TUCK EVERLASTING @ FRENCH CREEK THEATRE

Through August 4, 2019

(440) 949-5200

http://metroparks.cc/theatre

Bob Abelman

French Creek Theatre’s production proves that a good story told with a lot of heart can relate to audiences of all ages and withstand the test of time.

To see a full review of this show, by guest critic Gwen Kochur, go to: www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/culture/theater/

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: It’s always fun to see a well-directed, well-played professional theatre production: this is one. It’s suitable for all ages and the bleacher-style seats mean everyone can see everything. The show also may make you thankful that you cannot freeze your age and live forever.

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

THE MUSIC MAN @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through  August 11, 2019

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Is there a better time than now to escape to Meredith Willson’s musical comedy safe-haven of River City, Iowa in 1912?  And is there a better place to do it than at the Porthouse amphitheater, summer home of the Equity actor-enhanced productions of Kent State University’s musical theater program?

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 Music Man” is a staple of the American musical theatre genre.  It makes for a wonderful summer escape.  The Porthouse production is not without its flaws, but all in all, the end result is a pleasurable experience.

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

Mark Horning

Gather the family for an old fashion picnic on the spacious grounds surrounding Porthouse Theatre followed by a nostalgic journey to simpler times. You will leave the performance humming one of the many grand tunes in this nearly perfect show.

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

MATILDA @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through August 11, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Although I adore Roald Dahl’s darkly satirical children’s book, “Matilda,” I am not a fan of Dennis Kelly’s musical adaptation.  And yet there is much to love about the Beck Center for the Arts’ production of 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

“Matilda The Musical” is the kind of show that many will like, especially kids who have read the book.  Wonderful performances by the kids in the cast and creative choreography make the show a pleasant sit, in spite of not being able to understand much of the dialogue due to the poor sound system and English accents.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Everything’s colorfully off-kilter in Roald Dahl’s wacky worlds, from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to “Matilda,” whose musical version is bursting with subversive fun at Beck Center for the Arts. Under Scott Spence’s direction, the cast thoroughly embraces both the cartoonish and the dark humor in this fantastical tale of a gifted little girl who discovers she has the power of telekinesis.

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

Mark Horning

With it being summer and the kids out of school this could be an opportunity to expose the little ones to live musical theater. As long as you are not a stickler for being able to hear and understand each and every word you will be fine.

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

THE TOXIC AVENGER @ BLANK CANVAS

Though July 27, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

“The Toxic Avenger” isn’t great theater, but it is lots of fun for those inclined to enjoy the bizarre and are willing to laugh at the slapstick shticks that make this production a wonderful summer escape. 

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

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater lets its hair down and does it just for giggles. The Toxic Avenger is pure farce with some witty songs that reflects on environmental issues but does it very tongue in cheek. It will “Kick Your Ass.”

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

TOM AT THE FARM @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through August 3, 2019

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

“Tom at the Farm” fulfills the theatre’s mission of “expanding human imagination and extends the conventional boundaries of language, structure, space and performance.”  This is the kind of play with sexual overtones and the bizarre that turns on the typical con-con loyalist.  Overall, in spite of strong production, the play leaves us wanting since we don’t develop strong feelings of connection with any of the characters and the contrived nature of the plot.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF COME FROM AWAY @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through July 28, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

“Come From Away” whispers while so many other productions shout.

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

Roy Berko

“Come From Away” is a special musical that creatively tells a heart-wrenching story of compassion, caring and a display of the best of humanity with humor and pathos.  It makes for one of those special moments in the theater.  The touring production is beyond excellent and is an absolutely must see!!  

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

The story of “Come From Away” is one of such life-affirming kindness and caring, it’s a balm to behold on stage in these times of political ugliness. The North American tour of this beautiful musical, which tells the true stories of 7,000 passengers grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, played to a jubilant standing ovation Wednesday night at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square.

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

Howard Gollop

But the show is a lot smarter than at first perceived. The dramatic device of having cast members narrate a mosaic of vignettes as they pop in and out of colorful, emblematic and sometimes token roles is usually a hoary anti-dramatic device that could prove clunky, but here it works well, thanks to the precise direction of Christopher Ashley.

Mark Horning

If you are one of the many who wonder exactly where this country and the world is headed this is a must see show. The contrast of tragedy, drama and comedy are carefully blended with a story of unabashed charity as an example of what great people are capable of. It is a lesson we all need to relearn. Come for a performance that will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: Come From Away may even be perfect for skeptics who say they hate musicals because they judge them fake or too sentimental or too satirical or whatever. It’s none of those things. An unlikely subject for a musical? Probably, and yet, it’s a perfect mix of story and song that doesn’t wallow in tragedy or negative emotion. If you only go to one show this year, let it be this one.

To see a full review of this show see CoolCleveland.com or read Laura's blog at artstillmatters.com

 Andrea Simakis

'Come from Away'--powerful story of 9/11 that shows that life is comic and tragic all at once--resonates today.

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

CHAPLIN @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through July 21, 2019

(216) 771-5862

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

Bob Abelman

Mercury salvages a saccharine ‘Chaplin.’

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

TINTYPES @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through July 20, 2019

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Roy Berko

“Tintypes” is a musical revue which reminds of the desires, values and worth of immigrants.  It reinforces the idea of why the less fortunate of the world are willing to risk their very lives in their desire to live the American dream. In its own way, it highlights the present battle over immigration. 

 

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

 Kerry Clawson

“Tintypes” is a fast-paced, peppy musical revue at Porthouse Theatre. It celebrates the rapid change that took place in America between the 1870s and 1920. ... This musical attempts to cover a lot of historical territory, including the rapid industrialization, factory workers’ plight, politics and entertainment of the era. But there’s no story with a solid through line to bring us through that time period, so audiences experience snapshots of that history almost solely through music.

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

While the July 4^th holiday brings out a plethora of patriotic concerts and shows, Tintypes manages to strike a nice balance of contemporary and rousing martial music making for an extremely fine evening of family entertainment. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy at the spacious grounds surrounding the theater and prepare to go home feeling good.

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