CROWNS
Karamu
May 24-June 16, 2013

                                                      216-795-7077 or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

CROWNS tells an important story of perseverance and faith among the women of the Southern African American community, as represented by their “hatitude.”  The Karamu production, which has some strong performances, is somewhat tarnished by some directorial decisions, but is worth seeing. 

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


Christine Howey

This is a rocking, foot-stomping gospel music tribute to the importance of an item of clothing that might appear trivial to some. But hats have deep meaning to these ladies. And although this production fizzles in places, the performers under the opulent headgear are, for the most part, immensely appealing.

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

Andrea Simakis

CROWNS is one of the most produced musicals in the U.S..  There's a good reason for that:  Regina Taylor's gospel-infused celebration of church-going African-American women and their hats is an irresistible amalgam of oral history, stirring hymns and ancestor worship.  But, like a wide-brimmed number with to many embellishments--feathers and sequins and fruits, of my--the slender narrative, at least as it plays out in the Karamu Theatre production, is weighed down by one too many tales and hymnals.

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

MANNING UP
Actors' Summit
May 6-June 2. 2013

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

Roy Berko

MANNING UP, like the more entertaining comic sitcoms (think EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND or SUBURGATORY), delights while making a few thought provoking points about the plight of the modern male.  If you are looking for a fun evening of escapism, this is it!

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

Fran Heller

Much has been written about expectant moms, much less about expectant dads.
Sean Christopher Lewis levels the playing field with "Manning Up," a slight comedy about a pair of husbands about to assume the mantle of fatherhood.
Part sitcom, part self-help therapy session, the intimate two-hander upends traditional notions of manhood, gender roles and male bonding.

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

Kerry Clawson

Manning Up is a life-affirming, often poignant exploration of men’s insecurities as they face the uncontrollable uncertainties of first-time fatherhood.
The comedy, playing as part of a “Rolling World Premiere” at Actors’ Summit, is a two-man love fest that stars Keith Stevens and Peter Voinovich, both sons-in-law of theater co-artistic directors Neil Thackaberry and MaryJo Alexander.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://www.ohio.com/the330entertainment/theater-reviews/manning-up-at-actors-summit-is-sweet-and-funny-1.399679

THRILL ME:  THE LEOPOLD LOEB STORY
convergence-continuum
May 17-June 8, 2013

                                                     convergence-continiuum.org or 216-687-0074

Roy Berko

The Leopold-Loeb story has retained its fascination, even after all these years.  Though THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY has a somewhat flawed script and musical score, convergence continuum’s production is very  well worth seeing.  It should grasp and hold the attention of the audience.

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

Fran Heller

As a musical, songs are prosaic and forgettable, with much of the music sounding alike.
Making the show compelling are the finely etched performances of Mike Majer and Zac Hudak who wear their roles like second skin as the infamous killers, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

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


Christine Howey

While there are problems, ranging from a numbingly repetitious score to less than stellar voices, the two-person cast generates intensity in many small and interesting ways. And that results in a show that is weirdly compelling but not entirely satisfying.

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

Andrea Simakis

Though nearly 90 years have passed since poor Bobby Frank's disfigured body was found in a culvert, everything about the "thrill killers" and their botched attempt to commit the perfect crime fascinates.  The same can't be said for the production now on stage at the Liminis.  Everything about it,  from the set design to the warbling of the two leads, is relentlessly flat.

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

TENDER NAPALM
CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE
May 2  through 18
216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org

Roy Berko

TENDER NAPALM is an “In-Yer-Face” flow of pseudo-intellectual double talk and esoteric mumbo jumbo, splattered like colors into a mélange of existential gibberish.  Its real value, however, is that it allows two superb actors (Melissa Crum and Matt O’Shea) to display their talents.  That’s the only reason to go see this production, and that may be reason enough. 

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


Kory

TENDER NAPALM is graphic, vulgar and funny, but ultimately left me scratching my head and grasping for meaning.

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


Christine Howey

If you like rough sex but without, um, the sex part, then you're sure to be entranced by this one-act exploration by Philip Ridley into the psychosexual byways of a relationship. However, if you don't come in with that attitude, it may be hard for you to catch up with this dense, florid, fantasy-drenched and relentlessly in-your-face piece.

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

THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS
Cleveland Public Theatre
May 10-May 25, 2013  
216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

The ancient Greeks believed that poets are inspired by muses. They remove from the artist all human senses and replace them with divine inspiration. Playwright Mickle Maher’s muse must have stopped off at Dionysus’ place for a few drinks, for this riveting and ridiculous comedy is inspired by someone else's poetry and a delightful, drunken nonsense persists rather than no sense at all.

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


Roy Berko
 
If you went to college, and took a course in poetry, you’ll find yourself morphing back and wishing that your professors had had a romp in the grass, and expressed themselves with such absurd hysterical language, as the duo in THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, which is getting a fine production at CPT.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kory

Every piece of this elegant puzzle comes together to create a moving, funny, eloquently profane, and brilliant night of local theatre.

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



Fran Heller

Profound and profane, funny and serious, intellectually challenging and erotic, "Happiness" is 90 witty and entertaining minutes of poetic and comic bliss.
Director Beth Wood's seductive production and a trio of pitch-perfect character-centric performances make for an evening of riveting theater.
"Happiness" provides ample rewards for the attentive listener. Anyone who revels in language will enjoy it.

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


Christine Howey

It is a theatrical experience not to be missed, since the splendid script is matched by absolutely riveting performances. And even if the boat gets a little rocky towards the end, director Beth Wood skillfully brings it all to a most satisfying conclusion.

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

Andrea Simakis

Every aspect of this quick and quick-witted production--the best I've sen at CPT all season--helps build to an, ahem, most unanticipated climax.  Let's just say it's a 90-minutes lecture any student in her right mind would want to miss.

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

GUYS AND DOLLS
KEY BANK BROADWAY SERIES--Hanna Theatre
May 3-June 30, 2013

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The Broadway musical and national tours of the Broadway musical that come through PlayhouseSquare have become a performing arts paradox.  They single-handedly raise the casual theater audiences’ entertainment expectations while lowering their standards.  Not true for the absolutely stellar production of “Guys and Dolls” produced by Great Lakes Theater in collaboration with PlayhouseSquare.

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

Fran Heller

The production bubbles over with joy. The actors' delight in their roles is infectious and palpable.
Every aspect of this show bears the imprimatur of the director's love for this legendary classic.
I loved this show. I bet you will, too.

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


Christine Howey

Those lovable cardsharks, bone-shakers, horserace touts and their dames are back again, filling the fictional streets of New York City with their tortured syntax and great songs, in Guys and Dolls. This co-production by Great Lakes Theater and PlayhouseSquare gets plenty of things right—including a couple juicy performances and some ensemble dance scenes that jolt the Hanna stage to life. 

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

Kory

Guys & Dolls wreaks of ‘Old Broadway.’ Huge, brilliantly choreographed, full company dance numbers, a classic romance or two, a witty, fast-paced and intelligent script, a perfect cast, and a dazzling set combine to make this a DO NOT MISS production.

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

Andrea Simakis

Everything about this smart, joyful production pays homage to the original but adds the fizz of the new.

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

WORKING
Blank Canvas
May 3-18, 2013
440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Despite a superb cast and a valiant effort, Blank Canvas’ production of “Working: The Musical” is as tedious as the jobs this one-act ode to the ordinary American worker tries to champion. 

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

Roy Berko

WORKING is the type of theatrical experience that is both purposeful and entertaining.  The message is clear, the lyrics and spoken words meaningful.  This is a well performed, meticulously conceived, and fine production under the creative powers of Pat Ciamacco.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Fran Heller

Good voices, strong impersonations enhanced by Luke Scattergood's high-definition costumes, and Patrick Ciamacco's well-paced direction and smooth transitioning keep the episodic format from growing stale, though the uninterrupted show runs a tad long.
Director Ciamacco says he chose this show because "it's a perfect musical for our city and what the country is going through today." I agree.

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


Christine Howey

BC’s six-person cast under the compassionate direction of Patrick Ciamacco presents more than two dozen distinctive people in different jobs. The songs, by a variety of composers, vary in quality but are often quite touching.

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

Kory


Battery Park’s Blank Canvas Theatre has taken a late 1970’s musical, updated it, localized it, and put together a cast that is some of the very best non-union talent Cleveland has to offer. As it says in the show’s tagline, this truly is “The perfect musical for everyone who has ever worked a day in their lives,” and that is you!


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