The Addams Family Musical @ Cain Park

Through September 20, 2026

https://cainpark.com/

(216) 371-3000

 

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

With the temps and humidity dropping it makes the Cain Park Alma Theater quite comfortable this time of year. This is a great show to bring the entire family. The nineteen cast members leave nothing on the stage as they romp their way through an excellent rendition of a fan favorite. Click-Click.

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

Directed by Colin Anderson, this production showcases talented and enthusiastic local performers. As Anderson notes in the program, “The Addams Family characters have been subverting our expectations for nearly 100 years,” offering participants and audiences the chance to enjoy “cross-cultural understanding” and mutual learning, to overcome differences in appearance, and to find joy in celebrating and loving the characters’ “inner darkness.” True to his words, the production captures the work’s cultish, modern gothic nature, transforming references to morbidity—a taboo practice in our culture—for audiences across generations, from baby boomers to children. 

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 Secret Garden @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through September 6, 2026

http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com

(330) 836-2626

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

Weathervane Playhouse has done it again with a superb cast of 32+ filling the stage with song and dance. While the story takes a circuitous route to a happy ending it does eventually deliver just in time for the audience to depart for home feeling well entertained. Make the drive to Akron and see this gem.

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.

 

MacBeth @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 23, 2026

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
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.

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

Mielcarek portrays Lady Macbeth with a sense of immediacy, quick calculation and action, a sharp tongue, and a remarkably rapid decline into fragility, as Shakespeare compresses years of historical events into a dramatic timeframe the audience perceives as only a few months. Lady Macbeth’s sharpness, quick wit, and decisiveness, through the artistry of Mielcarek, elicit laughter from the audience, highlighting the apparent uneven relationship between her and her equally greedy yet indecisive husband. Winger’s Scottish thane-turned-king provides the audience with an image of a henpecked husband while illuminating the character’s capacity for gruesome and treacherous actions, even when he carries them out ineptly.

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.

 

Sister Act @ Akron Civic Theatre

Through August 16, 2026

https://www.clevelandstagealliance.com/ne-ohio-theatre-listings/the-millennial-theatre-project

(330) 535-3179

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
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.

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

Akron Civic Theatre’s Millennial Theatre Project is presenting Sister Act, a delightful, communal, and celebratory work crafted by a number of dedicated artists. Based on the 1992 hit film of the same name (music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, and additional material by Douglas Carter Beane), the musical premiered in 2006 at the Pasadena Playhouse. Since then, it has been staged nationally and internationally, becoming one of the most joyful and celebratory musicals of the 2000s. With a simple plot centered on gangsters, singers, nuns, and police officers, each revival has been given a different focus. As the program note by director Ivy JT Johnson states, this production emphasizes the importance of becoming “more fully themselves” by giving each person enough room to “use their voices and discover a joy within themselves.” Incorporating gospel, pop, and disco-style music, movement, and formation, the Millennial Theatre Project’s Sister Act gives the audience a strong sense of communal joy, pride, and celebration.

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.

 

Brigadoon @ Porthouse Theatre

July 24-August 9, 2026

www.porthousetheatre.com.  

(330) 672-3884    

Roy Berko

BRIGADOON is the type of musical that is enjoyed by audience’s if it has a good performance.  They get just that with the stylized direction of Terri Kent, the inventive choreography of  Martin Céspedes and a generally talented cast.
 

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

Mark Horning

Trust me...as you are exiting the Porthouse Theater venue following “Brigadoon” you will find yourself humming, singing and or whistling a number of songs from the show. It is simply that good and that good feeling will carry forward all the way home. With a little work on toning down the dialect we have a major hit on our hands.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The 2026 Porthouse production of Brigadoon (Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner; Music by Frederick Loewe), directed by Terri Kent, choreographed by Martín Céspedes, and with music direction by Jennifer Korecki, is an energetic, rhythmic, lyrical, and fantastic work about a fantasy world conjured in the minds of people in 1947, just after WWII, offering a tremendous sense of nostalgia as well as new meanings for Porthouse’s multigenerational audiences in 2026. It could be perceived as escapism, but it is a genuine reflection of our yearning for a peaceful and loving place to live. The bitter reality in the musical, however, is that even a dreamland like Brigadoon has conflicts, animosity, and jealousy that result in tragedy. Certainly, the creators, Lerner and Loewe, were aware of the new trend in American musicals, as popularized by Oklahoma! (1943) and Carousel (1945). 

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

 

Macbitches @ Convergence-Continuum

Through August 15, 2026

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

(216) 687-0074

 

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

Five female actors at a performing arts college with various strong and distinct personalities during a night of heavy drinking as jealousy rears its ugly head...what could possibly go wrong? Take my word for it...it does. This is 90 minutes of intense.

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

Convergence-Continuum’s production of macbitches by Sophie McIntosh, directed by Kate Smith, is a visceral, disturbing, and truthful work that raises issues surrounding young actors in an academic setting. The intensity of this work’s unapologetic revelation of young female BFA in Theatre students’ “burst” of frustration and jealousy, along with a constant fear of being “cast aside,” is comparable to that of Alexis Scheer’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, a play about high-school girls’ competitiveness, ambition, control over others, rituals, and obsession with their “hero,” Pablo Escobar. 

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.

 

MEAN GIRLS

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

JULY 10-AUGUST 9, 2026

Roy Berko

Tina Fay’s MEAN GIRLS, with the right level of farce can be a delightful experience.   Beck’s staging, inspite of a talented cast, was pleasant.  It could have been great with the right concept.  Go?, Of course! Most audience members, as displayed by the standing ovation at the end of the performance I attended, displayed their like-level of enjoyment.

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

Howard Gollop

As said before, does the entertainment world really need another go-round of a teen outsider navigating the trials and tribulations of high-school life and its social-cliques hierarchy? Well, if that go-round has the wit and heart of "Saturday Night Live" legend Tina Fey, why not? And if a return engagement of that musical gets the kind of kinetic, intelligent production value that the Beck Center is able to provide, all the better.

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

SIDE SHOW IN CONCERT

PORTHOUSE THEATER

July 7-18, 2026

 

Roy Berko

SIDE SHOW IN CONCERT, which is nicely staged and performed,  continues through July 18^th at Porthouse Theatre on the grounds of Blossom Center.  This is one of the few opportunities to see this seldomly produced script. 

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

The Lion King @ Playhouse Square

Through August 16, 2026

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Howard Gollop

But nothing tops that opening vista of the African animal kingdom -- an atmospheric triumph of set design by Richard Hudson and lighting design by Donald Holder -- paying homage to the titular star of the show. The opening also pays tribute to one of the greatest Broadway talents of contemporary Broadway -- Oberlin's Julie Taymor.

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

Mark Horning

Many of our children grew up watching the animated version of this Disney classic on a continuous loop throughout their formative years so are well acquainted with the story and music. Nothing...and I mean NOTHING can compare to this live performance that puts it all on stage in its grand presentation. It is the finest rendition of this work ever to hit the theaters.

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

Once Upon a One More Time @ Rubber city Theatre

Through July 13, 2026

https://www.rubbercitytheatre.com/

330-227-4787

      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
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.

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

Dane CT Leasure brings each performer’s uniqueness to the fore, infusing their personalities and traits into their characters. Kayla Streem’s mermaid, deprived of her voice, embodies bewilderment and helplessness yet shows adaptability. Katie Soltis’s Sleeping Beauty is an innocent, unquestioning princess who develops an attitude influenced by Lila Wagner-Gleeson’s Princess from “The Princess and the Pea,’ who puffs a cigarette and drinks liquor from a flask, far from the Anderson version of the princess, who is considered sensitive and considerate. Ilse Zijlstra, as Rapunzel, demonstrates a strong voice and animated, expressive facial expressions.

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.

 

Parade @ Weathervane Playouse

Through July 12, 2026

https://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com/

(330) 836-2626

 

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 an intense watch as the tension is developed early and built on throughout the show. Weighing in at a little over two and a half hours with a twenty minute intermission the time flies by. Weathervane Playhouse has a monster hit on their hands whose complexity will amaze 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.

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

Joshua Larkin excels at shaping group dynamics that clarify situations, circumstances, ambiance, and collective power. Instead of treating the townsfolk as a single group in the opening scene, Larkin’s choreography calls for distinct groupings—male, female, young, older, white, and Black. 

Set Designer/Technical Director Richard Morris, Jr. designed and built a simple yet effective stage featuring a central platform and brick back walls—stage right and stage left—with alcoves for performers to stand or sit. The central stage is manually rotated by the actors, who push it, maximizing Brechtian effects (with the audience aware of the theater’s mechanism) and is frequently used by the ensemble.  

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.

 

Noises Off @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through June 27, 2026

https://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/ 

(440) 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

While fast paced and engaging this production lacks the comic spark that has had audiences laughing for 44 years. It’s funny but not as funny and madcap but not as madcap. Sometimes less is more.

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.

 

Grease @ Porthouse Theatre

GREASE

PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE

JUNE 12-27, 2026

Phone # and website of how to order tickets

Roy Berko

GREASE, Porthouse-style, is a nostalgic reminder of the era of mid-1900’s and left those of a certain-age satisfied and maybe those of the Information Age/Digital Age asking “what was the attitude, grease and angst” all about.  

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

Mark Horning

Fans of Porthouse Theatre will flock to this production and will be hopelessly devoted. It is “the one that you want” to see. Outstanding vocal work on well known standards combined with great choreography make for an enjoyable evening of picnicking and theater. 

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

The Great Gatsby - A New Musical

Through June 28, 2026

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

Those who loved the stage version of the flapper favorite "Thoroughly Modern Millie" should equally adore "Thoroughly Modern Gatsby."

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

For fans of the book and/or movies you may find yourself puzzled at the liberties taken and may leave wanting more grit and suffering. The rest of us will be satisfied with the spectacular sets, musical numbers, cars and jazz (sex) as a fine example of when Broadway is at its best when it hits the local stage.

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 extremely gorgeous set, designed by Paul Tate DePoo, paradoxically suggests the ephemeral nature of the intoxicating, alluring, and giddy lifestyle desired and pursued by many. Multiple panels with projected images create a distinct Art Deco style. Those windows, with decorative motifs and circular, oval, and floral patterns, resonate with those designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The design vibes also come from Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed simple, chic, and yet spectacular windows with simple geometric shapes and lines. In Gatsby’s mansion, vertical lines are the repeated patterns/images, functioning as a visual metaphor, with different colors and sparkling reflections that easily morph into “other objects,” such as tons of books in the library. The patterns and landscape that represent different styles of “modernity”—including a view from Gatsby’s mansion—are beautifully projected by DePoo, who also serves as the projection designer. Lighting designer Pattack uses sectional/partial lighting to illuminate each character, expressing the ominous, foreboding, dark, and contrived fate of those who may continue their self-destructive and frivolous lives. 

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

Joey Morona

The musical softens the source material’s darker edges, deepens its characters and leans into the romance. The result is a sweeping, tragic tale of star-crossed lovers that loses some of the original’s bite but makes for a more satisfying night at the theater.

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

 

Speech And Debate @ Beck Center For The Arts

June 28, 2026

https://beckcenter.org/

(216) 521-2540

 

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

Howard Gollop

This could amount to sheer chaos, but it all comes together surprisingly well with the Beck Center talents of director Don Carrier, who gets a lot out of his young actors, and especially scenic, lighting and projection designer Cheri Prough DeVol, who turns the highly intimate Beck Center Studio Theater into a virtual visual extravaganza.

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.

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
Though written in the early 2000s and premiered as a workshop production at Brown/Trinity Repertory Theatre in 2006, the play remains strikingly contemporary today. The play's opening scene between Solomon (Jonathan Koppleman) and his teacher (Laura Rauh) makes me wonder whether it has been updated for 2026; to that extent, the issues feel timely. This timelessness is emphasized by Don Carrier and his designers. For example, a tote bag with a rainbow “Their, theirs” print reflects today’s concerns about and defiance of personal and institutional attacks on the LGBTQ+ community across the nation. 
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.

 

Plano @ Convergence-Continuum

Through June 13, 2026

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

(216) 687-0074.

 

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

 “Cleveland’s up-close and OUT there Theatre” has truly stretched the edges of reality with this absurdly dark comedy. Fans of Con-Con will flock. How they react will be anyone’s guess. See the show and make up your own mind.

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
Under Barclay’s direction, which emphasizes a blend of dark, serious, mildly comedic, real, and surreal elements, the performers—Demanelis as Anne, Atkinson as Genevieve, Starkman as Isabel, Frye as Steve, Centeno as Juan/John, Bartlett as Faceless Ghost, and McFadden as Mary—articulate Arbery’s words with effective, rhythmic clarity. Demanelis, Atkinson, and Starkman place their characters in the real and the surreal, emphasizing their quiet chaos, confusion, and madness in a compelling and peculiar way. Somehow, however, the audience seems to miss the subtle humor embedded in the script. 

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.

 

La Malasangre @ LatinUS Theatre

Through June 7th, 2026

https://www.latinustheater.com/ 

(216) 369-7158

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

So you thought your family was dysfunctional beyond repair? Short of the Manson family this clan will have your family gathering for a group hug in the lobby. It takes exceptional actors to convince you how mean they are and this cast excels in every way. This is a feel good show in the aspect that it will make you feel good about your family no matter how messed up they are.

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

LatinUs Theatre Company (Cleveland, Ohio)’s La Malasangre (1981, premiered 1982), written by Griselda Gambaro and directed by Fabio Polanco, is an unsettling, visceral, disturbing, and poignant work that critiques dictatorship during the Dirty War and authoritarian regimes past, present, and future. The show underscores the intersection of sexism and fascism—the recurring alliance between authoritarian governments and their supporters. Polanco’s direction emphasizes each character’s relationship to violence, dictatorship, and cruelty, as they constantly shift from “supporters” to the victimized. Polanco clarifies, through the actors’ presence, movement, and physical actions, the state of physical and psychological abuse, which is contagious and blurs the boundaries between the victimizer and the victim. 

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.

 

Freak The Mighty @ Cleveland Play House

Through June 21, 2026

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/

(216) 241-6000

 

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

Howard Gollop

Like the dynamic duo of an awkward genius teen dwarf atop the shoulders of a goonish 6-foot-plus classmate charging through their bullying high-school classmates, the new (apparently) Broadway-bound musical "Freak the Mighty" charges into the Cleveland Play House Allen Theater stage with music, comedy and pathos to spare.

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

In each of our lives there is that one person who made a huge difference in how we turned out. This is a show that emphasizes the positive influences that we all need to be put on the right track. It is a story of inclusion, honesty, acceptance, humor and redemption with side travels into bullying, trauma and grief. It is, in short, a complete musical that you will love.

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 play is more than a special friendship between two outsiders. It sheds light on the possibility of supporting and respecting one another more, regardless of differences, challenges, and “gaps.” The musical also highlights the miraculous power of reading, imagining, and writing, as well as the important creative process, which people tend to forget. The musical, which “exists” in Maxwell’s memory and its documentation, reiterates the magical power of writing, just as Merlin (this legendary character also writes a lot) does. Barakiva emphasizes this aspect by highlighting scenes between pairs of people from different groups, with detailed attention to visual and auditory elements. The “Our Town” (CPH’s first show in the 2025-26 season)-ish funeral scene conveys a sense of communal mourning. The power of compassion, remembering, and documenting is symbolized in the last tableau, which reminds me of the last scene of Shakespeare in Love, another work (CPH staged it in 2017) that celebrates imagination and creativity. 

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

Joey Morona

With its uplifting story and built-in audience of readers who grew up with Philbrick’s novel — or saw the 1998 movie version “The Mighty” —  Cleveland Play House’s production of “Freak The Mighty” certainly has what it takes to make it to Broadway. 

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

 

The Book Club Play @ Seat of the Pants Productions

Through May 31, 2026

http://www.seatofthepants.org 

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
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.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

Whether you love or loathe reading, there’s little question as to whether you will enjoy “The Book Club Play,” a show that explores the life-altering capabilities of story and examines the power of community, all while tapping into the absurd humor of everyday interactions and relationships. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

What Bohan underscores in this production is a sense of familiarity with book clubs, making the audience an extension of the play’s world. The human drama within this small club explores recurring themes, including rigid definitions of what (great) literature should be, the contrast between high and low cultures, hidden feelings and identity, and “differences” that too often create conflict and misunderstanding.

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.

 

Arsenic and Old Lace @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through May 24, 2026

http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com 

(330) 836-2626

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

Be in for a huge surprise when you enter this amazing community theater. There you will be awed by a meticulously constructed stage set along with sumptuous costuming as well as one of the most professionally acted comedies ever. The laughs come easy and often as the hapless Mortimer tries to keep his cool in the home he grew up in and never suspected as being a private cemetery. Tickets will be scarce for this one so order early. 

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.

 

Star Machine @ Playhouse Square/Baldwin Wallace University

Through April 26, 2026

http//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
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

To call Star Machine “lively” might be the understatement of the season. It’s a musical that cleverly parodies (and just plain has fun with) the “show business is a competition” mentality as seen in America’s Got Talent or The Voice. Yes, it needs a bit of refinement (cutting and tightening episodes), but it’s well on the way to winning the real show biz Star Machine (and Hello Broadway!).

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.