Tartuffe @ Cleveland Playhouse

Through April 5, 2026

http//www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(216) 241-6000

Howard Gollop

The production concept energizes the entire production to a certain point, but at times the still classically honed dialogue of Renjit Bolt's skillful adaptation -- maintaining smart rhyming couplets -- becomes a bit jarring.

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

Historically, comic farces of this type date back to ancient Greek and Roman times. (Moliére’s version poked fun at France’s Louis XIV who suppressed it). The Ranjit Bolt translation sets the show as an unlikely 80s sitcom that somehow works well. The action flies by at a breakneck pace as characters race each other up the tall staircase steps (replacing the slamming doors a la Ken Ludwig). If you are a fan of loud comic farce, this is your show to love.

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

Laura Kennelly

CPH offers a lively engaging production of an old old story. It’s not all that hard to relate to characters imagined by Molière. (All we have to do is look at the news.) A bit of laughter goes a long way and sometimes, as the trite saying goes, it’s the best medicine.

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

An entertaining, engaging reimagining that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time.

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

 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through April 19, 2026

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

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

For a small non-equity community theater this show poses a lot of problems to produce but with careful selection of the various actors and a lot of hard work and practice they pull it off stupendously. This is one of the better productions of this work that you will find.

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.

 

Into The Heart Of One Star @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through April 11, 2026

https://www.cptonline.org/ 

(216) 631-2727 ext. 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

This show attempts to juxtapose two seemingly unrelated events bringing them to separate but related conclusions. Reading up on your Greek mythology will help you understand part of the show. The ninety minute without intermission is “trippy” to say the least as it is filled with strange concepts that will test your imagination. 

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.

 

I Wanna F*** Like Romeo and Juliet @ Convergence Continuum

Through April 18, 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

While not a bad production by any means, I simply found my mind wondering and my eyes checking my watch during the performance. While a believable premise, the show simply failed to engage me. I have no problems with the subject matter...just the presentation. Buy a ticket and see if you agree.     

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.

 

Jubilee @ Karamu

Through April 19, 2026

https://karamuhouse.org/

(216) 795-7070

 

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 music performed in its purest form with thirteen incredible voices blending together in heavenly harmony as their story of hardship and success unfolds before us. You will feel all of your emotions well up from deep inside as you laugh, cry, ponder and rejoice in the sanctity that is gospel music. 

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 Comeuppance @ Dobama Theatre

Through April 4, 2026

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

To be honest, the show is rife with unlikable characters whom you would have avoided in high school as well as any reunion get together. That is its strength. As you realize that these students had been drawn together so many years ago by necessity you develop an empathy for each damaged person. Add to this a better understanding about Death and you have an intriguing work. The show title’s definition says it all...look it up.

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

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins explores the lingering effects of the pandemic on a group of friends in Dobama Theatre’s provocative and engaging production.

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

 

Macbeth @ Great Lakes Theatre

Through April 4, 2026

https://www.greatlakestheater.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 the three Weird Sisters aren’t enough to creep you out and give you bad dreams, Lord and Lady Macbeth will take you further down the road to Bonkersville. For fans of the macabre this show has all the elements and keeps the tension tight throughout with little touches of comedy to keep you off balance. The very last scene with the Weird Sisters and the new King will definitely raise your neck hairs. This productions is indeed something wicked this way comes.

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

Laura Kennelly

William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth, produced by Great Lakes Theater at Playhouse Square, explores the down side of power and kingship.

“The Scottish Play,” directed by Sara Bruner, returns to the Hanna Theater still as relevant as it was when first produced during the reign of Great Britain’s King James I.

Yes, different times, different rulers, but the same vanities and ambitions continue to worry today’s humans.

The darkly lit stage, at times making it hard to see who was who and what was going on, provided a forewarning of the evil to come. Small spots of light showed paths and ways out as characters raced around (usually while trying not to be murdered—didn’t work for them most times). But we know this is a tragedy, right?

To see a full review of this show go here, 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

Directed by Sara Bruner, The Scottish Play is dark, brooding and thrilling, the story of a general seduced by ambition and then consumed by madness.

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

 

Water For Elephants @ Playhouse Square

Through March 29, 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

What really distinguishes this musical is the way it incorporates Cirque du Soleil caliber artistry and design. Although the production is non-Equity, which usually involves a less experienced cast (occasionally evident here) and trimmed production standards, this production seems to have retained all the original Broadway luster, if not extravagance. Takeshi Kata’s sets, David I. Reynoso’s costumes and Bradley King’s lighting evoke Dust Bowl Americana, magically switching on carnival grandiosity when needed. It's ably helmed by Ryan Emons, adapting Jessica Stone's direction for the original Broadway production. 

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

What can be more fun than going to the circus (except for those who suffer from coulrophobia). This show has it all. Great acting, great singing, great dancing, great puppet work and great “tricks” combine to thoroughly entertain. Be sure to grab plenty of sweets from the “candy butchers” (concession stand personnel) at the “joint” (concession stand) to put you in the circus mood. This show truly is FUN FOR ALL!

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

Laura Kennelly

What would it be like to run away and join a circus? Water for Elephants, the latest national Broadway series musical currently at Cleveland’s Connor Palace Theatre, gives one answer.

To see a full review of this show go here or 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

Were I to evaluate each of those elements–the quiet story, the emotion-centric music and the high-flying acrobatics–individually, I could see myself agreeing with those critics who found “Water for Elephants” wanting. Yet, when evaluating the pieces that make up the whole–as a whole–there is no denying that these elements coalesce into a dazzling production.

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

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

Joey Morona

Ultimately, you might find yourself asking whether “Water for Elephants” is a circus disguised as a musical or the other way around. But if you leave the theater entertained, what difference does it make?

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

 

Haunted @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through March 22, 2026

https://www.cptonline.org/

216.631.2727 ext. 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

An intriguing concept of combining near modern pop cultural with ancient traditions makes this a show worth seeing in spite of its overly long length. Comedy, native wisdom, spirits, white misconceptions and spooky going ons combine for an entertaining hodge podge that will have you thinking.

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

Cleveland Public Theatre’s production of “Haunted” has made the main purpose of their production very clear, and that is to promote and educate about the Land Back Movement.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The tempo of staging could be a bit tighter/faster to better illuminate the themes and points; sometimes, physical theatre elements (a lot of movement) became repetitive, though that may be intentional, as the multiple prospective buyers of the house (in the play) evoke the aura of absurdism seen in such a work as Ionesco’s The Lesson. This work is a valuable “entry” point to not only learn about but appreciate and respect a rich history of Native activism, which the audience can see and collaborate with. In this geographical context, this work encourages CPT and its supporters/audience members to explore to foster liaisons with the Lake Erie Native American Council, which has been fighting against the erasure and exclusion in histories at multiple levels for Indigenous people who live in places (like Ohio) where no tribes have been officially recognized.  

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.

 

Two Trains Running @ Beck Center For The Arts

Through March 29, 2026

https://.www.beckcenter.org/theater

(216) 521-2540

 

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

Beck Center for the Arts (Scott Spence, Artistic Director) is presenting August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, directed by Jimmie Woody. Set in Memphis Lee’s (Darryl Tatum) coffee shop in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1969, Memphis’s regulars come and go, sharing their experiences, thoughts, feelings, concerns, and frustrations. The counterpoints to the regulars are Lee himself, the “owner and master” of this fort and oasis, and his left-hand person, the only cook/server, Risa (Thailand Hodge). Melding visual and auditory details, humor, and laughter in Wilson’s poetic and musical text, Woody brings the audience to one of the most conflicted periods and locales in US history in 2026. 

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.

 

Rachmaninoff and the Tsar @ Cleveland Play House

Through March 15, 2026

http://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
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 there is only one show that you intend to see at Playhouse Square this season, this is the one. It simply has everything one longs for in a great performance. It is as complete an evening of theater as one could hope for.

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
What makes this work unique and special is the participation of another actor, Jonathan Silvestri, as the character of Tsar, who listens to Rachmaninoff’s resentment, complaints, and yearning for what he once perceived as the head of Mother Russia. In this work, the Tsar lovingly and nostalgically reminisces about his family, including his youngest daughter, Anastasia. while sharing a gruesome story about their deaths (without any trials), as they were led to believe the Bolshevik officer’s lie: they were about to be transferred to another location from Yekaterinburg, a city about 1,100 miles east of Moscow. The video of the Romanovs—the Tsar, his wife, Alexandria, their four daughters, and the only son, Alexei—is projected on the back wall screen, creating a historic-cinematic effect. Later, in the Q&A session, the audience is delighted to learn that the actors in the Romanov video include Silvestri and his family, who reside in Florence, Italy.

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 Choir of Man @ Playhouse Square

Through March 8, 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
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

Revisiting this show after so many years made me realize how great this production is. For a very short ninety minutes you are invited to escape to a place where everyone really does know your name. Subtle side themes remind us how through loss, addiction, family problems, work problems and coping with life in general a gentle word from a real friend can make all the difference in the world. This is where every raised glass tells a story. Slainte.

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.

 

Epiphany @ Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program

Through March 7, 2026

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2025/epiphany

(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
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 young actors, in collaboration with director Carrier and movement coordinator Eliza Ladd Schwarz, uniquely, creatively, and believably perform their characters, who are in a perpetual search for human connection.  Carrier's focus is on the illumination of both the surface and internal emotions and thoughts of the characters. Through subtle facial expressions, mannerisms, and blocking choices, Carrier creates "still" and "moving" images of bewildered and defensive characters playing (literally and metaphorically) various instruments--music instruments and life instruments. 

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.

 

Spring Awakening @ Beck Center For The Arts

Through March 1, 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

It's been 14 years since acclaimed local director Victoria Bussert took her talented students from the Baldwin Wallace musical theater program to the Beck Center for the Arts for the great 2006 Broadway musical about teen angst and sexual repression in early late 19th-century Germany. She's back at Beck with her transplanted musical theater program talents -- now based in Oberlin College -- and the result is even better.

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

The Beck Center’s latest musical, Spring Awakening, is not as cheery as its title.

Directed by Victoria Bussert, with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, the 2006 multiple Tony Award winner is based on a late-19th-century German play by Frank Wedekind. Last seen at the Beck in 2012 (also directed by Bussert), it’s back with a new cast, set, and costumes, but it’s still an unhappy view of adolescent passions and social rules.

The musical elements are beautifully done. The excellent cast races about the stage breaking hearts and singing, channeling adolescent vibes into dynamic theatrical force. The story’s dozen plus students are played by Oberlin College students so there’s a note of reality there.

To see a full review of this show, read   here  or 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.

 

Vuela Alto, Mama (Fly High, Mother) @ LatinUS Theatre

Through March 8, 2026

https://www.latinustheater.com/

(216) 369-7158

 

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

Vuela Alto, Mamá brings sheer joy and laughter with a wicked sense of humor, which (amazingly) allows the audience to reexamine, without a feeling of guilt, the dichotomy between the façade and the truth (about the diseased) at their funeral.

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.

 

Queens Girl-Black in the Green Mountains

Through March 8, 2026

https://karamuhouse.org/ 

(216) 795-7070

 

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 all the high tech gadgets that have overtaken modern theater it is nice to come across a bit of true theater magic. This show is a prime example of how low tech can still tell an entertaining story by letting our imaginations fill in the blank spots. Come be wowed and entertained.

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

“Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains” contains an inspiring tale of self-discovery and belonging, but what sets it apart from other plays is the strenuous demands it places on its central performer, and in Karamu’s case, that performer is a tour de force. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Jackson-Smith’s directing excels at blending public and personal histories, underscoring how one individual can be affected by sociopolitical movements, energy, and ideology while pursuing what she is passionate about—storytelling through theatre. 

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.

 

Long Day's Journey Into Night @ Ensemble Theatre

Through February 22, 2026

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

 

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

One of the great advantages of great theater is that it illustrates situations that many of us would wish to turn away from but cannot. In this case the entire Tyrone family puts the “fun” in “dysfunctional” to the point where witnesses (audience members) feel the urge to step in and do an intervention on the entire family. It is well worth the time investment that this show requires.

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.

 

Primary Trust @ Cleveland Play House

Through March 1, 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

The play is as near-perfect as possible, but it is even further enhanced with Sedeeq Heard's extremely well modulated direction and an ingenious set design by Raul Abrego, various assemblages of giant geometric building blocks suggestive of a world seen through childlike eyes and evoking the aesthetics of the 1980s. The cleverness is much apparent, but sheer cleverness never distracts from the core humanity of the heartwarming drama.

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 there is one word that I would use to describe this show it would be “silk”. It flows along softly, caressing our minds and fitting closely to our various body types without disturbing us in any way. There are no brass bands or uninhibited dance numbers or even show stopping songs. It is simply 90 minutes (without intermission) of quietly reflective theater designed to enlighten and entertain. Sometimes that is just enough.

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

“Primary Trust” wades into some emotional waters, intelligently dipping into mental health, trauma responses and coping mechanisms, but it never succumbs to the weight of these topics. Instead, the play uses humor to help balance the drama, leaving audiences contemplative of heavy topics, but with satisfied smiles at the end of the night. It also provides a message of hope, and in a time when loneliness is a growing epidemic, the value of a show that serves as a beacon of optimism cannot be overstated. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
A team of excellent performers brings Kenneth’s story to life, with Kenneth narrating the play, underscoring his “perceptions” as he remembers them at different points in his life. Debo Balogun as Kenneth uses his storytelling and sensitive delivery skills, illuminating his honesty, investment in, and understanding of his character, not only as an individual struggling with PTSD and loneliness, but also his honesty and willingness to be positive. Carl Hendrick Louis, as Kenneth’s imaginary friend Bert, exists somewhere between Bert as Kenneth’s imagination and invention and the real Bert from 28 years ago, as Kenneth remembers him.

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

Joey Morona

In a world of screens and the infinite scroll, it’s easy to get lost in our algorithms and FYPs. Cleveland Play House’s breezy yet profound production of “Primary Trust” reminds us how much human connection matters.

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

 

The Heart of Robin Hood @ Great Lakes Theater

Through February 22, 2026

https://www.greatlakestheater.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

In classic Shakespearean cross dressing tradition of "Twelfth Night" and "As You Like It," Marion eventually finds herself disguised as a young man who befriends Robin Hood (solidly played here by Evan Stevens), and together they swashbuckle their way through the dramatic trappings of battling a throne-stealing nemesis (Nick Steen) of Marion's father, who's leading an important battle from afar. Farr's script is solidly and expertly framed as a lost Shakespere classic, where a royal maiden could very well find herself sporting a male persona while dealing with confusing romantic urges that seem to be emanating equally from her "pal" Robin.

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 a refreshing take on a classic and one of the most complete stage productions to date. It literally has everything from a strong female antagonist, truly funny lines, great special effects, really mean villains and some of the most authentic fight scenes ever choreographed on a Cleveland stage. Add to that a tongue in cheek (no pun intended) feel and some madcap action and you have a truly entertaining time in the theater. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Come into the green forest for a romp and a romance. To warm up February, Great Lakes Theater offers The Heart of Robin Hood directed by Jaclyn Miller. It’s a lighthearted take by author David Farr on the classic folk hero, Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest.

The Hanna Theatre stage design by Courtney O’Neill features sloping platform levels. As a result, locations shift instantly from woodland to castle via surrounding wooden walls which magically reveal  scene-enhancing windows and doors.

*****

Bottom Line: The Heart of Robin Hood offers a bit of fantasy, humor, and warming cheer to help us through the bitter cold.

To see a full review of this show, read here or find 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

"Odds are that you’re familiar with Robin Hood, the dashing hero of film and folklore. Joined by his band of Merry Men, this lovable outlaw of Sherwood Forest steals from everyone and…keeps it all for himself.

That last part probably doesn’t match what you’ve come to expect from the fictional character of English legend, but “The Heart of Robin Hood” is a new version of a classic tale, one that’s told with humor, knack and zeal by the cast and creatives of Great Lakes Theater."

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

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

Joey Morona

In a recent interview, GLT Producing Artistic Director Sara Bruner talked about a guiding principle at the theater. She calls it the “yes and” approach — saying yes to the expectations of longtime subscribers and attracting new audiences and meeting the moment. It’s a tricky needle to thread, but one the company does with precision and panache in “The Heart of Robin Hood.”

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