SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO AND JULIET @ convergence continuum

August 30-September 21, 2019
216-687-0074 or www.convergence-continuum

Roy Berko

Though the cast puts out full effort, con-con’s “Shakespeare’s R&J” is Bard-light, leaving a lot on the page. 

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

LOBBY HERO @ BLANK CANVAS

Through September 7, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

“Lobby Hero” is a well-conceived script that gets a superior production at Blank Canvas.

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

Mark Horning

Blank Canvas does a wonderful job when producing musicals in their living room size stage area using ingenious steps and risers combinations. That flat stage area seems bigger but unfortunately the production itself is small. 

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

WOODY'S ORDER! @ none too fragile

August 16-31, 2019
330-962-5547 or nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

None Too Fragile starts off its tenure in its new Akron theatrical home with a must see production!

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

THE NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE LION KING @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through September 1, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘The Lion King’ time-worn but still spectacular.

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


 If you have not seen the stage version of “The Lion King” do it now!  Due to the complicated technical aspects, and exceptional puppets and costumes, no community theatre is going to be able to duplicate the production qualities.  Besides, these are difficult roles to sing, dance and act.  It takes professionals to pull it off.  Go!  Enjoy!  But, maybe leave the young and more sensitive kids at home.


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


Howard Gollop

Fortunately, there are enough theatrical diversions and visual flourishes to render an overall enjoyable evening, not the least of which is the choreography by Garth Fagan. A Joffrey Ballet-style dance of lioness hunters is most striking, although, for some reason, this tour offers a truncated rendition of the show's biggest hit, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," which originally featured a Cirque du Soleil style interlude.

But nothing tops that opening vista of the African animal kingdom -- an atmospheric triumph of set design by Richard Hudson and lighting design by Donald Holder -- paying homage to the title star of the show. The opening also pays tribute to one of the greatest Broadway talents of contemporary Broadway -- director and puppet master Julie Taymor.

Mark Horning

This is a show that will easily sell out throughout its next performances so get your tickets quickly. It is a totally immersive theater experience that will take your breath away. It has it all: grandeur, spectacle, comedy, tragedy, sound, music, dancing, puppets and great performances. This show is age appropriate for age ten and up but may be too dark and sensory intense for younger children. 

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