ALL THE WAY @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

September 17 through October 9, 2016

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Richard II.  Edward III.  Henry VIII.  LBJ.  These famous  figures – with their larger-than-life personalities, excessive appetites, unfillable holes in their egos, and Rabelaisian crudity – are the focus of historical dramas.  And Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning “All the Way” is no less Elizabethan, no less epic and no less theatrical than those penned by William Shakespeare or Christopher Marlowe.

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

Roy Berko

ALL THE WAY is a well-written script that gets a strong production at Cleveland Play House.  In spite of some sound projection problems, the cast develops their characters and the themes of the play so well that anyone interested in good theatre and political history should be captivated.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Reading more like a Shakespearean tragedy than a political historical drama we gain insight into President Johnson and the conflicts that made him what he was.  Deeply flawed and ultimately challenged with making lasting changes to better his country he was a man driven to set things right.  This show is as close a representation as you will ever find of the author of “The Great Society.”  It is a fast moving and gripping drama well worth seeing.

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

Howard Gollop

It’s political “Whack-A-Mole” as Johnson placates, grovels and bulldozes such legendary American figures as Martin Luther King Jr., J. Edgar Hoover and Gov. George Wallace, not to mention his wife Lady Bird. Yet the Cleveland Play House production of “All the Way” (an allusion to the campaign slogan “All the Way with LBJ”) makes Robert Schenkkan’s incisive play as thrilling as it is exhaustive.

Christine Howey

Lyndon Baines Johnson was one of the more fascinating characters to ever populate the halls of Washington D.C., since he combined the raw, crotch-grabbing energy of a good ol’ boy from rural Texas with the liberal leanings of a man who deeply cared about the disadvantaged. Try finding a mixture like that in today’s polarized political landscape.

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

David Ritchey

Steve Vinovich struts the stage as LBJ.  Vinovich threatens, shouts and barks to get his way.  He can out curse anyone I know – and, often he does it at the top of his voice. His LBJ knows where many of the skeletons are hidden in the nation’s capital and is not afraid to open those doors to gain his way and will. Vinovich was excellent as LBJ.  He understudied the Johnson role on Broadway when Bryan Cranston played LBJ. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Not only does the Cleveland Play House producdtion of "All the Way" hold up without Cranston, it shots out the lights, as LBJs compatriots in his home state of Texas might say with a potent combination of topicality, smart staging and Steve Vinovich at the helm of as the 36th preident of the United States. . . . Great performances, like momentous elections, don't come around every day.  Don't sit this one out.

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

THE WHIPPING MAN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

September 23 through October 8, 2016

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

When THE WHIPPING MAN ran at the Cleveland Play House several seasons ago, I said it was “required viewing by anyone who wants to experience theater at its finest.”  If you missed that production, or you want revisit the script in similar spellbinding splendor, rush to none too fragile.  This production is as mesmerizing as was the other local staging.  Applause, applause! 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

 Matthew Lopez’s THE WHIPPING MAN is a fascinating story about the complex and contradictory relationships between newly freed slaves and their masters right at the end of the Civil War. ... David Lemoyne’s excellent portrayal of the faithful Simon is the backbone of this tense drama. His elder slave represents the voice of both faith and reason to younger slave John as well as the master’s son, Confederate soldier Caleb.

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

Christine Howey

By drawing the similarities between the ex-slaves and the wealthy Jewish family that owned them, the play opens an interesting door on race relations.

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

David Ritchey

"The Whipping Man” surfaces family issues. 

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

MY FAIR LADY @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

September 23 trhough October 29, 2016

(216) 664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Shortly after the record-breaking, award-winning production of “My Fair Lady” opened on Broadway in 1956, playwright and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner remarked that “the right people at the right moment in their lives embarked on the right venture.”   The same can be said for Great Lakes Theater’s most remarkable rendition of “My Fair Lady.” 

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

Roy Berko

Victoria Bussert has staged a MY FAIR LADY that is as close to perfect as any musical can be. Everything about the production screams, “This is a special evening of theatre that has to be seen!”  If you only see one theatrical production this season, this is the show!  Bravo!!!

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

Howard Gollop

Perhaps Victoria Bussert’s big, broad direction worked well in Idaho (on an outdoor amphitheater), but at the Hanna, it just comes across as too big and too broad. It seems to be missing a lot of intimate moments that might have elevated the show above what has been done time and time again in dinner theater and summer stock.

At least there’s one regular Great Lakes Theater cast member — Laura Perrotta — who is so effective as Higgins’ knowing mother, it briefly elevates everything to much fairer “My Fair Lady.”
 
Mark Horning

No matter how many times you have seen the movie or the Broadway musical or touring performances, Great Lakes Theater’s production of “My Fair Lady” should not be missed.  It is a perfect rendition of “the perfect musical” and should not be missed.

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

Christine Howey

My Fair Lady is a treasure and this production does it full justice.

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

David Ritchey

I could have clapped all night.  What a glorious production of “My Fair Lady” this is.  Cleveland’s Great Lakes Theater Company, performing in the Hanna Theatre, offered a production worthy of Broadway.

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

URINETOWN @ NEAR WEST THEATRE

Through September 25, 2016

(216) 961-6391

Or 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

Near West Theatre has taken a show that while wildly popular is still written in what some would consider rather bad taste.  None the less it is performed with a high degree of professionalism in spite of the young age of the cast.  Think of this as a school musical done as good as it can be done.  The amazing set, costumes, ensemble work, lighting and orchestra make for an evening of good entertainment.     

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

JERSEY BOYS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

September 20 through 25, 2016

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

‘Jersey Boys’ returns, again, without missing a downbeat.

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

Roy Berko

JERSEY BOYS retreads and newbies will all have a wonderful time.  Oh, yes, “Oh, What a Night.”  You’ll be “Beggin’” to “Stay” for another curtain call!  You’ll leave the State singing and dancing down the aisle.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

But the joy of “Jersey Boys” is how the cast captures the essence of The Four Seasons while creating real-life characters when not nailing a jukebox full of standards such as “You’re Just Too Good to be True,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll” and “Walk Like a Man.”  In that department, this latest tour is a solid-gold No. 1 hit.

Mark Horning

“Jersey Boys” is that kind of Juke Box Musical that you could easily see over and over again.  The current tour that has landed at Playhouse Square is exceptional.  You will find yourself tapping your feet, singing along and holding hands with your significant other.  It is two-and-a-half hours of great music that flies by in a hurry.

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

David Ritchey

Oh, what a night.  Wow!  Cleveland’s State Theatre was filled (few seats were vacant).  That means almost 2,500 people sat in sweet anticipation for “Jersey Boys.” Many had seen the show on other tours.  One friend was back for her fifth time to see the show.  I saw it for the fourth time.  Oh, what a night.

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

THE LAST FIVE YEARS @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

September 16 through October 2, 2016

(440) 525-7134

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

Bob Abelman

In this remarkable piece of slice-of-life storytelling, nearly every song is an intricate and strenuous vocal callisthenic that tests the metal of the performers.  Neely Gevaart and Jason Leupold have what it takes.

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

Roy Berko

The Last Five Years is a musical which many audience members, including myself, will like due to its structure, exquisite music, and the talent of the cast.   Don’t’ go expecting large production show stoppers and dance numbers as they are not part of this script or concept. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

It’s pretty hard to connect with a love story, or a break-up story, when the two principals never engage in intercourse (I mean the talking kind). But that’s exactly what happens in The Last Five Years, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown.

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

RUTHLESS @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

September 16 through October 126, 2016

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck Center’s ‘Ruthless!’ goes for broke, which pays dividends.

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

Roy Berko

Ruthless! will delight many. It is a fun farce.  This production gets it almost right.  With a little more letting loose and playing for laughs, it could have been great.

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

Howard Gollop

(The cast is) uniformly spectacular. ... As for the Beck production itself, the direction and stage design could be a bit more strident, arch and over-the-top to match the material. But it’s still a thrill to see this rarely done 24-year-old intimate show (with lots of new witty topical references) in near-perfect condition.


Mark Horning

If your brand of entertainment runs to outrageous musical spoofs then this is a must see show for you.  The dialog is rapid fire, the jokes broad and frequent and enough surprises to keep you guessing.  This would be a great guy or gal’s night out.  Come fill the seats.

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

Christine Howey

This over-the-top exercise, featuring book and lyrics by Joel Paley and music by Marvin Laird, happily slaps together references from iconic shows ranging from Mame to All About Eve, and never stops for a moment to catch its breath. 

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

THE BLOODLESS JUNGLE @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

September 15 through October 2, 2016

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

The Bloodless Jungle presents an interesting political concept.  The surprise ending adds a nice touch of realism, saving the show from being a television soap opera.  This is a script in process which needs shortening and the addition of more humor and drama.  Interested in the political process and the behind the scenes machinations?  If so, you might enjoy this production.

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

Mark Horning

 With the fertilizer factories in full swing this election year, The Bloodless Jungle brings a refreshing behind the scenes look at the political process.  It is a story of true friendship, good moral values and dedication to make the world a better place…in other words a work of fiction.  Well worth the effort to see this one. 

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

Christine Howey

Sometimes, the title of a play inadvertently captures its essence. And that is the case here, in a play that seems drained of its blood, and guts, in exchange for soft soap and pablum.

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

THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX @ DOBAMA THEATRE

September 2 through October 2, 2016

(216) 932-3396

or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

This play is familiar familial territory for the playwright, whose modern-day dramedy “Kin” – which played at Dobama in 2014 – similarly explored the intimate relationships of its characters in order to unlock the mystery of who they really are.  But this production of “Mystery of Love & Sex” is less successful.  The reason is that each actor seems to be performing in a fundamentally different play rather than finding what it takes to blend into this one.

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

Roy Berko

The Mystery of Love and Sex is one of those special scripts that will appeal to the Dobama audience who come to see contemporary professional scripts which look at society and its strengths and foibles.  Bathsheba Doran’s play gets a strong production that should delight and enlighten and deserves strong support.  It’s a “go see!”

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

Mark Horning

“The Mystery of Love and Sex” pushes the envelope of Cleveland Theater with its portrayal of strong social themes that include inter-racial relationships, inter-religious relationships, sex, gay lifestyles and gay marriage.  Those with a liberal bent will enjoy it while others may find it less fulfilling due to its mature nature.  As Lucinda would put it, “It’s so bohemian.”

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

Christine Howey

Where’s Bill Nye the Science Guy when you need him? Maybe he could explain how you get four actors on stage talking about sex, with some full frontal nudity, and have absolutely no chemical reaction among any of them.

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

Andrea Simakis

Characters talk about truth throughout the play – "You wanna know the truth, you have to ask the right questions," Howard, a writer of detective fiction, proclaims – but rarely convince us they are living it.

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