Fire on the Water @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through February 14, 2015

6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727

Roy Berko

Cleveland Public Theatre, with its Elements series, continues to use theatre to not only entertain its audience, but to act as an arts device to alert people to the needs and wants of society, as well as teach civic and social responsibility.  FIRE ON WATER, though overly long and redundant, is an interesting piece of devised theatre, that, as the rest of the Elements series, illustrates the fragility of the world in which we live. 

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

Mark Horning

While each segment stands well in its own right, the constant bombardment of the same information gets to wear thin in this two and a half hour marathon of a singular and one dimensional subject.  While fans of CPT, BC, TS, OTP and TN will rave, others new to Cleveland Theater will feel a bit overwhelmed.  This is theater for an acquired taste. 

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

Christine Howey

Even with some wrinkles — and we're not talking about the fingertips of the marinating water spirits — Fire on the Water consistently surprises and challenges the audience.

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

Andrea Simakis

Taking the "more is too much" approach, CPT and guest artists built a quartet of plays over three seasons, little enough time to conceive, write and develop one successful piece, with so many cooks and moving parts, let alone four. (There were supposed to be five plays, but one was mercifully amputated along the way.)

Consequently, though "Fire" has moments of weirdness that, like that dragon, spark into true inspiration, most of the time, the show is all wet, comically cloying and preachy or designed for children who respond to bright colors and big gestures.

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

Violet @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

Through February 15, 2015

Lakeland Community College, 440-525-7526

 Bob Abelman

If scar tissue could sing, its music would be written by Jeanine Tesori with words by Brian Crawley.  Rarely has a composer and lyricist joined forces to produce as tender, touching and unconventional a musical about the scars we bear – inside and out – as “Violet,” currently on stage at Lakeland Civic Theatre.

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


Christine Howey
The characters and the music in Violet are both complex and believable, creating a seamless work that is fully satisfying. As Violet and Finch grow closer, two people being judged by their outward appearance, the play concludes by saying “Yes” to a happy ending that feels fully earned.

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

Thurgood @ Ensemble Theatre

Through February 22, 2015

2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Hts., 216-321-2930

Bob Abelman

In “Thurgood” – a no-frills one-man reflection on the accomplishments of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice – Ensemble Theatre’s Greg White is the embodiment of the man.  Rather than relying on physical resemblance or parlor tricks, White depicts Thurgood from the inside out and is wonderful. Trouble is, the play is not as good as it is good for you.

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

Roy Berko

THURGOOD is a well-conceived script, which receives a solid production.  The message is a lesson well needed for black and whites alike. It should be a “must see” for junior and high school students, their parents and grandparents so that the story of the ever present issue of granting civil rights becomes a cause-célèbre and all people are treated with respect and dignity.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

“Thurgood” goes beyond the premise of Black History and into the realm of Great Americans History.  It is a show of how one man can make tremendous change in spite of the great odds against him.  Greg White captures the determination as well as humor of this great American hero.  Fill the seats for this one.  It is a play that will inspire all who see it.  

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

Christine Howey

These stories are told in a cozy, conversational manner in this one-person show with Greg White as Marshall. White is able to embody the passion of the man while scaling his aura down to a relatable size. As directed fluidly by Sarah May, White is always interesting and at times compelling.

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

Five Guys Named Moe @ Cleveland Play House

Through February 15

Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare, 216-241-6000

Bob Abelman

As jukebox musicals go, “Five Guys Named Moe” – which premiered on Broadway in 1992  – is a fair to middlin’ confection.  But this Cleveland Play House production of it is world class.  What this show lacks in conception and construction it moe than makes up for in execution.  

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

Roy Berko

If you like the jazz and blues musical stylings of Louis Jordan, you’ll enjoy FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE.  If, on the other hand, you desire a musical with a storyline, with songs and productions numbers that develop that tale, then you will probably join those who left at intermission.  Me, I’m a storyline kind of guy!  

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

Howard Golub

The original production, a London West End import to Broadway, oddly owed more to squeaky-clean musical revues such as “Forever Plaid” than the down-and-dirty varieties such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Bubbling Brown Sugar.”

Here, the pseudo “cafe” ambiance of the original production has evolved into something like a Las Vegas show (albeit a smaller Las Vegas show, like the ones that seem to be included in hotel packages).
 
Mark Horning

If you are looking for an excuse to get out of the house, “Five Guys Named Moe” is definitely the right destination for an evening of great music and dancing.  Although light on the acting, it is as perfect an example of a delightful “Jutebox Musical” as you will find anywhere.  It’s a nice winter escape.

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

Christine Howey

It’s big, flashy and loud. It features six performers who can sing and dance with skill. And it presents a whole bunch of songs by Louis Jordan, the renowned hit-maker and sax star from the 1930’s to the early ‘50s. Plus, critics like this show because they can drag out all their tired “Moe” puns, But Moe about that later.

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

Andrea Simakis

If "Five Guys Named Moe" were a month, it'd be sultry, sticky July, 'cuz the sexy, glitzy reboot of the 1992 Broadway revue showcasing the music of bandleader and sax man Louis Jordan is a real scorcher.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas

The strengths of this production include fresh choreography unique for each of the musical numbers and a cast that grow on you. Weaknesses include a wafer thin premise, repetitious themes, and lighting that does not illuminate.
  
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

Joe Turner's Come and Gone @ Karamu House

January 23 - February 15

2355 E. 89^th St., 216-795-7077

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

Roy Berko

JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE is a perfect script choice for both Karamu’s 100^th anniversary and Black History month.  The script is a classic and the production is one of Karamu’s better offerings.  For those who want a good history lesson, to be exposed to the writing of one of America’s greatest playwrights, and see a well performed show, JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE is a good choice! 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

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

Howard Gollop
No review yet.

Mark Horning

It is easy to see why August Wilson counted this play as his favorite.  The use of comedy, mystery, drama and romance carries the audience along.  Although the show is over two hours in length, time goes by very quickly (as it should be with good performances).  If you are looking for a good history lesson to coincide with Black History Month or for that matter, any month this is the show to see.

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

Christine Howey

Set in 1911, Joe Turner is a massively ambitious play masquerading at times as a very simple story about a, African-American boarding house in Pittsburgh and the folks who pass though its doors. And this production, directed with spot-on specificity by Terrence Spivey, tells that story with skill.

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

Andrea Simakis

"Joe Turner's Come and Gone," directed with a sure hand and a winning coach's eye for team building by Terrence Spivey, is as skillfully rendered and solid as the oak trim around the doorframes in the 1911 Pittsburgh boardinghouse where the action unfolds.

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

Art Thomas
No review yet.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

Slowgirl @ Dobama Theatre

January 23 - February 15, 2015

216-932-3396, dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama Theatre is at its best when presenting modest plays that rely on choice words and fine acting to do the heavy lifting.  Greg Pierce’s “Slowgirl,” a sensitively drawn and delicately presented one-act contemplation on the healing of the human spirit – fits the bill in fine fashion.

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

Roy Berko

SLOWGIRL is a well-written script that keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for what surprising revelation will reveal itself next.  Dobama’s production values enhance the text, resulting in a must-see evening of theater.

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

Mark Horning

The combination of two good actors, an amazing set, fine direction, subdued atmospheric sounds plus a bit of mystery makes this production well worth braving the ice and snow of our Cleveland winter in order to venture out to see.  Put this on your “to do” list.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog by going to: 
http://www.axs.com/news#dobama-theatres-production-of-slowgirl-is-tropical-and-topical-38141

Christine Howey

While neither the beginning or ending of Slowgirl  is entirely satisfying, laughter and some genuine poignancy reside in between.

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

Andrea Simakis

Tense, funny and tragic, "Slowgirl" is filled with big ideas and seismic emotions played here with a delicate touch, a marvel of understatement that makes the eventual earthquake of revelation all the more shattering.

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

 
Einstein

Actors' Summit

January 15 - February 1

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

Bob Abelman

Brian Zoldessy is absolutely charming, accessible and endearing in his portrayal of Einstein. Yet the informative but unimaginative one-act, one-man show in which he appears – an informal and often humorous chat with the noted physicist in his disheveled home office on the campus of Princeton University in 1946 – shares few of those admirable adjectives.

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

Roy Berko

EINSTEIN is a must see production that offers an opportunity to access the man and his myths.  It also allows for a showcasing of Brian Zoldessy becoming Einstein!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Zoldessy, inarguably one of the finest actors in Northeast Ohio, captures our attention from the start and holds it closely for a full 92 minutes in the one-man show Einstein, now playing at Actors’ Summit.  This short, slight actor embodies Einstein’s famously wild look with his grown-out gray hair and mustache, and brings out his eccentric spirit as the renowned scientist engages in an animated chat with the audience.

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