PHANTOM OF THE OPERA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

June 15 through July 10. 2016

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

In 1992, they said that the Tony Award-winning “The Phantom of the Opera” could not be financially and theatrically successful outside of New York City and London’s West End. 

A production this large and cumbersome would not draw audiences and earn a profit on tour if it skimped on its expensive production values and it could not earn a profit if it did not skimp on its expensive production values.

Wrong.

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

Roy Berko

Phantom of the Opera newbies will undoubtedly be wowed by the reconfigured production.  Those who have seen the Broadway, or one of the early touring company editions, may be less impressed. 

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

Mark Horning

This is the ONE…the bucket list…the “we have been waiting years to take the kids to see”…the I cannot believe it is finally back here in Cleveland…absolutely must see at all costs performance that you and your family will talk about for years and years.  It is beyond theater…it is a total experience unlike anything you have ever witnessed (unless of course you already saw it in London, Toronto, Cleveland or New York City).  Some tickets still exist, but you will need to hurry.

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

SISTER ACT @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

June 16 through July 2, 2016

(330) 929-4416 or (330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse performs minor miracle with "Sister Act." 

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

Roy Berko

Sister Act is a perfect slice of summer entertainment placed in a lovely get-away setting!  Director Eric van Baars has put together a smooth running production which gets all the necessary laughs, develops the story line as well as one can with something as fluffy as he has been given, and paces the show so that it moves smoothly along.  See it!

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

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

June 10 through 25, 2016

(216) 771-5862

Or http://mercurytheatrecompany.org/

Bob Abelman

Mercury’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is entertaining but not engaging.

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

TOP GIRLS @ MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

June 2 through 19, 2016

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

or (216) 382-5146​

Bob Abelman

Feminism is a dish served hot in Mamaí’s ‘Top Girls.’

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

Mark Horning

While the basic themes of feminist sacrifice and suffering are made clear (even today women struggle to break barriers), the convoluted story line makes it hard to comprehend exactly what the ultimate point of the production really is.  While expertly acted one leaves the room in a state of confusion that even a study of the various synopsis does not clarify.  See this work for the acting not the story. 

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

LINES IN THE DUST @ Cleveland Public Theatre

June 2-18, 2016
216-631-2727 or go to www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

Cleveland Public Theatre carves out a powerful ‘Line in the Dust.’ 

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

Mark Horning

Every so often, theater does what it was intended to do…enlighten and entertain.  This show could be the spark that ignites an educational revolution in our country and even the world.  See this show, then ask yourself what is broken in our educational system and what you can do about it.

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

Roy Berko

If you only see one play this year, it should be Lines in the Dust.  Because of its well-crafted writing that clearly develops Nikkole Salter’s fervent thoughts and feelings about Apartheid Schools and the people who make them happen, the play is often excruciating to watch.  The truth is painful!  The frustration of a problem with no seeming solution, and the possibility of a country operating on a Nationalistic philosophy, become truly scary!   As said, if you only see one play this year, it should be Lines in the Dust.

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

TO THE ORCHARD @ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL 4181

Through June 12, 2016

(216) 302-8850

Or http://playwrightslocal.org/

Bob Abelman

Engaging ‘To the Orchard’ pits tradition against desire in its world-premiere production.

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

Roy Berko

Playwrights Local 4181 should be lauded for filling a void in the Cleveland theatre world.  Their goal of producing locally written and developed scripts is admirable.  Their initial production, To the Orchard, was a valiant try.  Though the final outcome left much to be desired, every new undertaking has to have a place from which to grow.  The organization has laid its foundation and it should be encouraged to showcase what hopefully will be a successful and fruitful future.

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

THE TOXIC AVENGERS @ Alma Theatre, Cain Park

June 2-26, 2016

216-371-3000 or www.cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

“The Toxic Avenger” -- the  love-child of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show” --  goes from intoxicating to punch-drunk. 

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

Roy Berko

Under Nathan Motta’s creative direction, and a cast of talented and uninhibited performers, THE TOXIC AVENGER is a total hoot!  If you are in the mood for an evening of extended farce and ridiculousness, this is a must see. 

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