THE CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS—2013

It is the purpose of THE CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS to recognize outstanding Cleveland area productions, performers, directors and designers who contributed to the professional theatre scene during the 2013 season.  For a listing of the theatres considered for “Best of” and “Superior Achievement” awards, go to: clevelandtheaterreviews.com 

Best Musical Production:  SWEENEY TODD, Great Lakes Theater

Superior Achievement:           

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

NEXT TO NORMAL, Lakeland Civic Theatre

SHE LOVES ME,  Beck Center for the Arts

SPAMALOT, Beck Center for the Arts

Best Non-Musical Production:  ON THE LINE, none too fragile theater

Superior Achievement:              

GOOD PEOPLE, Cleveland Play House

RICHARD III, Great Lakes Theater

THE ICEMAN COMETH, Ensemble Theatre

THERE IS HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, Cleveland Public Theatre

TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Blank Canvas Theater

Best Actor in a Musical:  George Roth, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

Superior Achievement:           

Chris McCarrell, NEXT TO NORMAL, Beck Center for the Arts/Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Program 

Dougfred Miller, SPAMALOT, Beck Center for the Arts

                                  

Best Actor in a Non-Musical:  Lynn Robert Berg, RICHARD III, Great Lakes Theater            

Superior Achievement:           

Chris Richards, SONS OF THE PROPHET, Dobama Theatre

Jonathan Wilhelm, SORDID LIVES, convergence-continuum

Robert Branch, ON THE LINE, none too fragile theater

           

Best Actress in a Musical:  Sara M. Bruner , SWEENEY TODD, Great Lakes Theater

Superior Achievement:               

Jessica L. Cope, SPAMALOT, Beck Center for the Arts

Miche Braden, THE DEVIL’S MUSIC, Cleveland Play House

Rebecca Pitcher, SHE LOVES ME, Beck Center for the Arts

 Best Actress in a Non-Musical:  Tracee Patterson, MEDEA, Mamaí Theater

Superior Achievement:                  

Derdriu Ring, THERE IS HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, Cleveland Public Theatre

Heather Anderson Boll, TIME STANDS STILL, Dobama Theatre

Kate Hodge, GOOD PEOPLE, Cleveland Play House

Lara Knox, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Best Director of a Musical:  Victoria Bussert, SWEENEY TODD, Great Lakes Theater

Superior Achievement:            

Eric Van Baars, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

Martin Friedman, NEXT TO NORMAL, Lakeland Civic Theatre

Scott Spence, SPAMALOT, Beck Center for the Arts

Terrence Spivey, CROWNS, Karamu House Theatre

Best Director of a Non-Musical:  Ian Wolfgang Hinz, THE ICEMAN COMETH, Ensemble Theatre

Superior Achievement:           

Beth Woods, THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, Cleveland Public Theatre

Laura Kepley, GOOD PEOPLE, Cleveland Play House

Patrick Ciamacco, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Blank Canvas Theatre

Sean Derry, ON THE LINE, none too fragile theater

Best Choreographer:  Martin Cespédes, SPAMALOT, Beck Center for the Arts

Superior Achievement:  

Dan Knechtes, GUYS AND DOLLS, Great Lakes Theater/PlayhouseSquare

John Crawford, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

MaryAnn Black, SOUTH PACIFIC, Porthouse Theatre

Best Scenic Design:  Todd S. Krispinsky, THERE IS HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, Cleveland Public Theatre

Superior Achievement:

Russ Borski, HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, Beck Center for the Arts

Trad A Burns, NEXT TO NORMAL, Lakeland Civic Theatre

Wilson Chin, RICH GIRL, Cleveland Play House

Best Costume Design:  Charlotte Yetman, SWEENEY TODD, Great Lakes Theater

Superior Achievement:

Esther Haberlen, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Great Lakes Theater

Best Lighting Design:  Trad A Burns, NEXT TO NORMAL, Lakeland Civic Theatre

Superior Achievement:

Andrew Eckert, THE ICEMAN COMETH, Ensemble Theatre

Marcus Dana, COCK, Dobama Theatre

Best Sound Design:  Dana Duke, Big Twig Studio, Brian Caiazza, Brett Keyser, video/sound/photography, STRUCK, Cleveland Public Theatre
Superior Achievement:

James C. Swonger, GOOD PEOPLE, Cleveland Play House

Shane Cutlip, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

Best Musical Direction:  Nancy Maier, NEXT TO NORMAL, Beck Center for the Arts/Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Program

Superior Achievement:

Jennifer Korecki, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Porthouse Theatre

Joe Brancato, THE DEVIL’S MUSIC, Cleveland Play House

Matthew Webb, SWEENY TODD, Great Lakes Theater

Best National Touring Production:   SLEEPING BEAUTY, PlayhouseSquare

Superior Achievement:                         

THE BOOK OF MORMAN, PlayhouseSquare

WAR HORSE, Playhouse Square

WOODY SEZ, Cleveland Play House

            

 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:

Outstanding Body of Work:  Larry Goodpaster, Musical Director, Beck Center for the Arts

Miles Sternfeld for THE WHOS TOMMY, Broadway Fights AIDS 

Talespinner Children’s Theatre, for producing shows for kids that adults can enjoy, using local writers as adaptors and playwrights.

Theater Ninjas, for doing challenging theatrical works and staging them at unique venues throughout northeast Ohio

Great Lakes Theater for 25 years of presenting A CHRISTMAS CAROL which has played to over 600,000 audience members

Members of the Cleveland Critics Center are:  Bob Ableman (Cleveland Jewish News), Roy Berko (CoolCleveland.com, ArtsAmerica.com, BroadwayWorld.com, royberko.info), Kerry Clawson (Akron-Beacon Journal), Mark Horning, (Examiner.com), Christine Howey (Cleveland Scene, raveandpan.blogspot.com), Andrea Simakis (The Plain Dealer), Art Thomas (West Life). 

For additional information about the CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE, including reviewing summaries, links to members’ full reviews, and details about the CCC Speaker’s Bureau, go to:  clevelandtheaterreviews.com

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic SocietyPresents A Christmas Carol

Actors' Summit
November 17-December 22, 2013

330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Kerry Clawson
 
A Dickens classic becomes quite the giggly affair in the hands of some earnest yet inept British ladies. 

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

THE BIG MEAL

Dobama
December 6, 2013-January 5, 2014 

 216-932-3396 or dobama.org

 
Bob Abelman

“The Big Meal” is an ancestor.com search from hell that traces congenital character flaws and bad habits as they metastasize from one generation to the next.  Although the anguish that trims this family tree is buffered by creative construction and plenty of humor, the play is still a brutal assault on the ties that bind us. It is, at times, too close to the bone to be entertaining.  The takeaway from seeing this production, then, is to witness the wonderful artistry with which it is presented.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald review here:  http://www.news-herald.com/search?text=Bob+Abelman

Roy Berko

THE BIG MEAL is one of those special theatrical events when the script, the diretorial concept, and the acting effectiveness all blend together to make for a "must see" theatrical experience.  BRAVO!

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

Christine Howey

Even though it hobbles to the finish line, The Big Meal asks the audience to work for its supper, tracking the intersecting lives of these folks. And that, by itself, is a theatrical feast that can be very satisfying.

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

Andrea Simakis

Come to think of it, swilling a glass of your favorite red might be the best way to experience this dramaturgically inventive but emotionally unsatisfying "Meal."

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

GODSPELL

BLANK CANVAS

December 6-21, 2013
440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

It’s been done time and again, but with a good production  ‘GODSPELL’ can still be a fine theatrical experience, even if you aren’t into the religious message.  Blank Canvas’s production isn’t a sure winner, but it will hold your  attention and expose the audience to the quality of Tebalk’s creativity and Stephen Schwartz’s music.

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

Mark Horning

“Godspell” now playing at Blank Canvas’ 78 Street Studios Theater is a flashback to those halcyon days when hippies ruled the theater and the more counter-culture the show was the better.  This is a lively, song filled, very professional rendition of a classic.  Tickets are scarce with only a few dates left.  Go see this one and enjoy. 

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

Christine Howey

If you like stories with clear and unambiguous morals, delivered with plenty of youthful zest, then this Godspell may be a godsend.

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

ANNIE

BECK CENTER
December 6, 2013-January 5, 2014
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

As corny and overdone as ANNIE is, with a good performance it can delight. With its tuneful music, strong cast and super choreography, Beck’s production makes for a nice theatrical experience, but maybe now it’s time for the theatre to move on and find a new holiday show.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Beck Center’s Encore Production of “Annie” is better than ever thanks to the return of most of the experienced cast.  Lavish sets, great music played by a truly competent orchestra, wonderful acting and singing and the return of the cute dog makes this an enjoyable evening of holiday fare that the entire family will enjoy. Take a holiday break and check this show out.
  

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

WICKED

PlayhouseSquare--The Palace
December 4, 2013 - January 5, 2014

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

On its first visit to Cleveland in 2006, audiences may well have been attracted to "Wicked" because of its "Wizard of Oz" connection. But considering that Dorothy’s appearance is limited to an in-joke and a sight gag, returning customers are most likely drawn to the show's Grammy Award-winning music and Tony Award-winning performances and production values. This company -- representing "Wicked's" fourth visit to PlayhouSquare -- captures the grandeur and offers the same Broadway-tested talent as the original New York production... plus Cleveland's own Alex Wyse. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's Cleveland Jewish News review here:  http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/leisure/arts/article_fe4dcfbc-6109-11e3-bcde-0019bb2963f4.html#.Uqsq93VYNGA.facebook

Roy Berko

When asked what I should write in my capsule judgement Alex (the kid reviewer) said, with enthusiasm, “Tell them if they didn’t see WICKED yet, go see this show!  If they did see it before, “Go see it again, it’s that good!” Grandpa totally agrees!!!!

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

Kerry Clawson

A sold-out house Friday night at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre ate up the return of the mega-hit musical WICKED, which landed in Cleveland for the fourth time, just in time for a monthlong holiday run.

... audiences are obviously hungry for more of the show’s thrilling theatrics, fabulous singing, ingenious staging and brilliant costumes.
Jennifer DiNoia is an incredible vocal powerhouse and potent actress as Elphaba, the ultimate outsider who’s really just a misunderstood, highly intelligent girl. Hayley Podschun is delightfully ditzy as the beautiful but spoiled Glinda, creating a bit of an edge to the character that makes the story believable when Glinda’s eyes begin to be opened to the mistreatment and prejudice around her.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Mark Horning

“Wicked” now playing in the State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare is a delightful coming of age tale that gives you the back story to one of our most treasured movies, “The Wizard of Oz”.  It combines music, costumes, acting, singing, dancing and magic in a swirling dazzlement of colors and sound that will excite all the senses.  This is one you should not miss.

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

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

Andrea Simakis

Consider the reach of “Wicked’s” spell: Not only are there two companies currently touring America – one of which flew into Cleveland airspace this week, where it will hover through Sunday, Jan. 5 – but also productions in London; Tokyo; Auckland, New Zealand; Seoul, South Korea; and Mexico City. “Wicked” has grossed more than $3.1 billion worldwide.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

 Cleveland Play House

November 29-December 22, 2013

216-241-6000 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

This is not our youth and these are not our romanticized recollections, but the simple storytelling in this play, the timeless and universal truths about childhood that it taps, and its tender, nostalgic reflections on Christmas trigger our own fond memories.  No matter our respective backgrounds, this play feels like home.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here:  http://www.news-herald.com/search?text=Bob+Abelman

Roy Berko
 

A CHRISTMAS STORY holds a special place in the hearts of many Clevelanders.  The present staging, under the direction of John McCluggage, while engaging, misses out on some of the farcical and endearing dynamics needed to make this a totally wonderful holiday present.  It’s not bad, just not everything that it could be or has been.

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


Mark Horning

Cleveland Play House’s “A Christmas Story” now playing at the Allen Theatre is everything the movie is and more.  It is an ingenious live stage production that captures all the wonder, magic and laughs of the original.  It’s as Christmassy as your favorite ugly sweater and a mug of hot cocoa.

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

Christine Howey

 Even with its performance burps and blips, Shepherd's golden reminiscences are still there. And that's a holiday gift you can't just pick up at Higbee's (er, Dillards).

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

The Loush Sister Do the Nutcracker

Cleveland Public Theatre
November 29-December 21, 2013

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

Mark Horning

The Loush Sisters Do the Nutcracker is a irreverent romp that combines holiday songs with pop music to highlight the history of the highly dysfunctional Loush family.  For those with an open mind and a warped sense of humor you will find it entertaining and ridiculous.  It is a nice alternative for the holidays.
      
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey
As long as you're fine with non-stop jokes about drinking and sex, it may well be time to let this show "slip through your fingers and explode in your face."

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

FOOLS FOR LOVE

convergence continuum
November 29-December 21, 2013

convergence-continiuum.org or 216-687-0074

Bob Abelman

Each player in “Fool For Love” has one hour to communicate his or her character’s lifetime of pleasure/pain and the blind passion that drives their existence. In this timid con-con production, the audience leaves the theater singed rather than smoldering.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald review here:  http://www.news-herald.com/search?text=Bob+Abelman

Roy Berko
 

Sam Shepard is noted for taking audiences on illusionary trips.  FOOL FOR LOVE is yet another example of con-con asking the audience ”to extend the conventional boundaries of language, structure, space and performances that challenge the conventional notions of what theatre is.”  It’s a production steeped in Shepard writing Shepard, which is missing some of his intended nuance.

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

Mark Horning

“Fool For Love” playing at convergence-contiuum’s Liminis Theatre is the kind of play that if you were in the next door room at the motel you would walk over and tell them to knock it off.  It is a plotless journey to nowhereville that lacks passion.  It is like a savorless onion that after pealing does not raise a single tear.  If you want a break from tinsel and garland, this will make you forget about Christmas for awhile.   
     

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

Christine Howey
 

In a play about serial abandonment and reconnection, it's important to navigate each of the beats with precision. And this production does that often enough to make the one-act simmer with Shepardian misery and hope.

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

DOUG IS A D-BAG*

Cleveland Public Theatre
November 29-December 21, 2013

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

Christine Howey

Face it, we’re now all one click away from doom—personal or professional—since our misdirected texts or elegantly composed crotch shots can be sent worldwide in a nanosecond. This is the modern technological rat’s nest that is addressed in Doug Is a D-Bag now at Cleveland Public Theatre. 

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

The Loush Sisters DO The Nutcracker

Cleveland Public Theatre

November 29-December 21, 2014

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

Mark Horning

The Loush Sisters Do the Nutcracker is a irreverent romp that combines holiday songs with pop music to highlight the history of the highly dysfunctional Loush family.  For those with an open mind and a warped sense of humor you will find it entertaining and ridiculous.  It is a nice alternative for the holidays.       

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


Andrea Simakis
Headlining a hysterical, wildly inappropriate cabaret are the far-from-puny-talented Holly (Beth Wood) and Jolly (Liz Conway), the titular Loush Sisters -- pronounced, as Holly explains it, "like 'loose' and 'lush,' only fancy." The two nouns perfectly describe the girls who can't say "no" -- to booze, boys and bawdy self-reflection.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Pounding Nails in the Floor With My Forehead

none-to-fragile
Nov 22-Dec 8, 2013

330-671-4563 or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

Actor Sean Derry is working in overdrive in the rude, crude, in-your-face yet thought-provoking one-man show POUNDING NAILS IN THE FLOOR WITH MY FOREHEAD at None Too Fragile Theater.

POUNDING NAILS, whose title alone is a commentary on the playwright’s frustration with modern-day culture, questions the inequities in today’s society, from the smelly bum on the subway to the billionaire who’s obsessed with grilling out at his country estate.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.



Christine Howey
 

Mix festering rage with edgy wit and you have a powerful formula for theatrical success. And playwright Eric Bogosian captures a lot of that pissed-off magic in Pounding Nails In The Floor With My Forehead, now at the None Too Fragile Theater.

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