OKLAHOMA @ Porthouse

"Oklamoma!"
July 26-August 12, 2018

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Oklahoma!’ earns the exclamation point.

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

Porthouse ended its fiftieth season on a high note with the well-conceived “Oklahoma!.”  The Kent State professional summer theater should look forward to more years of audience-pleasing shows under the stewardship of Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent and Executive Producer Eric VanBaars.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

This is truly what outdoor summer theater is all about. It is a gathering of friends and family for a theater experience that takes you away from your daily troubles. This young energetic cast with a sprinkling of seasoned pros does a wonderful job of transporting us back in time to simpler days with an excellent orchestra and superb stage set, lighting and sound. Take a break and bring the family.

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

Christine Howey

Even with a couple wrinkles, it’s always good to revisit the genius of Rogers and Hammerstein that is on display in Oklahoma!

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

SIMPLY SIMONE @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through August 5, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

Back by popular demand, Simply Simon makes a triumphant return to the newly renovated and spectacular Jelliffe Theatre. You will not simply witness this performance; you will become a part of it. Come see an old favorite in its new and shiny surroundings.

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

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT @ MERCURY THEATRE

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 771-5862

http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org/carousel-tickets.html

Bob Abelman

Kudos to Mercury for breathing new life into this often performed and usually overproduced musical, and for taking creative risks that, for the most part, pay off.

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

Christine Howey

When you’re going high-concept with a production, it’s best to make sure you have the time and the acting resources to nail the reinterpretation. From that perspective this Joseph, in 1930s parlance, is a broken-down flivver.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

THE NATIONAL TOUR OF HAMILTON @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through August 26, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Yes it is, and yes it does!

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

“Hamilton” is a special theatrical event and experience.  The script is riveting, the music involving, the choreography creative, the production superb.  The touring production is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to participate in one of those special once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  This is one show that definitely deserves its standing ovation.  Bravo!

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

Kerry Clawson

Seeing "Hamilton" play out live onstage is an exhilarating experience that far exceeds all expectations I had imagined after listening to the Broadway cast recording and reading about the show for years.

That’s because Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The second national tour, now at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre, is a high-octane production with the most propulsive momentum I’ve ever seen in a musical.
.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

In “Hamilton,” of course, no one forgoes popular music idioms, but King George imparts his glib dismissal of America in the hilarious style of a British pop star, like a renegade from Herman’s Hermits.  The song is called “You’ll Be Back,” and indeed we will — hopefully when the show returns in another tour with less-expensive and more available tickets.

Mark Horning

After all the hype does the National Touring Company Production of Hamilton live up to its promises? Well, yes and no. The show is your typical over the top Broadway extravaganza with bigger than life figures, exquisite dance numbers, a great hulking set and colorful period wigs and costumes. The weak link is the sound system that denies audience members a clear exposure to the rapid fire lyrics and subtle nuances of the various songs. It is a great show that could be better.

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

Christine Howey

You should do anything legal (and possibly even illegal) to get a ticket. Your life as a human being at this moment in the 21st century will not be entirely fulfilled if you don't witness this extraordinary work of art written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

'Hamilton' in fine company, lives up to the hype.   Perhaps the greatest gift of this breathtaking piece of art is how touchingly famliar and human it makes the men and women who helped shape America seem--so unlike the cold faces under powdered wigs in portrait galleries.

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

ROMEO AND JULIET @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through July 15, 2018
(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

OSF’s comedic approach for the first half of the production is achieved chiefly through actor Ryan Zarecki as Mercutio, who is relentlessly teasing and bawdy with his wildly funny, over-the-top mockery of his friend Romeo. 

Zarecki creates the most energetic jokester I’ve ever seen in a Mercutio, aided by his abundant physical comedy. He amps up the comedy in his highly memorable characterization by picking Romeo up and spinning around with his friend on his shoulders, and even plants a mocking kiss on the angry Tybalt while dueling him.

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

Christine Howey

In this instance, many decisions made by director Nancy Cates wind up making this R&J substantially less memorable than it ought to be.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

NEXT TO NORMAL @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through July 21, 2018

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s marvelous ‘Next to Normal’ is everything but entertaining.

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

“Next to Normal” is one of the great scripts in the lexicon of American Musical theater.  It gets a superb staging at Porthouse.  The direction, performances and technical aspects are all right on target.  This is a must see production that should not be missed! 

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

Mark Horning

Looking at the scant description of the show might make some think twice about attending. This would be a mistake. The music (with a superb six piece orchestra) and the excellent cast make this must see theater. Kudos goes out to Porthouse for the courage to stage this extraordinary performance that addresses the subject of modern mental health and its various treatments. 

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

Christine Howey

This is the 50^th anniversary season of Porthouse, the Alice Ripley alumna vibe is in the air, and this version of Next to Normal is another winner. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

AND ALL THE DEAD LIE DOWN @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through July 28, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

If you’d like to see a play in the process of development, then “And All the Dead Lie Down,” could be your thing.  It is not a well-crafted script, but the directing and acting are excellent.

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

GYPSY @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck’s imbalanced ‘Gypsy’ entertains but does not enthrall.

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

Roy Berko

“Gypsy” is one of the classic scripts in the lexicon of American Musical Theater.  It gets an acceptable, but definitely not a great staging at Beck.  The show’s highlight was the choreography.  The production will entertain some people, but could have been so much more.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

While not up to their usual high standards, the Beck Center’s production of Gypsy is still worth the price of the ticket due to the choreography and orchestration. Many will love the show while others will wish for what might have been.

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

Christine Howey

Locally, no other theater does big Broadway productions better than Beck Center. But this time around, their Gypsy drops a few spangles but reveals less than it should.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Laura Kennelly

Gypsy’s Mama Rose stamps motherhood as a fearsome creation. The Beck Center production, directed by Scott Spence, simultaneously exposes showbiz’s dark side and delights in its glories — namely story, music and dance. It’s an engaging and touching musical.

For a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at Cool Cleveland

Andrea Simakis

Beck's 'Gypsy' doesn't completely bare its soul.

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

ON THE GRILL @ Dobama

June 21-July 8, 2018
216-932-3396 or http://dobama.org

Roy Berko

“On the Grill” takes the audience on an emotional roller coaster. It is a superb script which gets a superb performance.  This eye-opening delving into Israel, its joys, fears and projections into the future of the Jewish homeland, is an evening of theatre not to be missed.  It can only be hoped that the show will be presented in other venues, including a New York production.  This is theater at its finest! 

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

Christine Howey

This translation by Michael Ezrachi is less successful in exploring some of the trenchant issues it brings up, including the intergenerational conflicts among this family and the particular devastation of post-traumatic stress disorder.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

Everything about her [Dorothy Silver] exquisitely realized performance provides us with a connection to a people and a place the play struggles to create for much of its 100-minute run.  Silver takes us inside that world in moments. What a gift she is to this production--and to Cleveland theater.

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

LETTERS FROM ZORA and Karamu Homecoming

June 14-24, 2018

216-795-7077

Roy Berko

Karamu enters mid-2018 with a bright future.  Considering that only a few years ago it was rumored that the nationally important African American institution was on death’s doorstep, this is an amazing success story.  Their recent Homecoming celebration is a welcome sign that there is much to come from “the joyful gathering place.” 

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

MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL @ CAIN PARK

Through July 10, 2018

(216) 371-3000

Or www.cainpark.com

Roy Berko

“Memphis,” Cain Park style, is a total delight.  It’s a must see for anyone who likes well sung and preformed rock music, is interested in a well-conceived juke box musical and wants to relax in the Alma Theatre’s “in nature” setting.  HOCKADOO!

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

Christine Howey

Yes, eventually the familiarity of the story wears thin, particularly in the final moment of reconciliation between Huey and Felicia. But never mind, the performances are king in this show, and those are spectacular.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

Laura Kennelly

I love it when shows remind us that the “Olden Days” were lively--even way back in the 1950s. Memphis (The Musical), winner of four 2010 Tony Awards (including Best Musical) rocked (well, of course) the packed Alma Theatre last Friday at Cain Park. (It probably didn’t hurt the summer celebration mood that it was also Wine Tasting Night there, but I digress ….). Bottom Line: Music can be a wonderful and powerful meeting place. This Cain Park show tunefully celebrates this idea.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's blog at artstillmatters.com

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at CoolCleveland.com

ANYTHING GOES @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through June 30, 2018

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Anything Goes’ is déjà vu all over again.

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

Roy Berko
 
“Anything Goes” is a perfect summertime escapist farcical musical that will please audiences.  Sandra Emerick delights. She is supported by an enthusiastic cast of Equity actors and college students who are enmeshed in outright escapist fun, dynamic songs and creative choreography.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

It’s all aboard the SS Fun as Porthouse Theatre kicks off its milestone 50th anniversary season with the comical shipboard romp "Anything Goes."  Leading this Cole Porter classic are Sandra Emerick and Christopher Seiler with their peppy, nutty and thoroughly entertaining characterizations as Reno Sweeney — the brassy lounge singer with a heart of gold — and Moonface Martin, a gangster in preacher’s disguise.

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes you go to the theater simply to have a good time. You will find yourself tapping your feet and humming along with well known standards as the Porthouse Theatre production of “Anything Goes” dances on a summer breeze.

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

Christine Howey

The result is a show that isn’t perfect but has enough spark and wit to make for a pleasant June diversion.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH @ BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

Through June 23, 2018

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Mark Horning

Boys will be girls and girls will be boys in this crazy mixed up search of a human trying to find their “other self” as Hansel/Hedwick travels the seamy world of dive bars and forlorn coffee shops. Hard driving rock and roll combined with a tantalizing story line makes this an exciting evening of raw theater.

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

Christine Howey

While Devon Turchan who plays Hedwig is supremely talented and director Alison Garrigan is a master of staging various kinds of theatricals, this production never finds its groove. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through June 24, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Mark Horning

It is an evening of musical enchantment that all members of the family should witness. Wonderful stories of a master composer and lyricist are expertly told with tenderness and warmth. An evening such as this will leave you much more the wiser and pleasantly fulfilled.

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

Christine Howey

The potentially interesting moments go by in a flash, and the result is a profile of Berlin that is a mile wide and an inch deep. That said, Felder is a talented and determined performer and he creates a tuneful, diverting show. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene

Laura Kennelly

Fun time for summer evening.  It’s either a history lesson or a stroll down memory lane or both. Personally, it was a pleasure to remember (and even sing along--well, he invited us to at one point) the songs that first made a music theatre junkie out of me. And, by the way, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. there will be an extra show: One of Felder’s Great American Songbook/Sing-along performances where the audience joins in all the time.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's blog at artstillmatters.com

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at CoolCleveland.com

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through June 17, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

As good if not better than the 2016 rendition, “Beautiful” lives up to its name.

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

Mark Horning

Just as we play the same record album over and over, Beautiful is the kind of show you will want to see time and time again, especially with this stellar cast. True emotion comes flooding off the stage in waves and it is guaranteed to “put a smile on your face.”

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

SOHO CINDERS @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through June 23, 2018

(216) 771-5862

www.mercurytheatrecompany.org

Bob Abelman

In Mercury Theatre’s “Soho Cinders,” a show that received its world premiere in London’s off-West End in 2012 and has rarely been seen elsewhere since, the Cinderella story has been significantly re-envisioned.  Its infrequent stagings are no doubt due to the nature of its reincarnation as a decidedly naughty modern musical rather than the quality of the work itself, which is arguably some of Stiles and Drewe’s best.

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

Christine Howey

Even though the overall pace of the show seems a bit lethargic, and the British colloquialisms and accents are incomprehensible at times, the music shines forth. That makes Soho Cinders a must-see for those who relish new musicals that are willing to take chances.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

DISNEY'S MY SON PINOCCHIO @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through June 24, 2018

(216) 771-5862

www.mercurytheatrecompany..org

Bob Abelman

Director Pierre-Jacques Brault is at his best when he finds the essence of a story and simplifies the storytelling to reveal it.  Which is exactly what he does with Mercury Theatre’s current production of “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio.”

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Christine Howey

Everybody is playing this story pretty straight. And as they say, all lessons and no jokes make this Pinocchio a dull boy.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene