Lonesome West @ None Too Fragile Theater

Through February 28, 2015

1835 Merriman Rd., Akron, 330-962-5547, nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Unlike the playwright’s “The Pillowman” (recently performed to perfection at convergence-continuum), where the gruesome drama sets up disturbing avenues for dark comedy, the hilarious “Lonesome West” leads with the comedy and allows the dramatic moments to find their own way to the surface.  And by comedy we're talking vintage Warner Bros. cartoon humor, where the perpetually feuding Coleman (Sean Derry) and Valene (Andrew Narten) are live-action equivalents of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck with a brogue. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here:  http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/leisure/arts/none-too-fragile-stages-deliciously-dark-the-lonesome-west/article_d2e7f72a-b55f-11e4-87a2-871be2aacd40.html

Kerry Clawson

Sparks fly in more ways than one in the savagely funny "The Lonesome West," now onstage at None Too Fragile in Akron’s Merriman Valley.   Martin McDonagh’s black comedy is one of absurd extremes as brothers Coleman and Valene constantly bicker over everything from plastic religious figures to who gets to touch a magazine, eat crisps (chips) or drink poteen (a distilled Irish drink).

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


Christine Howey

They craft a pair of relationships that are dramatically different in their details but share a common thread of desperation — one quiet and tender, the other foul-mouthed and violent.

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

Andrea Simakis

The None Too Fragile production of "The Lonesome West" is some of the best theater you'll see this season. But be warned: Potato chips, household appliances and organized religion are harmed in the making of this play

 
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Dogfight @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through March 15, 2015

17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, 216-521-2540    

Bob Abelman

In Beck Center’s "Dogfight," no one comes out a winner.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.
www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local/in-beck-center-s-dogfight-no-one-comes-out-a/article_bf229980-affa-11e4-bcc3-ab6d370a51b5.html


Roy Berko 

The production agreement between Beck Center and the Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre program has produced some outstanding productions.  Though it is not bad, DOGFIGHT is not of the quality of the duo’s previous stagings.   

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

Mark Horning

While the premise of “Dogfight” starts out as a bunch of marine toughs perpetrating a cruel joke in the end the principle player, Eddie Birdlace, finds compassion as well as true comfort in the arms of Rose.  In the end he realizes that truly Everything is Beautiful.

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

Christine Howey

This is the latest collaboration between Beck Center and the esteemed Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program. They have put together some extraordinary productions in the past, but this one suffers from flawed material and other issues.

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

Andrea Simakis

Precision performances - Broadway quality and better - are what give this love story its real bite.

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

 

Art Thomas

The young cast of "Dogfight" are well chosen from the Musical Theater program at B-W U.  The weaknesses of the script's second act are minimalized by the in-your-face immediacy of this production. Selected images from the era suggest that Vietnam was, in fact, a musical.
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

Pippin @ PlayhouseSquare

Through February 15, 2015

Connor Palace Theatre, 1615 Euclid Avenue, 216-241-6000

Bob Abelman

"Pippin" is a coming-of-age-during-the-Middle Ages story about the eldest son of Charlemagne, who explores war, sex, power and the ordinary in an effort to find something in life that is completely fulfilling.  All he need do is buy a ticket to this absolutely superb and thoroughly entertaining national tour.

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

Roy Berko

The touring production of PIPPIN, in spite of some minor flaws, is mainly magical.  It nicely carries out the story’s theme and should delight those who are seeing the show for the first time, or are seeing the new and reconfigured edition of the show. From my perspective,  it would be worth seeing the show just to hear “Corner of the Sky” and “Morning Glow.”

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

Kerry Clawson

Everything’s gloriously over the top under the Big Top in the national tour of "Pippin."
The magical musical, reconceived in 2012 with a circus setting by Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus, thrills at PlayhouseSquare’s Connor Palace with its death-defying acrobatics as young prince Pippin goes on his own death-defying journey to find his place in the world. Paulus’ creation, the first revival of Stephen Schwartz and Bob Fosse’s 1972 original, is so dazzling to watch, we’re almost on sensory overload.

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

Howard Golub

The troupe that once merely sang, danced, contorted and postured now literally jumps through hoops to please. Not only hoops, but all the other feats that go with a trapeze, tightrope, fire pit, bouncing-ball and occasional magic contraption — and it’s all done wearing considerably more revealing costumes (by Dominique Lemieux).

In a show that celebrates youth, it’s ironic that the best scenes involve the older generation, naturally taken on by the more seasoned performers.  

Mark Horning

“Pippin” quite easily can be considered the consummate Broadway show.  It combines Song, Dance, Magic, Circus, Acrobatics, Costuming and Lights into a whirlwind of mesmerizing visual and audible delight.  Prepare to be dazzled during this run of easily sold out performances.   

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

Art Thomas

I am now a believer. Everything about this show is magic. While there are a few things to quibble about, the circus skills, Fosse-inspired dance, and unified design make the production rise far above the book and score. This is not a reimagined show. It is a new "Pippin" with surprises and enough "stuff" to please any type or age of theatergoer.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife