FULLY COMMITTED @ Beck Center for the Arts

FULLY COMMITTED

November 13-29 (run extended)

Roy Berko

A funny one-man show, Fully Committed, which leaves the viewer exhausted from Koester’s near frenetic un-hinged tour-de-force performance. It is a wonderful way to spend an hour getting away from pandemic stress and the world of angst.  

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

Laura Kennelly

A good treat for a night in. No driving in the snow or rain, no parking problems, and no schedule problems either because each ticket offers a generous window to see the show. I’d suggest viewers settle down in a comfy spot, preferably with a favorite dish and a favorite drink before they dial up the Beck Center’s virtual production of Fully Committed.

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

SPRING AWAKENING @ Baldwin Wallace

Roy Berko

Victoria Bussert and her BWU crew and cast avoided, as one of the songs from “SPRING AWAKENING” states, being “Totally Fucked” and took on the Covid-19 challenge, developing a thought-provoking production which turned out to be the first collegiate pandemic production of the script and further recognition of the college’s program.  Bravo!

 

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

Laura Kennelly

An impressive and ingenious example of “the show must go on.” Bravo to BW, but I can’t wait until next year when I hope life will be normal. I miss the magic of being in the room when it happens.

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

Andrea Simakis

(https://www.americantheatre.org/2020/11/16/masked-and-raging-ohio-students-make-a-spring-awakening/)

 

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE'S "THE LOUSH SISTERS PAY PER VIEW (BUFFER THIS!)"

December 2, 3, 10, 11, 17, 19, 2020 | 8:00pm (ET)

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

 

Roy Berko

Separated by a pane of plastic to protect themselves from spreading Covid, the Loush sisters referred to their sexual antics and skills, referred to the political and social world around them, sang with vitality, and tried to take their viewers on an escape from reality.  Part of it worked, part didn’t, but the duo can’t be accused of holding back.

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

Mark Horning

For us veterans who have sat through previous offerings this may be a time to hope that this is the sister’s swan song. The reveal that this show was in trouble was when the number showing how many viewers were watching began to shrink as the show went on. If you feel that in your heart you wish to support local theater by purchasing a ticket of two that would be very noble. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review hhttps://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/cleveland-public-theatre-keeps-the-home-fires-burning-with-zoomere.

THE COMPETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through August 9, 2020

(330) 673-8761
Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

 Roy Berko

No review yet.

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

Kerry Clawson

Laughter is the best antidote to our worries and woes, and Ohio Shakespeare Festival is sharing loads of mirth at the Akron area’s first live play in four months with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised],” a carefully socially distanced outdoor performance at Stan Hywet.

Opening night Friday was a momentous occasion for the performing arts as local theatergoers attended the first live stage production since coronavirus shuttered theaters in March. 

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

Howard Gollop

No review yet.

Mark Horning

Here is your chance to support local theater, have a safe and entertaining evening out (remember those) and catch a little culture while having a rollicking good time either at the live performance or online in the safety of your abode.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/2020/08/08/Ohio-Shakespeare-Festival-proves-that-the-show-must-go-on-%E2%80%98in-spite-of%E2%80%99

Chris Howey

No review yet.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

No review yet.

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

Andrea Simakis

No review yet.

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

 

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND AFRAID @ SEAT OF THE PANTS ENSEMBLE

Through March 15, 2020

https://seatofthepants.org/ensemble

Roy Berko

“WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND AFRAID” gets a superb production, with high quality direction and acting, thus making it a perfect vehicle to “celebrate” the issues of womanhood in this era of angst.  It is a production well worth experiencing!

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

Kerry Clawson

In Sarah Treem’s “When We Were Young and Unafraid,” a play produced by Seat of the Pants, she brings together four women who are working to carve out their own identities, independent of men, in 1972.

The drama, which the company is presenting at Aurora Community Theatre, features an awesome quartet of talented local actresses, joined by one actor. Star actress Derdriu Ring is relentlessly fierce as Agnes, who runs her own bed-and-breakfast on an island off Seattle.

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

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

KINDERTRANSPORT @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Due to the illness of Dorothy Silver the reviews of this show are being held until March 13!

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

DANCE NATION @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

 Though the Dobama production is well conceived, the language, over-wrought angst and dramatic structure render is probably not a play for everyone.  It’s worth going to observe the talented cast.

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


Mark Horning

This show can be described as a bumpy ride at best. Between scenes of high intensity the pace shifts down to nearly a crawl then ramps back up for more intense high jinks. Fans of Roller Coasters will love it. In a word...it is a fierce 100 minutes of non-stop theater.

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

Andrea Simakis

The production exerts the power of a spell, able to strip away the year, taking you back to when you were 13 and thought you'd die if the thing you want more the anything isn't happen.

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

BREAKOUT SESSION (OR FROGOSRSE) @ Cleveland Public Theatre

February 22-March 14, 2020

216-631-2727 or go on line to http://www.cptonline.org/

Roy Berko

“BREAKOUT SESSION (OR FROGORSE)” has an important purpose with lofty goals.  Unfortunately, the play’s format and subject development does not satisfy the need to truly explain, “something is not working, people” and teach the “Bias Bubble”reality.

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

SLEUTH @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 8, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

“SLEUTH” should be an enjoyable delight for theater-goers.  Go!  See!  Enjoy! (But don’t tell anyone the secret of the cast, the gun shots or the ending!)

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

Mark Horning

If you are someone who likes to investigate what goes bump in the night and enjoy a great murder mystery comedy with a madcap ring to it this is must see theater for you. This show will leave you guessing right up to the end. Boo!

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

Chris Howey

The stock-in-trade for Great Lakes Theater is evocative language, whether by Shakespeare or other theatrical luminaries. And this play, even while getting awfully gimpy in the knees, still has enough rich wordplay to make for a dandy evening.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Howard Gollop

A one-trick-pony whodunit such as "Sleuth," which has been making the rounds on screen and stage for decades, would seem a tired choice for a regional theater. So it's a testement to playwright Anthony Shaffer and the cast and crew of Great Lakes Theater that "Sleuth," under the muscular direction of Charles Fee, remains so compelling in 2020 -- even if we have long known who did it.

Complete article appears in Elyira Chronice Telegram

Laura Kennelly

There’s mystery afoot in the engaging Great Lakes Theatre production of Sleuth at the Hanna Theatre. Director Charles Fee and the talented cast create a tour de force of acting chops. These players show what acting is all about as they create a maddening, confusing world, and then, having done so, plunge us all into its surprising adventures.

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

SCOTTSBORO BOYS @ Beck Center (Baldwin Wallace/Beck co-production)

February 7-23, 2020

216-521-2540
 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

“THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS” is a powerful piece of historical theatre whose message must be heard, especially in these days of the continuance and rise of racial and religious prejudice.  The Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program production itself was inconsistent in its overall effect, but is still a staging worth seeing. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Beck Center for the Arts and Baldwin Wallace have joined forces for a bold and devastating show, “The Scottsboro Boys,” in the Ohio premiere of this stark, historically-based musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb.

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

Mark Horning

You can bill this show as an intense historic drama played out through the most nocuous manner possible (i.e. a Minstrel Show) that illustrates the truths and pathos far better than any other manner could. It is a show that will leave you angry about racial inequality but wiser with the final scene bringing it all home. 

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

Chris Howey

This fascinating piece is about a deadly serious Depression-era event that added fuel to the black civil rights movement in the 1960s. 

Howard Gollop

If nothing else, the Beck Center for the Arts and the Baldwin-Wallace musical theater program deserve accolades for at last bringing this criminally neglected decade-old musical to Northeast Ohio.  It not only marks the final collaboration of John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, it majestically and ingeniously unfolds a chapter of Black American history that gave birth to the civil rights movement.

Then again, this production of "Scottsboro Boys" -- conceived in the style of a classic minstrel show -- deserves so much more adulations for its sheer talent -- magnificently helmed by choreographer-director Jon Martinez.

Complete article appears in Elyria Chronicle Telegram

Laura Kennelly

Brilliant and daring. The latest Baldwin Wallace University/Beck Center collaborative production, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s The Scottsboro Boys, directed and choreographed by Jon Martinez, provides a stunning (albeit starkly condensed) musical sketch of a real event.

To see a full review of this show, go to Scottsboro Boys or read Laura's post at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

It's a swift, sometimes beautiful, often brutal ride---entertaining and horrifying all at once.

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

HEROES @ CLAGUE PLAYHOUSE

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved list, members of the Circle who attend a community or educational theater production that is perceived as of high quality will have the option of listing that production on the CCC blogsite.  This review falls into that category.

Through February 9, 2020

(440) 331-0403

www.clagueplayhouse.org

Mark Horning

 For those theater goers who wish to see three excellent actors working off of each other this is a must see show. Volumes of dialog are replaced with subtle yet knowing inflections that only years of being on local stages can create. It is nuance theater at its best. 

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

ON CLOVER ROAD @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 15, 2020

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

The thriller “On Clover Road” is such a harrowing roller coaster ride, audience members could get whiplash from all of its twists and turns.

It’s playwright Steven Dietz’s first thriller ever, now being produced in a highly intense local premiere that grabs you by the throat at None Too Fragile Theatre at the Coach House. For its first offering of the 2020 season, the small professional theater has knocked it out of the park with this extreme story.

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

Chris Howey

"It grabs you by the throat in the first line and doesn't let go." We've all heard someone say that about a book, a movie or play. And sometimes, it's even true. 

Well, it's true in this case. The play is On Clover Road, and don't be misled by the bland title. This work by playwright Steven Dietz doesn't waste a second or a breath as it plunges the audience into a world of surprises that all occur in a seedy room in an apparently abandoned motel. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF ANASTASIA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

There is an adage in theatre that after seeing a musical one should not leave talking sets and costumes.  In the case of the touring company of “ANASTASA” however, that’s exactly what the audience was doing.  Yes, this is not a great musical.  The plot is obvious and the music pleasant, not memorable.   However, the production values are outstanding and the cast excellent, so, all in all, what we have is a pleasant, if not spectacular,  evening of theatre.

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

Kerry Clawson

“Anastasia” is a visually stunning musical whose tale has an epic sweep. But for much of the first act, its momentum felt a bit slow Wednesday night at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

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

Howard Gollop

Luckily, the sets and costumes add color and nuance to a production that could use more of both. At the very least, one would think a veteran director named Darko Tresnjak (for real) could imbue his cast with an authentic Eastern European aura.

No such luck. Although the show is nevertheless engaging and expensive-looking, particularly for a national tour,  it's about as Russian as St. Petersburg, Fla. 

Mark Horning

What we have is the usual collection of pleasant but hardly memorable songs, a predictable story line combined with an excellent cast and spectacular stage set and video projections that add depth. In short this is a show worth venturing out into the cold and weather to see. It is indeed a very nice way to spend an evening at the theater.

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Laura Kennelly

Bottom Line: Anastasia is a light, enjoyable musical that offers a new take on the rags-to-riches motif. It’s a perfect winter treat. The national touring company does a bang-up job of bringing Broadway to Cleveland. (And yes, Cleveland was mentioned in the dialogue — but I bet a different town is named at the next stop — we all laughed anyway.)

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

IF/THEN @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

January 31-February 16, 2020

440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Roy Berko

IF/THEN has a wonderful score.  Too bad somewhere in the show’s development, the confusing plot and excessive length weren’t dealt with. 

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

Chris Howey

The saving graces in this production are that it is directed by Martin Friedman, a man whose plays always pulse with humanity, and that it stars Sandra Emerick, a woman who knows how to act a song while doing full justice to its musicality. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

SASSY MAMAS @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

This show is absolutely hilarious in its concept and execution as three “hot mamas” seek out young companionship in this total role reversal. It is a laugh fest supreme that will have you feeling good all the way home. 

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

Chris Howey

Sassy Mamas, Celeste Bedford Walker's naughty and frolicsome comedy is making its return engagement at Karamu House. In this iteration, the cast is flying even higher on the sexual octane pumped out by the playwright, as three career women "of a certain age" in the same condo building explore their libidos with younger studs. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

CLUE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

If entertainment is your theatrical pleasure, head to the Cleveland Play House where the finely directed and performed “CLUE” is a must see!

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

Kerry Clawson

The new comedy “Clue” is campy, manic fun at Cleveland Play House, a world premiere stage adaptation of the classic Hasbro board game and 1985 Paramount film.

It’s a murder mystery but it’s all done tongue-in-cheek, from the dark and stormy sound effects to the sexy French maid (Elisabeth Yancey as Yvette) to the farcical way the main characters run around the Boddy Manor, where the 1954 story is set.

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

Howard Gollop

The result is not so much a droll evening of double-entendres and dry asides as it is a slapstick riot --right out of a Milton Berle or Sid Ceasar TV skit, which is quite apropos considering the comedy's 1956 timeframe. Indeed, the Play House audience members may feel like they are in a 1950s "Your Show of Shows" studio as well.

Mark Horning

When’s the last time you had a really good laugh? Say no more and come see the lightning quick barbs being flung about in the Cleveland Play House production of Clue now showing in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square. It will leave you guessing and laughing at the same time.

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

Chris Howey

In truth, this Clue is essentially dinner theater without the dinner. If farce is supposed to be indulgent, the dessert course of all stage offerings, this production isn't exactly a chocolate-glazed Boston Cream Whoopie Pie. But it is a tasty little fruit compote.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Clue: A New Comedy, now at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre, mixes outstanding acting, scenery and a classic board game to combine mystery and farce. Everyone needs a laugh in February and Clue fills the bill. Based on the 1985 film of the same name, this adaptation by playwright Sandy Rustin includes additional materials written by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. This Cleveland Play House production is in development for a national tour of Clue in 2021.

There’s a body in the Boddy Mansion. Who did it? Six colorful, yet clueless guests wrestle with this question after first thinking their only problem was why they were invited. The butler, the maid and the cook also seem confused. When the authorities arrive, they too are flummoxed. And to be truthful, those audience members who think they can see clearly who the murderer is (everyone knows the saying about the butler, don’t they?) may also find themselves confused.

The only thing that’s certain is that it’s a dark night, and a storm is brewing, as frequent lightning reminds us.

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

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

SKELETON CREW @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through February 16, 2020

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Mark Horning

This is no Pollyanna rainbows and ribbons production but a stark dose of reality about the decline of America’s manufacturing might as portrayed by the survivors who held on until the last. In spite of the grim details there is still a faint breath of hope in the end.

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

INTIMATE APPAREL @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 16, 2020

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

“Intimate Apparel” is a well-honed script which gets a superior production under the adept direction of Sarah May.  This is a play well-worth seeing!

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

Mark Horning

This is a superbly crafted play populated by actors who really care about the people they portray and have put in long hours and experience to become their various roles. This is a work that regular theater goers will relish and newcomers will have a high bar set for future plays that they will visit.

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

Chris Howey

Director Domingue is a perfect match for this material, employing her effusive energy and proven storytelling skills to create a powerful ensemble performance while attending to the larger themes. To wit: We are all like Shanita, in a way, relying on the steady "background music" of our lives to provide a sense of stability. And when we sense that music is about to waver, or stop completely, it is terrifying. That is why we go on, because there is no other way to keep the music playing.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

JERSEY BOYS THE STORY OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

Connor Palace

January 21-26, 2020

Roy Berko

JERSEY BOYS fanatics and newbies will all have a wonderful time at this revival of a revival.  Oh, yes, “Oh, What a Night.”  You’ll be “Beggin’” to “Stay” for another curtain call!  You’ll leave clapping, singing and dancing down the aisle. 

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

Chris Howey
No review yet

THE ILLUSIONISTS LIVE FROM BROADWAY

Connor Palace

January 7-11, 2020

216-241-6000 or go to www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

Capsule judgment:  Though many aspects of the show were very entertaining, the over-all effect was under-whelming.  It seemed in many segments, that the cast has done these same tricks over and over, and were on automatic pilot.   

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