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.