SWEENEY TODD @ BLANK CANVAS

Through March 10, 2018

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Despite the show’s eccentricities, productions of it still require the same core components found in all musicals:  talent on stage and talent behind it.  The current production of “Sweeney Todd” at Blank Canvas Theatre has the former in spades but is woefully lacking in the latter.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

“Sweeney Todd” gets a strong and meaningful performance and should please even the most critical of Sondheim aficionados.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

As difficult as Sondheim can be to sing, these folks do all the songs justice, helped immeasurably by the nine-person band under the direction of Matthew Dolan. And even when the action on the tiny stage has all the elegance of 17 cats fighting in a sack, this Sweeney Todd is pungent enough to keep you involved and even moved.

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 INVISIBLE HAND @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through March 11, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

If this play occasionally loses the attention of theatergoers disinterested in geo-political drama and short-selling on the stock market, its brilliantly penned diatribes on these matters and the craftsmanship with which they are delivered will most certainly reel them back in.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

In spite of some technical issues, “The Invisible Hand” is an unnerving and compelling production at CPH.  The tale of how the economy works and can be manipulated, as well as placing the spotlight on Islamic terrorism, makes this a vital contemporary play.  The cast is outstanding and the pace and tone are tension-inducing.  This is a production which is required seeing by anyone interested in fine acting and the reality of the world around us.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Sometimes in America we are given just one side of a story in order to manipulate our feelings against a particular ethnic group. The Invisible Hand shows us both sides of the coin so that we can become familiar with the cause and effect that happens daily in the Middle East. The show does not pass judgment of right or wrong but simply presents the situation thus allowing us to come to our own conclusions. Brilliantly written, performed and executed. This is intense theater at its best.

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

Christine Howey

Akhtar, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2013 for his play Disgraced, assembles a play with the same precise attention to detail of a master craftsman, and the result is an experience that is sometimes terrifying, sometimes amusing, but always riveting.

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

MISERY @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 11, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

This play is dull and drowsy – two words rarely associated with Stephen King – and, to borrow from Annie’s limited but colorful vocabulary, this production is cockadoodie. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

In spite of some technical issues, “Misery” is well worth seeing!  The acting is of the highest level and it’s nice to see Andrew May on a CLE stage once again.

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

Christine Howey

This is the second time in consecutive years that the good folks at GLT have tried to turn a film thriller into a stage play, and lets hope they’ve gotten that urge out of their system. 

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

Well played, Great Lakes Theater! Misery, Stephen King’s 1987 best-selling thriller, is anything but misery-inducing, thanks to William Goldman’s dramatic adaptation now playing at the Hanna Theatre. Bravo to Charles Fee’s insightful direction, the fine cast and some terrific special effects. Misery had opening night viewers wincing in sympathetic pain one minute, terrorized another and laughing in the next (yes, there’s humor there).

To see a full review go to Kennelly Review of Misery at Great Lakes/

David Ritchey

"Misery" murder holds our attention when the story takes us on a new journey. The audience becomes a fan as some people become a movie fan or a performer's fan.

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

Despite a fine cast, "Misery" just isn't very interesting as a play, the terror and tar-black comedy of both the book and film duller by its translation to live theater.

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

RIVERDANCE20 @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 18, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“Riverdance 20” is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music, and telling of tales that well-deserves the large audiences flowing into the Key Bank State Theatre.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

What can only be touted as a nearly perfect show, you will need to remind yourself to alternate your feet tapping between your two clogs as you will find yourself keeping time through the entire show and you may not wish to over-exert yourself. This is a superbly executed collection of dance performed by some of the worlds greatest. Shows are selling out rapidly so you need to hurry to get tickets. 

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

TWELFTH NIGHT @ RUBBER CITY THEATRE

Through February 25, 2018

(234) 252-0272

http://www.rubbercitytheatre.com/

Kerry Clawson

Tania Benites is very likable as heroine Viola, who falls for Orsino on the spot, and Katie Wells is humorous as Olivia, who is immediately smitten with Cesario, the young man Viola is posing as. The story presents a bit of a complicated love triangle as Viola refuses Orsino’s amorous advances.
 
Added to the mix are an assortment of servants, friends and relatives, chief among them Olivia’s scoundrel uncle Sir Toby Belch (Sean Taylor) and his ridiculous sidekick, Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Matthew Wheeler). Taylor is humorous when his Toby goes on a drunken tear but the actor tends to yell too much.

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

SASSY MAMAS @ KARAMU

Through March 4, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Bob Abelman

Mid-life men should seriously consider dropping off their wives at the theater entrance, finding safe-haven elsewhere for two hours, and returning with a new-found interest in gardening.

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

at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

Karamu’s “Sassy Mamas” has the right balance of laughs, pathos, visual excitement and empathy to delight.  It’s a fluffy romantic comedy that fully satisfies!  Huzzahs!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Sassy Mamas manages to turn the older-pursuing-younger concept right on its head in hilarious fashion (and quite fashionably). The acting is tight and on cue and the comedy is laugh out loud funny. Tickets will be hard to come by for this gem of a show. It sparkles! LIVE,LOVE AND SHINE!

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

Christine Howey

In short, it is a tight and enjoyable ride, augmented by a classy scenic design and drop-dead gorgeous costumes, all of which is designed by Inda Blatch-Geib. 

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

JELLY BELLY @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 25, 2018

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

The 90-minute play sends out chilling messages on the grim reality of drugs, guns, and the plight of the American Black man in the modern world. This is a production which commands to be seen!  It’s not a pleasant sit, but it is definitely one worth the effort!

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to an exceptional cast, under the direction of Ian Wolfgang Hinz, and a darkly comic script by the playwright, there’s a real fire in this Belly.

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

AMERICAN DREAMS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through March 3, 2018

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

With all the talk going on about Dreamers, the wall and deportation this is a work that truly hits home. It is not only a wake-up call of how precious our citizenship is but also how those freedoms should be shared with those wishing to join us and who could be useful members of our society. Bravo CPT…Bravo.

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

Christine Howey

By taking some bold chances this 90-minute play, augmented by a great deal of audience participation, succeeds in throwing a spotlight on the values we supposedly hold dear—such as freedom and democracy. 

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 smart, provactive play deserved to go on to e poduced in as many US. cities as are on the map.  It's what we the people deserve --art that spurs thoughtful, intelligent deliberation about immigration rather than the  empty, overheated rhetoric we hear from our leaders.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

HAIR @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through February 25, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Like “Rent,” a brave alt-rock and grunge musical that transplanted the Parisian bohemians of Puccini's “La Boheme” to the grime of 1989 New York and tackled the defiant aftermath of the first wave of the AIDS crisis, “Hair” was a cultural phenomenon in its day but is now a beloved relic. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

See “Hair?”  Of course! The overall effect will leave you “Walking on Air,” asking “What a Piece of Work is Man!” and cause you to exit humming, “I Believe in Love.”  Bravo!

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


Kerry Clawson 
 
Theatergoers can kick back and enjoy the wild party that is "Hair" at Beck Center for the Arts, a collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University’s Music Theatre program.

Led by director Victoria Bussert, 30 vocally gifted students bring an extremely high level of youthful energy and spirit of rebellion to this 1967 rock musical, which follows the Tribe — a group of young adults who are part of the 1960s hippie counterculture protesting the Vietnam War.

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

Mark Horning

Hair was groundbreaking in its time but over the years it has been watered down to a sanitized version that barely resembles the original. It is still worth coming to see for the songs and the great performance but without the drugs, free love and nudity something is loss in the translation. This is not your mom and dad’s version but still worth buying a ticket.

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

Christine Howey
Due to a number of curious decisions by director Victoria Bussert and her team of designers, a play that should have lots of sharp edges, wild hairs and surprising turns comes off as slick and smooth as a hardboiled egg. Welcome to Nair.

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

Fifty years ago Hair shocked audiences with its brash attitudes (and nudity). With song and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot, it portrayed life lived by New York City hippies who urged the virtues of “turning on and tuning out.” It has aged moderately well, but thumbing one’s nose at authority, freely expressing sexuality, resisting is all so commonplace today that even the delightfully anachronistic slogans carried in the current Beck Center production just don’t carry the punch they did. We’re pretty hard to shock these days.

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

STOMP @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February11, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Very little has changed in “Stomp” since its creation by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas for the original run in London nearly 25 years ago.  Even the production photos provided to the press haven’t been updated since 2012.  What does change is the cast.  Their distinctive personalities inform their performances, which adds variety to the humor and versatility to their artistry, and their collective virtuosity as percussionists is outstanding. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at  www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Mark Horning

For an absolutely great mid winter break you cannot go wrong in grabbing the entire family for an evening of Stomp. They simply dazzle with their precision and entertain with their comedic bits.

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

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

Through February 18, 2018

(440) 525-7134

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

Bob Abelman

This production manages to circumvent what many have long believed to be so problematic about this musical and put on stage what director Martin Friedman and other true Sondheimaphiles have recognized and admired since 1981.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

 It may have been a flop on Broadway, but ““Merrily We Roll Along” is a hit at Lakeland Civic Theatre.  It’s definitely a must see!!!

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to the talented company of actors, crisp musical direction by Jordan Cooper, a fulsome-sounding 11-piece orchestra, and Friedman’s thorough understanding of Sondheim’s theatrical impulses, it all works. 

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

BOY @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 17, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Audiences should come to this production to witness and voraciously applaud the valiant effort of the performers rather than the play being performed.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

The script is not as gripping as it might be.  In spite of that, the topic and the production are compelling.  For many, unaware of the true “Joan/John case,” the play probably seems like unreal fiction, but, in reality, the story on which Ziegler’s script was based is real…very real!  This is a production well-worth seeing.

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

Christine Howey

Director Sean Derry, as always, brings out evocative performances from his cast.

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