World Class Care @ Beck Center For the Arts

Through November 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
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

In Eric Coble’s world, modernization is not necessarily a good step forward. What happens when citizens decry personal ownership for personal comfort allowing giant corporations to control all aspects of their lives. After all, how much are people willing to give up? This could be a wave of the future or maybe not. You decide.

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 you’re from Northeast Ohio, you’ll easily recognize the brand colors and the many jokes that harken back to our local cities, companies and sports teams. “World Class Care” is chock full of Cleveland references, so much so that it feels like an inside joke penned just for us."

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 Ferryman @ Ensemble Theatre

Through October 18, 2026

http://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

Combine a harvest day in 1981 Ireland, lots of craic, “The Troubles” and a huge robust family dealing with life and death and you will have three hours of solid entertainment. You will be gobsmacked when you see this production that is sure to sell out. Be forewarned that there is lots of portrayed adult language and drinking (especially by the underage cast members) as well as live critters and a baby on 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
To be completely immersed in a narrative–not just moved by, but so completely immersed in a story that you feel as if you’ve been sucked out of your own reality and deposited into another–is a rare, magical thing. “The Ferryman” at Ensemble Theatre is performing such magic. 

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.

 

Deathtrap @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through November 1, 2026

https://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

One thing going for this show is the convoluted “everything but the kitchen sink” writing that challenges our senses with more twist and turns than a crooked corkscrew. Minor problems aside it is a pleasant evening of mystery and crime theater.

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.

 

Lend Me A Tenor @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through October 18, 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

Comedy is hard. There are so many elements needed to make it work. Yet this production manages to hit the mark throughout the show. It is a rollicking fast pace ride of mayhem that will carry you along for an exciting and exhilarating trip.

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 Magician's Table @ Playhouse Square

Through December 6, 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 closest cousin to this type of entertainment might be a murder-mystery dinner theater -- without the dinner. But it does have an international pedigree: After a successful multi-year residency in London, the creators partnered with Right Angle Entertainment to bring the production on its first North American tour. Playhouse Square arranged to bring the hit show to downtown Cleveland as one of the first U.S. cities to host it. The success seems to have continued in Cleveland, where its original run has been extended into December. Few traditional shows run that long on Playhouse Square, but, then again, that's the magic of magic.

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
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.

 

Daphne's Dive @ Dobama Theatre

Through October 18, 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
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
"...families can carry a lot of baggage, and this found family packs the bar so full with theirs that a 110-minute show is not nearly enough time to satisfyingly tap their depths." 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The play’s focus could be on the changing political and social landscape of Philadelphia and the nation, with an emphasis on activism for social justice, equality, and anti-poverty as the city (and other US cities) face gun violence, drug epidemics, civil forfeiture, housing problems, unemployment, and federal funding cuts. These problems—in resonance with today—are present in the background of the play, never clearly and strongly expressed in the script. Hudes touches on many issues that don’t fit neatly into one play. Yet a group of committed performers delivers both public and personal stories about the bar, bringing their humanity and drama to the forefront. 
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona

Walking into an unfamiliar bar full of regulars can be intimidating. Daphne’s Dive, however, makes room for one more.

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

 

The Winter's Tale @ Great Lakes Theater

Through October 11, 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

While not one of Shakespeare’s most notable or for that matter performed works, Cleveland audiences will enjoy the superb theatrical romp that combines comedy, tragedy, death deceit, madness and reconciliation. Patrons of the Globe loved it back in the day and you will love it now.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“The Winter’s Tale” is widely classified as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays.” It’s classified as such because it can’t be neatly labeled into the categories in which The Bard’s tales are typically sorted. The first three acts feature a dark, psychological tragedy, but the final two acts are comedic and magical. 

This sudden change in tone can, understandably, pose a challenge for theater companies. In their production of “The Winter’s Tale,” Great Lakes Theater proves up for the challenge. 

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

For all its zigging and zagging, “The Winter’s Tale” is a story about what time can heal and what it can’t. As Great Lakes Theater embarks on this landmark season, it just feels right to start with a play that looks to the past while still finding a way forward.

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

 

Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting @ Karamu

Through October 18, 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
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
“Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting” may center on Jackie Robinson, but this is no run-of-the-mill sports story. We’re not watching Robinson climb up the leagues, or holding our breath as he steps up to the plate; instead, we’re dropped into the room where the benefits and costs of Robinson’s place on the Brooklyn Dodgers are weighed by some of the most prominent Black men of the time. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Schmidt originally wrote this play as a memory play told by 64-year-old retired African American bellhop Clancy Hope, who recalls a day in 1947 as a young bellhop at a New York hotel. In this production, the show takes us straight to a Big Apple hotel room in 1947, as Branch Rickey enters and inspects the service details, such as drinks and ice. After Jackie Robinson arrives, Clancy Hope (Averly LaMar Pope), a curious 17-year-old bellhop, enters to learn any secrets from Rickey. Thus, there is no flashback scene as Schmidt crafted for an earlier version of this play. 

This fictional meeting shares the same aesthetic, theatricality, and historical depth and renderings as seen in Kemp Powers’s play (later a film) One Night in Miami, which uses a meeting (a meeting actually took place, but the contents are fictional) on February 25, 1964, between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke in a room at the Hampton House in Miami. I would point to Lauren Gunderson’s Revolutionists, a play set in an imaginary meeting that playwright Olympe de Gouges calls, inviting assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle. 

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.

 

Conversations After A Burial @ Cesear's Forum

Through October 24, 2026

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/cesears-forum-presents-conversations-after-a-burial

(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
Now playing at Cesear’s Forum, Yasmina Reza’s “Conversations After a Burial” explores the fraught, emotional interactions of a dysfunctional family just after they’ve laid their patriarch to rest. While the emotions of loss and grief are keenly felt, the ties that are meant to bind these characters together are too loosely knotted. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The original French version’s poeticism, lyricism, and musicality were lost in translation and staging. This is Reza’s metaphysical and metaphorical depiction of the Chekhovian world of Fools (le monde du fous), where the characters desperately seek physical and emotional comfort after hurting themselves and each other. Throughout the show, the characters “cook” themselves—sometimes even burn up—like the “pot-au-feu” Nathan makes for dinner. Humans’ sense of entitlement, sarcasm, lack of compassion and decency, and deep-rooted familial grudges are laid bare with (dry) humor and poetic pathos. This production is, naturally, very American: all the lines are delivered with realism and seriousness. 

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.

 

Angel Street @ Clague Playhouse

October 3, 2026

http://www.clagueplayhouse.org

(440) 331-0403

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

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

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

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

This tiny little theater in Westlake, Ohio always manages to punch well above their weight class. All the elements of stage, costume, lighting, sound, props and dialect come together in this production for a stupendous evening of intrigue and mystery. A very fun evening of theater is guaranteed for all. 

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.

 

Death Becomes Her @ Playhouse Square

Through October 3, 2026

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 24106000

 

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

Howard Gollop

The illusory qualities of the show are first revealed in Burn's opening number in the fictitious "Me, Me, Me," called "For the Gaze," with nonstop costume changes, de rigeur mincing chorus boys and less-than-subtle nods to Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews and, of course, Judy Garland, replete with a stuffed Toto. And if anyone doesn't get the homophonous intention of the title "For the Gaze," then maybe a different kind of show would be for him or her.

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

First of all, leave the kiddies at home for this one. This is very adult themed and naughty. For the adults you will find yourself hurting from laughing during the entire two and a half hours that fly by. It is a scream in its best sense. Be dazzled.

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

Much like its deathless main characters, the story of “Death Becomes Her” has staying power. 

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Gattelli has made each moment of this musical over the top, exhilarating, and funny. The spectacular theatrical rendering, reminiscent of Bob Fosse’s work and variety shows, brings much delight to audiences in this pre-Halloween month. Integrating familiar plots, characters, and themes from an aging star (Sunset Boulevard, All About Eve), female rivalry (A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Wicked, among many other works), and a husband haunted and tormented by his late wives (Blithe Spirit), the musical maximizes each scene with high-energy chorus numbers, strong performers, the presence of the diva epitome Viola Van Horn, and dazzling costumes, scenery, and lighting, creating a series of small, physically and musically exciting “acts.”  

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

Joey Morona

“Death Becomes Her” isn’t trying to change your life. It just wants to entertain you for a couple of hours. Like youth and beauty, the feeling may be fleeting. But while it lasts, it’s a hell of a good time.

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

 

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

The Addams family, with their love of the macabre, their fascination with death and dying and their extreme shirking of societal norms, should be–by all means–a family you’d seek to avoid. Yet, this fiercely devoted, unerringly loyal and surprisingly wholesome family continues to delight audiences with their irreverent humor, as is displayed in Cain Park’s latest production of “The Addams Family Musical.” 

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.