NEVILLE'S ISLAND@NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through December 21, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

"Neville’s Island” is kind of like “Lord of the Flies,” the middle-aged version. In this comedy, playwright Tim Firth explores how quickly human beings’ sanity can devolve when fear and panic start to take over.

Sean Derry directs an excellent cast of four men at None Too Fragile in this British show, which premiered in Scarborough, England, in 1992, moved to the West End in 1994 and made its North American premiere in 1996 in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The play, which offers an incisive look into the human condition through four very different personalities, is written by the same man who co-wrote the films “Calendar Girls” and “Kinky Boots.”

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

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE @ Theatre in the Circle

Judson Mannor--1890 East 107th Street--Cleveland

216-282-9424 or theatreinthecircle.com

Roy Berko

If you are a fan of the movie “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” you will like Theatre in the Circle’s stage version. Go knowing that it’s the same overly sentimental and hokey tale set to music.  It’s a nice break from the usual holiday shows that are repeated over and over at some local theatres.  

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

SHE KILLS MONSTERS@OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through December 22, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

This play about teens and young adults has a script with some truly juvenile dialogue, including crude language from teen characters playing fantasy roles. That could play as comical, but I wasn’t feeling any big belly laughs at Sunday’s show. “She Kills Monsters,” which premiered Off-Off Broadway, may just be too much of a niche show that appeals mainly to D&D lovers. ... Fight director Ryan Zarecki has choreographed fight after fight in this show as the team must slay several “bosses” to find the lost soul of Athens, Ohio. There’s quite a bit of floor work but too often, female warriors look like they’re lying and waiting for their next fight cue.

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

BLACK NATIVITY@KARAMU

Through December 29, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

CONSTELLATIONS@CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through December 21, 2019

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

“CONSTELLATIONS” is one of con-con’s best stagings.  It combines a well-conceived script, superb acting and well-focused directing.  It’s a must-see experience!

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

A CHRISTMAS STORY@CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through December 23, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Mark Horning

There is no greater gift during this holiday time than to share the magic of theater with the entire family. Although a familiar story this production is a wonderful way to share time together and relax during this sometimes hectic season. Bring the entire family for an evening of warmth and delight.

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

YIPPEE KI-YAY MERRY CHRISTMAS@BLANK CANVAS

Through December 21, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Mark Horning

Tickets will be die-hard to come by as the show winds down its December run with the final performance scheduled for Saturday, December 21^st. If your looking for a really well done Christmas parody this one will blow you away.   

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

SHREK, THE MUSICAL@THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through January 5, 2020

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Howard Gollop

“Shrek” is clever enough in a "Rocky & Bullwinkle" sort of way. But it could hardly sustain an unstable production suffering all the trappings of -- to put it politely -- less-than-Broadway regional theater trappings.  Not to worry at the Beck Center.

Mark Horning

If your looking for a change from holiday theater fare that the entire family will love, this is a must see show. It literally has something for everyone with its great cast, awesome costuming, timely message of inclusion and lively songs. It’s a dream come true for the holiday season.

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

2019 CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE THEATER AWARDS

The Cleveland Critics Circle each year honors local theaters, performances, writers, performers and technicians of plays staged by Cleveland area professional theaters during the January 1-December 31 2019 year.

Award Committee Voters: Roy Berko, Kerry Clawson, Howard Gollop, Mark Horning, Laura Kennelly and Andrea Simakis.  Participation in these awards does not preclude individual critics from preparing their own recognitions.

Those recognized for Superior Achievement are listed alphabetically, not by order of achievement.

Best Musical Production  

ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Honorable Mention:

KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas  

MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best Non-Musical Production

TWO, none-too-fragile

Honorable Mention:

AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

BY THE BOG OF CATS, Ensemble

HAMLET, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

INTO THE BREECHES, Cleveland Play House

STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

            

Best Actor – Musical

Fabio Polanco, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

           Honorable Mention

Alex Syiek, THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Jake Slater, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Patrick Ciamacco, THE TOXIC AVENGER, Blank Canvas

Scott Esposito, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas

            

Best Actors – Non-Musical

David Peacock, TWO, none-too-fragile

Robert Hawkes, KING LEAR, Beck

           Honorable Mention

Alex Brightwell, EVERY BRILLIANT THING, Cleveland Play House

Christopher M. Bohan, GLENGARRY, GLEN ROSS, Beck Center

Kieron Cindric, HOMOS OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA, convergence-continuum

Best Actress – Musical  

Nicole Sumlin, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Beck Center

            Honorable Mention

            Jillian Kates, THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater.

            Kelsey Brown, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre 

Program

            Mary-Francis R. Miller, AIDA, Karamu

Best Actress – Non-Musical  

Tarah Flanagan, AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Amy Fritsche, THE PINELOPIAD, Ensemble

Derdriu Ring, TWO, none-too-fragile

Laura Perotta, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

Tess Burgler, HAMLET, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Rising Stars

            Male 

            Jake Spencer, RAGTIME, Cain Park

            Female

            Calista Zajac, NETHER, Dobama

            

Best Director – Musical

Victoria Bussert, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre

           Honorable Mention

Patrick Ciamacco, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Blank Canvas

Terri Kent, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Victoria Bussert, MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best Director – Non-Musical

Nathan Motta, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

           Honorable Mention

Robert Barry Fleming, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Sara Brunner, JULIUS CAESAR, Great Lakes Theater

Sean Derry, TWO, none-too-fragile

Tarah Flanagan and Andrew Carlson, AN ILIAD, Cleveland Play House

Best Choreographer

Martin Céspedes, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Honorable Mention

           Gregory Daniels, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Imani Jackson, RAGTIME, Cain Park

Martin Cespedes, MATILDA, Beck

Best Musical Direction  

Mathew Webb, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

           Honorable Mention

Ed Ridley, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Beck Center

James Barry, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Great Lakes Theater

Jonathan Swoboda, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Best Scenic Design  

Arnulfo Maldonado, TINY HOUSES, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Jason Ardizzone-West, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Jordan Janota, ONCE, Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program

Richard H. Morris, Jr., PARADISE BLUE, Karamu

            

Best Lighting Design

Rick Martin, JULIUS CAESAR, Great Lakes Theater

           Honorable Mention

Michael Boll, NATIVE GARDENS, Cleveland Play House

Cynthia Stillings, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Porthouse

Ian Hinz THE PENELOPIAD, Ensemble

Best Projection Design

Katherine Freer, PIPELINE, Cleveland Play House

           Honorable Mention

Benjamin Gantose, RASTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

T. Paul Lowry, AIDA, Karamu

T. Paul Lowry, NETHER, Dobama

Trad Burns and Jason Taylor, MATILDA, Beck Center

            

Best Costume Design

Angela Calin, INTO THE BREECHES, Cleveland Play House

            Honorable Mention

            Leah Piehl, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Great Lakes Theater

            Inda Blatch-Geib, AIDA, Karamu

Best Sound Design

Mathew Webb, JULIUS CAESER, Great Lakes Theater

           Honorable Mention

Patrick Ciamacco, LOBBY HERO, Blank Canvas

Richard Ingraham, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, Dobama

Best Touring Production  

THE BAND’S VISIT, Key Bank Broadway Series

Best New Play by a Local Playwright

Lisa Langford, RUSTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

            Honorable Mention

            THE HAT BOX, Eric Coble

            LIVE BODIES FOR SALE, Christopher Johnson

Best Ensemble in a Musical:  

ONCE, BW/Beck

           Honorable Mention

MAN OF LAMANCHA, Porthouse

AIDA, Karamu

THE MUSIC MAN, Great Lakes Theater

Best World Premiere in The Cleveland Area: 

RUSTUS AND HATTIE, Cleveland Public Theatre

            Honorable Mention

            LIVE BODIES FOR SALE, Playwrights Local

 MAID MARION: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

TINY HOUSES, Cleveland Play House

Special Mention: 

Co-production of THE IMPACT OF SHUFFLE ALONG by Karamu and The Musical Theater Project for placing a spotlight on the story of the first all African American written, produced and performed hit Broadway musical

None too fragile…for finding a permanent home

Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program for producing the national Collegiate Premiere of KINKY BOOTS

Cleveland Public Theatre’s Teatro Publico de Cleveland and Y-Haven Theater for giving a voice to minority performers and playwrights

Scott Campbell for his original music and lyrics in the world premiere of Sarah Coon's MAID MARION: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC, Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Fight director Ryan Zarecki for the exceptional stage combat in HAMLET at Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Eva Rose Scholz-Carlson, for her original cello compositions and performance in AN ILLIAD, Cleveland Play House

THE OLD MAN AND THE MOON @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through January 5, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Dobama’s “OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON” creates a world which will enchant many and confound others.  In order to truly participate in the experience, you must combine your inner curious child and let loose of your inhibitions and expectations of the format for traditional theater.  It’s worth seeing if just to immerse yourself in experiencing what “non-traditional” theatre can be, realizing that this is not theater for everyone, especially children.

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


Mark Horning

With a rambling story line and bit confusing conclusion this extended version of the original production could use a bit of red penciling to trim off some of the fat. An earlier start time would also draw in more parents with children.

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

Andrea Simakis

Dobama Theatre’s ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’ takes aim at family-friendly magic, but misses the mark

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF MEAN GIRLS @ THE CONNOR PALACE THEATRE

Theough December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“MEAN GIRLS” is filled with music, characters and Tina Fey-satire that will appeal to audiences.”  Go, see, enjoy, but don’t expect “DEAR EVAN HANSEN” or “FAR FROM AWAY” greatness.

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

Kerry Clawson

“Mean Girls” is a humorous musical about teens behaving badly. But it’s not the comedic perfection that the 2004 teen film was.

The national tour of the musical, adapted from Tina Fey’s movie with a book by Fey, music by husband Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, has a lot of likable elements. They just don’t all come together on stage in as sharply satirical fashion as the subversive movie did.

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


Howard Gollop

Does the entertainment world really need another go-round of a teen outsider navigating the trials and tribulations of high-school life and its social-cliques hierarchy? Well, if that go-round has the wit and heart of "Saturday Night Live" legend Tina Fey, why not?

Mark Horning

If high school had been this much fun many of us would never have left. This high energy show dazzles with brilliant choreography, great singing numbers and superb acting. It is a moral tale of redemption and acceptance that should be required viewing by all high school age children and their parents. See if you can spot yourself among the cast.

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


Laura Kennelly

It’s not Carrie or Heathers (no one ends up dead, although someone does get hit by a bus), but it is definitely one of those “high school is hell for girls” musicals that teaches a lesson about how to treat others (which is, “as you would like to be treated,” of course).

On the good side, the large cast skillfully executes the dance routines.

One of the most striking elements in Mean Girls was not the music (routine pop, nothing special), but the video design by Finn Ross and Adam Young. Projections on the set behind the actors made the show fresh, reminding us where we were (Africa, the high school, their homes, and so on), and letting us “see” the cruel comments written over students’ pictures that cause big trouble.

Bottom Line: There are funny moments, the cast is good, but the story has, overall, been done over and over. Yes, we know growing up is hard, but get over it. (I feel like a mean girl now, but there’s something about this show that brings out the snark.)

See full review at artstillmatters.com
or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.