MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

July 2-19, 2015

http://ohioshakespeare.com or 330-673-8761

Bob Abelman

Although I have seen Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” many times before, it was not until this last weekend that I saw it as it was meant to be seen courtesy of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron.  

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

Kerry Clawson

Giddy physical comedy and a great sense of play dominate Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s production of ''Much Ado About Nothing" at the idyllic outdoor lagoon setting at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

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


Christine Howey

When he’s at his best, director Burgler manages to find the unique performance qualities in each of his actors, enabling him to populate the stage with distinctive people who look like a prized collection of Royal Doulton character mugs come to life.

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

THE RECKLESS RUTHLESS BRUTAL CHARGE OF IT, OR THE TRAIN PLAY @ convergence-continuum

convergence-continuum
June 26-July 18, 2015

convergence-continiuum.org or 216-687-0074

Bob Abelman

Con-con’s apocalyptic comedy ‘The Train Play’ lacks a third rail.

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

Roy Berko

 “The Reckless Ruthless Brutal Charge Of It, Or The Train Play,” should appeal to con-con audiences who attend in their search for off-beat theater.  If you are looking for a play with a message, it should be easy to use your imagination and conjure up a lesson to be learned from the abstractions and pseudo-philosophical pontifications which flow from the mouths of the actors.   
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

With Convergence-continuum’s carefully built following, this production will excite and edify.  For those coming off the street it will be a jarring experience.  Think of this as The Orient Express on acid.  Those with a transcendental leaning will dig it.  Om!

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

Christine Howey

There are laughs at times, but this is a train that one should board with some caution. Hell, it almost makes one long for Starlight Express, in which the toy train cars come to life and roll around on skates. 

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

Andrea Simakis

As diverting as its metaphysical musings are, "The Train Play" doesn't really go anywhere."

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

Art Thomas

There are some surprising, some humorous, and a lot of so-so moments in "The Train Play." The cast portray the eccentric characters with enthusiasm and Clyde Simon's direction is pointed and illuminating. There may not be quite enough to illuminate in the thin script.
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

Ghost @ Mercury Theatre Company

Through June 27, 2015

Notre Dame College, 1857 S. Green Road, South Euclid, 216-771-5862

Bob Abelman

Mercury’s ‘Ghost: The Musical’ lacks more than its mortal coil.

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


Christine Howey

While the music and lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, with book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin, are not particularly memorable, the Mercury cast infuses it with enough pizzazz to make it all reasonably enjoyable.

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

GODSPELL @ Cain Park

GODSPELL
Cain Park
June 11-28, 2015
Call 216-371-3000 or go to http://www.cainpark.com/

Bob Abelman

Cain Park’s ‘Godspell’ is a godsend.

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

Roy Berko

Cain Park’s GODSPELL is a creatively conceived and generally well performed production which will keep the audience rocking and laughing, while imparting the philosophical message of the “Book of Mathew.”  You don’t have to be a believer to be entertained by the high spirited songs and the clever staging.  “We Beseech Thee,”---go, see, enjoy---“You’ll Learn Your Lesson Well!”    

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

LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC @ Porthouse

LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
PORTHOUSE THEATRE
June 11-27, 2015

330-672-3884 or go online to www.porthousetheatre.com.

Bob Abelman

“Isn't it bliss? Don't you approve?” asks Desirée in the opening refrain of “Send in the Clowns.”  Absolutely.

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

Roy Berko

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a melodramatic story, with memorable music, that gets a nice production.  It would have been aided by stressing the story’s soap-opera aspects to garner the humor built into the script, thus sending in the clowns.  As is, as represented by the opening night assemblage, audiences will enjoy this evening of musical theater on the Blossom grounds. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Under the direction of Sean Morrissey, A Little Night Music’s tale of marital infidelities is handled with a light touch and a tongue-in-cheek humor, thanks to the characters witnessing all the romantic entanglements.

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

Mark Horning

 A Little Night Music is a pleasant evening of music, intrigue and naughtiness with a few laughs thrown in for good measure.  Arrive early and bring a picnic and something cold to drink and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere of outdoor summer theater.  You may find yourself coming back time and again.  

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

Christine Howey

The talented Porthouse cast, under the direction of Sean T. Morrissey, gives this production a glossy texture that serves the material well. This includes an appearance by Terri J. Kent, producing artistic director of Porthouse, in the linchpin role of Desiree Armfeldt.

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

Exact Change @ Playhouse Square

Through June 27, 2015

"The Helen" Lab Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000

Roy Berko

Those of us who have followed the development of the staged tale from Richard to Christine, from idea to the compelling piece of theater, have been privileged to watch the piece evolve through the diligence of Chris Howey and Scott Plate.   You now can see the results of many, many hours of extremely hard work, toil that resulted in a compelling, funny, emotionally charged experience that is a must see experience.  Do yourself and Chris a favor by attending one of the remaining performances.  (Since The Helen is a small space, get tickets early as the show should sell out.)

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


Mark Horning

No matter what your opinion is concerning alternative or transgender lifestyles, this show stands on its own as a monumental work.  Due to the intimacy of the theater you feel that Christine is talking directly to you the entire time.  The show has been refined to the point of being nearly pure gold.  You are not asked to agree, but simply to accept.  

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

Triassic Parq, The Musical @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through June 27, 2015

78^th Street Studio, W. 78^th Street, 440-941-0458

Roy Berko

As evidenced by the response of the audience present when I saw the production, it’s obvious that director, Pat Ciamacco succeeded in pulling out all the shticks to make this absurdity work.  His targeted audience of young, hip, lovers of off-beat stuff should love TRIASSIC PARQ.  The rest of us will have to try and remember what it was like to be young and naïve about what good story plots with music that backed up, rather than drowned out the singers, and singers who sang lyrics that helped move the plot along, were all about.

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

Christine Howey
If you laugh uncontrollably and repeatedly at dick jokes and chicks wearing strap-ons, this is the show for you. Just understand that the music is often of the nursery rhyme variety, and the lyrics are pretty basic.

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

Mark Horning

This is fast action and hard hitting humor geared for the college and young professional set.  If you enjoy the mad cap comedy of Monty Python and Benny Hill (as well as the naughtiness) you will love this show.  It is loud, raucous and very risqué with some parts being extremely funny.

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

Three Sisters @ Mamai Theatre

Three Sister @ Mamai Theatre

 Through June 21

Cleveland Masonic Performing Arts Center

Bob Abelman

Mamai Theatre has chosen to go old school in its current production of  Chekhov’s “Three Sisters.”  And while this staging is neither radical nor revolutionary, it is most certainly exciting, for director Bernadette Clemens finds all the very intimate, inescapably dark and often very funny moments in this four-act, three-hour masterwork.  And her remarkable ensemble of players puts them on display. 

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

Mark Horning

This is a work that is most praiseworthy.  The chemistry between the various actors is electric.  The set is sumptuous without restricting movement of the cast.  It is classic Chekhov done with endearing precision that makes this work still relevant one hundred and fifteen years after it was written.  This may well be the best dramatic production of the season and must not be missed.  It is classic theater done masterfully.     

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to sharply delineated performances and a lush set design by Don McBride, Mamai has created an existential shadow box in which we can observe comfortable people in their native, uncomfortable habitat.

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