is hell for girls” musicals that teaches a lesson about how to treat others (which is, “as you would like to be treated,” of course).

On the good side, the large cast skillfully executes the dance routines.

One of the most striking elements in Mean Girls was not the music (routine pop, nothing special), but the video design by Finn Ross and Adam Young. Projections on the set behind the actors made the show fresh, reminding us where we were (Africa, the high school, their homes, and so on), and letting us “see” the cruel comments written over students’ pictures that cause big trouble.

Bottom Line: There are funny moments, the cast is good, but the story has, overall, been done over and over. Yes, we know growing up is hard, but get over it. (I feel like a mean girl now, but there’s something about this show that brings out the snark.)

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

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

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

This long standing Cleveland Christmas tradition still sells out simply because it is so superbly done. It is the touchstone that a lot of families use to kick off the holiday celebrations. Come see it again and bring the entire family for a night of superb holiday theater.

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


Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

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

EVERY BRILLIANT THING @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Until December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

“EVERY BRILLIANT THING” is a brilliant and absolutely must-see production.  Mental illness and its impact on a family, mortality and existential despondency are central themes. These are heavy subjects but, ironically, the approach is almost frolicsome and totally mesmerizing.

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

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

Mark Horning

Mental health issues seem to peak especially during the holiday season thus the timeliness of this show is apt as we are bombarded with holly jolly Christmas cheer whether we want it or not. It is a show of hope that gently reminds us of every brilliant thing that gives us reason to live.  

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


Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF WHITE CHRISTMAS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through December 1, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

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

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

Howard Gollop

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

Mark Horning

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

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


Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

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

LIVE BODIES FOR SALE @ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL

Through December 15, 2019

(216) 302-8850

Or http://playwrightslocal.org/

Roy Berko

“LIVE BODIES FOR SALE” is a powerful and compelling exposition that grabs and holds attention, not only because of the stories told, but also because of the well-conceived performances.  This is an absolutely must-see experience which shows the power of theater to teach and persuade.

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

Mark Horning

You will not enjoy Live Bodies For Sale but this is a show that should be seen by parents and teens alike. Sometimes theater should be less about entertainment and stronger on teaching vastly needed life lessons. This is one of those shows. Have the courage to see this with your son and daughter. 

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

Andrea Simakis

In writing “Live Bodies for Sale,” playwright Christopher Johnston pulled out his reporter’s notebook and interviewed survivors of the inhumane crime of human trafficking. He didn’t speak to women in far-flung countries but to those right here in Cleveland.  Their stories, told in a series of arresting monologues peppered throughout the loosely structured work, are the reason to make the trek to Waterloo Arts District to see the world-premiere Playwrights Local production.

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

THE LOUSCH SISTERS LOVE DICK'NS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through December 21, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

If you are in need of a silly irreverent look at the dark force of the holidays, this show (fortified with a goodly amount of hooch) should fill the bill. Most of the CPT regulars will get the joke while newcomers may shy away.

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE BANDS VISIT @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 24, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“The Band’s Visit” is a slice of life, character-centered show, woven together with spoken and sung words and music, that is filled with caring humanism.  

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

Kerry Clawson

The elegantly written and performed work stays true to a comment original filmmaker Eran Kolirin made about the movie as it was being adapted for the stage: What if there were an orchestra for all the little things in life? In a story with simple conversations, where not much happens, the music treats every moment as important.

That makes the quote both at the beginning and end of the show quite the understatement: “Once, not long ago, a group of musicians came to Israel from Egypt. You probably didn’t hear about it. It wasn’t very important.”

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

Howard Gollop

Considering "The Band's Visit" is basically about a relatively irrelevant burg in Israel, of all places, where nothing ever happens, one may wonder if it could possibly be the kind of Broadway musical that won a Tony Award for best musical in 2018. Yes it is.

Through interwoven vignettes of deceptive insignificance, the cast compels the audience to savor the complexities and simplicities of human life. What the Broadway incarnation of "The Band's Visit" may lack the original film's cinematic verisimilitude, it more than compensates with a richly hued soul-revealling score. David Yazbek's songs evoke longing, waiting (actually the name of a song), epic romance and intimate small-town life.

Mark Horning

Every so often a show comes along bringing its own special magic to the stage. This is such a show. Lasting only 100 minutes with no intermission it is probably the best theater time you can experience. Bring someone you love to share in the magic.

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: Tonic for the mind and soul. Watching it is like watching a tale from the Thousand and One Nights come to life. Moonlight, romance, music, and longing combine to weave a subtle musical magic in only 90 minutes.

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

Andrea Simakis

‘The Band’s Visit’ at Playhouse Square is a joyous musical celebration of life’s big questions at the scale of the human heart.

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

RASHEEDA SPEAKING @ KARAMU THEATER

Through November 24, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

If you have ever had the nagging feeling that someone is after your job, you are probably right and this play proves it in a masterful manner. It is theatrical dynamite in an easy to understand small package. Workers of the World Unite...and see this play.

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

PENELOPIAS @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

“The Penelopiad” is a well-directed and performed play which exposes the audience to the lost art of Greek theater production while telling a contemporary tale of women caught in a man’s world.  It will be of interest to true theater-goers who appreciate quality theatrics.

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

Mark Horning

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest productions to hit Cleveland in quite some time. Although the Greek names remain intact, the contemporary writing style makes this epic work easy to follow. You will find yourself swept along for a wild ride. If you are serious about theater you should seriously consider seeing this wonderful show.

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

WAKEY WAKEY @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Will Eno’s “Wakey, Wakey” is a heartfelt look at the end of life which invites the audience to be psychologically present while the emotional tale masterfully plays itself out.  Justifiably, there is no curtain call.  Who applauds a eulogy?

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

Mark Horning

This powerfully concentrated work is bound to elicit a cornucopia of reactions from each show’s collection of audience members. Some will understand while others will leave with “WTF?” on their lips and still others will think that they have gone through a drug free acid trip. No matter what the response, everyone who sees this show will be changed in some way. This is the distilled essence of good theater.

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

HOMOS, OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through November 9, 2019

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

“Homos, or Everyone in America” gets a good production at con-con.  While some of the stereotypes could have been pulled back by the author, there is enough empathy developed to hold the audience’s attention.

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

Howard Gollop

Rarely does a local company master the nuanced intimacy of an astoundingly compelling drama like “Homos, Or  Everyone in America.” Rarely does a local company master the nuanced intimacy of a theater such as The Luminous, home to one of the best companies in Northeast Ohio — convergence-continuum. Do not miss this in its final weekend.

PIPELINE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

“Pipeline” is a powerful and intelligent new play which lays a smorgasbord of issues facing black young men, African American families, and the societal responsibility of working toward confronting the long smoldering problems concerning the education of people of color and the consequences of the system as now conceived.  The CPH production is well-worth seeing.  Expect to participate in a long conversation about the play on the ride home.

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

Mark Horning

This intermission free ninety minutes flies by as we are witnesses to the turmoil brought on by spousal betrayal and the resulting problems in its wake with a story ripped right off the headlines that brings us face to face with a growing problem in our society.

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


Laura Kennelly

Despite a good effort by the talented Cleveland Play House team, it’s not enough to smooth over distracting dramatic elements inherent in the play itself. Pipeline tries to cover too many important social topics — public and private education, divorce, single parents, social reform — all at once. It takes a village to make a mess? I don’t think that’s what the playwright had in mind, but that seems to be what she shows us. Morisseau, a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant awardee for 2018, offers 90 minutes of pain about marriage, schools, responsibility and assumptions.

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

Andrea Simakis

“Pipeline” is Morisseau’s argument that we can all do better: Parents. Teachers. Students. Administrators. Government. The Village. Her best idea? Ask him what he needs — then really listen to what he says.

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

RASTUS AND HATTIE @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through October 26, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

If we truly are the culmination of past generational experiences, will erasing these deeply rooted horrors help us or hinder us? If given the choice would you allow yourself to be genetically altered in order to assure that future generations would be baggage free? These questions and more are to be up for consideration. See this show for the “think factor.”

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

Andrea Simakis

In the simplest terms, it’s one of the best plays about race I can remember, and one of the funniest too. It’s also wrenching and heartbreaking, a bracingly original look at America’s original sin of slavery through the lens of history, science fiction and satire, a mashup of genres that shouldn’t work but does.

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL @ THE CONNOR PALACE

Through October 27, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Howard Gollop

The book, credited to no less than three playwrights -- Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff -- plays like a movie trailer for a full-fledged biography that never gets released. In layered flashbacks, scenes are truncated to the point of merely being hinted at, amounting to little more than introductions to Summer's songs. 

Mark Horning

For those of us who came of age during the time of multi tiered dance clubs, disco music and garish dress this show is a delightful blast from the past (emphasis on the blast). You will find yourself dancing to the beat in your seats. Its party time!

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


Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: It’s light as a feather (despite lip service to women’s rights and equal pay) compared to biographical musicals such as Funny Girl or Gypsy that make us care about their subject. However those who really enjoyed Jersey Boys or Motown may find themselves loving it and dancing. (BTW: There’s a party next door to the theater after every show.)

To see a full review of this show, go to see artstillmatters.com or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

In the end, “Summer” is a lot like that mirrored disco ball: cold and dazzling, with a Styrofoam core.

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

THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

Unfortunately, the staging and performance quality of “The Member of the Wedding” was not what it should have been. 

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


Mark Horning

This is one of those “onion” plays that when the various layers are peeled away they reveal a fascinating slice of history. While primarily concerning a young woman’s awakening it also hints at the first stirrings of the civil rights movement. Well worth the investment of time to see this fascinating show.

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


Laura Kennelly

Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding, now at the Beck Center, builds slowly, scene by scene, to give a true and tender glimpse of lives intersecting in a small southern town. Director Eric Schmiedl and an excellent cast make everything they do to bring us into their world seem simple and easy (it is not) as we slip into August 1945 and a welcome post-war era.

To read the full review go to CoolCleveland.com or Laura's blog at artstillmatters.com.

JULIUS CAESAR @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

The production is riveting.  Fast paced, lines clearly stated, actions exciting, and acting well-textured.  This is Shakespeare staging and performance at its finest.  It’s a must see for anyone who enjoys good theater.  Kudos to Sara Bruner and her fine cast and technical staff!  

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

Howard Gollop

After all, the concept of cross-dressing -- females playing males and vice versa -- is as old as Shakespeare itself. So when cross-gender casting is done well, as in this case, the work looks as new and fresh as ever.

Mark Horning

You have not really experienced live theater until you have witnessed one of Shakespeare’s greatest works done exceptionally well by a most professional of theater groups. Have no fear of being able to decipher the Middle English tongue. This production is done in the most easily understood manner. This is great theater and should not be missed.

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


Laura Kennelly

Sarah Bruner, director of Julius Caesar now at Great Lakes Theater, brings grim reality (and a bit of modernity) to Shakespeare’s classic tale about politics, changing rulers, and trusting sycophants.

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

Andrea Simakis

In Bruner’s “Julius Caesar,” a woman in power is normalized; it’s factual, not freakish. That’s as much a tribute to Bruner’s direction as it is to Healey’s majestic performance. Her voice is commanding. She strides with purpose. She fills space with her presence, at ease with being the sun around which everything revolves.

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