Beck Center for the Arts
March 22-April 21, 2013
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org
Bob Abelman
“The House of Blue Leaves”
demands that its actors walk that fine line between absurdity and broad comedy, so that the pathos
and pratfalls stroll hand-in-hand. This production trips over its own shoelaces upon occasion but it is an otherwise balanced and delightful production.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.
Roy Berko
THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES is an
absurdist black comedy that asks, “Is this the way to live?,” while exposing
the craziness individuals possess that drives them to adulate and desire to be
celebrities and hero worshippers.
Though the production is good, this is not a play for theatre-goers
wanting realistic people in realistic situations.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.Fran Heller
The play meshes absurdist farce with tragic realism.
In director Russ Borski's well-balanced production, the wackiness makes the pathos more keenly felt.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News
Christine Howey
It
seems like a farce, and often plays like one, but this is a tragedy of substantial
proportions. This juxtaposition is where Guare’s genius resides, and where
director Russ Borski finds all the right notes to play, unlike his musically
challenged protagonist.
Kory
THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES is dark, at times funny and well staged, but overall comes across as a confusing mess of scattered characters with no clear conflict or purpose.
Andrea Simakis
Borski [the director]chooses the madcap over the maudlin, an artistic decision that pays off in laughs early on but ultimately deflects the gut punch of the play's final, shocking moments. So do the varying abilities of the cast members.
Borski [the director]chooses the madcap over the maudlin, an artistic decision that pays off in laughs early on but ultimately deflects the gut punch of the play's final, shocking moments. So do the varying abilities of the cast members.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
Art Thomas
Director Russ Borski's passion for this show is clear. His interpretation is valid, but heavy on a presentational style which squelches a lot of the poetry which marbles the script. Christine Fallon and Todd Hancock give a huge boost to the second act while the principals carry on quite well in the first act.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife
