JANE EYRE @ CLEVELAND MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT

Through September 9, 2018

(216) 529-9411

http://www.musicaltheaterproject.org

Bob Abelman

Eight stage adaptations of the much-beloved “Jane Eyre” appeared in England and America between 1848 and 1882.  There have been many others since but it is hard to imagine any better than the one currently being staged by Cleveland Musical Theatre.  

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

“Jane Eyre,” in its new form and format, is a musical that shows that a “small” production, in which care is taken with directing, casting and technical aspects can make musical theater more captivating than big, splashy, over-produced shows.  With an additional “signature” song, the revised script seems ready for an off-Broadway, small theatre run.

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

Christine Howey

This production shows a clear path to making Jane Eyre, the new revised musical version, an outstanding theatrical experience for years to come.

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 CASUAL TREE WARD @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through September 15, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

Playwright Hawkes emulates the skalds of yore by telling a tale about the world on the brink and the need to forge a better relationship with nature.  Though the tale has never been more relevant, the telling of it is too much of a test of acumen and endurance to be entertaining or particularly persuasive. 

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

Christine Howey

It’s not necessary to follow each and every pathway that Hawkes forges to find pleasure in the fulsome flow of his language and the thoughts that twinkle on and off like Christmas lights. 

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

BLOOMSDAY @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through September 1, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Dietz’s road-not-taken tale, ‘Bloomsday,’ given a delightful turn at none too fragile.

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

“Bloomsday” is a provocative script which gets a fine production.  It continues none-too-fragile’s reputation of being one of the best local theaters.  This is a staging well worth seeing!

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

Kerry Clawson

Dietz’s works is a sweet, wistful one for None Too Fragile, which often stages more savage fare. But all of this lauded theater’s productions, no matter what the level of darkness, offers insight into the human condition.

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

Christine Howey

In less skillful hands, this premise could become grindingly precious, but Dietz is a deft wordsmith and his dialogue is immediately accessible (unlike many of Joyce’s convoluted phrasings) and quite pleasing. And the cast, under the well-tuned direction of Katia Schwarz, fashions a lovely, wistful “what might have been” romance.

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

DOWN BY CONTACT @ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL

Through September 2, 2018

(216) 302-8850

http://playwrightslocal.org/

Bob Abelman

X’s and O’s don’t add up in Playwright Local’s ‘Down by Contact.’

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


“Down By Contact” exposes the audience to an important present-day issue:  the effects of head trauma on athletes. It also vividly shows the effects of CTE and how the National Football League tried to avoid responsibility for a lack of protection of the players.  The script itself needs some refining and further development.   

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

Mark Horning

What happens when the roar of the crowd fades away and the effects of countless injuries begin to physically and mentally manifest themselves in our sports heroes? Playwrights Local and Dobama Theatre’s production gives you a realistic look into life after the gridiron. Well worth the drive to see this one.

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

Christine Howey

Because the play never delves deeply enough into Carson’s terror of his mind leaving him, and due to a concluding eulogy by Tommy and Kelsey that is unnecessarily garbled, the end result is not an emotional touchdown. It’s more of a three-and-out.

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

WE WILL ROCK YOU @ BLANK CANVAS

Through August 18, 2018

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Audiences might be entering the theater with apprehension, but they will be leaving doing the fandango to the parking lot and out into the night.

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

Mark Horning

While not their best effort to date, "We Will Rock You" is still a pretty good choice for your theater dollar. While the music volume will not make your ears bleed you will get some semblance of Queen’s talent and Freddie Mercury’s amazing composing skills. Go into the performance thinking “rock-lite” and you will have a more enjoyable time. 

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

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE @ MERCURY THEATRE

"Caroline, or Change"
Through August 11, 2018
mercurytheatrecompany.org

Christine Howey

'Hamilton' is monumental, but 'Caroline, or Change' ticks a lot of the same boxes.

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