RHINOCEROS @ CONVERGENCE-CONTIUUM

Through September 16, 2017

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

“Dying is easy,” said famed 1940s performer Edmund Gwenn on his deathbed.  “Comedy is hard.”   Tragifarcical absurdism may be even harder judging from convergence-continuum’s well-intended by ultimately ungainly production of Eugene Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros.”

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

Roy Berko

The con-con production, under adept directing by Jonathan Wilhelm, is a very long sit, but can be worth the effort.  Don’t go expecting a clear plot with a nicely wrapped-up solution.  This is an absurd play which is intended to make you uncomfortable and forces you to be introspective and examine the world around you as you ask, “Why do we exist?”

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

Mark Horning

If you think that “fake news” alt right and mass hysteria are new ideas…think again. Eugene Ionesco’s play Rhinoceros still strikes a chord 58 years later. Before seeing this work, make an effort to read some online synopses of the play in order to better understand its relativity to today’s headlines. 

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

Christine Howey

The subversive power of theater is that it can make us laugh in the face of real existential threats. And that laughter, with any luck, can turn into change. So it is worth paying attention to this convergence-continuum production of the often wordy Rhinoceros.

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

MOTOWN @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through August 20, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

For those seeking a reprieve from days like these, “Motown: The Musical” is the entertainment for you.  It will take you back to the 1960s as they should have been – when singing was as easy as breathing, dance was the preferred method of locomotion, and the 12^th Street riot didn’t exist.   

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

Mark Horning

As the summer travels along, what better way to spend an August evening than listing to an entire collection of classic hits known by all. The costuming and sets will dazzle you and the feel good music will lift your spirits. This is one rockin’ show!

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

EQUUS @ BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

Through August 26, 2017

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas’ production of “Equus” is a good one and when everyone learns their lines it will be a great one.

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

Roy Berko

“Equus” is not only one of Blank Canvas’s finest productions, but one of the best stagings of the script I’ve seen.  This is required attendance for anyone interested in experiences of marrying a well-written script with a superb staging.  If for no other reason, go to the theatre to experience the marvel of Antonio DeJesus.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey
There are moments in this production, when the horses are gathered together and moving in unison, that one gets the feeling of lift-off that Shaffer’s complex script can inspire. But too often, this version is a rather casual trot around a compelling theme.

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

A DOLL'S HOUSE @ MAMAI THEATRE

Through August 27, 2017

(440) 394-6353

Or https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mtco

Bob Abelman

Currently playing on Broadway is Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” an imagined sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s landmark 1879 melodrama. Mamai Theatre’s revisiting of the original work – a smart and stirring turn under Christine McBurney’s fast-paced and quietly gripping direction – serves to remind us what all the fuss was about in the first place.

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

Christine Howey

Great theater often comes alive in the details, and there are gorgeous details aplenty in the outstanding production of A Doll’s House now at Mamai Theatre Company. This talented troupe has taken an adaptation by Thornton Wilder of the Henrik Ibsen script and turned that old Norwegian play into a fresh and compelling look at a restless and unfulfilled woman in a confining marriage.

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

Laura Kennelly

An excellent production in a perfect venue that should delight just about anyone — even those who are afraid of classic Norwegian drama or establishment feminism. This is neither — it’s just great theater.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland or on her blog at artstillmatters.comArtStillMatters.com


Andrea Simakis

It was as though I'd never seen the play before--the highest praise I can give to the revival of a towering classic.

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

HAIRSPRAY @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through August 19, 2017

(216) 771-5862

http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org/carousel-tickets.html

Bob Abelman

Last year's live TV broadcast of the musical “Hairspray” was a heavily promoted, overproduced and underperforming $10 million affair.  It was, in short, the artistic antithesis of the under-produced yet absolutely delightful Mercury Theatre Company rendition . 

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

Christine Howey
This is the final show of the Mercury summer season, with next season being their 20^th anniversary. It will be hard to top this season, which has included fine productions of Carousel and La Cage Aux Folles. But I wouldn’t bet against them.

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