The Book Club Play @ Seat of the Pants Productions

The cast of "The Book Club Play." Credit: Julian Curet

The Book Club Play

Seat of the Pants Productions at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ

Through May 31, 2026

Visit seatofthepants.org for tickets, $23.

 

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
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.

 

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.

 

The Outsiders @ Playhouse Square

Through May 17, 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

“The Outsiders" is indeed worth it, thanks to the immeasurable talents of director Danya Taymor (niece to "Lion King" director and Oberlin grad Julie Taymor), plus the continuous narrative choreography of Rick and Jeff Kuperman and a show-stopping scenic design by Tatiana Kahvegian, culminating in a thunderstorm fight scene and an abandoned church set ablaze, brilliantly conceived by special effects designers Jeremy Chernick and Lillis Meeh.

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

Everything about this show is gritty and intense (there is even gravel on the stage). The acting, music, dance, costuming and stage set all meld into a mosaic of grimness that speaks truth of that time and city. The rumble scene unfolds with a fury that makes it the most piercing sequence ever performed live on stage complete with a full blown rain storm and stop action. This is theater at its best and most exciting.

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

Laura Kennelly

It’s a winning music- and dance-centric show, as musicals should be, with a stage full of young talent. Never mind the old “teens-are-out-of-control” storyline. Nothing new under the sun anyway, right? Recommended as the best musical so far, of this season’s KeyBank Broadway Series.

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

"I understand the desire to capture “The Outsiders,” to package it up and relive it again and again, as the production is about as close to perfection as you will likely see. But this triumph on stage is only made more remarkable thanks to its fleetingness, its immediacy."

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

This is a show that makes your eyes pop and your heart swell.

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

 

Sanctuary City @ Dobama Theatre

Through May 17, 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

While at times playful and humorous, the play never strays far from its serious side of the heartbreak of immigration and the stress it causes. Here are people who for all intensive matters are “citizens” who love America and work hard to stay here but by a quirk of fate are hunted. Some audience members may be put off by the out of rhythm syntax exhibited early on. Hang in there...it gets better.

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

"It features no props, no robust backdrop, no furniture. It is all highly abstract, it is incredibly theatrical and–astonishingly–it is still achingly, wonderfully realistic."

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Dobama Theatre’s last show of its 2025-2026 mainstage season, the Cleveland premiere of Sanctuary City by Martyna Majok, directed by Nathan Motta, featuring three performers— Lloyd Wayne Taylor, Diwe Augustin-Glave, and Jacob Gonzalez— is an extremely timely, moving, educational, and compelling work that speak volumes about the cycle of systematic exclusion and unwelcoming “acts/Acts” that the United States has developed over many decades and then exacerbated in the 21^st century in particular.

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

Joey Morona

“'Sanctuary City'” is as heartbreaking as it is essential. It is the story of two DREAMers whose hope and humanity become impossible to ignore."

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

 

Into The Breeches @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through November 17, 2026

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/ 

(330) 374-7574

 

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

1942 was an extremely charged time in our history. Young families were torn apart with no assurance that the men would return in one piece. No modern theater work comes close to recreating that time of doubt. Many older audience members will recall what their parents went through. Ohio Shakespeare Festival manages to recreate the vibe that was that faraway time. Get there early to enjoy the music from that era.

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 strength of this production under Cates’s direction is the performers’ grasp of Shakespeare’s works. Recitations embedded in Brant’s script are delivered with musical and poetic precision, and a group of performers excels at embodying their Shakespearean characters from the 15th century and their 1940s counterparts. Sarah Pine, as Maggie, portrays her character with clarity and commitment. With impeccable enunciation (no one uses a microphone), Pine conveys her character’s thoughtfulness and kindness on one hand and tenacity and determination on the other. Opposite Pine’s Maggie is Holly Humes, as Celeste, a diva-actor who clings to the young roles for which she was once celebrated.

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.

 

Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson @ Great Lakes Theater

Through May 10, 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

The Great Lakes production, stylishly designed by Jeff Herrmann, with busy contemporary costumes by Yvonne Miranda, is at least attractive to behold -- as long as the chaos of everything else can subside for a moment or two.

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 show that will not be to everyone’s taste. Families with young children should think twice as well as senior citizens who are easily offended. It is a show that tries too hard to be too many things...madcap comedy...serious crime drama...feminist manifesto...period piece. If you like a challenge, give it a go and see if you agree.

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

Laura Kennelly

Playwright Kate Hamill has modernized the classic Sherlock Holmes detective meme and kept the classic Arthur Conon Doyle mystery elements that tickle our fancy. Life’s all still a chase for golden rings, revenge, murder and dominance.

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 case of “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B” is one that the detectives at Great Lakes Theater can’t quite crack."

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

"If you can get past what you think these iconic characters should be, then your attendance, my dear, is elementary."

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

 

The Sound of Music" @ Playhouse Square

Through April 26, 2026

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events 

(216) 241-6000

 

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

Howard Gollop

There's not much a theater company can do to either ruin or elevate one of the most popular and familiar musicals in history, especially in the wake of the iconic 1965 film adaptation. But the current tour of "The Sound of Music" surprisingly succeeds at the latter, breathing fresh life into what could have been a stale encounter.

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 ever wondered how the movie plays on a live stage (it started out as a highly successful Broadway show), here is your chance to witness a truly remarkable performance. All of the songs are there and then some. There is equal parts of love, laughter, chaos and danger that has the time fly by. It truly will become your favorite show.

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.

 

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

"Yet in the capable hands of Cleveland Play House, the centuries-old “Tartuffe” is given a clever ‘80s sitcom twist that modern audiences will find wholly accessible and entirely enjoyable."

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

"If I asked you to picture Death, what image would you conjure up? Most imagine Death as a grim reaper: a tall, cloaked figure wielding a scythe and masking a skulled face behind the shadows of a hood. Not playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who gives Death a chilling, intriguing new face in his show “The Comeuppance,” now playing at Dobama Theatre."

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

"Great Lakes Theater’s current presentation of “Macbeth” is the seventh time the company has staged this popular tragedy, the most recent being in 2018. So, what defines this show and sets it apart from other productions of the same work? Double casting, relatable tragic heroes and a fascinating usage of light and color palette, for starters."

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.