HAIRSPRAY@PORTHOUSE THEATRE

July 30 to August 16, 2015

http://www.porthousetheatre.com

 or 330-929-4416 or 330-672-3884

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Hairspray’ offers a slightly dented ‘do.    

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

Roy Berko

Director Terri Kent pulled out all the stops, added tons of shticks and gimmicks, has a rocking band, creative and well performed choreography, and a focused cast, which  resulted in a wonderful, “this you must see” theatrical experience.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The underdog in all of us will love the musical 'Hairspray,' the subversive musical comedy that satirizes the ignorance of both lookism and racism, all presented in a bubblegum package.
The larger-than-life show, now playing at Porthouse Theatre, has a lot to like with its ever-idealistic heroine Tracy (the likable Katey Sheehan), some excellent comedic actors and a spirited young ensemble.

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

Mark Horning

As with all Porthouse productions, Hairspray is a delightful musical outing that combines picnicking on the green (or in one of the pavilions) with excellent Broadway musical performances.  It is a wonderful social experience that will enhance the lives of everyone in the family.  Kudos to Porthouse for the phone call and e-mail warning of the sold out Tim McGraw concert at Blossom Music Center on opening night with encouragement to plan for an early arrival.  Through this effort the show was able to start on time to a packed house.

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

KING HENRY@OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

July 30 to August 16, 2015

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

Kerry Clawson

Actor Andrew Cruse returns to the Ohio Shakespeare Festival as the famous royal we all know as Hal, but he’s all grown up now in 'King Henry V.'  The charismatic Equity actor, who portrayed Prince Hal in his wild youth last summer in 'King Henry IV, part one,' now returns as the responsible, religious, honorable King Henry V.

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

CINDERELLA @ PlayhouseSquare

July 21-August 2, 2015
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The slipper fits for this touring, storybook telling of "Cinderella"   

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

Howard Gollop

To be sure, the touring production at the Palace Theater reflects all the opulence and magic that puthe new Broadway “redo” of “Cinderella” at the top of  box office grosses.  So why must this version of “Cinderella” sweat so hard to be more?  Something seems amiss right from the beginning when Cinderella and the Prince separately roam the Medieval forest singing “Me, Who Am I,” a song cut from one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s rare flops “Me and Juliet.”  It’s one of those eye-rolling moments when we realize that Cinderella and her Prince are not allowed to be, as one of the hilariously rotund stepsisters musically quipped, “Merely Lovely.”


Mark Horning

This lavish production of Cinderella is, in a word, magical!  With wonderful music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein and an experienced cast of singers, dancers and actors.  Take the entire family to share this phenomenal production.  It is the Broadway musical at its best.

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

Andrea Simakis

The charmer of a production with a clever, updated book by Douglas Carter Beane ("The Little Dog Laughed") blows the dust off the original 1957 television version, thanks to a blast of snarky humor and "Ella," a new-century princess who can have her prince and change the world, too. (Or at least convince her boyfriend to order elections in the kingdom for the first time, like the Arab Spring as told by the Brothers Grimm.)

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

CAMELOT@MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

July 10 to 25, 2015

http://www.mercurysummerstock.com 

or 216-771-5862

Bob Abelman

This production is a labor of love that respects the original work but hopes that a dramatic simplification in its staging will strip away the thick and cloudy veneer that has built up over generations of veneration. It does, but missing and sorely missed is the elegance that once defined the brief shining moment that was known as "Camelot.” 

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

Christine Howey

The Mercury troupe under the direction of Pierre-Jacques Brault manages to wrestle it to a draw while finding bits and pieces of the magic that has enthralled many audience members for decades.

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

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE@MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

July 16 to August 2, 2015

http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!

or (216) 382-5146​

Bob Abelman

Mamai’s ‘Streetcar’ is stellar despite understated STELLAAAA!!!

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


Mark Horning

Think of Mamaí Theatre Company’s rendition of A Streetcar Named Desire as a potentially great New Orleans dish with just a tad too much spice and some unnecessarily added ingredients that could have been left out.  While not a bad meal per say it leaves the person partaking in the feast feeling less than satisfied.     

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


Andrea Simakis

Mamai's "Streetcar" is a joy, that rare staging of a classic piece of theater t hat doesn't cause you to years for a better production.  This is that production.

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

AMERICAN IDIOT@BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

July 10 to August 16, 2015

216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck’s ‘American Idiot’ welcomes a new kind of tension.

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

Roy Berko

Devotees of Green Day should be turned on by Beck’s “American Idiot.”  It is a loud, brash musical which attempts to tell the tale of youthful disgust with modern day America.   The cast puts out full energy, the choreography is well designed and executed.   But, the thin one dimensional script, nearly impossible to understand lyrics, and redundant overly amplified music, will make this a less than a stellar theatrical experience for many.

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


Mark Horning

For those having seen the touring Broadway show at the Connor Palace you will note that the same rocket high energy levels and high production standards is found with the Beck Center production.  It is rock music and choreography as it should be presented…loud and boisterous and unabashed.  Take your teen to see this one and talk it over afterwards.

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

Howard Gollup

Someone gets pregnant, someone goes to war, someone goes to the big city — you know the drill. Still, there’s something profoundly winsome and yearning in the loud, thudding music, a quality that has been made even more apparent through Beck Center’s entire near-flawless production. 

Andrea Simakis

You don't fling yourself into the mosh pit of "American Idiot" in search of exquisite character development and sophisticated storytelling – you take this dive to be consumed by Green Day's furious, hard-driving sound. So what if, in the end, it signifies nothing?
"I don't care if you don't care . . ."

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

VIOLET@PORTHOUSE THEATRE

July 9 to 25, 2015
http://www.porthousetheatre.com,

330-929-4416 or 330-672-3884 

Bob Abelman

This is a lovely play that is given a tender treatment. 

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

Roy Berko

While “Violet” does not have the components of a classic musical production it is a special evening of theatre resulting from a clear directing concept by Steven C. Anderson, fine instrumental performances, excellent vocalizations by the entire cast, and excellent acting. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Mark Horning

This is the perfect summer theater show for those wishing to see a light and airy musical.  Come early with a picnic dinner and make an entire evening of it.    

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

Christine Howey

This is a thinking person's musical, replete with ideas about the obstacles, superficial and otherwise, that torture us and prevent us from making the connections we need. As a result, Violet earns the rewarding ending it shares with the audience at the end of this bus ride to redemption.

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