September 5-October 5, 2014
216-932-3396
or dobama.org
Bob Abelman
According to Russian novelist Fyodor
Dostoyevsky, in “The Brothers Karamazov,” hell is the suffering of being unable
to love. Playwright Amy Herzog would argue quite the
opposite.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.
Roy Berko
”Belleville” is a dark, draining play. It looks at the limits of trust, truth, deception and dependency. Dobama’s production is superb. The writing, acting, staging and technical aspects all blend together to make for a compelling evening at the theatre. It’s a must see for anyone interested in theatre and the limits of the human condition.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Mark Horning
This play is much like slowing down on the highway
to view a horrific but spectacular automobile accident. As our eyes are drawn to the carnage we
recoil in horror with what we have witnessed but still cannot stop
looking. This is a work that will sit
uncomfortably for some time. Precisely
acted but disturbing none the less.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.Christine Howey
Some of the scariest moments in theater and in life can arise from seemingly predictable, every-day situations. There's something about a placid façade hiding a terrifying secret that is more blood-curdling than a spooky haunted house at night. This is the effect that playwright Amy Herzog is after in Belleville, now at Dobama Theatre. And there certainly are a couple chilling moments. But due to a lot of loose ends in the script and excessively languorous pauses in the performance, the show oozes to a rather limp conclusion.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland SceneAndrea Simakis
That it ["Belleville"] doesn't live up to the hype is something of a conundrum.
Maybe that's because it's one of the most pretentious plays I've seen in years, with the final scene delivered entirely in French (sorry, no subtitles in live theater).
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
Art Thomas
