How The Grinch Stole Christmas @ KeyBank State Theatre

Through December 14, 2025

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

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

When the Grinch goes Broadway you can expect sparkling songs, exuberant dance numbers, wildly wonderful costuming and dazzling sets. This touring production does not disappoint in any way. Nearly half of the audience was youngsters and the rest the young at heart. The 90 minute no intermission is a perfect amount of entertainment for the youngsters. Come enjoy a superb family live theater experience.

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.

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

BECK CENTER

DECEMBER 5, 2025-JANUARY 4, 2026

216-521-2540 or beckcenter.org

 

Roy Berko

“Spongebob Squarepants The Broadway Musical” delighted on Broadway.  The Beck production is an acceptable, if underwhelming version!

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

The Hobbit @ Dobama Theatre

Through January 4, 2025

https://www.dobama.org/ 

(216) 932-3396

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog 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 definitely the show to gather the entire family for. Children of all ages will marvel at the stage set, costumes, character changes and delightful story of cooperation and friendship. Bring the entire clan and share a wonderful holiday treat as you root for the good guys and boo the bad ones. This is a treasure not to be missed.

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.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“The Hobbit” may be considered children’s literature, but that does not mean that it is childish, which is one of the many reasons that it resonates with varied audiences. Dobama’s production is theatrically sound, and when approached from a children’s theater lens, you’re not likely to be disappointed. However, for the Tolkien fans eager to revisit Middle-earth this holiday season (of which there will be no shortage), it is important to temper expectations and realize that “fun for the whole family” might not be as fun for everyone.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

I Wear My Dead Sister's Clothes @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through December 20, 2025

https://www.cptonline.org/ 

(216) 631-2727 extension 501

 

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

At time humorous, at times poignant and at times quite loud and angry the show is a study into the frailty of life and how we owe it to our survivors to take stock of our possessions and reduce, reuse and recycle where needed. This show is a love letter to someone who has passed as well as part of the healing process needed to move on. It is a well constructed study of life.

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.

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 28, 2025

https://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.

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

Sometimes “we need a little silly” during the craziness that is the winter holidays. This show is a perfect tonic as we are bombarded at light speed with every holiday reference known to man and beast. This show dazzles with sparkling improv and truly funny situations.

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

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

Spamalot @ Playhouse Square

Through December 6, 2025

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

 A reviewer said of the original production, "It's UNFAIR to make me laugh this much!”  I wish I could say that of the touring show.  Unfortunately, I can’t.  This production seems to be missing some of the abandonment needed to really get the audience to let loose.
 
That’s not to say the show is bad.  It’s not.  But, it  seems a little uninspired, a little too much on automatic pilot, and not as zany as it could be or has been in previous incarnations.  We need more ridiculous farce and less-Hamlet drama!

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

Howard Gollop

Nothing seems so fresh as "Spam," especially when it's mixed and stirred with an unrelentingly hilarious dollop of "Camelot." But the better surprise on Playhouse Square's launch of a new Broadway tour of "Spamalot" is that the non-stop comedy cavalcade of King Arthur shenanigans seems fresher than ever. It remains the holy grail of musical comedy.

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

Mark Horning

For adult fans of Monty Python this show is a feast of one liners and quotables well loved since 1975 when the film premiered. The action is lighting fast as the just little over two hours whisk by at a breakneck pace. With this limited run do not delay on getting your tickets.

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

Laura Kennelly
Spamalot---a comic, irreverent look at King Arthur, the “Camelot” era, and life in general—dropped by for a visit at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace December 1—6. Opening media night (the middle of only six shows) attracted avid Monty Python fans of all ages. Cleveland, the first city on the latest national tour of the classic satire (Broadway debut in 2005) has seen it before, but that didn’t seem to matter---everyone still laughed The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including Best Musical. A good joke is a good joke and Spamalot with book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle enjoys an abundance. It might help to see the 1974 film it’s based on before you go (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) because last night’s dialogue flew by so fast and furious some funny got lost. But the show’s over-the-top bits are impossible to miss. Of course, in Spamalot nothing is taken seriously, especially not death. In an opening scene, plague victims rise up from the body-collecting wagon. One vigorous one (Steven Telsey) sang loudly “I Am Not Dead Yet” as workers kept trying to pile him on the wagon. The indefatigable Telsey shone again in another memorable scene that involved the fluffy-white “Killer Rabbit” who had to be destroyed by the “Holy Hand Grenade.” Fur blown off, jock-strap clad Telsey gave it his all in a comic race offstage. .
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Gwendolyn Kochur

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

A Christmas Story @ Cleveland Play House

Through December 21, 2025

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(216) 241-6000

      

Mark Horning

One thing that I noticed as the audience members began to file in for the show was that for the most part it was family groups coming to share the play together. This totally relatable tale simply has a soft spot for everyone. Bring someone you love...I triple dog dare you.

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.

Joey Morona

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

 

A Christmas Carol @ Great Lakes Theater

Through December 21, 2025

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

      

Mark Horning

If you are among the few who have never witnessed this production it is high time for you to come see it. For the rest, gather the clan and make the pilgrimage to the Mimi Ohio for a shared experience. It is after all what Christmas is all about, the gathering of family...God Bless us Everyone!

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

Howard Gollop

Lorain native Gerald Freedman's script at times stalls on heavy narration, but The Great Lakes Theater production, nearing its 40th anniversary,  nevertheless reminds us of the beauteous prose of one of the world's most cherished novelists. So, by all means, join the fictitious "Cleaveland Family" onstage as they reencounter a magical and mythical nocturnal Yuletide dream. 

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Laura Kennelly
It’s no wonder Charles Dickens’ wonderful classic, A Christmas Carol, returns annually to Cleveland. And it’s also no wonder every year the merry GLT troupe moves from the Hanna to the Mimi Ohio Theatre (yes, this is the 37th year there) to tell the story. The Mimi Ohio stage, crafted for Scrooge over the years, sports trap doors, a rear stage wall that splits open (to Hell as well as to cheery Christmas spirits), and hissing fog machines.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Joey Morona

The staging is as dazzling as ever: swirling smoke, sudden bursts of light and entrances that defy explanation. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come remains the show’s signature effect — a towering, shrouded figure with a Dementor-like presence that never fails to draw oohs and ahhs.

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

 

Karamu's Motown Christmas @ Playhouse Square

Through December 14, 2025

https://www.playhousesquare.org

(216-241-6000

 

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

If you are looking for a truly hip and exciting holiday show this is a must see. Being housed in the intimate Hanna Theatre brings everyone close to the action on stage. This show takes us back to a simpler time of the 50s when a few dollar ticket could have you see million dollar acts performing in your small town. Don’t “Shop Around” but instead experience the “Heatwave” of live performing at its best.

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

Laura Kennelly
Now at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theater, the Karamu House’s A Motown Christmas radiates holiday spirit and plenty of joy. No story, just song after song, flashing soul, talent, and (yes!) glittery costumes galore. Part of what makes this holiday show, created and adapted by Nate Jacobs and directed by Karamu CEO Tony F. Sias, is—of course—the music. It’s a review of Motown’s greatest hits (you know, some of the ones some of us grew up with) by now-legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and more. Many are officially “Christmas songs,” such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Others bring back memories, such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Trust me here, unless you’ve had a very sheltered youth, you’ll recognize (and enjoy) this song-packed fest. Twenty-seven hits before intermission; eighteen afterwards. Good vibes flew all over the place. (Honestly, if the numbers had stopped after the first 27, it would have been plenty, but everybody cheerfully streamed back to their seats after intermission for second helpings of the music feast.)
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.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

The Wickhams: Christmas At Pemberley @ Clague Playhouse

Through December 14, 2025

http://www.clagueplayhouse.org

(440) 331-0403

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.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

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

If you are among the many who had the pleasure of seeing last year’s “Miss Bennet” you will find the same intriguing characters and situations with this year’s offering. It is a superbly acted period piece that gives us a glimpse of holiday life in the early 1900s England. This is a beautiful gem of a play that truly enhances the holiday 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.

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

Shrek @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through December 14, 2025

http://www.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.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

Roy Berko

CAPSULE JUDGMENT:  SHREK THE MUSICAL is a green-tastic script, with a strong score. It’s moral is to accept others for who they are, rather than judging them by their appearance.  It teaches self-acceptance, finding your own true self, and the importance of friendship and love that embraces your quirks and imperfections.  Be aware that this is a stage show and children who have seen the movie may be expecting more gimmicks than will appear on stage.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

If you are looking for a fun holiday show to take the family without the word “Carol” or “Story” in the title this is a safe bet. The extremely talented cast will have you laughing at the jokes and nodding at the message that all creatures have value. It is time well spent seeing live theater as a family unit and it is what happy memories are built from.

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

Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through December 21, 2025

http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com 

(330) 836-1301

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.  These review(s) fall into that category.

      

Mark Horning

Once again Weathervane Playhouse has risen to the challenge and staged a very complex musical production that is pleasing to all the senses. With a wink and a nod the cast lets us in on the fun of this family friendly show with a message. Come be dazzled.

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

SIX @ Playhouse Square

Emma Elizabeth Smith as Catherine of Aragon in The North American Tour Boleyn Company of SIX. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Six

Playhouse Square

November 11-16, 2025

Visit playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000 

 

Howard Gollop

Returning to Playhouse Square for a brief run, the Broadway/London West End sensation "Six" still stirs up quite a sensation, remaining as fresh as ever … This show still makes the perfect statement about female power well after the days of public hangings -- and just before the days of pronoun propriety.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“Six” attempts to give the queens back their autonomy with a musical that doesn’t just tell the oft-unknown stories of the monarchs in flashy, pop music numbers, but also cheekily addresses the patriarchal system that allowed their suffering in the first place. 

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

Much Ado About Nothing @ Playhouse Square

Through November 15, 2025

http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com 

(216) 241-6000

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Directing the Case Western University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program’s Much Ado About Nothing, Terri McMahon selects clarity and simplicity by cutting many characters. One example would be the cutting of several characters—Ursula, Balthasar, Verges, and Antonio—giving other characters (close to them) more weight and importance. Because of the elimination of Ursula, the character of Margaret becomes more critical. Because of Verges's cut, the audience’s full attention is on Dogberry. The elimination of Balthasar and Antonio gives Leonata more space to shine independently. 

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

 

Proof @ Ensemble Theatre

Through November 16, 2025

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/ 

(216) 321-2930

 

Mark Horning

This production is a perfect example of pure theater with real people dealing with real circumstances in a real environment. Theater and math geeks will totally relate and the rest of us will be totally entertained as we escape the world for a few short couple of hours. Well worth the walk from the JCU parking lot (there is also a cart available). Do the math.

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

The Christine Jorgensen Show @ Cleveland Play House

Through November 16, 2025

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/

(216) 241-6000

 

Howard Gollop

Scott Ahearn more than ably doubles as the production's musical director, and he infuses as much energy and style to the musical numbers as he does to his performance as the struggling vocal, dance and personality coach for the titular character.

No, Christine Jorgensen is not Liza Minnelli, but she was and is a fascinating personality, and so is this show reflecting her unique showbiz journey.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

While it still provides sufficient representation of the challenges faced by a transgender woman in the 1950s, “The Christine Jorgensen Show” is a heartfelt, funny and blissfully light production that spotlights joy over strife.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Christine Jorgensen Show, written by Donald Steven Olson and directed by Michael Barakiva, is not a bio-drama for hungry and curious spectators, but a drama that explores the making of one entertainer who uses hidden talent for her advantage during the difficult years of tabloid exposure after her gender confirmation surgery in December 1952.

The show starts in 1963, 10 years after her debut as a night-club performer, with Jorgensen (Augustine Lorrie) speaking to the audience as either a memory-play character or a speaker at one of the national lecture tours she gave in the 1960s.

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

 

The End Of Black Experience @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through November 8, 2025

https://www.cptonline.org/

(216) 631.2727 ext. 501

      

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Written and performed by Chris Webb, directed by Jimmie Woody, and staged at Cleveland Public Theater’s James Levin Theatre, The End of Black Excellence explores what it means by “achieving excellence” for Webb, a Black man who has been aware of enormous pressure to fit into a specific frame of success and fame set by “America.”  Indeed, he has been successful since his teens, when he attended the Black Theatre Festival (NC) as a cast member in a production directed by Jimmie Woody. One of the nostalgic and memorable markers from this early stage of his “excellent” trajectory includes a picture taken with celebrities, including Janet Hubert Whitten, famous for her role as “Viv” in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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

 

Frankenstein - The Musical @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through November 1, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/

(216) 941-0458

 

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

There is a tendency that musicals written from classic novels seem to fall short in connecting with the audience. This is not the case here. The highly energetic cast throw themselves into the story with gusto sweeping us along on a wild ride. This is how the original story was meant to be portrayed.

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.

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

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

 

Dial M For Murder @ Great Lakes Theater

Through November 9, 2025

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

DIAL M FOR MURDER is the kind of play that, if well done, grabs and holds an audience much to their delight.  The GLT staging is a well-done production that reaches that high level!  Go, enjoy a fun night of theatre!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

It's hard to review a murder mystery without giving away the layered plot, but in a new adaptation by Ohio's own Jeffrey Hatcher (from Steubenville), a pivotal romantic dalliance that results in a blackmail attempt and darker consequences involves a secret romance between two women, quite a departure from the male/female norm of the early 1950s.

Hatcher is smart enough not to allow the play to become ABOUT gender, but this conceit does add a fresh lens to a familiar genre.

For the full review, please go to

https://chroniclet.com/news/448099/murder-and-jorgensen-bring-1950s-to-2025-on-playhouse-square/

Mark Horning

This production is a masterclass of great ensemble work. Each character has not only mastered the dialogue but all the physical nuances necessary to sell the show. Even if you have seen this show before, this is your chance to see what it looks like when done to perfection.  

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

Laura Kennelly

Murder, mayhem, mishap, marriage. Now at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre, Dial M for Murder offers a “why did they do it?” mystery. Within minutes, the play reveals who wants to kill whom and why. But can they pull it off? Twists and turns abound. Half the fun is watching the lively cast create (and destroy) elaborate plans to hide (and discover) the truth.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Gwendolyn Kochur

Great Lakes Theater’s production of Hatcher’s “Dial M for Murder” is both familiar and new; it honors traditional elements of classic thrillers but breathes fresh air into the narrative in a production that is thick with suspense and intrigue. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

As the press release describes, this famous thriller deals with “deception, blackmail, murder” that collide in the affluent apartment of Margot and Tony Wendice in London. The show starts in the middle of a conversation between Margot (Jodi Dominick) and her ex-lover, and a crime thriller/mystery writer, Maxine Hadley (Carie Kawa), in the living room. The audience is drawn into their world by the stunning set, costumes, and lighting, then into this complicated plot and its reversal that would send—almost—Margot to an execution chamber. Margot’s husband, Tony (Nick Steen), whose artificial cheerfulness conceals his true character —a knave —and his hired assassin, Captain Lesgate (Jeffrey C. Hawkins), and Inspector Hubbard (David Anthony Smith) all parade on and off stage their own dramaturgical contributions to this plot, leading the audience to a straightforward but breathtaking conclusion.

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

 

The Children @ Seat Of The Pants Theatre

Through November 9, 2025

https://seatofthepants.org/

(847) 456-2030

Roy Berko

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog 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 100 minute (no intermission) play could be compared to the parsnip wine served during the proceedings...sharp, tangy and packing quite a punch. Inspired by the Fukushima nuclear explosion in Japan in 2011 it serves as a cautionary tale concerning environmental impact of outdated technology when safer means of supplying for the electrical needs of the population are now available.

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.

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

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Seat of the Pants production of The Children, written by Lucy Kirkwood, produced by Geof Short and directed by Craig Joseph, is a disturbing, frightening, yet tremendously witty and black-humor-infused work that addresses our unfortunately timely issues, many concerns about nuclear facilities (and weapons).  It is timely, as 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is always unfortunate since the once-created nuclear products would not be erased from the earth, just like Frankenstein.

Set in an east coastal town of England, a summer’s evening, just after a nuclear disaster, which sounds very similar to that of the Fukushima Daiichi (nuclear plant) disaster,  after the Tōhoku earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011, three retired nuclear physicists and technicians dig out their past—revealing old skeletons and not so clean laundry—in front of the audience. 

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

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

 

HELL'S KITCHEN

Roy Berko The touring production of HELL’S KITCHEN is special.  It far succeeds the expectations for a juke-box musical.  The director, choreographer, music-supervisor, technical staff, cast and crew well-deserved the extra-long-standing ovation the production received.  It is a show I could see again and again and be satisfied each time.  Bravo!

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

Howard Gollop

Every member of the cast astounds the audience with dancing and singing abilities -- powerfully, yet charmingly, headed by Maya Drake as Ali (i.e teenage Keys). Roz White regally takes on the role of Ali's mentor Miss Liza Jane, a character invented just for the musical to reflect the great tradition of black female blues and jazz pianists and songwriters in the vein of Etta James. Even in the rather thankless role of Ali's slightly domineering mother, Kennedy Caughell stops the show in the heart-wrenching ballad "Pawn it All." With a talent deck that's as stacked as the new touring production of "Hell's Kitchen," it's of no surprise that this jukebox musical quickly transcends from seen-it-done-it to let's see it again. 

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

Sheri Gross

When the North American Tour of “Hell’s Kitchen” was launched right here in Downtown Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, the city didn’t just get a stop on the map; it got a subway train full of big-city dreams barreling through.

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

Mark Horning

Opening night saw a capacity crowd greet this production with open arms and a rousing well deserved standing ovation. This show is simply that good. The fusion of superb singing, acting, dancing, lights, sound, and music will carry you away from your troubles (at least for a couple of hours). After all, this is what great theater does...helps us escape. Come enjoy the thrill of great live theater.

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

Laura Kennelly
Hell’s Kitchen, straight from Broadway, has come to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. It got a warm welcome from the packed State Theatre audience on the official Opening Night (October 15). It was well-deserved. Whether it was stage-shakin’ dancing or soulful songs, the production did honor to the idea that it takes both grit and love to weld one’s life and dreams into a productive whole. Alicia Keys (music and lyrics), Kristoffer Diaz (book), Adam Blackstone (music supervision), Camille A. Brown (choreography), and Michael Greif (director) created the show, which is still running on Broadway. --- Bottom Line: Mesmerizing introduction to the wonders of Miz Alicia Keys. Go if you can.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

The “Hell’s Kitchen” musical is much like the adapted version of “Empire State of Mind” that it uses to close out the show: it foregoes grittiness and a hard plot for big lights (and even bigger talent) that will inspire (and entertain) you.

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's review in Cleveland Scene.

Joey Morona

Powered by Alicia Keys’ timeless songs and a charismatic, immensely talented young lead, “Hell’s Kitchen” is as soulful and authentic as the artist who brought it to the stage — and just as entertaining.

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

 

CANADIAN GOTHIC & AMERICAN MODERN @ Cesear's Forum

"Canadian Gothic" & "American Modern"

Cesear's Forum

September 26th through October 25th

216-241-6000 | www.playhousesquare.org 

Gwendolyn Kochur
When audiences leave a show, it’s common to hear them chatting about how much they loved a production or making special note of which moments were their favorite. The conversation following a showing of “Canadian Gothic” and “American Modern” is more nuanced; you’ll be wondering at the reasoning behind artistic choices, or explaining your interpretation of the work and its structure, comparing and contrasting your analysis with your guest.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
In both plays, McClelland Glass gives the audience a glimpse of the lives of small, remote townspeople, filled with mundane chores and repetition. Canadian Gothic, set in a town in Saskatchewan, McClelland Glass’s home province, depicts the couple’s apathy, followed by the wife’s death and their daughter’s interracial dating. These events lead to a violent incident that determines the characters’ future, contrary to their expectations or wishes. In American Modern, the wife copes with her depression by consuming herself with super-busy, mundane tasks.  Her additional coping mechanism includes scavenging and holding what she discovers in her neighborhood. In both plays, the husband character is quite passive and unfeeling (or he tries to suppress his feelings), as many of us do—“do nothing.”

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

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

 

Witch @ Dobama Theatre

Through November 2, 2025

 https://www.dobama.org/witch

(216) 932-3396

Roy Berko

From its inception Dobama has continued to stage challenging scripts with skill and effectiveness.  WITCH continues that tradition. This is a challenging script that in less talented hands could have been a very long and frustrating experience.  As is, it well developed the author’s intent and purpose.  Some will probably still find it obtuse, while others, like myself, will find it a very satisfying experience.

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

Mark Horning

At a time in our country when rights are being trampled and souls being purchased on the cheap we need a reminder of what is real, what is valued and what is true. Not a word is wasted nor a gesture thrown away in this gem of a show. These are the words of sages for the ages that will bewitch you.

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

You don’t have to trade your soul for theater that will entertain you, enrapture you and make you laugh as often as it makes you think. Just exchange the cost of a ticket and your time for a night at Dobama’s “Witch.” It’s quite the lucrative deal.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

A Faustian fable with timely poignancy, the show prompts the audience to consider whether we can recover from institutionally rooted social illness, corruption, and cruelty driven by those in power and status, whose sole intention is to become richer and more powerful to the extent that they would be immortal, replacing God. Devil in this play is portrayed as a “servant” to an invisible master, which, in the real world, refers to systems, institutions, and hegemony.

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