THE WHIPPING MAN
Cleveland Play House--Allen Theatre
November 2-December 2, 2012
Bob Abelman
Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech haolam mechaye hametim. The saying of this Hebrew blessing for the revival of the dead by a Black slave during the final days of the Civil War is the first of many unexpected moments in Matthew Lopez’s gripping “The Whipping Man.” This is a production free of missteps and false notes and, like the handiwork of the whipping man--who is unseen but whose presence is felt throughout the play-- this play strikes hard and true.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.
Roy Berko
THE WHIPPING MAN is one of the finest theatrical productions of this theatre season. It is required viewing by anyone who wants to experience theatre at its finest. This is one show that deserved a standing ovation. Wow!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Kerry Clawson
Shattering secrets, lies and intrigue are set against the backdrop of a tumultuous turning point in American history in the stellar drama The Whipping Man at Cleveland Play House’s Second Stage. ...
Playwright Matthew Lopez presents arresting twists on the “family” ties that bind, stemming from complicated dynamics between masters and slaves that have developed through the generations.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://enjoy.ohio.com/things-to-do.
Fran Heller
Giovanna Sardelli's hauntingly graphic direction and a trio of galvanizing performances burning with feverish intensity make for an evening of gripping theater.
Like all good drama, the play raises more questions than it answers.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News
Christine Howey
An amputation is just one of the startling moments in this intense three-hander. And while the script is not particularly inventive with the conflicts engendered by sudden freedom from slavery, leaning on some stereotypes in the process, the production fizzes with a trio of energetic, spot-on performances.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene
Kory
A powerful look into post-civil war relationships between former slave owners and their freed slaves, The Whipping Man is nothing short of incredible.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.
Andrea Simakis
"The Whipping Man," now playing in the intimate Second Stage theater of the Cleveland Play House, is a production that achieves holistic perfection. It fires on all cylinders, right from the crash of thunder heralding the start of the tight, three-man drama, and never lets up, not once, like a Confederate mortar attack.
"The Whipping Man," now playing in the intimate Second Stage theater of the Cleveland Play House, is a production that achieves holistic perfection. It fires on all cylinders, right from the crash of thunder heralding the start of the tight, three-man drama, and never lets up, not once, like a Confederate mortar attack.
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/11/cleveland_play_house_delivers.html
