A STEADY RAIN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through November 11, 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘A Steady Rain’ is a washout.

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

Mark Horning

 With all of the recent focus on police brutality (especially against people of color) this work has us asking the question “is it the man or the circumstances which has good cops turning bad” and what if anything can be done about it? This is raw theater that relies on words rather than props to get the message out but the viewing of this show comes with a price as we will carry certain parts of this play for some time to come.     

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

Christine Howey

As the two guys plod dutifully through their respective stories, it becomes apparent that even the lurid details of their histories won’t save this play from itself. 

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

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through November 19, 2017
(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Director Laura Kepley finds all the play's dramatic beats and very human moments, and turns what could easily be an historical re-creation or revered testimonial into a resonating piece of theater. 

 

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

Roy Berko

“The Diary of Anne Frank” is a powerful and important play. Especially in this country, when racist, religious and national attacks are condoned by the country’s leader, it is imperative that the message of “never again” be bannered.  Cleveland Play House has done a great service by staging the message of a young girl who was destroyed by bigots and haters.  This is a must see production! 

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

Mark Horning

As the play develops, we the audience begin to feel the claustrophobic conditions that these eight had to endure for years. Although at times comical, poignant, spiritual and dramatic it never wavers from the theme of fear and repression of innocents. In effect we ourselves become prisoners of the barb wire shrouded theater. An excellent example of true to life theater and a must see show for all.

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

Christine Howey

Setting quibbles aside, The Diary of Anne Frank feels fresher and more relevant now than at any time in recent history.  

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

Laura Kennelly

It’s both painful and important to realize that The Diary of Anne Frank is based on truth, not fiction. Drawn from incidents described in young Anne’s diary, this moving drama by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett (adapted by Wendy Kesselman), runs through November 19 at Playhouse Square. Bottom Line: A fine and moving production of what is now a classic.

To see a fulll review go to www.artstillmatters.com

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland

Andrea Simakis

Whatever its flaws, "The Diary of Anne Frank," as this finely crafted, haunting production proves, exists to remind us where unchecked fear and intolerance can lead  That's resson enough to stage it any decade."

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

WAITRESS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Order up: Touring ‘Waitress’ a blue-plate special with a side of extraordinary.

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

Roy Berko

The quality of the music, the staging, the performances and the story line of “Waitress” assure that it will delight audiences as it traverses the country.  It’s a must see for anyone who loves musical theater at its creative best. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

It must have been daunting for the producers to open “Waitress” during the same Broadway season as the runaway sensation “Hamilton,” but this modest confection nevertheless proved itself a piping hot hit, still running on Broadway and launching a national tour that began last week in Cleveland.  This production — created and directed completely by women — may be too cerebral to call “easy as pie” but the audience will certainly want to savor it as if it were.

Mark Horning

This is a well told story with tailor made songs that while not memorable will leave you with a pleasing overall effect to ride home with. There is drama, romance, comedy, suspense and pathos all carefully mixed together. It is in short sugar and spice and a perfect recipe for an enjoyable night out at the theater.

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

Christine Howey

As directed by the esteemed Diane Paulus, this show is sweet but never saccharine and it goes down real smooth. If I were Jenna, I’d call it “The ‘You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry, You’ll Sigh with Delight’ Pie.” Yum.

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

Laura Kennelly

This finely-crafted show in the Connor Palace opens the national tour of the Broadway hit that’s still playing in NYC. We may be in Cleveland, but we might as well be in New York as far as cast, sets, and performances go. “Waitress” revels in a slickly presented and sassy mix, blending song, great sets, recipes for imaginary pies, dancing, and sex into a sprightly musical event.

To see a full review go to artstillmatters.com
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

'Waitress' serves up a delicious slice of life in all its messy, complicated beauty.

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

IN THE CLOSET @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through November 4, 2017

(216) 687-0074

convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

 “In the Closet” is not a great play, but it is a script that incites a great deal of thought.  It gets a very creditable production at con-con.

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

Christine Howey

If you’re hearing the high-pitched squeal of a metaphor being stretched to its breaking point, you wouldn’t be mistaken. 

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

MARJORIE PRIME @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 12, 2017

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

“Siri?  Google ‘artificial intelligence’ and the seemingly innocuous but increasingly integral role technology plays in our daily lives.”

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

Roy Berko

 “Marjorie Prime” is one of those special theatrical occurrences that allows the audience to experience both a thought-provoking script and a superbly acted and directed staging.  This is theater at its finest!  Go see!  Must see!

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

Mark Horning

As the world pitches headlong into a state of increased artificial intelligence usage questions arise as to the dangers and pitfalls as opposed to the benefits. While seemingly benign in nature does the turning over of basic brain functions help or weaken us as humans? What about the effects on our instinctive behavior patterns? Through our association with these future animatrons do we end up mimicking them to the point of surrendering our humanity? These are the questions that you will find raised in this fascinating futuristic work. 

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

Christine Howey

On one hand, one could wish for a more dramatic confrontation between these people as some of them evolve from one form to another. Surely, such an experience would generate passions of some sort, and those are notably missing in this rather sterile piece. But the elegance of Harrison’s exposition-free writing and the finely modulated performances exert a quiet drama all their own.

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

Andrea Simakis


Love - whether sexual or filial or the kind you feel for a pet - and the terror of losing that love to the endlessness of the grave run through every moment of director Shannon Sindelar's hypnotic production, like the low hum of an electric current.

Silver is magnificent as the aging flirt who has borne more hurts than any parent should. A long-ago family tragedy has sent fissures through her relationship with Tess, cracks that have never mended.

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

THE FAMILY CLAXON @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through October 28, 2017

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

There’s a sitcom on stage at Cleveland Public Theatre.

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

Mark Horning

     

By no means can the word subtle be used in describing this production. The cast comes at you hammer and tong in a comedic assault of your senses. Some may find it a bit too much as this over-extended sitcom leaves nothing sacred and barely takes a breath from start to finish. Not what one would call a quiet night at the theater with which some audience members will appreciate.

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

Christine Howey

Suffice to say that CPT deserves our thanks for encouraging and staging new work. And that The Family Claxon should be taken out behind the barn and quietly interred. Cause of death: Terminal creative exhaustion.

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

The madcap proceedings swirl around an aged paterfamilias. But in this amusing, pointed romp, Grandad Claxon is little more than a tuft of hair in a high-tech wheelchair, a rolling life-support system that bleeps and hisses and leaks.

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

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes offers modern, amusing but muddled "Midsummer." 

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

Roy Berko

Those who are afraid of seeing Shakespeare because of the oft abstract language and confusing plot twists should fear not.  This production is a total delight, with a nice mash-up of comedy and outlandish farce, mixed in with a little lover’s stardust.  It’s definite must see!

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

Mark Horning

Great Lakes Theater is skilled beyond measure at making Shakespeare palpable for the masses, especially when portraying a comedy. In spite of the language difference it is easily understood by all and being a farcical comedy will be beloved by all. This band of thespians goes for the laughs with great success. The slapstick play within a play “Pyramus and Thisbe” will have you laughing until you hurt.

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

Christine Howey

The GLT company has never been better in weaving together this modern-dress version, even in the face of a scenic design that is both static and busy, and not all that entrancing.

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

Howard Gollop

The delights of this tale — about  a mash-up of  fairies, nobility and commoners finding romance and royal gratification in a magical forest — are overflowing. And it seems even more so under the magical world created (once again) by scenic designer Jeff Herrmann. It’s a land where grand architecture and effusive vegetation are woven together, a mirthful mix of  earthly and ethereal. There’s no better place for this Shakespeare to happen.

Laura Kennelly

The Great Lakes Theater Midsummer Night’s Dream gives us Shakespeare at his hilarious (and bawdy) best. In this enchanting Hanna Theatre production directed by Joseph Hanreddy every silly, comic element melds and spins into a dream. Under Hanreddy’s guidance, anachronisms (but who cares?) and traditional elements blend seamlessly to create a fresh look and a marvelous show.

To see a full review go to Laura Kennelly's blog at artstillmatters.com
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

More than 400  years after its debut, teh Bard's comedy of mistaken identity and midsummer mayhem still brings laughter--and bite--as Great Lakes Theater's whimsical, and very funny, production proves.

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

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW @ BLANK CANVAS

Through October 28, 2017

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

If you are in the right mood, and can let loose of your inhibitions, and take “The Rocky Horror Show,” for its intended purpose—a screwball comedy, you’ll have a blast!  This is not “Next to Normal” or “Bridges of Madison County,” just some” The Time Warp” fun!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

This is a show that comes equipped with its own rabid fan base, so the seats are sure to be filled for the run at BCT. They are guaranteed to yell, scream, and shout obscenities on cue. It’s just too bad that this production doesn’t bring the audience to a shattering orgasm—theatrically speaking.

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

WAITING FOR GODOT @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

There is no greater mixed metaphor than comparing a show to The Show, particularly when one is by Samuel Beckett and the other is baseball.  But last Friday night, worlds apart but just 10 miles away, the Indians met the Yankees at Progressive Field for game 2 of the ALDS while Vladimir and Estragon were waiting for Godot at the Beck Center for the Arts.  And there were lessons to be learned.

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

Mark Horning

Waiting For Godot is a thumbs up/thumbs down kind of play that you either get or are left confounded. Some audience members will over think it while others will under think it. Regardless, it will open your mind to a variety of debates within and without. See it and gauge your reaction. 

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

Christine Howey

The fine actors in this production will, for a fleeting couple of hours, show you what kickass acting is all about. Indeed, they are so damn good you may actually, for a fleeting moment, think life has a purpose. Silly you!

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

BOTTOM LINE: I didn’t think I’d be recommending this show because its thesis is depressing, but I find I must. This outstanding production quietly and strongly reminds us that life is, indeed, absurd. Beckett asks that we devise our reasons for embracing it anyway.

For a full review go to artstillmatters.com or

Cool Cleveland.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 4, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

There’s something so 1980s about the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” currently in production by Great Lakes Theater.

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

Roy Berko


 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is not a typical Disney stage creation.  It is a dark, brooding musical and probably not appropriate for children.  While the first act is rather slow, the second act is strong.  It is well worth seeing.

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

Kerry Clawson

When young, bare-chested actor Corey Mach steps out of the crowd during the opening number of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and transforms right before our eyes into Quasimodo, assuming the crooked body language, gaping mouth and shirt with a hump, we are transfixed.  “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” he sings.  That is the central question of this epic sweep of a musical, which is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and the 1996 Disney movie. The stunning show, featuring brilliant vocals from a cast of 19 directed by Victoria Bussert, is making its Midwest premiere at Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland.
.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Mark Horning

Somehow Great Lakes Theater manages to enlarge the stage in all directions for this phenomenal bigger than life rendering of the Victor Hugo classic. All of the elements of light, sound, voice and dance combine to totally captivate the audience in a production that can only be described as "Magnifique." This is the high bar from which all other Playhouse Square shows will be measure to this season. See this show!

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to the sure hand of director Bussert, it all works as a sumptuous theatrical treat. But perhaps due to its cartoon lineage, it lacks the impact of that other musical made from a Hugo novel: Les Miserables.

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

Howard Gollop

Like another recent Disney film-to-stage transfer, “Freaky Friday,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” belongs to a new entertainment genre — direct-to-regional-theater — sort of the live-stage version of direct-to-video. 

But at least the people behind this show are thinking. And the people in front of the stage are talented. So a Broadway run for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” doesn’t seem to be out of the question,” and neither would it be out of the question if it were a staging such as this.

Laura Kennelly

The Hanna Great Lakes Theater’s opening show this season is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a Disney-film-inspired musical that didn’t make it to Broadway. Director Victoria Bussert’s signature touch is shown in her vibrant use of the Hanna’s cozy space and her employment of a wonderfully talented cast. But even Bussert’s talent can’t dissipate the awkward story created by this Disneyfication of Victor Hugo’s novel. (“Disneyfication” here means simplifying a 19th-century 800-plus page gothic romance into a single story that argues for being kind to strangers and to those weaker than oneself.)

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

From its dark corners to is most heavenly choral numbers, the musical works wonderfully at the Hanna.  Great Lakes has begun its new season in big style.

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