MACBETH @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through April 15, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

It’s back to basics with Great Lakes’ "Macbeth." 

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

The staging is exciting, the story line is paced to build to the forewarned conclusion, the language is easy to understand, the characterizations are well-etched, the acting is superb, the technical aspects are excellent, the fight scenes are theatrically real, the creative development of the Three Witches is groundbreaking.  All in all, this is a “Macbeth” to be treasured and is a must see production!  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Leave it to Great Lakes Theater to raise the bar to immeasurable heights in their stunning reproduction of this epic Shakespearean work. It is a great work taken to even greater heights by its faithful attention to detail. All fans of the Bard must see this and feel free to bring friends along who are unfamiliar so that they can see how truly magnificent live theater can be.  

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

Christine Howey

Even while there are stretches of dialogue that are difficult to follow, this production of Macbeth—augmented by Kim Krumm Sorneson’s period costumes and Matthew Webb’s well-accented sound design—has enough blood lust and evil to satisfy old Mac friends as well as newcomers.

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

Tony Soprano and his gang were sissies compared to Macbeth and his thugs. In its latest presentation of the gory tragedy that is Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Great Lakes Theater has once again semi-transformed  into a “mini-Globe” theater, paying homage to Shakespeare’s own London stage. ...BOTTOM LINE: This straight-forward, rapid-fire production of Macbeth touches all the bases, reminding us that ambition is destructive and psychological warfare (what the witches waged against the would-be ruler) kills.

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

MY FIRST TIME @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through April 29, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

The Beck Center’s tiny Studio Theater, sequestered to the far back corner of the performing arts facility cattycorner to the men’s bathroom, is the place where subversive works like “Evil Dead:  The Musical” are staged. 

And now, with this current production of “My First Time,” add naughty to the type of Studio Theater offerings as well.

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Mark Horning

As in anything dealing with humans this show is rife with the contrariness of life. For some it was the best of times, for others it was the worst of times and for still others it left no indelible mark whatsoever. No matter what the response whether from the website or the audience submitted cards it was still their first time and highly entertaining.

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

Christine Howey

Warning: You won’t get a boner, theatrical or otherwise, from watching this fragmented, fractured exercise in terminal tedium.

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

If you like funny, hot and  steamy chatter about losing your virginity (80 minutes straight, no intermission), you will likely have a great time. Caution: I’d not take the younger kiddos unless I wanted to “have that talk” with them.

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

ADVENTURES OF A BLACK GIRL IN HER SEARCH FOR GOD @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through April 15, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

The commentary, “The Adventures of a Black Girl in Her Search for God,” as evidenced at the Shaw Festival, can be a compelling hour production.   Unfortunately, in spite of a valiant effort, this isn’t the case at Karamu. 

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

Mark Horning

While this whirlwind performance may seem confusing to some at its core there are some very deep ideas that bear thinking about. Enjoy a powerful and energetic evening of live theater with a high energy cast. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review hehttps://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/cleveland/cleve236.htmlre.

Christine Howey

As expertly directed by Nina Domingue, this American premiere of the script is a frequently involving and satisfying romp through Shavian wit and wisdom, highlighted by some intense and amusing performances. 

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 OLDEST PROFESSION @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through April 14, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

There’s a musical theater remake of the film “Pretty Woman” in the works.  Consider Paula Vogel’s “The Oldest Profession,” currently being staged by convergence-continuum, its sobering sequel.

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

Roy Berko

Though “The Oldest Profession” is one of Paula Vogel’s lesser plays, it gets a humorous staging.   The script, which is more character study than plot driven, doesn’t have much to say, but it does entertain.

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

THE LATE HENRY MOSS @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through March 31, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

“The Late Henry Moss” is a comparatively minor work by Shepard, for sure.  But it is given a significant staging at none too fragile.

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

Roy Berko

As in almost all Sam Shepard blunt, hard hitting plays, the questions of what’s true, what’s fiction, what is family history and what is mythology pervade this tale of dysfunctional relationships in this character-driven tale.  The acting is generally superb, the pace intense, and the over-all effect is unnerving.  If you like good acting and can endure Shepard’s cage-boxing style of writing, this is a production you won’t want to miss.

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


Kerry Clawson

The dynamics between Derry and None Too Fragile newcomer Carroll — whose work has included Broadway, TV and film — are electrifying as Earl tries to dance around their painful past and Ray cruelly forces the truth out of him. We see that both brothers have inherited their father’s violent streak as these actors knock each other around the small stage in some nastily realistic fight scenes.



To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://www.ohio.com/akron/writers/kerry-clawson
 

Christine Howey

Henry Moss is a less successful example of this playwright’s work, and it’s given a production that doesn’’t reach the high bar of quality that None Too Fragile has set for itself.

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

David Ritchey

Is Henry Moss dead?  Or is Henry Moss teasing his sons and playing dead?  Sam Shepard, one of the best playwrights to write for an American stage, wrote a wonderful script, which challenges audiences to find truth or pretend on the stage.

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

RENT @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through March 25, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Tired, non-Equity tour of "Rent" makes it difficult to forget regret.

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

Roy Berko

The 20th anniversary tour of “Rent” disappoints.  In spite of the wonder of the Pulitzer Prize winning script and score, this staging lacks the intensity and dynamics need to make Larson’s ideas ring true.  

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

Mark Horning

RENT was groundbreaking when it first hit Broadway after years of rewrites and theater shops but with this cast it still truly grabs your emotions and will not let go even after 20 years of touring. Your emotions run the full gambit as the story unfolds. Sure to be another Playhouse Square sellout.

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

Christine Howey
Unfortunately, this 20^th Anniversary Tour of Rent might be more accurately titled Squat, because the performers on the Connor Palace stage seems like interlopers who are unlawfully occupying this iconic theatrical territory. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Like Miranda, we owe a lot to Larson [Jonothan Larson, author of "RENT"].  That's why his glorious masterpiece deserves a more powerful reprise than this road company give it.

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

SCAPIN @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through March 18, 2018

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Bob Abelman

OSF’s hilarious ‘Scapin’ finds the play amidst the playfulness.

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

Kerry Clawson

Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s 'Scapin' cast so energetically and skillfully embraces the play’s over-the-top, slapstick comedy, it leaves audience members in riotous laughter throughout the show. 
Leading the way in this classic laugh fest by Moliere is the charismatic Ryan Zarecki in the title role of the witty and manipulative servant Scapin, who has both the play’s foolish masters and viewers eating out of his hand.

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

THE EFFECT @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 25, 2018

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Style salvages substance in Dobama’s engaging production of "The Effect."

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

Roy Berko

Though the Dobama production aspects are quite good, and the performances are top notch, the experience is not without angst.  One leaves asking, “What does Prebble want us to gain from the script?  The ending, two incomplete conclusions, doesn’t help to answer the question.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Often jarring and at times a bit pedestrian, Dobama Theatre manages to make this bitter pill of a show easier to swallow. Chalk it up to good directing and exceptional acting. Worth seeing if for nothing more then something to talk about on the way home.

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

Christine Howey

The risks that are taken here are often surprising, and the immersive intellectual challenges continually tweak and tantalize. The result is a theatrical experience that is far from a placebo.

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