OKLAHOMA @ Porthouse

"Oklamoma!"
July 26-August 12, 2018

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Oklahoma!’ earns the exclamation point.

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

Roy Berko

Porthouse ended its fiftieth season on a high note with the well-conceived “Oklahoma!.”  The Kent State professional summer theater should look forward to more years of audience-pleasing shows under the stewardship of Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent and Executive Producer Eric VanBaars.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

This is truly what outdoor summer theater is all about. It is a gathering of friends and family for a theater experience that takes you away from your daily troubles. This young energetic cast with a sprinkling of seasoned pros does a wonderful job of transporting us back in time to simpler days with an excellent orchestra and superb stage set, lighting and sound. Take a break and bring the family.

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

Christine Howey

Even with a couple wrinkles, it’s always good to revisit the genius of Rogers and Hammerstein that is on display in Oklahoma!

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

SIMPLY SIMONE @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through August 5, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

Back by popular demand, Simply Simon makes a triumphant return to the newly renovated and spectacular Jelliffe Theatre. You will not simply witness this performance; you will become a part of it. Come see an old favorite in its new and shiny surroundings.

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

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT @ MERCURY THEATRE

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 771-5862

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

Bob Abelman

Kudos to Mercury for breathing new life into this often performed and usually overproduced musical, and for taking creative risks that, for the most part, pay off.

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

Christine Howey

When you’re going high-concept with a production, it’s best to make sure you have the time and the acting resources to nail the reinterpretation. From that perspective this Joseph, in 1930s parlance, is a broken-down flivver.

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 NATIONAL TOUR OF HAMILTON @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through August 26, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Yes it is, and yes it does!

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

Roy Berko

“Hamilton” is a special theatrical event and experience.  The script is riveting, the music involving, the choreography creative, the production superb.  The touring production is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to participate in one of those special once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  This is one show that definitely deserves its standing ovation.  Bravo!

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

Kerry Clawson

Seeing "Hamilton" play out live onstage is an exhilarating experience that far exceeds all expectations I had imagined after listening to the Broadway cast recording and reading about the show for years.

That’s because Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The second national tour, now at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre, is a high-octane production with the most propulsive momentum I’ve ever seen in a musical.
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To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

In “Hamilton,” of course, no one forgoes popular music idioms, but King George imparts his glib dismissal of America in the hilarious style of a British pop star, like a renegade from Herman’s Hermits.  The song is called “You’ll Be Back,” and indeed we will — hopefully when the show returns in another tour with less-expensive and more available tickets.

Mark Horning

After all the hype does the National Touring Company Production of Hamilton live up to its promises? Well, yes and no. The show is your typical over the top Broadway extravaganza with bigger than life figures, exquisite dance numbers, a great hulking set and colorful period wigs and costumes. The weak link is the sound system that denies audience members a clear exposure to the rapid fire lyrics and subtle nuances of the various songs. It is a great show that could be better.

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

Christine Howey

You should do anything legal (and possibly even illegal) to get a ticket. Your life as a human being at this moment in the 21st century will not be entirely fulfilled if you don't witness this extraordinary work of art written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

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

Andrea Simakis

'Hamilton' in fine company, lives up to the hype.   Perhaps the greatest gift of this breathtaking piece of art is how touchingly famliar and human it makes the men and women who helped shape America seem--so unlike the cold faces under powdered wigs in portrait galleries.

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

ROMEO AND JULIET @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through July 15, 2018
(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

OSF’s comedic approach for the first half of the production is achieved chiefly through actor Ryan Zarecki as Mercutio, who is relentlessly teasing and bawdy with his wildly funny, over-the-top mockery of his friend Romeo. 

Zarecki creates the most energetic jokester I’ve ever seen in a Mercutio, aided by his abundant physical comedy. He amps up the comedy in his highly memorable characterization by picking Romeo up and spinning around with his friend on his shoulders, and even plants a mocking kiss on the angry Tybalt while dueling him.

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

Christine Howey

In this instance, many decisions made by director Nancy Cates wind up making this R&J substantially less memorable than it ought to be.

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

NEXT TO NORMAL @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through July 21, 2018

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s marvelous ‘Next to Normal’ is everything but entertaining.

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

Roy Berko

“Next to Normal” is one of the great scripts in the lexicon of American Musical theater.  It gets a superb staging at Porthouse.  The direction, performances and technical aspects are all right on target.  This is a must see production that should not be missed! 

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

Mark Horning

Looking at the scant description of the show might make some think twice about attending. This would be a mistake. The music (with a superb six piece orchestra) and the excellent cast make this must see theater. Kudos goes out to Porthouse for the courage to stage this extraordinary performance that addresses the subject of modern mental health and its various treatments. 

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

Christine Howey

This is the 50^th anniversary season of Porthouse, the Alice Ripley alumna vibe is in the air, and this version of Next to Normal is another winner. 

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

AND ALL THE DEAD LIE DOWN @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through July 28, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

If you’d like to see a play in the process of development, then “And All the Dead Lie Down,” could be your thing.  It is not a well-crafted script, but the directing and acting are excellent.

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

GYPSY @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck’s imbalanced ‘Gypsy’ entertains but does not enthrall.

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

Roy Berko

“Gypsy” is one of the classic scripts in the lexicon of American Musical Theater.  It gets an acceptable, but definitely not a great staging at Beck.  The show’s highlight was the choreography.  The production will entertain some people, but could have been so much more.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

While not up to their usual high standards, the Beck Center’s production of Gypsy is still worth the price of the ticket due to the choreography and orchestration. Many will love the show while others will wish for what might have been.

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

Christine Howey

Locally, no other theater does big Broadway productions better than Beck Center. But this time around, their Gypsy drops a few spangles but reveals less than it should.

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

Gypsy’s Mama Rose stamps motherhood as a fearsome creation. The Beck Center production, directed by Scott Spence, simultaneously exposes showbiz’s dark side and delights in its glories — namely story, music and dance. It’s an engaging and touching musical.

For a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at Cool Cleveland

Andrea Simakis

Beck's 'Gypsy' doesn't completely bare its soul.

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