LUNA GALE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

February 27 through March 20, 2016

216-241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

A year or two ago, a short play called “Legally Addicted” toured Cleveland-area schools and dramatized the opiate epidemic among teens in order to educate and advocate.  Many of the kids in attendance – who received community service credit or reduced probation to be there – felt trapped within a public service announcement as the play’s didactic earnestness and frequent teaching moments overpowered things meant to be merely entertaining.  Rebecca Gilman’s “Luna Gale” seems to have had a similar effect on its opening night audience at Cleveland Play House’s Allen Theatre.

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

Roy Berko

One of the purposes of good theatre is to enlighten and educate an audience.  LUNA GALE does just that as it continues CPH’s quality centennial season. The script is well written, the acting top notch, the directing spot on. This is a must see for anyone who wants to experience an emotionally wrenching tale of the real world of social work and the fragile child welfare system.

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

Mark Horning

Luna Gale is a deeply dark and disturbing play that exposes the weaknesses of our over burdened child protection services, the drug epidemic sweeping the country and the Christian fanatics who wait with zeal for the rapture.  It is a show that will give you plenty to talk about, especially the surprisingly logical ending.  Bring your adult children to see this and you will appreciate them much more. 

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

Christine Howey

There are many facets in Luna Gale, and they aren't all addressed with equal success. But the cast, for the most part, is up to the challenge. 

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

Andrea Simakis

It's an amazingly engrossing piece of work, an edge-of-your-seat drama from its cranked-up beginning to its heartbreaking end.  Make no mistake: Though often mordantly funny, as all good pieces about the workings and failings of government are, "Luna Gale" has the makings of a modern-day tragedy. 

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

Art Thomas

The subject matter of this play moves directly into the laps of the audience with the cast never more than five feet from the front of the stage. The 110 minute study explores the powerful influences on a baby born to ill-prepared addict parents. It's powerful material stuffed with enough discussion questions for a mini-series.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

February 26 through March 20, 2016

216-664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

It is a long-standing theater tradition that those who attend an Agatha Christie murder mystery must never expose its secrets to those who will be attending it next.  This tradition ends here, for this review will divulge – against better judgement and the expressed wishes of the theater’s artistic director – precisely whodunit .  

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

Roy Berko

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is a typical Agatha Christie mystery, filled with plot twists and turns.  It receives a very competent, if not compelling production at Great Lakes Theater.  It is a staging worth seeing for those who are novices to the world of Christie or want to activate their “who done it” prowess and figure out the “villain” based on the new ending to the script.

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

Mark Horning

Combining a magnificent set with superb costuming and impeccable acting makes this the must see production of the season for fans of gripping crime dramas.  Be forewarned that the theme of murder and violent death (combined with a truly shocking and graphic ending) may be too intense for some.

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

Christine Howey

If you'd like to take a delicious bite of something really corny right about now, open wide and devour And Then There Were None, now presented by Great Lakes Theater.

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

Art Thomas

Great Lakes Theater continues to "reimagine the classics" with this Agatha Christie piece in which the original bleak ending provides additional thrills to those who "remember the movie" or the play in its multiple incarnations. Directed by Charles Fee, the cast act as stylized as the set shouting from the play's start and getting louder as they are bumped off one-by-one. 

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

CHAPATTI @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

Through March 13, 2016

330-374-7568

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Place two chairs on a stage and put Anne McEvoy and Neil Thackaberry in them and great theater is likely to result.  

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

Kerry Clawson

Actors’ Summit’s CHAPATTI is a lyrical, gentle tale that explores loneliness, isolation and depression among senior citizens, whose story slowly and beautifully builds bonds of trust and companionship between an older man and woman.

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

Mark Horning

While charming at its core and extremely well acted, “Chapatti” carries more darkness than light that some may find unnerving in spite of the hopeful ending.  It is the happy/sad play that will have you thinking about a lot of issues.

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

David Ritchey

Dogs and cats usually aren’t the subject of stage plays.  “Chapatti” is different.  Chapatti is the name of the dog.  The cast of this 90-minute one-act play bring one dog and about 16 cats to life on the Actors’ Summit stage.  “Chapatti” deals with two lonely people, Dan (Neil Thackaberry) and Betty (Anne McEvoy).  Their pets, like glue, seem to hold their fragile lives together– Dan has Chapatti and Anne has about 16 cats.  Dan realizes he needs more than the dog to make his life complete. Unfortunately, he sees no opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

AIDA @ RUBBER CITY SHAKESPEARE

Through February 28, 2016

234-252-0272

Or www.rubbercityshakes.org

Kerry Clawson

Rubber City Shakespeare Company has taken a risk producing its first musical — the epic AIDA at that — and it has paid off as a legendary story of forbidden love ignites the Akron stage. Leading the cast are breathtaking vocal powerhouse Miah Bickley of Canton in the title role as the Nubian princess and the golden-voiced Marcus Martin of Fairlawn as the dashing Egyptian soldier Radames. Their voices are so beautifully matched and their chemistry so strong on stage, you can’t get enough of them.

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

IN THE HEIGHTS @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

February 12 through 28, 2016

216-521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

‘In the Heights’ es increíble -- caliente, liviano y dulce -- pero no auténtico.

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

Roy Berko

The multi-Tony winning IN THE HEIGHTS gets an exciting and well-developed production through creative direction by Victoria Bussert and fine acting, singing and dancing by a cast mainly composed of Baldwin Wallace University past and present students.  If you like Latino music enfolded into a nicely developed story, this should be on your “go to” list.

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

Kerry Clawson

It may be impossible to get tickets to the hip-hop phenomenon Hamilton on Broadway, but Northeast Ohio audiences can still see the next best thing right up the road at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood: Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical IN THE HEIGHTS.

At Beck Center, the Baldwin Wallace University musical theater program is co-producing the vibrant show, which features 23 BW students and two alumni Equity actors. The show, directed by Victoria Bussert, pops with hot salsa and hip-hop choreography by Gregory Daniels and excellent vocals.

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

Mark Horning

An extremely talented cast and crew works a great blend of hip-hop and salsa music that is combined with an engaging plot for an excellent evening of musical theater.  If a solution can be found to solve the balance of orchestra and singers it will make for a nearly perfect performance.

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

Christine Howey

While there are ups and downs in this colorful little corner of urban America, the downs don’t stay down for long—because here comes another upbeat and infectious song that makes everyone dance in the streets! 

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

Art Thomas

Once again, the combined resources of The Beck Center and the Musical Theater Program at Baldwin-Wallace University make a theatrical product greater than the sum of the parts. All the dynamics of "In the Heights" appeal to young people, giving this production a special energy that overcomes the casting with no regard to age.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

MR. BURNS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

February 11 through March 5, 2016

216-631-2727

Or go to www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

D’oh!  Grand ambitions, good intentions not quite realized in CPT’s ‘Mr. Burns’ 

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

Roy Berko

MR. BURNS A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY is not a production that will please everyone, nor is it meant to be.  It can be obtuse, is overly long, and too reference specific.  If you are a “The Simpsons” fan, it will help you to understand the images to which the author is referring.  For the rest, it could be the basis for a discussion, an attempt to determine what Anne Washburn is trying to tell, and an adventure into the post-apocalyptic future. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

If you’re looking for a friendly traditional theater experience…this ain’t it.  This is theater for those with an eclectic taste who are up to date with the latest “socially hip catch phrases.”  It is theater that some will rave about and others will rave at as it flies over their heads.  Choose wisely, grasshopper.

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

Christine Howey

The playwright's reach eventually exceeds her grasp as the play limps to a curiously unaffecting end. But before that, as Homer would say: Woo-hoo! It's quite a ride.

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

IF/THEN @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

February 9 through 21, 2016

216-241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Think “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but with dance breaks.

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

Roy Berko

IF/THEN has a wonderful score. The touring production has a strong cast and is nicely staged.  Too bad somewhere in the show’s development the sometimes confusing plot and excessive length weren’t dealt with. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

IF/THEN is a boldly emotional, contemporary musical that explores universal human experiences regarding love, friendship, loss and career. ... It’s an intimate tale about the leap of faith it takes to love — full of memorable melodies, beautiful harmonies and intelligent, richly painted lyrics.

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

Howard Gollop

Is the audience really supposed to care whether Barbie goes to her dream-urban-planner-office with the dynamic Ken-doll boss or her Manhattan dream-apartment with her Ken-doll doctor-soldier-hero?  Despite a lot of singing, dancing (repetitive organic hipster moves and grooves by Lerry Keigwin) and what can only be called scream-singing, there are no true life choices or inevitable outcomes, just Lifetime TV movie plot devices.

Mark Horning

“If/Then” is a fascinating study on the effects of choices and chance in our lives and is a good start to opening dialogs both internally and with life partners.  With very high production standards and an energetic and hugely talented cast it is a solid evening of entertainment.  To repeat some advice, keep your eyes on the lass with and without the glasses. 

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

Christine Howey

The music is almost uniformly repetitive and dull, and the storyline manages to bury a familiar and yet mildly interesting concept under a heaving mound of clichés and self-satisfying bromides.

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

Andrea Simakis

"If/Then" feels like a live cocktail party in a high-rise bar somewhere in Manhattan where snide jokes about flyover states win you another round.

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

GOLDEN LEAF RAG TIME BLUES @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

February 5 through 28, 2016

216-321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

GOLDEN LEAF RAG TIME BLUES is, at best, a work in progress.  The writing fails to grab and hold attention, leaving the cast with little opportunity to develop much in the way of depth of character.  The production team and cast give all they can in staging, but are left with little reward.  Ensemble should be praised for attempting to give life to a new play. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

If you have a premium baby sitter who charges an extortionist rate and you seek a short evening of entertainment, this is the play for you.  The show does raise the question…”Why Bother?”

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

Christine Howey

The entire play feels disassembled, similar to the odd, two-word spelling of ragtime in the title. Like a not particularly entertaining skit, Golden Leaf is short, predictable and without any real depth.

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

DETROIT '67 @ KARAMU HOUSE

February 5 through 28, 2016

216-795-707)  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

DETROIT ’67 lacks the plot and writing dynamics that make for great plays. It gets a better production at Karamu than the script probably is due.  For this, the director and cast get a great deal of credit.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Although not the strongest of scripts, it is what the cast and crew does with the material that makes this gritty tale of love and friendship conquering all adversity so compelling to watch.  You find yourself being swept along with the story.  This show should have a full house at each performance.   

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

Christine Howey

There are two crises at work in Detroit ’67 by Dominique Morisseau, now at Karamu House. But the interplay between the two events—one personal and one community-wide— doesn’t exactly benefit either one. In fact, they actually minimize each other, which is clearly not the intent.

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

SLOW DANCE ON THE KILLING GROUND @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

February 5 through 28, 2016

216-321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

‘Slow Dance’ stumbles despite graceful Ensemble Theatre production. 

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

Mark Horning

“Killing Ground” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it should be seen for the excellent performance values and fascinating characters.  While the baring of souls by three total strangers may seem a bit farfetched, the pacing and acting helps bring a sense of believability to the production.  At the intermission you will be wondering what direction this show will go and look forward to the journey.
  

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

Christine Howey

While the play frequently creaks with age, the three performers under the expressive direction of Greg White find some surprising nuances hiding in the creases.

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

INTO THE WOODS @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

February 5 through 28, 2016

440-525-7134

Or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

Lakeland Civic Theatre offers a tepid ‘Into the Woods.’

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

Roy Berko

INTO THE WOODS, which is yet another of Stephen Sondheim’s creative and challenging shows, gets a very credible performance at Lakeland Civic Theatre.  A lighter and more playful first act would have helped make the deep and thought-provoking second act more meaningful.  As is, the production should please those who like Sondheim’s works and appreciate the difficulty of staging one of his creations.

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

Christine Howey

Director Friedman has mounted this play before at Lakeland, in 2003, but this time it feels a bit static, and at times almost feels like a concert version of the show. 

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