Friday, April 1, 2016

SHINING CITY @ BECK CENTER


April 1 through May 1, 2016
216-521-2540

Bob Abelman

Beck Center’s yarn inspires a yawn.

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

Roy Berko


SHINING CITY is a well-written script which tells a compelling set of stories.  Past productions of the play were praised for their emotional development and wit.  Though the Beck production had some excellent performances, the pace, staging and some shallow character connections, left some of the over-all effect missing.  Hopefully, as the show runs, the performers will add some of the missing or muted elements.

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

Mark Horning


Shining City is a show of subtle nuances where close attention to stance and inflection are needed to understand the purpose of the plot.  The opening night production was one of those rare instances when the show surpassed the reach of local theater and went into the realm of Broadway worthy.  The writing is smart and concise and the acting (under the direction of Bernadette Clemens) well balanced.  This is a great date night debate show to see.

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

Christine Howey


It’s a fascinating construct in theory, but at the opening Saturday performance the balance was ever so slightly off-kilter, turning McPherson’s naturalistic dialogue into a procession of truncated affectations and half-finished thoughts.

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