RICHARD III

Great Lakes Theatre

September 27-October 20, 2013
http:www.greatlakestheater.org or 216-241-6000

Bob Abelman

For this production of “Richard III,” the script has been significantly cut for greater expedience, restructured for enhanced comprehension, restaged in a contemporary setting to facilitate relevance, and performed with remarkable skill and artistry.  Purists will see all these alterations as blasphemous; the rest of us will simply thank director Joseph Hanreddy as we leave the theater at a reasonable time and after being thoroughly entertained.

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

Roy Berko.

RICHARD is a finely crafted production and is a perfect compliment  to SWEENEY TODD as the partners of the “ maniacs gone wrong” duet that comprises  Great Lakes Theatre’s fall 2013-2014 season. Go see both!

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

Fran Heller

There are few moments in theater making when every element of the production melds into a perfect whole.  Richard III is one such, a masterpiece and one of the most thrilling Great Lakes Theater productions of Shakespeare in recent memory.  While there is plenty of bloodletting in director Joseph Hanreddy's masterful production, what struck me about his contemporary take is how relevant this 500-year-old history play remains.

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

Mark Horning

Richard III by Great Lakes Theater is must see Shakespeare that will impress everyone with its sharp execution.  Newcomers and long standing fans of the Bard will agree that this is truly an exceptional performance that should be shared by all.

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

Christine Howey

The cast is led ably by Lynn Robert Berg as Richard, limping about on his twisted legs as he coos and snarls to put people in their place. It is a masterful and often witty performance that never becomes tiresome.

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

Andrea Simakis

What I can say is go see it!  What I can say is--bravo!

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

Art Thomas

There's more to this reimagined production than contemporary costumes. Messengers deliver communications through cell phones and computers appear on the battlefield. At the core however, Lynn Robert Berg captivates the audience with the evil title character. Joseph Hanreddy's direction effectively capitalizes on the extremes in what might be Shakespeare's most passion filled play. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER

Ensemble Theater
September 27-October 20, 2013
www.ensemble-theatre.com or 216-321-2930

Roy Berko

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER is an often amusing, thought provoking play about what happens when the lives of mismatched people collide in complicated ways that highlight hurt  and the challenges of individuals who don’t know who they are or how to be in the world. The Ensemble production doesn’t quite reach the quality of the play’s writing, but does hold attention and leaves the audience thinking.

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

Fran Heller

At first blush, origami sounds like an off-putting subject for a play.
In Rajiv Joseph's 2008 comedy/drama, the Japanese art of paper folding serves as a metaphor for examining the human condition.
An intimate three-hander revolving around an artist, a teacher and a gifted student, this deceptively simple play deepens in complexity over issues of love and loss, pain and suffering and growing up.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

“Animals Out Of Paper” at Ensemble Theatre is a good example of “Intellectual Theater” that challenges us to think.  The only shortcoming is in the ending which allows us “the audience” to “think” our own conclusion to the play.  If you like to use your imagination, see this one. 

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

Christine Howey

It's true in love as it is in theater: opposites attract. But when you pile up a few too many opposites in one play, the initially interesting friction can lead to some problems.

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

Andrea Simakis

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER is an apt choice for Ensemble's season opener.  The company is known for championing the work of homegrown playwrights, and [Cleveland Heights native, Rajiv] Joseph is a star.  The production, directed by Celeste Cosentno, is an engaging one. 

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

BOEING-BOEING

 

Lakeland Civic Theatre
September 20-October 6, 3013

440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

“Boeing Boeing” premiered in Paris in 1960, where it ran for seven years.  An English translation was first staged in London in 1962, where it ran for seven years.  When the show came to Broadway in 1965, it lasted 23 performances.  Unless you are French or British, you will likely side with the New Yorkers when seeing this Lakeland Civic Theatre production.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article:  http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20130924/theater-review-boeing-boeing-fails-to-take-off-at-lakeland-civic-theatre#.UkHrW7scApU.facebook

Roy Berko
 
BOEING-BOEING is a light-weight farce that receives what should be an audience pleasing production at Lakeland Community Theatre.    

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

Fran Heller
 
Farce, with its pratfalls, pummeling, slamming doors and split-second timing is pure physical theater and fiendishly difficult to pull off.
The production at Lakeland Civic Theatre does not induce paroxysms of laughter, but it holds its own, gathering comic steam in the second act after a sluggish takeoff in the first.

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


Christine Howey

Once you accept the show’s premise as a charming anachronism, the stage is set for lots of door-slamming hijinks. And that does happen at times.  But the over-long and repetitive script, as translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans, eventually wrings a lot of the humor out of what should have been a sprightly romp.

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

SHE LOVES ME

Beck Center for the Arts
September 20-October 20
216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

“She Loves Me” is a good, old-fashioned romantic romp that makes you feel so much better about life after watching it than when you first entered the theater. 

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


Roy Berko

If your are a fan of old fashioned, escapist musicals, with pleasant music, performed by a talented cast, you’ll love SHE LOVES ME.

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

Fran Heller

Call me an incorrigible romantic, but I adored "She Loves Me" the 1963 musical comedy that hearkens back to the Golden Age of musical theater.
This gem of a chamber musical exudes a sweet charm that never grows cloying throughout the (longish) two-and-a-half hour production, owing to Scott Spense's deft direction and a cherry picked cast that kept the show buoyant.

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

Mark Horning

 “She Loves Me” is one of those nice little surprises that you come across in local productions from time to time.  At spots during the show the degree of professionalism makes you forget you are in a local theater as you see hints of a truly Broadway worthy performance. You’ll Love It.

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

Christine Howey

Performed by an exceptional cast and featuring superb work by director Scott Spence and choreographer Martin Cespedes, this is an old-fashioned musical that scores on almost all counts.

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

Kory
She Loves Me has all of the classic elements of a delightful musical and is sure to entertain theatre lovers of all ages.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.


Art Thomas

The show has a beautiful melodic score and a first-rate script. Beck's production capitalizes on local talent and Broadway luminary Rebecca Pitcher. The result is a fully engaging performance of musical theater at its best.


Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

WODDY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE

Cleveland Play House

September 13-October 6, 2013

216-241-6000 or go to www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

The 90-minute bio-drama offers historical facts in an easily digestible format that is as entertaining as it is unsatisfying.  Fortunately, Woody Guthrie’s songs – which take center-stage in “Woody Sez” – still resonate. When played and sung with the virtuosity and passion possessed by these performers, the show becomes more than the sum of its parts and is incredibly moving.   

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


Roy Berko

If your definition of a musical is an orchestra in the pit, dancing, and a plot in which the songs perfectly fit into the story line, WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE isn’t for you.  If, however, you get off on learning about a real person, and sharing his music and philosophy, presented by an engaging note-perfect cast, this is the show for you.  CPH has opened its 98th season with a sure audience pleaser!

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

Fran Heller

Woody Sez" is an informal, largely shapeless and rambling work whose weaknesses are two: neither drama or musical, but a hybrid that tries to condense too much material in the 90 minute revue and whose format of story and song grows repetitious.
Show's strength lies in Woody's songs and musicians who strum their guitars, banjos and fiddles with such expressiveness that the instruments assume a character of their own.

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

Mark Horning

 “Woody Sez, The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie” goes well beyond the folk music.  It is a fascinating story in song of a man who earned the right to stand up and shout for the downtrodden yet is told with humor and hope.  You will leave feeling better than when you arrived. 

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


Christine Howey

If a combination of folk music and liberal politics (remember those?) sounds perfect for you, then you best hustle down to see Woody Sez at the Cleveland Play House.

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

Andrea Simakis

One of the best things about WOODY SEX is how smartly and seamlessly it weaves biography and music into a passionate portrait of a man who spoke truth to power with little more than a guitar and gumption.  It is simply one of the bet of its genre, the wheat-gold standard by which all other musical bios should be judged.

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

Art Thomas

Those who remember Woody Guthrie will find many new songs in the show's three dozen playlist. More importantly, "Woody Sez" will introduce a new generation to the social activist. Personal tragedies, unions, and Communism are dealt with in a cursory way, but what emerges strongly is the passion that Guthrie had to right the wrongs he saw. The first-rate cast have unbounded joy for the material---and the musical chops to transfer the joy to the audience. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

NERVE

none-too-fragile
September 13-28, 2013

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

Mark Horning

“Nerve” is a dark psycho comedy/drama that asks, “Can a neurotic and a sociopath find true love through computer dating?”  The answer may surprise you, or if you’re in the mental minority, maybe not.

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

Kerry Clawson

How much is too much to divulge on a first date?
The 2005 comedy Nerve at None Too Fragile takes that question to numerous extremes, as playwright Adam Szymkowicz leads audiences through a comical and sometimes sad mating dance that often becomes confrontational.

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

Christine HoweyThe amusing flop-sweat nervousness and spontaneous verbal combustion of the first date, an unavoidable dating ritual, is all there. Unfortunately, the repetitive script is mated to performances that never grow or evolve, leaving the 80-minute play caught in a trap of its own devising.

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

Kory
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.