HEATHERS THE MUSICAL@ Beck Center for the Arts

May 27-July 2, 2106

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

Bob Abelman

With its brilliant, regional premiere production of “Heathers: The Musical,” the Studio Theater in the rear of the Beck Center for the Arts has most assuredly established itself as the go-to performance space for dark, delightfully deranged musicals.  Audiences should forever expect irony, an adrenaline rush and a splash zone when entering the intimate performance space.  And be thoroughly entertained by the time they leave.  

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

Roy Berko

Heathers the musical continues the Beck trend of staging dynamic, small, cult appealing shows (e.g., Evil Dead, Reefer Madness, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) in its Studio Theatre.  With dynamic choreography, a well-played rock-infused-with-ballads score, and enough blood, gore and simulated sex to grab and hold an audience, Heathers should be awarded with a sold out run! 

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

Mark Horning

For those who love a little titillation in their theater excursions, The Beck Center’s “Heathers: The Musical” nicely balances the sex, mayhem and murder with comedy and sprightly musical numbers for a surprisingly enjoyable evening.

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

Art Thomas

The Beck Center continues to reflect the current trends in musical theater with this production of "Heathers". Outrageous is a word that comes to mind to describe the obsessions of teenagers that can drive them to murder. This critic chuckled often enough to feel guilty at this brash show. Director, choreographer and designer have brought their "A" game to the production.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

WILD PARTY @ Blank Canvas

May 20-June 4, 2016

440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Voices soar but staging stalls in Blank Canvas’ "The Wild Party"

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

Roy Berko

If watching decadence is your thing, you’ll probably be turned on by THE WILD PARTY.  If you prefer being in the presence of characters who have redeeming values so you can feel empathy, this is not going to be your show.  The cast, though some give surface level performances, generally display good singing voices and put out full effort.

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

STEEL MAGNOLIAS @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

May 21 through August 21, 2016

216-241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Southern comfort comedy ‘Steel Magnolias’ historic and hysterical

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

Roy Berko

There was some complaining when it was announced that one of the offerings of the Key Bank Broadway series was going to be a local staging of a script that has been done by many community theatres. After seeing the CPH/PHSq production there should be little upset.  Steel Magnolias is a must see production that tells a life story with comedy and pathos!  Bravo!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

As satisfying as a Southern home cook meal this sharply written gem of a play with its rapier wit has been pared down to the basic emotions of joy, love, friendship, fear and anguish as performed by a wonderful cast of relatable characters.  Bring the family for a dose of Southern fried humor.

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

Howard Gollup

Unfortunately it’s not apparent that anything new has been stamped into this “Steel Magnolias.” It’s just a stamped-out production of a serviceable “dramady.”
It’s still a passable evening of theater, and it’s mounted befittingly for a Playhouse Square production (with nice sets by Vicki Smith).
But how fun or funny it winds up being for any individual depends ultimately on how easily he or she can afford a ticket in the first place.
 
Kerry Clawson

We find ourselves laughing through the tears as we spend a couple of hours with six southern spitfires in the beloved comedy-drama "Steel Magnolias" at Cleveland Play House.
This warm, poignant all-female play, directed by Cleveland Play House’s Laura Kepley, is a first-time co-production between CPH and Playhouse Square. CPH’s joint production with Playhouse Square, which is in an extended run into August, is beautifully directed and performed.

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

Andrea Simakis

Southern charm, delivered by women on stage and off. 

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

THREE TALL WOMEN @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

May 20 through June 11, 2016

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

For those who like the writing of Edward Albee, Theatre of the Absurd, and existentialism, this is an opportunity to experience one of his three Pulitzer Prize winning scripts.   They should be aware that the convergence continuum production of THREE TALL WOMEN is an acceptable, but not an exceptional staging of the work.

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

GOD'S TROMBONES @ KARAMU THEATER

May 20 through June 19, 2016

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

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

TINTYPES @ ACTORS' SUMMIT

May 19 through June 19, 2016

(330) 374-7568

Or go to www.actorssummit.org

Bob Abelman

Actors’ Summit’s musical revue is a plague upon our houses. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Actors’ Summit’s Tintypes contains some faltering singing, which is unfortunate for a musical revue that’s about 99 percent song. Bottom line is that the opening night for Tintypes sounded like it needed more rehearsal time. Singing issues did not rest with Mark Seven alone: Nearly all of the vocalists in this quintet had their pitchy moments, except for Holly Reimer.

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

THE FANTASTICKS @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

May 13 through 29, 2016

216-664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

The Fantasticks’ delicate theatricality captured in GLT production.

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

Roy Berko

THE FANTASTICKS is a charming show with a fine score which has a meaningful message.  It is a script which looks easy to direct and stage, but its depth is deceiving.  The Great Lakes Theater’s production should be well received by audiences.

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

Mark Horning

While one of the most oft staged and seen shows, this Great Lakes Theater production is a sheer delight of great singing, dancing, comedy, romance and heart.  This is the feel good show you’ll want to take everyone to see…maybe twice.  A truly great production. 

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

Christine Howey

All in all, The Fantasticks is a wonderful play, and any chance to see it is a treat. Even with some glitches.

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

Andrea Simakis

And it is fantastic.

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

WRESTLING JERUSALEM @ Cleveland Public Theatre

May 6-22, 2016

216-631-2727 or go on line to www.cptonline.org.

Roy Berko

Raymond Bobgan, the Executive Artistic Director of CPT states in his program notes, “Here at CPT, we truly believe art has a role to play in raising consciousness and nurturing compassion, in reckoning with some of the most challenging, personal and complex issues of our time.”  His selection of WRESTLING JERUSALEM, a thought-provoking, well written, compelling and well-performed piece of theater fulfills his beliefs.  This is a must see experience for people, no matter their cultural backgrounds. 

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

Mark Horning

“Wrestling Jerusalem” gives a non-judgmental, balanced yet passionate look at a seemingly impossible situation through the use of frank dialog between a seeker and those living within the conflict.  All who come to see this amazing show will be moved no matter what their attitudes are be they pro, con or indifferent.  Sure to be a sell-out for each performance.   

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

Christine Howey

Most of the segments, however, deal with issues we’ve all heard about, and little new or surprising is uncovered. But if you’ve somehow missed all this turmoil, Wrestling Jerusalem is a dandy way to bring yourself up to date. 

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

SHOW BOAT @ NEAR WEST THEATRE

May 6 through 22, 2016

(216) 961-6391

http://www.nearwesttheatre.org/pages/tickets

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

The Near West Theatre’s non-equity production of “Show Boat” is a true community theater achievement that has high production values and is a great value for family entertainment.  Come out and support your neighbors and friends in this surprisingly good performance.

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

MATILDA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

May 3 through 11, 10`6

216-241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘Matilda’ stays true to Dahl’s dark, delightful children’s book. 

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

Roy Berko

The touring production of MATILDA,THE MUSICAL follows the production and staging of the London and Broadway productions.  If only the sound system was better, the kids weren’t screeching in high pitched overly accented British pronunciation, and the orchestra didn’t drown out the speeches of the actors, maybe the results would have been better.  As is, MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, now on tour and housed at the State Theatre, is less than a wonderful theatrical experience.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is a witty, imaginative, wondrous show for all ages, now playing on national tour at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.
Based on the beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl, it is a brilliantly conceived, boldly painted fairy tale world whose infectious energy and joy have made it a worldwide phenomenon.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review he


Howard Gollop

 "Matilda: The Musical" ... is no sappy Disney show of the Great White Way but an import from the much edgier London West End.   And forget anything like a Leslie ("Willie Wonka") Bricusse score. Songs by Tim Minchin are rooted in a British pop-rock vernacular with a few classical gothic flourishes. His lyrics are sly and witty, like those of cabaret musical satirist -- most likely because he is one.  The biggest surprise is the comedic, singing, dancing and acrobatic talents of the show's true heavy  (in more ways than one) -- David Abeles. He plays the monstrous, allegedly female school principal and former hammer-throwing champion Miss Trunchbull, sporting an outfit  that can only be described as Victorian SS officer schoolmarm.

Mark Horning

For fans of the book, this is a no brainer.  The entire family will love the show.  For those not familiar with the story it is still a well spent evening at the theater.  Tickets may become dear for this particular run.  
    

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

Christine Howey

When you were growing up, if you ever felt like an alien creature plopped into a foreign land, Matilda the Musical will take you back to that time with plenty of wit and some splashy stage effects. And that's a darn good way to revisit childhood.

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