33 1/3 @ Dobama

Through July 14, 2019

216-932-3396
 or http://www.dobama.org/

                                                              

Bob Abelman

In Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners “Private Lives,” music plays a crucial role when the brilliant dialogue cannot carry all the emotional weight of the storytelling.  So much so that one of the characters casually remarks: “Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.”

This sentiment drives Jay Turvey and Paul Sportelli’s new musical “33 1/3,” which re-imagines the jukebox musical so that pop music becomes the subject matter and not the accompanying score.  And it does so with endearing sentimentality, a subtle sense of humor, and a remarkable delicacy that draws the audience into its nostalgic world and keeps us there in a gentle embrace.

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

“33 1/3,” in its world premiere at Dobama, is a work in progress.  It will be interesting to see what, if any changes the authors make as the piece moves forward.  You might want to see it here, so you can say “I saw it in its infancy.” 

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

Mark Horning

All shows during their evolution have needed shortening, the inserting of a block buster song as well as a song to illustrate the main character’s desires. This is what this show could use. While this staging is “nice” it needs more biting comedy, a stronger story and a hit song or two all in a shortened time frame. 

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

RAGTIME THE MUSICAL @ Cain Park

June 13-30, 2019
216-371-3000 
or http://cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

Cain Park’s exquisitely pared down ‘Ragtime’ finds the core humanity that drives this musical.

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

“Ragtime” tells an important tale that needs to be seen and heard.   Except for an over-enthusiastic orchestra and some audio balance problems, this production does the script justice.  It’s well worth the sit!

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

Laura Kennelly

The swiftly-moving Ragtime: The Musical, now at Cain Park’s Alma Theater, gives a musical snapshot of early 1900s in New York City. Based on E. L. Doctorow’s fine and dramatic novel with the same name, it features book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The Cain Park production,  directed by Joanna May Cullinan, pays appropriate homage to the classic America-as-melting-pot narrative (at least to the New York City, East Coast  version).

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

MAN OF LA MANCHA @ Porthouse

Through June 29, 2019

(330) 672-3884
Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s gorgeous ‘Man of La Mancha’ inspires tilting at windmills.

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
 

Terri Kent’s soul of humanness and Martin Céspedes’s creativity and visual perception are stamped all over this captivating production.  It is a “Man of La Mancha” for the 2019s.   It’s a musical drama which has an important story to tell.  GO!  Experience theater at is finest!

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

Kerry Clawson

At Porthouse Theatre, Fabio Polanco expertly takes on one of the most dramatic musical theater roles of all time — Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote in a swashbuckling, romantic and bittersweet performance of “Man of La Mancha.” Director Terri Kent’s cast of 21 is thoroughly invested in this world of the old nobleman gone mad who has dubbed himself the errant knight Don Quixote and set out with his squire, Sancho Panza (Timothy Culver).

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


Mark Horning

Any show that can make a weather weary audience forget about the rain outside with a two and a half hour theatrical vacation knows how to do it right. This updated version of a Broadway classic is must see summer theater. Grab a rain coat and make your way to Porthouse Theatre.

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

DEAR EVAN HANSEN @ Connor Palace (Key Bank Broadway Series)

June 11-30, 2019

216-241-6000 
or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The sobbing you hear underscoring the production of “Dear Evan Hansen” – currently on tour and on stage at Playhouse Square after being recognized as the best musical on Broadway in 2017 – is coming from both sides of the proscenium.  It is the sound of actors lost in their astoundingly honest and gut-wrenching depiction of people in pain and the audience’s gut-response to it.

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

“Dear Evan Hansen” is a mesmerizing evening of contemporary musical theatre.  Complete with pop-contemporary music sounds, complete with art songs and narrative story-telling tunes, and a relevant story line, it is one of the finest examples of the new wave of musical dramas.  Don’t go expecting show-stoppers and an escapist plot, this is life as it is being lived, with all its angst and issues.  The touring production is excellent and is an absolutely must see!!  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The blockbuster “Dear Evan Hansen” starts out as a sad, intimate musical about crippling social anxiety and isolation but ends up turning into something quite different.  At the helm of this brilliant show, now on national tour at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, is astounding 21-year-old actor Ben Levi Ross, who is a bundle of raw nerves and emotion as the teenage title character. He makes us love Evan Hansen — nervous tics, lies and all — with his character’s self-deprecating humor and sweet heart.

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

Howard Gollop

But this is not some sort of intimate studio production; this is a big Broadway musical. Cue the talents of lighting designer Japhy Weideman and set designer David Korins, who have created the perfect world of smartphone images and piercing illuminations where such a story as this can blossom majestically. Michael Greif’s direction molds the labyrinth of ideas, words, songs and images into graspable cohesion, But back to Levenson’s book — so original and compelling, the audience has no idea by the end of the first act how it could end with an accessible, agreeable conclusion. Yet it does end — more satisfyingly than imagined — and the characters and the audience are all the better for it.

Laura Kennelly

Overheard on the way out of the Connor Palace Theatre: “This show would be great for psychologists.” The show? The long-awaited Dear Evan Hansen. multiple award winner, including a 2017 Tony for  Best Musical.  Directed by Michael Greif, with book by Steven Levenson, score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the musical explores alienation, family dynamics and chance. Greif, surely a master of unhappiness, offers a sad and serious look at life for several teens and two sets of parents. It should come as no surprise to learn that he also directed Rent and Next to Normal. The characters and the subtext (modern life can be pretty awful, but there’s hope for us all) echo a similar perspective.

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

Andrea Simakis

This isn't a show out to corner a narrow tween/teen market.  "Dear Evan Hansen" is for everyone who has ever felt lost and broken and unloved.  That's part of its irrestible, universal appeal!

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

MAMMA MIA @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through June 23, 2019

(216) 771-5862

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

Bob Abelman

Mercury offers an infectious but undistinguished ‘Mamma Mia!’

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

KING LEAR @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through June 30, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck Center offers a well-acted but ill-conceived ‘King Lear.’  

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

With its bare bones set and costuming in this 100 seat theater you are in for an intimate and totally immersing experience of Shakespeare as you rarely see it. The only way to make it more compelling would be to assign lines to the audience members. This is truly one of the best cast and most vivid productions of this outstanding drama. Buy a ticket and be amazed.

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


Laura Kennelly

Shakespeare’s King Lear shines with fresh light in this subtle and brilliant Beck Center production. Director  Eric Schmiedl has created a new view of this familiar classic by ditching frills, fancy  costumes and elaborate sets. It’s nothing like the King Lear you might have been forced to read in school (of course, if you liked it then, never mind this sentence.)

For the full review see King Lear.

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