THE SECRET SOCIAL (Conni's Avant Garde Restaurant)
Cleveland Public Theatre
December 6-23, 2012

                                                     216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org
 

Roy Berko

THE SECRET SOCIAL is not traditional theatre.  No plot, no social message. All in all the goings on are intended for  fun.  That is, if you are in the mood to be uninhibited, and just have a great time.  It also helps if you and half the audience are looped and let loose with rude and creative comments.  

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

Christine Howey

The production, created by the ensemble and directed by Cynthia Croot, is quite a bit less outrageous than the past two years (no one stimulating his nipples with an electric mixer, no simulated live birth). But that edgy, go-for-broke energy has been replaced with something almost as intriguing: a journey into a hidden world that begins as soon as you step away from the ticket window.

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

Marjorie Preston

The World Premiere Cleveland Public Theatre production of “The Secret Social,” created by the ensemble under the direction of Cynthia Croot, is by turns mysterious, raucous and delightfully tacky, but never ceases to be a vibrant spectacle of an evening. “The Secret Social” also includes a borscht dinner and dancing, a free foxtrot/swing lesson and party games in its ticket price.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog, "Brava!" here.

Andrea Simakis

"Devised theater" like "The Secret Social" is by its nature a leap of faith. Lots of cooks often make the soup, collaborating on the script and character development. The results can be mmm-mmm good or spit-it-out-it's-poison bad. Happily, this recipe is so demented and delicious, you'll bang your spoon demanding seconds.

To see a full review of this show go to:  http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_public_theatres_soci.html

4000 MILES
DOBAMA
December 7, 2012 -January 6, 2013

                                                           216-932-3396 or dobama.org
Bob Abelman

There is little that is overtly theatrical or philosophical about “4000 Miles.”  In fact, little happens from start to finish, which is its charm.  But there is an astute attention to detail and a great sensitivity in the handling of the material in this production, which is one of its gifts.  The other is octogenarian actress Dorothy Silver.

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

Roy Berko

4000 MILES is a “nice” play, which gets a “nice” production at Dobama.  It will not shock, it will not compel, but it will hold your attention and may take you back to examine your relationship with your grandmother and/or grandchild and share a peek at both youthful and aging angst.

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

Fran Heller

This 2011 OBIE award winning play for Best New Play is a quietly moving slice-of-life drama about youth and old age, mortality and loss and the daily assaults and indignities of aging.
Joel Hammer's astute direction, coupled with illuminating performances by Cleveland's grand dame of theater, Dorothy Silver, as the elderly Vera, and an equally mesmerizing performance by newcomer Matt O'Shea as prodigal grandson, Leo, makes the 110 minute play, presented without intermission, whiz by.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Christine Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Marjorie Preston
Dobama Theatre’s current production, “4000 Miles,” by Amy Herzog, is a quiet play with a lot of tell and not quite enough show, luckily populated by a skilled cast including standout Dorothy Silver. “4000 Miles” is saved by its openness, and finding the funny in the everyday.
To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

When last Dorothy Silver headlined a drama, it was Eric Coble's "The Velocity of Autumn" at the Beck Center for the Arts, and Silver so outshone her co-star that it was almost like watching a one-woman show. Not here. With O'Shea, she has found an agile partner, and the results are mesmerizing. They sell their crazy quilt of a relationship from the starting gun, never letting a stitch show.

To see a full review of this show, go to:  http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/12/in_4000_miles_at_dobama_theatr.html

 
ANNIE
Beck Center for the Arts
December 7, 2012-January 6, 2013
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Those attending this Beck Center production of “Annie” during the holidays will not only be getting a new deal for Christmas this year, but the real deal.

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

Roy Berko

As corny and overdone as ANNIE is, with a good performance it delights.  With its tuneful music, strong cast, and super choreography, Beck's production makes for a fine night at the theater.

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

Fran Heller

This "kiddie show for adults" is awash with sentimentality but I've always been a pushover for its message, and the song, "Tomorrow" never fails to raise a lump in my throat.
Wherever there are little girls, there will always be an "Annie."
What a great show to introduce the next generation to the magic of live theater.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Christine Howey

This is a show, now at Beck Center, that can win you over with the right performances and production, and Beck hits many of the right notes even if there are a couple less than stellar elements.

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

Art Thomas
This production has many more "hits" than "misses" in the musical scoring department. Everyone is true to the bouncy Charles Strouse tunes, and the spirit of fun overcomes any possibility of sentimentality. A good choice for the season with its tangental Christmas theme.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

A CAROL FOR CLEVELAND
Cleveland Play House
November 30-December 23, 2012

                                                   216-241-6000 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com


Bob Abelman

Cleveland Play House offers a no-thank-you portion of holiday fruit cake that is damn-near inconsumable.

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


Roy Berko

A CAROL FOR CLEVELAND, is a pleasant holiday diversion, written by local playwright Eric Coble, based on a short story by Cleveland mystery writer Les Roberts, which is getting its world premiere at CPH.  It is a look at how recessions cause frustrations, the importance of family, and how an accidental incident can make a difference.

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

Fran Heller

"Carol" is about family, community and love, and pulling together in uncertain times.
 Its upbeat message of goodwill towards men may be saccharine, but is delivered with so much integrity and heart, that for 90 minutes, one can almost believe it to be true.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News


Christine Howey

Written by two local luminaries (script by Eric Coble, based on a novella by Les Roberts) the play is 90-minute slide down a razor blade of treacly sentimentality and tone-deaf lunges at a tale of redemption.

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

Kory
With a little spit and polish, A Carol For Cleveland could become a holiday tradition for the Land of Cleves!
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.


Marjorie Preston

The World Premiere Cleveland Play House production of “A Carol for Cleveland” by Eric Coble, based on the novella by mystery author Les Roberts, is a touching postcard from the gritty side of 1970s Cleveland at Christmastime, with a few clever nods to Dickens. “A Carol for Cleveland” will leave a lump in your throat ...[and] has all the right elements to be a holiday success: a solid, gritty, and genuinely funny script from the minds of two of Cleveland's most talented writers and a touching, family-friendly storyline.

To see a full review of this show, read Marjorie Preston's blog here.

Andrea Simakis

"A Carol for Cleveland" is original work brimming with heart, its roots planted deeply into the city's sooty soil. The script is littered with crowd-pleasing touchstones, from navigating the pulsing red-and-green arrows through rivers of traffic on Carnegie Avenue to griping about those perennial losers we love, the Browns.

To see a full review of this show, go to
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/12/a_carol_for_christmas_a_clevel.html

Art Thomas

This new production has enough local references to be indigenous to Cleveland. It tugs at the heartstrings in a valid way, and will be even better next year after some rewriting and tweaking of content and structure.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

 Kerry Clawson

 A Carol for Cleveland, a world premiere holiday play at Cleveland Play House, has awkward moments along its story trajectory but ultimately offers a heartfelt, positive message for families to enjoy. Adapted by prolific Cleveland Heights playwright Eric Coble, it is based on Cleveland mystery writer Les Roberts’ novella of the same name.
The original story was a slight one, and Coble has done a good job of fleshing out the background on main character Ed, an anti-hero who has fallen on very hard times.

 To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://enjoy.ohio.com/things-to-do.

MY MOTHER'S LESBAIN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING
Actor's Summit
November 29 – December 23, 2012

                                             330-342-0800 or go to www.actorssummit.org


Roy Berko

MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING is a meaningful musical production which has a solid message enforcing the need for equal rights for all, while also being totally delightful.  This is a must see show!

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

Kerry Clawson

The preposterous-sounding title My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding certainly grabs your attention.
But the core of the musical’s story — about finding and honoring true, fulfilling love — isn’t preposterous at all. Actors’ Summit has chosen a winner in its holiday slot with this heartfelt tale, which rings with authenticity because it’s based on the true story of co-creator David Hein’s family.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://enjoy.ohio.com/things-to-do.

Fran Heller

I didn't know what to expect with a title like "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish WIccan Wedding."
What I discovered was a warm and wonderful true story based on the real life experience of its co-authors.
Expertly directed by Neil Thackaberry with a talented ensemble who sing and act with tremendous verve, "Wedding" is a sweet, funny and moving gender-bending musical show about sexual and religious identity, tolerance and a celebration of love, wherever and with whomever you find it.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

DEBBIE DOES DALLAS
Blank Canvas Theatre
November 30-December 22, 2012

                                               440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

DEBBIE DOES DALLAS is the kind of show that will entertain some, irritate others, titillate some, offend others.  The script, the production, and the concept has all the makings of a cult musical (think—THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW), mainly aimed at a young, hip audience.

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

Christine Howey
Based on the iconic 1978 porno flick of the same name, D3 follows the activities of five nubile high school cheerleaders in Oklahoma who have pneumatic sexual desires and pompoms for brains.

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

Andrea Simakis

"Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical" is a scream, a clever send-up of skin flicks in the Ron Jeremy days, when production values were as low as the woodman's hairy gut. A special cheer is in order for the band, which nailed the sleazy wacka-wacka-bow-wow soundtrack of 1970s X-rated "movies."

To see a full review of this show go to: 
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/12/for_a_good_time_see_debbie_bla.html

Kory

Much like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL, that launched Blank Canvas Theatre’s inaugural season, DEBBIE DOES DALLAS THE MUSICAL is a hit!

To see a full review of this show go to:
http://new102.cbslocal.com/2012/12/21/korys-review-debbie-does-dallas-blank-canvas-theatre/