MILK MILK LEMONADE
CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM
August 17-September 8
216-687-0074 or www.convergence-continuum.org

Bob Abelman

Like the children’s rhyme referenced in the play’s title, whose lilting melody gives way to a sophomoric laundry list of base bodily functions, Joshua Conkel’s  MILK MILK LEMONADE is told with a children's storybook aesthetic while exploring much darker themes.  By accentuating all that is funny, and there is plenty that is funny, director Cory Molner provides a very entertaining evening that loses touch with what is meant to be thought-provoking. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.

Roy Berko

MILK MILK LEMONADE, is a thought provoking,  laugh filled play that leans a little too much on comedy, and not enough on the depth of the tale.  Though not for everyone, it is tailor-made for the typical off-the-wall con-con audience member.

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


Christine Howey
While it has aspirations of exploring how many of us are not what we seem, it falls flat due to a significant lack of performance and directorial imagination.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Art Thomas

The show has eighty minutes of absurdity, from a fifth grader dancing "Anything Goes" with a chicken, to a parasitic twin living in the thigh of a neighborhood thug. The script is heavy on laughs and light on emotions, with too many loose ends to boot. Cast and director are first-rate. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

 
ALL SHOOK UP
Mercury SummerStock
August 3-18
http://www.mercurysummerstock.com or 216-771-5862

Bob Abelman

Promoted as a cleverly camouflaged rendition of Shakespeare's comedy “Twelfth Night,” with its employment of star-crossed lovers, mistaken sexual identify and such, Joe DiPietro’s jukebox musical “All Shook Up” is mostly a high-energy mash-up of Elvis Presley  tunes and production numbers that rock the room. Mercury Summer Stock's rendition is nothing short of a blue suede smash-hit.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald blog here.


Roy Berko

If you like Elvis’s songs, are in the mood for escapist theatre wrapped in a nearly non-existent plot, and want to see lots of high school and college kids have a good time performing, ALL SHOOK UP! could be your thing.

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


Christine Howey
The production itself is thoroughly engaging, thanks to detailed direction and choreography by Pierre-Jacques Brault and more than a few winning performances. 
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene


Marjorie Preston
"All Shook Up" is a high-energy, grooving good time, especially for fans of 1950s music...the power of a great ensemble really comes through ...when the group stands together in the name of love and just belts it out... "All Shook Up" is good fun -- toe-tapping music and a talented cast.
To see a full review of this show, check out Marjorie Preston's brand-new blog, Brava!

Kory
If you want a toe tapping night of Elvis music performed by a talented young cast, don’t miss All Shook Up in it’s closing weekend at Notre Dame College in South Euclid.

To see a full review of this show, link to http://new102.com/korysreviews

ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Cleveland Play House--Allen Theatre
July 17-August 19

                                           216-241-6000 or go to www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

"One Night With Janis Joplin's" Mary Bridget Davies takes another little piece of my heart.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald blog here.

Roy Berko

ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN is musical play, rock concert and love-in, all mashed into one! Doesn’t matter if you are a blues, rock and roll, or Joplin fan or not, there is no way you aren’t going to leave this performance on an emotional high! Bravo. Yes, Bravo, bravo, bravo!

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

Fran Heller
Oh, what a night was "One Night with Janis Joplin," a raucous, rollicking rock 'n' roll songfest that kept an opening night audience of boomers bobbing and swaying and leaping to their feet again...and again...and again.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

As Joplin, Mary Bridget Davies channels many of Joplin’s stage mannerisms and brings a quarry-load of gravel to her vocal riffs. But the script only pays lip service to the superstar’s inner demons and desires.

 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan


Kory

Whether you are familiar with Janis Joplin, or a relative newbie like me, DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.