THE BIKINIS
Actors' Summit

June 20-July 21, 2013 (No Performances 7/4 – 7/8)
330-374-7568 or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Although “The Bikinis” is familiar, formulaic and super schmaltzy, this Actors’ Summit production under MaryJo Alexander’s direction embraces these qualities without wincing and without apology, and offers up a superb production. 

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

Kerry Clawson

The Bikinis, a jukebox musical at Actors’ Summit, features dozens of beloved Motown and pop tunes from the ’60s and beyond. It’s too bad, therefore, that from the start, the live vocals are spotty.

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

Mark Horning

The Bikinis can be summed up in one word “Delightful”.  The songs are sung remarkably well and the banter is lively and entertaining.  This is a production that should have sellout crowds clear through to its conclusion. 

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

THE BOOK OF MORMON

Key Bank Broadway Series--PlayhouseSquare

June 18-July 7, 2013

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Playwrights Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and composer Robert Lopez, are clearly men on a mission – it is just not from God.  Realizing this is the first step in appreciating what “The Book of Mormon” has in store.  After that, just sit back, enjoy the inanity, and thank this unholy trilogy for their bountiful gifts.

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


Roy Berko

THE BOOK OF MORMON is an absolute go see production for anyone who is not a language prude or a religious fanatic.  It is filled with total delight, magical showmanship, a marvelous score, creative dancing and fine staging.  It’s everything a modern musical that is meant for pure entertainment, with a sip of philosophy, should be!

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


Kerry Clawson

The Book of Mormon is an insanely funny theatrical experience that will leave audience members humming nutty tunes and laughing out loud at the extreme brilliance of it all.
Much has been said about the profanity and irreverence of the work, conceived by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone along with funnyman Robert Lopez, creator of the equally naughty Avenue Q. But The Book of Mormon has a true heart in its story of hope, dominated by an underlying sweetness that belies its over-the-top blasphemy.

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

Fran Heller

Talk about shock and awe.
There's plenty of both in the rollicking, blasphemous musical comedy, "The Book of Mormon," an irreverent and outrageously hilarious satire on Mormonism in particular and religion in general.
Not since Mel Brooks' "The Producers" have I laughed so hard and been so thoroughly touched by a show that, at its sacrilegious and politically incorrect heart, remains a valentine to religious faith.

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

Christine Howey

With book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, this is a thoroughly immersive Broadway musical featuring melodies you want to hug to your chest—along with moments of gasp-inducing irreverence. That’s a heady brew, and this touring cast brings it off with nary a wrinkle or hitch.

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

Kory


You will laugh, you will be shocked, you will be offended, you may cry, you may be moved, but above all you will be entertained. The Book Of Mormon is this season’s DO NOT MISS musical!

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


Andrea Simakis

Foulmouthed "MORMON' just might save your soul.  Hello, how fabulous is that?

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

Art Thomas

At its core, this show is an old-fashioned musical. On one level you'll enjoy the energy and comic sthick. On another, you'll see that the show really asks us to see our beliefs as they may appear to someone from another culture. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

SOUTH PACIFIC
Porthouse Theatre @ Blossom Center
June 13-29, 2013

http://dept.kent.edu/theatre/porthouse/ShowInfo.htm or 330-929-4416 or 330-672-3884

Bob Abelman

Porthouse Theatre delivers a pretty but passionless ‘South Pacific.’  Its talented cast and the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein are done an injustice by the absense of an orchestra. 

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


Roy Berko

Under the directing abilities of Terri Kent, the Porthouse production of SOUTH PACIFIC makes for a fine evening of summer entertainment. 

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


Kerry Clawson

Porthouse Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific is a satisfying evening of theater that brings alive the emotional content of the American classic.
Leading the way is Equity actor Greg Violand with his soaring vocals as middle-aged French planter Emile, who creates a romantic chemistry with beauty Kayce Cummings as young nurse Nellie Forbush.

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

Fran Heller

The hills are alive with the sound of musicals this summer season, beginning with "South Pacific," the landmark musical that dealt with the issue of racism five years before Brown vs. the Board of Education and more than a decade before the Civil Rights era.
The bubbly Porthouse production, directed with sparkling clarity by artistic director Terri Kent and a talented ensemble makes for an evening of great entertainment.
A spoonful of medicine about the evils of prejudice doesn't hurt either.

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

Mark Horning

“South Pacific” at the Porthouse Theatre is a comfortable evening of great songs, comedy and drama performed extremely well in a cozy intimate environment.  You will find that it is truly “Some Enchanted Evening.”

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

Christine Howey

Happily, this Porthouse production does the rich material justice, for the most part. Under the direction of Terri Kent with choreography by MaryAnn Black and music direction by Jonathan Swoboda, this version has a splendid blend of fine voices along with romance, slapstick, and cultural relevance.

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

SHREK
MercurySummerStock
June 4-29, 2013 

 http://www.mercurysummerstock.com or call 216-771-5862

Bob Abelman

Under Pierre-Jacques Brault fun-infused direction, the uninhibited and gifted ensemble takes us on such a thoroughly enjoyable amusement park ride that the playbill should warn us to stay seated and keep all limbs inside the vehicle. 

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

Roy Berko

SHREK is a creative script.  The Mercury Summer Stock production will delight many.  This is a community theatre production, and, a fairly acceptable one. 

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

Christine Howey

Patrick Ciamacco is totally wonderful, mastering the Shrek voice we’ve come to expect and singing his songs with professional pizzazz and feeling. And when he and Fiona embrace at the end, it’s enough to make ordinary humans green with envy.

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


Kory


Mercury Summer Stock has always had champagne taste on a beer budget, that is one of the things that makes each season better than the last. Mercury Summer Stock’s Shrek The Musical is an A+.

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

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE
Cain Park--Alma Theatre

June 12-30, 2013

216-371-3000 or go to http://www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

"Smokey Joe's Café" is a musical revue not unlike the light-weight entertainment found on Caribbean cruise lines and in the far corners of theme park thoroughfares.  Yet this production soars thanks to top-rate talent on stage and behind the scenes, and despite scenic design that lacks any semblance of charm.

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


Roy Berko

If you are interested in an evening of pleasant singing and dancing SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ will be your thing.  Me?  I like musicals with a story line or at least an attempt to make the “pieces parts” fit together.

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

Fran Heller

 Joy is what "Smokey Joe's Cafe" is all about.
There is no book or story holding the action together, and yet the show, performed by an incredibly talented ensemble of nine singers and actors feels like a full-blown musical.
Credit Scott Plate's sparkling direction, which keeps the production speeding along, Gregory Daniels' dynamic choreography and the non-stop energy of an outstanding cast who sing, dance and act their hearts out.

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


Kory

Smokey Joe's Cafe at Cain Park is well staged and performed, but failed to engage me, and ultimately left me wanting more.

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


Mark Horning

Smokey Joe’s Café is an enjoyable evening of fast pace music that seems to fly by in spite of the technical deficiencies of the venue.  Two clicks up on the singer’s volume and two clicks down on the orchestra’s volume would go a long way in helping the show reach its potential.   

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

Christine Howey

This show, directed by Scott Plate, is all about the music and dancing (there are about four lines of dialogue), and the nine talented cast members give their all. But the production is less than perfect.

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

MEDEA
MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY
June 13-30, 2013

                                                         http://www.mamaitheatreco.org

Bob Abelman

For a first production by a new theater company, this one is impressive.  If “Medea” is an example of the femme-forward thinking to come, then Mamai will be a welcome addition to the local theater community.  Though not all of its creative risks pay off in this production, risk-taking is a fine hook on which to hang one’s hat.

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


Roy Berko

MEDEA, a masterpiece example of classical tragedy, is one of the Western world’s greatest plays. It is a daunting undertaking.  Some directorial decisions and story interpretation in this staging seem questionable, but the production is blessed with a brilliant performance by Tracee Patterson.  It’s worth going just to see this amazing actress spin her maniacal magic.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

Irish playwright Brendan Kennelly's translation brings a fresh, contemporary interpretation to "Medea" as an Everywoman who defines the role of womanhood, past and future.
Mamai's inaugural production, a U.S. premiere, succeeds on some fronts, and falters on others.
Tracee Patterson's bravura performance as Medea painfully captures the dilemma of a mother and wife torn between a demand for justice and love for her children.

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

Mark Horning

While not without its problems, watching this production of “Medea” is a grippingly intense experience. You feel the electricity even before the play begins and the action grabs and holds you throughout.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning at http://www.examiner.com/review/mama-theatre-s-inaugural-production-of-medea-will-grip-you-and-not-let-go.

Christine Howey

Mamma's pissed, so you better get out of her way. Especially as Tracee Patterson plays this demonically possessed scorned woman.

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

Andrea Simakis

With MEDEA, the Maimai Theatre Company much like the titular sorceress and priestess of Hecat, has made a howling entrance onto the city's artistic scene.  The cast is tight, the material superb, the direction canny and inspired.

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

TELEPHONE
TheateR Ninjas
May 30-June 15, 2013
http://theaterninjas.com

Christine Howey

Even though it is oblique and mysterious at times, the production walks the fine line between accessibility and confusion, never entirely sliding into incomprehension. And teetering on that thin wire is exactly where this piece belongs.

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


Mark Horning

All things involving Theater Ninjas are an acquired taste.  If you are looking for a sitcom type easy to digest pablum then this may not be your cup of tea.  However, if you like your theater gritty, real and in your face, then you will get a huge kick in the shorts by attending this performance.  It is challenging theater to perform and challenging theater to watch and digest but a great trip none the less.

To see a full review of this show, go to http://www.examiner.com/fine-arts-in-cleveland/mark-horning 

Andrea Simakis

TELEPHONE is a frustrating and fascinating mind game of a play by poet Ariana Reines that explores technology as both boon and bain, arguing that the more lugged we are, the more isolated we  become.  If you like your theater oblique, this one's for you.

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

RUSTED HEART BROADCAST
Cleveland Public Theatre
May 30-June 15, 2013

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

Bob Abelman

It is hard to pinpoint just when post-apocalyptic stories became a mainstay in our mainstream entertainment.  And it is unclear whether Nostradamus’ prophecies, the Mayan calendar, or predictions in the “I Ching” are responsible.  But things must be getting serious when the Cleveland Public Theatre is offering its own doomsday drama in the form of playwright and director Raymond Bobgan's wonderful and thoroughly engaging "Rusted Heart Broadcast." 

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

Christine Howey

This work of devised theater, created by director Raymond Bobgan and his nine-person ensemble, engages both the eye and the ear as seemingly spontaneous movement combines with layered music and chants to weave a fairly hypnotic spell over the proceedings.

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



Kory

RUSTED HEART BROADCAST will send you out of the theatre questioning  your own life, relationships and priorities. It is indeed an unforgettable piece of theatre.

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

Andrea Simakis

 Actors race around in circles and twtich.  The deliver lines with the passion of inmates begging for a pardon.  And what do all those sweaty exertions add up to?  A derivative work that is muddy, unfocused and, sin of all sins, a bore.

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

THE PITMEN PAINTERS
Beck Center
May 31-July 8, 2013
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck Center’s “The Pitmen Painters” digs deep but misses the mother lode. Inconsistent performances allow the play’s blemishes to surface and keeps the audience from fully engaging in the production.

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


Roy Berko

The first act of THE PITMEN PAINTERS was filled with laughter and a marvelous series of lessons of art appreciation.  Unfortunately, the second act was flat, losing much of the awe of the subject matter.  The direction, acting, and technical aspects of the production make the staging worth seeing, in spite of the author losing his writing focus.

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

Fran Heller

Art isn't about finding answers, it's about asking questions, says one of the characters in Lee Hall's deeply moving and vastly entertaining "Pitmen Painters."
This funny, poignant and fiercely intelligent drama from the award winning creator of "Billy Elliott" probes all the right questions about the transformative power of art.
Sarah May's rich direction and a charismatic ensemble strike gold.

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


Christine Howey

For 70 minutes, Pitmen is quite lively and amusing, as we follow a quintet of these average Joes as they explore the more ethereal byways of art and creativity. Their rough-hewn candor is charming, and their awakening to new possibilities in their lives is a pleasure to watch. Trouble is, there is an additional 70 minutes filled with so much didactic lecturing and repetitious art-speak that you want to grab these fellows and toss them back into the mines, just to get them to be quiet for a bit.

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

Andrea Simakis

THE PITMEN PAINTERS is a cerebral thrill that deconstructs the notional of art and who makes it.  It's bracing to watch a group of five working-class stiffs--well played by a tight, gifted ensemble--blossom into canny critics and celebrities.

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


Kory

The Pitmen Painters is a fun, fly-on-the-wall observation of a group of simple, blue-collar men who approach art from a scientific standpoint, and discover that art isn’t about fact or science, that it’s meaning lies in personal interpretation and feeling.

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