THE 2022 CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE THEATER AWARDS

 

Each year, the Cleveland Critics Circle (CCC) honors outstanding local productions as well as select performers, directors, designers, and playwrights. Eligible plays include those staged by Cleveland-area professional theaters during the 2022 calendar year.

 

For more than 50 years, the CCC has provided support and recognition for professional theaters in our community and for the talented individuals who create and stage their productions.

 

CCC members are local theater critics who write for print and/or online publisher(s); or who have established a distinct, credible, and consistent online presence (blog, etc.) for their reviews. Members of the CCC who voted for the 2022 Awards are:

Roy Berko (Broadwayworld.com, CoolCleveland, Theatre Criticism, www.royberko.info) 

Kerry Clawson (Akron Beacon Journal)

Howard Gollop (Chronicle-Telegram)

Sheri Gross (Cleveland Jewish News, The Lorain Journal, The News Herald)

Mark Horning (WIX blog)

Christine Howey (Cleveland Scene)

Laura Kennelly (CoolCleveland)

NOTE: Participation in these awards does not preclude individual critics from offering their own recognitions.

 

THE ENVELOPES, PLEASE!

(Honorable Mention designees are listed in alphabetical order.)

 

Best Musical Production

            SOMETHING ROTTEN, BECK CENTER

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        LIZZIE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

 

Best Non-Musical Production

            DESCRIBE THE NIGHT, ENSEMBLE

            HONORABLE MENTION

            THE AGITATORS, RUBBER CITY THEATRE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, BECK CENTER

INSURRECTION: HOLDING HISTORY, CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

           

Best Actor – Musical 

            MATTHEW WRIGHT, SOMETHING ROTTEN, BECK CENTER

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        ERIC FANCHER, SOMETHING ROTTEN, BECK CENTER

                        ZACH PALUMBO, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, BLANK CANVAS

           

Best Actor – Non-Musical

            DAVID PEACOCK, THE WEIR, NONE TOO FRAGILE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        SCOTT ESPOSITO, BUYER & CELLAR, BECK CENTER

                        JOE PINE, DESCRIBE THE NIGHT, ENSEMBLE

 

Best Actress – Musical

            ALEXA LOPEZ, WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        THERESA KLOOS, SOMETHING ROTTEN, BECK CENTER

                        KRIS LYONS, LIZZIE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        MAYA NICHOLSON, CINDERELLA, OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

 

Best Actress – Non-Musical

            AMIEE COLLIER, HURRICANE DIANE, DOBAMA

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        JESS HUGHES, THE AGITATORS, RUBBER CITY THEATRE

                        LAURA PERROTTA, DESCRIBE THE NIGHT, ENSEMBLE THEATRE

 

Rising Stars

            Male

            MAURICE KIMBALL IV, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-                                TIME, BECK CENTER

Female

JORDYN FREETAGE, THE LAND OF OZ, DOBAMA

 

Best Director – Musical

            PAT CIAMACCO, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, BLANK CANVAS

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        JOANNA MAY CULLINAN, SCHOOL OF ROCK, CAIN PARK

                        TERRI KENT, WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

 

Best Director – Non-Musical

            SEAN DERRY, THE WEIR, NONE TOO FRAGILE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

CELESTE COSENTINO, DESCRIBE THE NIGHT, ENSEMBLE

WILLIAM ROUDEBUSH, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, BECK CENTER

 

Best Choreographer

            MARTIN CÉSPEDES, WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        LIZ BAUMGARTNER, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, BLANK CANVAS

 

Best Musical Direction

            MATHEW WEBB, LIZZIE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        LARRY GOODPASTER, SOMETHING ROTTEN, BECK CENTER

                        BRADLEY WYNER, ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, BLANK CANVAS

 

Best Scenic Design

            NOLAN O’DELL, WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        EFREN DELGADILLO, ROMEO & JULIET, GREAT LAKES THEATER

YU SHIBAGAKI, THE GREAT LEAP, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

                       

Best Lighting Design

            JEREMY PAUL, THE THIN PLACE, DOBAMA

                        HONORABLE MENTION

            ANDREW MCDANIELS, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, BECK CENTER

 

Best Projection Design

            PERREN HEDDERSON, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, BLANK CANVAS

                        HONORABLE MENTION

NEIL SUDHAKARAN, ANGRY FAGS, CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

 

Best Costume Design

            TESIA DUGAN BENSON, THE LAND OF OZ, DOBAMA

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        JENNIVER SPARANO, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, BLANK CANVAS

                        CHARLOTTE M. YETMAN, LIZZIE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

 

Best Sound Design  

ANGIE HAYES, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, BECK CENTER

            HONORABLE MENTION

                        CURTIS CRAIG, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

 

Best Touring Production

AMERICAN MOOR, KARAMU

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

 

Best New Play by a Local Playwright 

            STEVE WILLENSKY, ELLIOT & ME

                        HONORABLE MENTION

            GEORGE BRANT, THE LAND OF OZ, DOBAMA

           

Best Chorus/Ensemble in a Musical

            WEST SIDE STORY, PORTHOUSE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        SCHOOL OF ROCK, CAIN PARK

                        ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, BLANK CANVAS

 

Best World Premiere in the Cleveland Area

            THE LAND OF OZ, DOBAMA

 

Special Mention   

            GINA VERNACI:  For her brilliant 37-year career with Playhouse Square—starting as an intern and rising to Executive Producer and ultimately CEO—providing leadership for the largest performing arts center in the US outside of New York City.

            LAURA KEPLEY:  For her wise, innovative and creative guidance as artistic director of the Cleveland Play House for nine years.

            CHARLOTTE YETMAN:   For her years of outstanding, award-winning costume designs.

            TOM HANKS:  For his acknowledgement of his early training at Great Lakes Theater, during his emotional acceptance of the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2020 Golden Globes.

 

(Compiled by Chris Howey and Roy Berko)   

             

 

The Last Starfighter @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through December 17, 2022

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/ 

(440) 941-0458.

 

Sheri Gross

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

Mark Horning

If you have been holly jollied to the point of distraction this season and want to see something fun and less Christmassy you need to check out this wild sci-fi production. It’s zany, crazy fun that will make you laugh and escape the world for a couple of hours. It is truly “Out Of This World.”

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.

ELF @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through December 17, 2022

https://cvlt.org/ 

(440) 247-8955

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

This is truly one of the better productions of this holiday classic due mainly to the talent of the cast and the expertise of the orchestra. The holiday cheer is infectious and quickly takes over the audience in waves. In short, this show will make you “Happy All The Time.”

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

Hamilton @ Playhouse Square

Through January 15, 2022

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

The question asked to many who see "Hamilton" is whether it is worth the investment of time and money? This reviewer's answer, "Absolutely!" I've seen it four times and this staging was as compelling as the first!

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

Howard Gollop

As for this particular touring production, Pierre Jean Gonzalez, looking remarkable like Miranda in the title role, Jered Dixon as Hamilton’s eventual nemesis Aaron Burr, Marcus Choi as George Washington (who repeats his performance from the original national tour that came through Playhouse Square), Nikisha Williams as Eliza Hamilton and Ta’rea Campbell as Angelica Schuyler (also here from the first Playhouse Square engagement) are multi-talented powerhouses. 

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

Sheri Gross

And with compelling lyrics that make your heart skip a beat, like “History has its eyes on you,” and “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?,” “Hamilton” is using our past to move us forward. It is for this reason, as well as the fact that “Hamilton” is “Non-Stop” entertainment from beginning to end, with a spectacular score, creative choreography, and an incredibly talented cast, that it is time to embrace the hype, because this is a production not to be missed. 

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

Mark Horning

If you missed the last time “Hamilton” hit town, perhaps you should give the show a chance. This is a high energy extravaganza that is Broadway at its best. For those who loved the first run you will delight in this production even more. Give it a shot!

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

Chris Howey

All Praise for the Ensemble Cast in the Touring Production of 'Hamilton,' Now at Playhouse Square

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

Kate Klotzbach

Filled with powerful songs and frenetically energized choreography, the cast embodies the towering souls of these historical giants and keeps the voice of history alive.

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

Joey Morona

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is as awe-inspiring as ever

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

 

ELF @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

ELF

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

12/2-30. 2022

https://www.beckcenter.org

Howard Gollop

Speaking of orphans, "Elf: The Musical," based on the hit film comedy starring "Saturday Night Live"'s Will Ferrell as a wayward and way-overgrown orphan raised to be one of Santa's elves, is a lot better than it needs to be. And that's even more apparent -- and much more affordable -- in the return engagement at the Beck Center for the Arts. "Elf" may be the big alternate musical to catch for the holiday season.

Chris Howey

Elf the Musical isn't everything the movie is, and it could be edited to a more child-friendly length, but its heart is in the right place. And it may give you a little jolt of Christmas spirt after all. 

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

Cinderella @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 17, 2022

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

 

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

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

Mark Horning

This is more than a show. It is a wonderful gift that parents can share with their children and lovers can share with their significant others. It is lavish in both sight and sound. This year, why not give the gift of live theater to your family. “It’s Possible!”

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.

 

The Land Of Oz @ Dobama Theatre

Through December 31, 2022

https://www.dobama.org/

(216) 932-3396

 

Roy Berko

Dobama’s THE LAND OF OZ should be seen as a work in progress.  It is quite good, for a new piece.  It will be a better experience for the audience after it is put through more tests.

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

Sheri Gross

"The Land of Oz" is a quirky tale full of unexpected heroes, and while at times it might feel like the equivalent of a fever dream, this is the kind of show that tugs at our need to be wrapped up in a little magic every once in a while. Plus, there’s the fact this also is a quality production with an entertaining ensemble of actors.

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for something different for the family to share together this holiday season, this is the show that you cannot miss. Good music, good dancing, good costumes and good acting combine together in a wonderful moral tale of inclusion and friendship (lessons that young and old could benefit from). Tickets are selling fast so buy yours right away, and remember, “There’s No Place Like Home.”

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

Chris Howey

'The Land of Oz' Musical, Now at Dobama Theatre, is Delectable Fun Featuring Beloved Characters With a New Twist

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

Joey Morona

The musical might not be quite ready to fulfill any national aspirations, but the potential is certainly there for it to defy gravity, too.

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

The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told @ Convergence-Continuum

Through December 17, 2022

https://www.convergence-continuum.org/

(216) 687-0074

Roy Berko

THE MOST FABULOUS STORY EVER TOLD will delight con-con regulars and intentionally upset the religious up-tight.  But, as Rudnick stated about detractors, "tell them I spoke to God personally and he said they're wrong."

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

Howard Gollop 

Rudnick's gay humor resonates at the convergence-continuum theater even if many of the jokes are past their expiration date, and the cast and crew put forth a noble effort. Still, considering even the original 1998 off-Broadway production faltered, it would be unfair to expect much more than a frivolous, if confusing, evening of "you-go-girl" fun.

Mark Horning

If you are a religiously uptight individual this is definitely not the play for you to see. With tickets selling fast it would be best for those who appreciate wacky irreverent humor to have their chance to attend. This is a production for the extremely open minded. Bigots need not apply.

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

Chris Howey

"While several of the playwright's topical japes and jabs have lost their punch, there are still more LOL moments in this play than in most other comedy scripts."

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

How The Circus Stole Christmas @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through December 10, 2022

https://www.cptonline.org/

(216) 631-2727

 

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

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

Mark Horning

Cleveland Public Theater has combined with Crooked River Circus for a family friendly safe show that your entire clan will love. The characters are interesting and easy to like, the circus gags are top notch and the costuming is appropriate for the setting. Bring the entire family for a fun evening!

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.