ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE'S AIDA @ KARAMU

May 23-June 16, 2019

216-795-7077 
or go to http://www.karamuhouse.org/

Bob Abelman

Karamu’s ‘Aida’ is so good it earned a standing ovation at intermission.

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
   

In evaluating productions, it is important that a reviewer take into consideration the venue and the company doing the show.   Karamu’s “Aida” cannot be compared to the Broadway or professional touring company. None of the youngish cast are Equity members.  They range from being seasoned community and educational theater performers to stage newbies.  That taken into consideration, audiences should enjoy themselves with this Tony Sias directed production.

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

Kerry Clawson

In the musical “Aida” at Karamu House in Cleveland, actress Mary-Francis Miller creates a supreme blend of power and passion as the mythical title character. ... It’s too bad that her leading man, though, Darelle Hill as Radames, took a while to warm up to his role as the other half of this star-crossed duo in Sunday’s performance.

To see a full review of this show, see https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.

Mark Horning

What makes this show an exciting viewing experience is the sheer power of the vocals that sweeps the audience along for an amazing ride back to ancient Egypt. It is a show of love, loss, political intrigue, power, lust and greed...in effect, great entertainment. This is a great show to bring the entire family.

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

STATEMENTS AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

May 24-June 15, 2019
216-687-0074
or http://convergence-continuum.org

Bob Abelman

con-con’s ‘Statements After An Arrest’ still arresting.

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 the recent election of a new President of South Africa, resulting in a probe of the economic and social status of blacks in that country, con-con’s play choice is relevant.  Informing of the horrors of apartheid, which seem to parallel the desires of some of US citizens, also makes the topic germane.   Unfortunately, the quality of the script and some of the directorial decisions leave the audience wanting.

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

Mark Horning

While at times the script tends to weaken, the totally (au) natural performance of the two principles helps make this seventy-five minute theater experience time well spent. This nearly Shakespearean theme of illicit romance tells the tale of generations of oppressed blacks and the whites who loved them during the reign of apartheid in South Africa in a way all can understand.

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

CENTRAL CONCERN @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through June 8, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

‘Central Concern’ at Cleveland Public Theatre offers an absurdist civics lesson. 

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

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE @ BLANK CANVAS

Through June 1, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas rescues ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ from itself.

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

“Little Miss Sunshine” is not a great musical script nor does it have a strong score.  The show’s farcical nature is a challenge for any cast and director.  In spite of a gallant effort, the Blank Canvas production just doesn’t work as well as it could have.  

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

TWO @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 31, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘Two’ a master class in heartbreak.

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

“Two” proves once again that none-too-fragile is the consistently best off-off Broadway in the Greater Cleveland area.  The quality of play choices, the prime acting and the spot-on directing, makes going to this venue a theatrical wonder.   

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

Kerry Clawson

The dramatic comedy “Two” is both sad and funny at None Too Fragile as married British pub owners welcome an array of personalities to their watering hole in the north of England.  
In this two-hander directed by Sean Derry, expert actors Derdriu Ring and David Peacock portray not only the Landlady and Landlord, but also 12 other regulars at the bar ... Ring and Peacock, who are a joy to watch opposite each other, are chameleons as they create couples in multiple permutations.

 To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through May 26, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes Theater’s rock ‘n’ roll tribute ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

worth every penny.

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

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is one of those enjoyable evenings of theatre.  It’s filled with great music and good enough performances that led to screaming, yelling, clapping, and multi-standing ovations given by the audience.  Yes, Memories Are Made of This!

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

Mark Horning

If your looking for a healthy dose of good ol’ Rock and Roll played with all of its original firecracker energy this is one show you will not want to miss. The cast has amazing chemistry that shines past the footlights clear back to the farthest seats. Million Dollar Quartet will have you rockin’ and rollin’ in the aisles. ROCK ON!

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

1776 @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through May 5, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

It’s great to see how funny America’s founding fathers can be. And, no, I’m not talking about “Hamilton” this time. I’m talking about the musical that came 46 years earlier — “1776.”  The 1969 musical, rarely produced in the Akron area, is now playing with a 27-member cast of excellent actors and fine singers at Ohio Shakespeare Festival.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.