THE LION IN WINTER @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through March 10, 2019
(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

In their endless barrage of putdowns, confrontations and one-upmanship, Henry and Eleanor act like marriage is a zero-sum game that must end in one spouse being annihilated.
And, boy, is their blunt nastiness funny, as delivered by Dede Klein as the conniving Eleanor and Terry Burgler as the scheming Henry.

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

GUYS AND DOLLS @ Rubber City Theatre

                                                  February 15-March 3m 2019
                                         For ticket information call 234-252-0272

 Kerry Clawson

The quality of performance was a mixed bag last weekend in Frank Loesser’s classic “Guys and Dolls” at Rubber City Theatre. The show’s biggest problems were weak dancing by the cast and an anemic-sounding orchestra, which was most obvious during the overture.

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

David Ritchey

This company of saints and sinners evoke a simpler time and provide a gentle, entertaining evening in the theater.  

YANKEE TAVERN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

For about half of this play, we can laugh off all the wild conspiracy theories that kooky Ray offers ... With this crazy character, [Robert] Branch walks an amazing line between talking like a loon and conveying such intelligence that you just may wonder if his words could carry any truth. Branch — who has a largely balding head with long, wild gray hair on the sides — plays a character who’s passionate about the world in his mind and talks to ghosts upstairs, including Adam’s dead father Vince.

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

David Ritchey
  
The acting is superior. Director Sean Derry did an excellent job with his small cast, confronting the audience in the theater. He helped build the suspense. 

To see a full review of this show, go to 
http://akron.com/akron-ohio-entertainment-news.asp?aID=40004

TWO BY TENNESSEE @ KARAMU THEATER

Through March 10, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Bob Abelman

Karamu’s ‘Two by Tennessee’ misses its mark.

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

Do not be fooled by the brevity of these two works. Combined they give you a solid dose of entertainment with the type of message that Tennessee Williams was famous for. This is an intimate evening of theater that is a nice break from the 180 minute extravaganzas we have become used to. It is well worth the time.

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

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 10, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes Theater’s ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ a guilty pleasure. 

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

With fine acting, clear directing, impressive technical aspects, and encompassing writing, “Witness for the Prosecution” makes for a wonderful theatrical experience. Go.  See.  Enjoy!

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

Howard Gollop

Granted, it’s hard to adjust expectations of any stage incarnation if one is a fan of the near-classic 1958 Billy Wilder film version — with those indelible performances by Tyrone Power as the accused, Marlene Dietrich as his mysterious and enigmatic wife (as only Dietrich could be) and Charles Laughton as the loveably unlovable attorney. But the Charles Fee-directed Great Lakes company — particularly Aled Davies in the Laughton role — manage quite a feat of convincing British and German accents, controlled stature and modulated emotion. 

Mark Horning

The hardest role that an American actor can take is one that involves a British accent. Great Lakes Theater has done the nearly impossible by outfitting their actors with believable speech patterns that truly add to the story. This is a colossal show that if you are among the few who have never witnessed Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in any form, you are in for a huge treat of suspense, drama and even comedy. The court is now in session...you be the judge.    

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: An old-fashioned talky courtroom drama, well-executed by a good cast in both major and minor roles. The play itself, however, seems extremely sedate as written and so despite some rather well-done high drama that flares out all too briefly, I want more. To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's post here at Cool Cleveland.

FIRE ON THE WATER @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through March 2, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

This expanded version (two and a half hours plus intermission) of the original 2015 performance (Part 4 of the Elements Cycle) is a theatrical masterpiece that utilizes every square inch of the performance area while using nearly every form of artistic endeavor known to man. It is as complete a show as you will ever see. Come to be wowed.

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

ONCE @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through February 24, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

‘Once’ at the Beck Center entrances but does not transport.

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

  

The Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program production of “Once,” is vibrant, and has talent overload.  This production rivals the Broadway staging and is much superior to the touring show which was part of the Key Bank Series.  It’s the kind of production that you might be tempted to go back and see again!  Go. You will enjoy!

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

Kerry Clawson

 There’s a deep sense of melancholy as well as a quiet joy emanating from the Beck Center for the Arts stage now with the musical “Once.”
Audience members are transported to a Dublin bar and its environs for this show, a partnership between Beck Center and the musical theater program at Baldwin Wallace University. With a cast of 16 directed by Victoria Bussert, it’s extraordinary how this talented young ensemble brings to life the world of an Irish and Czech community brought together by music.

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

Mark Horning

You simply cannot be made to feel any better than seeing this extraordinary production with its wide range of musical numbers (soft love ballads to rousing dance numbers). The cast is spot on in their acting, singing, musician and dancing skills as they fill the stage with unabashed glee. Feeling under the weather? This is the tonic you need to cure your mid-winter blahs. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Once is a deeply spiritual work though that might not be obvious from its completely secular environment (a Dublin street, a bar, a vacuum repair shop, a hillside). We see love, charity and hope manifested in this tender story that never descends to sentimentality (or religiosity for that matter).

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

SHERWOOD @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through February 24, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

CPH’s swashbuckling ‘Sherwood’ parodies as it parries. 

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

“Sherwood” is for those who love to laugh at the ridiculous and see a well-written farce performed at the highest level.  The staging, the acting, the technical aspects are superb.  Go…laugh…escape from the ridiculousness of what’s going on in this country and the world, and have a good time!!!

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater simply needs to supply us with a break from the seriousness of life. Sherwood certainly fills the bill for that. Just like the classic swashbuckling movies of the 30s this show is a great escape from the humdrum. Come share a laugh or two.

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

Laura Kennelly

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, now at the Cleveland Play House’s Allen Theatre, sets a snappy pace. As seen in previous CPH Ludwig comedies (such as Baskerville, A Comedy of Tenors and The Game’s Afoot), farce rules in this capsule sketch of the triumph of Robin Hood and his Merry Band. It’s directed by Adam Immerwahr.  While nothing is safe from Ludwig’s gentle mockery, it’s all in good fun. Arrows fly (see if you can figure out how they do that without killing each other), towers are scaled, bad guys are trounced, and new love comes for Robin (yes, it’s Maid Marion, but it was a surprise for Ludwig’s Robin).

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

THE IMPACT OF SHUFFLE ALONG @ KARAMU

Through February 9, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko


“The Impact of Shuffle Along” brings two unique organizations together, each with different demographics to heighten the CLE community’s awareness of an important musical, “telling a story of then and today.”

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater goes beyond its scope by offering not only entertainment but education as well. This is the case with the Karamu/Musical Theater Project production of The Impact of Shuffle Along. It is an evening of just plain feel good music, vocals, poetry, dance and story telling that will delight everyone who is fortunate to see this show.

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

FREAKY FRIDAY @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

Lakeland Community College, Kirtland
February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16,, 2019 @ 7:30 PM and 
February 3, 10 and 17 @ 2 PM
440-525-7134
or www.lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Bob Abelman

Lakeland Civic Theatre finds the fortitude in ‘Freaky Friday.’

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

“Freaky Friday” is a farce which should delight an audience.  As is, except for the audience member on opening night who thought he was at a football game, and kept loudly cheering “way to go” and “good job” after each song and scene, the production should disappoint many.  Too bad!

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