Kill-Move-Paradise @ Dobama Theatre

Through March 27, 2022 

https://www.dobama.org/tickets-index

(216) 932-3396

 

Roy Berko

The Dobama production is brilliantly staged by Nathan Henry. The cast, Mell Bowens, Jr., Ananias J. Dixon, Aamar-Malik Culbreth and Daris Stubbs work as a well-oiled unit to create a vivid depiction of the misguided mistreatment of young black men in America! This is an absolute must see production!  As Donald Bianchi said, “Take the risk with us.  We are all in this together.  We all own it.”

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

Sheri Gross

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

No matter what your faith, there is little to be hopeful about death...it is after all...death. This show manages to put the afterlife into an entirely new perspective...one of heartbreak, anger, joy, love and humanity with a touch of humor thrown in for balance. You will find yourself swept up in the feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, laughter and anger but you will also walk away with an overpowering feeling of hope. Well done, Dobama Theatre.

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

Chris Howey

"...[a] powerful piece of theater, and we are honored to experience it."

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

The Mountaintop @ Karamu House

Through March 6, 2022

https://www.karamuhouse.org/

(216) 795-7070

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

As midnight in Memphis, Tennessee passes into April 4^th, 1968 we catch a glimpse of a man of extreme stature as he struggles with the everyday challenges and temptations known to all of us. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has scaled The Mountaintop and has seen what awaits. It is a lesson in history as well as the human condition and well worth viewing.

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Panther Women: An Army For The Liberation @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through February 26, 2022

https://www.cptonline.org/ 

(216) 631-2727

 

Sheri Gross

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

It becomes evident early on that the women on stage are not just repeating words written on a page. They are relating incidents that they have lived through or are close to family members who have. This is intense theater with a purpose and that purpose is to educate and change the past and give hope to a brighter future. Be a witness to this happening and see this play.   

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Lizzie The Musical @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through February 27, 2022

https://www.beckcenter.org/  

(216) 521-2540 x10

 

Roy Berko

The BW/Beck production is a high tension, rock-centric musical that has the audience bopping in their seats.  Anyone who likes good singing and acting, powerful music and interesting story, will have a goth-blast at LIZZIE.

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

Sheri Gross

Whether you are familiar with the tale of Lizzie and her axe, or you are new to the saga of the burned dress and the “40 whacks,” this show is an experience, and if you are up for something a little different, a little loud, maybe a little out of your comfort zone, this production of Lizzie with its talented cast is worth the risk.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

For those of you who love to flock to “slasher movies” this show is right up your alley. If you like rock and roll, all the better. Rather than a “who done it” it’s a “she done it” but you get to see how she got away with it. It’s blood, lust, sex, crazy family and murder all rolled up in a big rock and roll package. Rock On!   

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

Laura Kennelly

It is rock music we are here for. And we get it. Director Victoria Bussert, with her trademark gusto, allows the four dynamic female leads to do abundant screaming. A few lyric pieces (“Sweet Little Sister”) offer welcome contrast, but major angst suffered by all four characters soon offsets peaceful moments.

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

Jesus Christ Superstar @ Playhouse Square

Through February 20, 2022

https://tickets.playhousesquare.org/ 

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

 JC SUPERSTAR, 50^th anniversary edition, is a spectacle that will leave some with the reaction that it is overdone, overly loud, stressing abundance over story telling. This is not to say the audience will not marvel at the show.  They will leave talking about the grandeur of what they have seen and heard.  The question is, did they see a sound and light show or an epic musical that effectively told its story?

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

Sheri Gross

The Superstar fans will be thrilled with this powerful revival, which manages to stay true to the original while giving it a fresh spin. The dynamic cast boasts vocal chords of steel, and all the passion that is demanded of such complex characters. That being said, this is not a perfect production.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Jesus Christ Superstar is epic rock opera at its best and this touring cast and orchestra does it proud. The show is quite dark as it is about the days leading up to the crucifixion which is not exactly light subject matter. In spite of that you will find yourself swept away by the music and choreography.    

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

Kate Klotzbach

The production overall is absolutely worth seeing. The music is electric, the choreography is exciting, and the voices are a treat. Whether Christian or not, audiences will appreciate a timeless story with compelling songs and impressive moments. A dark and gritty version, the 50th Anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar will have you believing in the power and resilience of theater.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona

The production is unlike any other in the country, enhanced by 22 local strings players joining the 11-piece traveling ensemble. The combined 33-piece orchestra creates an audio experience Playhouse Square describes as “live theatrical surround sound.”

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE 2021 THEATER AWARD WINNERS

 

 

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 year.

 

Voters:  Kerry Clawson (Akron Beacon Journal), Sheri Gross (Cleveland Jewish News, The Lorain Journal, The News Herald), Laura Kennelly (CoolCleveland.com), Mark Horning (WIX), and Roy Berko(Broadwayworld.com, CoolCleveland.com, www.royberko.info).  Participation in these awards does not preclude individual critics from preparing their own recognitions.

 

(Note: Dual award winners and Honorable Mention designees are listed in alphabetical order)

 

Best Musical Production-- INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY

             Honorable Mention

                        BLACK NATIVITY, KARAMU HOUSE 

  QUILTERS, PORTHOUSE THEATRE

 

Best Non-Musical Production-- BROADWAY BOUND, BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

            Honorable Mention

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

APPLES IN WINTER, SEAT OF THE PANTS PRODUCTIONS

WHERE DO WE SIT ON THE BUS?, CLEVELAND PLAYHOUSE

 

Best Actor – Musical— MATEUS CARDOSO, HEARTBREAKERS IN HELL, RUBBER CITY

                                             THEATRE

       DEVON TURCHAN, CABARET THEATRE, BLANK CANVAS

            THEATRE           

            Honorable Mention

            TIM ALLEN, ELF, BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

            DARRELLE HILL, BLACK NATIVITY, KARAMU HOUSE 

                        

Best Actor – Non-Musical-- TREY GILPIN, AIRNESS, DOBAMA

            Honorable Mention

BRIAN KENNETH ARMOUR, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, NONE TOO

         FRAGILE THEATRE

ALED DAVIES, THE TEMPEST, GREAT LAKES THEATER

JOE WEGNER, THE TEMPEST, GREAT LAKES THEATER

 

Best Actress – Musical— SANDRA EMERICK, CABARET, BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

           TERRI KENT, QUILTERS, PORTHOUSE THEATRE   

Honorable Mention

GRACIE KEENER, AMELIE THE MUSICAL, MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

 

Best Actress – Non-Musical— ANNE MCEVOY, APPLES IN WINTER, SEAT OF THE

                                                         PANTS PRODUCTIONS

         DERDRIU RING, THIS GIRL LAUGHS, BECK CENTER

             FOR THE ARTS

Honorable Mention

AMY FRITSCHE, THE EXONERATED, BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

CHRISTINA JOHNSON, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM,

         KARAMU HOUSE

 

Rising Stars 

            Male

                        DARIO ALVAREZ, INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY

                        MATEUS CARDOSO, HEARTBREAKERS IN HELL, RUBBER CITY

                                     THEATRE 

            Female

                        EILEEN BRADY, INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY

                        RHONNIROSE MANTILLA, INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN

                                     WALLACE UNIVERSITY

                        CLAIRE MARIE MILLER, INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN

                                     WALLACE UNIVERSITY

 

Best Director – Musical--TERRI KENT, QUILTERS, PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Honorable Mention

VICTORIA BUSSERT, INTO THE WOODS, BALDWIN

                        WALLACE UNIVERSITY

                        TONY SIAS, BLACK NATIVITY, KARAMU HOUSE

 

Best Director – Non-Musical-- JAMIE KOETH, APPLES IN WINTER, SEAT OF THE

                                         PANTS PRODUCTIONS

Honorable Mention

SARA BRUNNER, THE TEMPEST, GREAT LAKES THEATER

DAVID VEGH, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, NONE TOO FRAGILE THEATRE

            JUSTIN EMEKA, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, KARAMU HOUSE

COLLEEN LONGSHAW JACKSON, THE EXONERATED, BECK

                 CENTER FOR THE ARTS

                        

Best Choreographer:  MARTIN CÉSPEDES, ALTAR BOYZ, PORTHOUSE THEATRE

                                      KATIE GIBSON, CABARET, BLANK CANVAS THEATRE                       

Honorable Mention

KEVIN MARR II, BLACK NATIVITY, KARAMU HOUSE

 

Best Musical Direction: JONATHAN SWOBODA, ALTAR BOYZ, PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Honorable Mention

ANTHONY TRIFILETTI, CABARET, BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

 

Best Scenic Design:  CHERI DEVOL, BROADWAY BOUND, BECK CENTER FOR THE

                                                 ARTS

Honorable Mention               

                        SEAN DERRY, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, NONE TOO FRAGILE THEATRE

 

Best Lighting Design: TIM CRISMON, THE EXONERATED, BECK CENTER FOR THE

                                                 ARTS

            Honorable Mention

            WES CALKIN, AIRNESS, DOBAMA THEATRE

 FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MAGICAL THEATRE

             COMPANY

            

Best Projection Design: T. PAUL LOWRY, BLACK NATIVITY, KARAMU HOUSE

Honorable Mention

T. PAUL LOWRY, AIRNESS, DOBAMA THEATRE

 

Best Costume Design:  HELEN Q. HUANG, THE TEMPEST, GREAT LAKES THEATER

Honorable Mention

           INDA BLATCH-GEIB, BROADWAY BOUND, BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

INDA BLATCH-GEIB, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM,KARAMU HOUSE    

 

Best Sound Design:    RICHARD B. INGRAHAM, AIRNESS, DOBAMA THEATRE

      MATTHEW WEBB, THE TEMPEST, GREAT LAKES THEATER

Honorable Mention

STEVE SHACK, ELF THE MUSICAL, BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

            

Best Touring Production:  THE PROM, PLAYHOUSE SQUARE 

 

Best New Play by a Local Playwright:  LOVE IN RESERVE, ERIC MANSFIELD, RUBBER

                                                                         CITY THEATRE

 

Best Overall Ensemble (Unified Cast) in a Musical

            QUILTERS, PORTHOUSE THEATRE

 

Best World Premiere in the Cleveland area:  HEARTBREAKERS IN HELL, JOEY CONTRERAS & BENJAMIN HALSTEAD, RUBBER CITY THEATRE

 

Special Mention

 

DOROTHY SILVER – A LIFE OF LOVE FOR THE THEATER-- THE DEPARTURE OF THE GRANDE DAME OF CLEVELAND THEATER PROVOKED A SEA OF TEARS.  GOOD NIGHT SWEET DOROTHY, AND, MAY THE FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST.  

 

ALL OF THE LOCAL THEATER PERSONNEL AND BOARDS WHO FOUND WAYS TO KEEP THEIR THEATERS ALIVE AND FINANCED DURING THE ON-GOING ANGST OF COVID.

 

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE FOR HIRING EXTRA STAFF TO CHECK THE COVID CARDS BEFORE EACH PERFORMANCE WHICH REASSURED AND ALLEVIATED FEAR FOR THE AUDIENCE.

 

END OF AN ERA IN AKRON: "ACROSS THE RIVER," AN ORIGINAL ONE-MAN SHOW BY JOSY JONES FEATURING JAIRO CUESTA, WAS THE CURTAIN CLOSER FOR NEW WORLD PERFORMANCE LAB IN THE UNITED STATES.

 

Hurricane Diane @ Dobama Theatre

Through February 13, 2022

(216) 932-3396

www.dobama.org

 Roy Berko

HURRICANE DIANE is a well-written script which gets a top-notch production at Dobama.  Sit back, appreciate fine acting and top-notch tech work, as you hopefully learn about the need for all of us to work to curb climate change.  You might also conjure up a more audience-friendly configuration for the Dobama performance space.

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.

Sheri Gross

Stellar performances, creative direction, and a thought-provoking message couched in a clever, funny script, make Hurricane Diane at Dobama the show to see.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

This show is a wondrous work of theater. It is topical without being too preachy, it uses humor to get its point across and it gradually builds to a dramatic and surprise ending. You will find that the ninety minutes (without intermission) flies by.  

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

Cinderella @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

December 2-12, 2021

Kerry Clawson

For Ohio Shakespeare Festival's production of "Cinderella," forget the preconceived notions about this girl being the princessy type.

In this production of the musical, Maya Nicholson's Cinderella feels much more like a real girl, one who isn't necessarily the picture of grace during the big reveal for her ballgown, but who jumps up and down with joy when it happens. And that makes the moment all the more exciting for folks in the audience.

In this Akron company's production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, the Fairy Godmother is a tattooed badass who, rather than looking typically fairy-like, appears mythological and sings with throaty alto power.

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

 

BLACK NATIVITY @ KARAMUThrough December 23, 2021

Through December 23, 2021

(216) 795-7077

https://www.karamuhouse.org/

 

Mark Horning

Somebody say Amen! That is exactly what you will say and how you will feel once you have witnessed the Karamu production of “Black Nativity”. This is a hand clapping joyous shout of celebration that must not be missed. It is a sure cure for the winter blahs. Come be saved!

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

WICKED @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

December 8 through 22, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events

Howard Gollop

This production is a cut above the previous tour that came through Cleveland a few years back. But even in a lesser effort, "Wicked" remains the kind of celebration pre-teen girls (and older women) can savor. Only this time, the magic may transcend into a much broader appreciation.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross

The talent-filled production of Wicked at Playhouse Square has all the “wow” we need to fill our hearts, stir our souls, and open our eyes to the need for tolerance, understanding, and the importance of digging below the surface. That, along with the magic of theater,  just may change us…for good. 

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

This is the type of musical extravaganza that Broadway is famous for and well worth the ticket. All of the elements come together for this extraordinary example of Great White Way Huzzah. Wicked will put your entire family under its spell.

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

Kate Klotzbach

The show is packed full of memorable songs performed by a very gifted cast... The design elements of WICKED are also noteworthy, with Susan Hilferty’s costumes taking the prize for their eye-catching color and detail. Lights, sound, set, and other technical aspects capture the spirit of Oz and the magic that is within... To sum up: WICKED is worth it. The rich story, striking songs, talented-laden vocals, and top-notch design elements make this production one to see.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona

Nearly two decades after it premiered on Broadway, it’s easy to see why “Wicked” remains one of the most successful musicals of all time.

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

CABARET @ BLANK CANVAS

Through December 18, 2021 

(440) 941-0458

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/cabaret/

Sheri Gross

Director Patrick Ciamacco unpacks everything “Cabaret” has to offer, taking us on an entertaining, albeit unsettling journey. The misstep is the show’s ending, which suffers from a case of shock value, overshadowing the message. This is not the familiar ending from the US revival but aligns with the London revival, and in this space goes too far. If this were the preferred ending, it should not have been followed up with an upbeat curtain call, which seemed jarringly out of place.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Tired of the strain of the holidays with all of its rushing around? Take a much needed break at The Kit Kat Club where you can unwind and forget about life for awhile. This cautionary tale about life in 1930s Germany during the rise of fascism is at once entertaining and enlightening. Right this way, your table’s waiting.

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

Kate Klotzbach

"Welcome to Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub, where you can forget all of your worries! The outside has no hold on you while you are in this place full of music, dancing, and love! This remount of the 2016 BCT production beckons you to come in, sit down, and be entertained."

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY WAY @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through December 18, 2021

(216) 687-0074

https://convergencecontinuum.ticketleap.com/

 

Roy Berko

The topic of THE 20^TH CENTURY WAY, if, not the play’s production, should please con-con regulars.  The theme is intriguing and spotlights an important moment in US history that led to many bad laws being passed, gay men being persecuted and prosecuted, and great angst.  It took a late 20^th century Supreme Court decision to undue the horror.

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

Mark Horning

Fans of Con-Con will love this quirky fast moving acting romp. It will also be a delight for actors who love watching challenging rolls unfold on stage. Some people will leave having not gotten what the play is all about while others will knowingly nod in understanding. This is black box theater of a higher level.

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

Kate Klotzbach

“You can’t be charged for being something, only for doing something.” And thus spins the carousel known as The 20th Century Way, a two-person play running audiences in circles of “morality.”

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

ELF THE MUSICAL @ BECK CNETER FOR THE ARTS

Through January 2, 2022

(216) 521-2540 x10 

https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/elf

 Roy Berko

Beck’s ELF lacks the farcical quality and creativity of the movie on which it is based.  Part of the problem is the poor quality of the script.  The rest is the lack of creativity in the staging.   It may be a pleasant sit for some, but for others it will be a quickly forgettable experience.  

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

Mark Horning

This show reminds me of a certain holiday recipe; sweet potatoes, marshmallows and walnuts. It’s overly sweet, a bit gooey and a little nutty yet tons of this concoction are devoured every Thanksgiving and Christmas. With all of the seats in the theater being filled night after night who am I to argue with logic like that?

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

LIGHT IT UP! @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through December 22, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2021/light-it-up

Roy Berko

CPH presents a holly-jolly musical for holiday cheer.  

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

Mark Horning

Especially this year we all need a little extra Christmas cheer and this musical extravaganza is just the ticket. “Light It Up!” is the perfect family friendly show that will appeal to all ages. Come spend an enjoyable evening in Tinselville with this wonderful collection of holiday characters. 

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

Kate Klotzbach

This enjoyable 90-minute show (no intermission) by Jason Michael Webb and Lelund Durond Thompson is a bit of wholesome fun that will uplift the spirit. Director and choreographer Christopher Windom has successfully brought together both new and classic melodies with the energy of the talented performers to produce a unique, one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.