Cinderella @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

December 2-12, 2021

Kerry Clawson

For Ohio Shakespeare Festival's production of "Cinderella," forget the preconceived notions about this girl being the princessy type.

In this production of the musical, Maya Nicholson's Cinderella feels much more like a real girl, one who isn't necessarily the picture of grace during the big reveal for her ballgown, but who jumps up and down with joy when it happens. And that makes the moment all the more exciting for folks in the audience.

In this Akron company's production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, the Fairy Godmother is a tattooed badass who, rather than looking typically fairy-like, appears mythological and sings with throaty alto power.

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

 

BLACK NATIVITY @ KARAMUThrough December 23, 2021

Through December 23, 2021

(216) 795-7077

https://www.karamuhouse.org/

 

Mark Horning

Somebody say Amen! That is exactly what you will say and how you will feel once you have witnessed the Karamu production of “Black Nativity”. This is a hand clapping joyous shout of celebration that must not be missed. It is a sure cure for the winter blahs. Come be saved!

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

WICKED @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

December 8 through 22, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events

Howard Gollop

This production is a cut above the previous tour that came through Cleveland a few years back. But even in a lesser effort, "Wicked" remains the kind of celebration pre-teen girls (and older women) can savor. Only this time, the magic may transcend into a much broader appreciation.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross

The talent-filled production of Wicked at Playhouse Square has all the “wow” we need to fill our hearts, stir our souls, and open our eyes to the need for tolerance, understanding, and the importance of digging below the surface. That, along with the magic of theater,  just may change us…for good. 

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

This is the type of musical extravaganza that Broadway is famous for and well worth the ticket. All of the elements come together for this extraordinary example of Great White Way Huzzah. Wicked will put your entire family under its spell.

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

Kate Klotzbach

The show is packed full of memorable songs performed by a very gifted cast... The design elements of WICKED are also noteworthy, with Susan Hilferty’s costumes taking the prize for their eye-catching color and detail. Lights, sound, set, and other technical aspects capture the spirit of Oz and the magic that is within... To sum up: WICKED is worth it. The rich story, striking songs, talented-laden vocals, and top-notch design elements make this production one to see.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona

Nearly two decades after it premiered on Broadway, it’s easy to see why “Wicked” remains one of the most successful musicals of all time.

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

CABARET @ BLANK CANVAS

Through December 18, 2021 

(440) 941-0458

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/cabaret/

Sheri Gross

Director Patrick Ciamacco unpacks everything “Cabaret” has to offer, taking us on an entertaining, albeit unsettling journey. The misstep is the show’s ending, which suffers from a case of shock value, overshadowing the message. This is not the familiar ending from the US revival but aligns with the London revival, and in this space goes too far. If this were the preferred ending, it should not have been followed up with an upbeat curtain call, which seemed jarringly out of place.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Tired of the strain of the holidays with all of its rushing around? Take a much needed break at The Kit Kat Club where you can unwind and forget about life for awhile. This cautionary tale about life in 1930s Germany during the rise of fascism is at once entertaining and enlightening. Right this way, your table’s waiting.

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

Kate Klotzbach

"Welcome to Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub, where you can forget all of your worries! The outside has no hold on you while you are in this place full of music, dancing, and love! This remount of the 2016 BCT production beckons you to come in, sit down, and be entertained."

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY WAY @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through December 18, 2021

(216) 687-0074

https://convergencecontinuum.ticketleap.com/

 

Roy Berko

The topic of THE 20^TH CENTURY WAY, if, not the play’s production, should please con-con regulars.  The theme is intriguing and spotlights an important moment in US history that led to many bad laws being passed, gay men being persecuted and prosecuted, and great angst.  It took a late 20^th century Supreme Court decision to undue the horror.

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

Mark Horning

Fans of Con-Con will love this quirky fast moving acting romp. It will also be a delight for actors who love watching challenging rolls unfold on stage. Some people will leave having not gotten what the play is all about while others will knowingly nod in understanding. This is black box theater of a higher level.

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

Kate Klotzbach

“You can’t be charged for being something, only for doing something.” And thus spins the carousel known as The 20th Century Way, a two-person play running audiences in circles of “morality.”

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

ELF THE MUSICAL @ BECK CNETER FOR THE ARTS

Through January 2, 2022

(216) 521-2540 x10 

https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/elf

 Roy Berko

Beck’s ELF lacks the farcical quality and creativity of the movie on which it is based.  Part of the problem is the poor quality of the script.  The rest is the lack of creativity in the staging.   It may be a pleasant sit for some, but for others it will be a quickly forgettable experience.  

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

Mark Horning

This show reminds me of a certain holiday recipe; sweet potatoes, marshmallows and walnuts. It’s overly sweet, a bit gooey and a little nutty yet tons of this concoction are devoured every Thanksgiving and Christmas. With all of the seats in the theater being filled night after night who am I to argue with logic like that?

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

LIGHT IT UP! @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through December 22, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2021/light-it-up

Roy Berko

CPH presents a holly-jolly musical for holiday cheer.  

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

Mark Horning

Especially this year we all need a little extra Christmas cheer and this musical extravaganza is just the ticket. “Light It Up!” is the perfect family friendly show that will appeal to all ages. Come spend an enjoyable evening in Tinselville with this wonderful collection of holiday characters. 

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

Kate Klotzbach

This enjoyable 90-minute show (no intermission) by Jason Michael Webb and Lelund Durond Thompson is a bit of wholesome fun that will uplift the spirit. Director and choreographer Christopher Windom has successfully brought together both new and classic melodies with the energy of the talented performers to produce a unique, one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

A Christmas Carol @ Great Lakes Theater

Through December 23, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

Kate Klotzbach

Originally adapted and directed by Gerald Freedman, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a story that shows the worst of humanity, and how the light of shock realization can spark an empathetic fire in even the coldest and deadest of hearts. The overarching message of this piece is one of optimism – that empathy can open eyes and hearts, and (in Scrooge’s case) also wallets. Compassion and understanding create a flood of feelings, showing that family and friends are the greatest treasures of all, and for that we can all say, “God bless us, every one!”

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING @ Ceser's Forum

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING

Kennedy's Down Under/Playhouse Square

Playing through December 11, 2020

Tickets:  https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/joan-didions-the-year-of-magical-thinking 

or 330-405-3045

 

Chris Howey

“A shattering yet thoroughly entertaining journey, this 110-minute one-act is a demanding acting challenge, and fortunately longtime Cesear's Forum actor Julia Kolibab is more than equal to the task.

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

INTO THE WOODS @ Baldwin Wallace University

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.

INTO THE WOODS

Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Program

November 10-21, 2021

www.bw.edu/tickets or 440-826-2369 

Roy Berko

Sprightly, fresh, well done, all involving INTO THE WOODS is a must see!

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

Mark Horning

The Baldwin Wallace University Music Theater Program’s production of Stephan Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” is a Broadway worthy performance that along with the fun carries a serious moral lesson. It is a technically complex show with some of the most challenging songs put forth in a Broadway musical and each one done to perfection. We welcome you back to the stage BWU. Well done!

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

Laura Kennelly

Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s split personality take on wishes (and why, perhaps, they should not come true), opened last week at Baldwin Wallace University’s Mainstage Theatre in Kleist Center for Art & Drama in Berea. There will be a repeat performances November 17 to 21. Once again, director Victoria Bussert reminds us why Sondheim’s name is legend in musical theater. The all-student cast (it is double cast with alternating performances each night; I saw the Prince cast on November 10) kept the story moving and the tunes flowing.

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

ETHAN CLAYMORE @ 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 December 5, 2021

www.clagueplayhouse.org  

(440) 331-0403

Mark Horning

Reminiscent of the Hallmark Television series this gentle story is a nice escape from the craziness that seems to build as the holidays approach. It is a light touch of heart, holiday cheer, romance and rectification that will warm your heart like a cup of hot coco.

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

THE PROM @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 21, 2021

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/the-prom

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

THE PROM is an old-fashioned musical which tells a contemporary tale with a moral.  The touring company gives a fresh, dynamic, fun and tune-filled performance that delighted the audience and got a well-deserved standing ovation.  Applause, Applause!

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

Kerry Clawson

"The Prom," whose first national tour opened at Playhouse Square's Connor Palace Wednesday, is an irrepressibly joyful story about love and acceptance that's for everyone.

This big, old fashioned style musical, which follows the misguided attempts of four Broadway stars to get good publicity by helping a lesbian high schooler in Indiana who's banned from going to the prom, ... advocates dialogue, understanding and love in place of hate, fear and bigotry.

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

Howard Gollop

But with the new national tour that opened this week at the Connor Palace Theater, audiences get a chance to step back into the magic of live theater, where breaking out into classic Broadway showbizy numbers and occasional wink-wink pastiches (crafty music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin) are joyously involving rather than obvious and obligatory.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sherri Gross

The opening number, "Changing Lives" sets the tone for a fast-paced comic romp with lessons that will be taught, but not preached.   

Sherri Gross's reviews appear in the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

This show is what Broadway is all about. It is a fast moving larger than life representation of current events with music and dance taking it to the entertaining outer limits. While a scant few patrons will be offended by the lesbian themed story line, thousands more will leap to their feet and cheer during the final curtain call. If you are a fan of traditional Broadway musicals you must see this show. 

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

Laura Kennelly

The Prom, a light-hearted tribute to high school social life, recent Broadway musicals, and narcissists, opened its national tour last week at Connor Palace. Layered with song, satire, do-gooding and allusions to hit musicals, this 2019 Drama Desk Award winner seems a perfect choice to re-open a new post-pandemic (we hope) season.

But back to The Prom. It’s a layer cake, a pastiche (in the best sense of the term), that is, a deliciously satiric mix of fun and music. And so, it’s not surprising that The Prom’s director and choreographer, Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, already has two hit musicals (Aladdin and Mean Girls). The Prom both celebrates and references Broadway shows and fans may love identifying familiar plot and character developments. I did.

See full review at THEATER REVIEW: “The Prom” @ Playhouse Square by Laura Kennelly | CoolCleveland

Or see Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach

Whether you’re bringing a date or are going stag, attending the national tour of The Prom at Playhouse Square will give you a night to remember. The show is not deep, it is not a “thinker” of a piece, nor does it have the most super-catchy songs that will stay with audiences forever. But it’s a light in the dark of our COVID world, and it’s worth seeing whether you arrive with or without a corsage in hand.

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

WHERE DID WE SIT ON THE BUS? @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

October 23-November 14, 2021

www.clevelandplayhouse.com 

(216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

WHERE DID WE SIT ON THE BUS tells the angst of being Latino and gay in modern day America.  The CPH production, due to the play’s format and staging, is somewhat frustrating.  Since the piece, according to the author, was intended to be a collection of original poems and songs, it might work best in a concert format, where the huge Allen stage would not have to be traversed and the attention would be just on the performer and the relevant material.

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

Mark Horning

This show is a riveting musical and poetic solitary journey of a young gay Latino woman determined to find her place in the world and in America. Along with being inspirational it is a plea for America to reexamine our immigration policies that have gone from being compassionate to political with the last administration.  

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

Chris Howey

"Where Did We Sit On The Bus?" is theatrical delight with a big and boisterous heart.

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

"Airness" @ Dobama Theatre

Through November 21, 2021

https://www.dobama.org/airness

(216) 932-3396

Roy Berko

AIRNESS is a fine play to attend if you are feeling angst and need an escape.  Though much of the air guitar playing could have been more dynamic and involving, the message of the author stands out. 

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

Sherri Gross

If you are suppressing an inner rock star that wants to be unleashed, or if you consider yourself a "groupie" of the great rock bands of the '70s, '80s or '90s, or if you want to escape the conventions of everyday life and carve out a comfortable niche with the like-minded, self-proclaimed nerds who understand the "the whole impetus of air guitar is world peace," then your safe space is a Dobama Theatre.

Sherri Gross's reviews appear in the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

This is a show for those with eclectic tastes. Some attendees will scream and shout throughout the performance while others will sit quietly and nod their heads and still others will walk out scratching their heads. It is simply where your head is at the time.

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

Chris Howey

Airness is the kind of show that deserves and needs a raucous audience that can shriek, stomp and scream at every jump, slide and gyration. That's when this show will truly discover its own "airness."

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

 

"The Tempest" @ Great Lakes Theatre

Through November 7, 2021

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-5490

 

Roy Berko

THE TEMPEST is not one of Shakespeare’s great plays, but, with the right production it can make for a positive classical theater experience.  Multi-award-winning Director Sara Bruner, who is a master of staging the Bard, unfortunately was not up to her usual superb level in guiding this production.

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

Mark Horning

Although all of the lines of the play are in Middle English there is no difficulty in understanding what is happening on stage as the combination of spoken word and physical effectuation makes it easy to follow the action. This is a delightful production that dazzles the senses and tickles the funny bone. Come see Shakespeare as it was first designed to be viewed.

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

Laura Kennelly

Bring on enchantment, feuding families and romance! Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Great Lakes’ Hanna Theatre in Playhouse Square welcomes live audiences for the first time since the 2020 Big Shutdown.

Director Sara Bruner and her merry crew create a fitting celebration in this lively presentation of (what may be) the last play Shakespeare wrote alone — and, perhaps consequently, one that falls into poetry and senior philosophy at the expense of plot. But who cares? With beautiful speeches like Prospero’s meditative lines —”We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep” — it’s easy to look inward and at the islands we find our lives lived on today.

To see a full review of this show, read  here or posts at Cool Cleveland.

"The Butcher of Baraboo" @ None Too Fragile

Through October 30, 2021

www.nonetoofragile.com 

(330) 962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

In "The Butcher of Baraboo," every character has deadly impulses inside them, which we see in sporadic flashes paired with an ever-loopy humor.

In this character-driven work, all five characters are highly memorable, including Jen Klika's sadly contained Valerie; Anne McEvoy's mess of a town sheriff; Kelly Strand's wild pharmacist Midge; Doug Sutherland's controlling Donald and Mary Werntz's desperate Sevenly.

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

Mark Horning

If you are a fan of intimate in your face no holds barred theater then this might be your cup of strong coffee. This tale of love, deceit, drugs and blood and has more twists than a doubly bent corkscrew. Well worth the short drive down to Akron.

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

Miss Holmes @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through October 24, 2021

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/miss-holmes

(330) 574-2537

 

Kerry Clawson

The mystery has some twists, of course. But the most satisfying part is watching the friendship and respect grow between Watson and Holmes. As Miss Holmes points out to Watson early in the show, their work as detective and doctor isn't so different: "I observe. I deduce. I investigate. I diagnose. I prescribe." 

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

Mark Horning

Rather than a WHODUNIT this is more of a WHY’DTHEYDOIT with a flimsy plot, bad voice projection, terrible British accents and being overly long to boot. This is a play in desperate need of a make over. 

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

 

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" @ Karamu House

Through October 31, 2021

https://www.karamuhouse.org/

 216-795-7070

Roy Berko

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is a well-written, well-performed play, that grabs and holds the attention.  The author, August Wilson, as is his usual manner, brings a strong spotlight onto the plight of the Black population in America.  This is a production well worth seeing!  (Side-note:  The theatre is chilly.  Be advised to bring along a sweater or jacket.) 

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

Mark Horning

For any educator wishing to explain the concept of Critical Race Theory they need go no further than to share the production of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” It is a microcosm of the American Black experience in the 20’s and for that matter much of history. The Karamu production of this epic play captures all of the tension, spirit and tragedy as originally intended.

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

"The Exonerated" @ The Beck Center For The Arts

November 7, 2021

(216) 521-2540 x10

https://beckcenter.na.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/1357

 

Roy Berko

THE EXONERATED has a strong and important message.  It is one that anyone interested in civil justice should hear.  The docu-drama methodology of one speech following another relayed the idea, but didn’t make for compelling theater.

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

Mark Horning

This “it could happen to anyone” drama should strike a nerve in anyone who views it. What the show lacks in visually appealing action it makes up for in content. Some will find it a bit of a yawn while others will be on the edge of their seats. It will depend on your perspective.

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

Laura Kennelly

The Exonerated, now playing at the Beck, offers an unexpectedly compelling look at the death penalty.

Why “unexpectedly?” Because director Colleen Longshaw skillfully avoids yelling at or lecturing to the audience. Written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, the docudrama presents true accounts of a half dozen wrongfully convicted individuals on death row. Listening to one speaker and then to the next, we learn about their lives, the crime they were convicted of, and the legal decisions that put them on death row. Given that execution cannot be undone and that eventually they were found innocent, their stories make a strong case for abolishing the death penalty.

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

 

The Lion King @ Playhouse Square

Through October 15, 2021

(216)241-6000

www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

With its stellar credentials one would expect the Playhouse Square’s production to be spectacular.  The sets, costumes, puppets, and special effects are.  Unfortunately, the quality performances and dynamics needed to make the performance shine, are often in short supply.  This is THE LION KING light…a gentle roar, compared to previous dynamic stagings.

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

Kerry Clawson

Seeing "The Lion King" at Playhouse Square is a shock to the senses, in the best sense of the phrase, after a bleak 18 months with no live musicals at indoor Northeast Ohio venues.

The awesomeness of it all was almost overwhelming on opening night Tuesday at Playhouse Square as the show's North American tour brought that jolt of in-person color, wonder, magic and excitement that we've all been starving for. What grander way to finally bring musicals back to Cleveland than with the most popular, most massive show on the planet?

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

Howard Gollop

There really is no other dramatic sustenance to draw upon other than the original Disney animated movie. Despite a handful of new songs and music by various artists and authentic African sources (plus a fleshed-out rendition of the 1961 pop classic "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"), the on-stage "Lion King" starts to wallow in a rather pallid script by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. But this time, the touring production, buffed up splendidly for a new post-Covid-19 lockdown tour schedule, seems to mitigate the show's pitfalls with exceptional precision and energy.

(For a full review go to https://chroniclet.com/news/277497/review-lion-king-returns-afresh-on-reopened-playhouse-square/ )

Mark Horning

Broadway is back in all its glory at Playhouse Square with the phenomenal “The Lion King” once more gracing the stage of the Keybank State Theatre. This is a show that dazzles with great music, dance, comedy and heart. 

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

Joey Morona

No matter how many times you’ve seen the show, it still elicits oohs and ahhs.

To read the entire review:  https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/10/broadway-is-back-in-a-big-way-at-playhouse-square-with-disneys-the-lion-king.html

The Afterparty @ Playhouse Square

Through September 29, 2021

(216) 241-6000

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/the-afterparty

 

Mark Horning

“The Afterparty” is far more than your ordinary concert. It is a jumpin’ good time for the performers as well as the audience members. The cast is quick to share a laugh and a drink (especially during the song “Tequilla”) and you will find yourself swept along for a wild ride of music, song and dance that will have you feeling all right. 

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

Broadway Bound @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through October 3, 2021

(216) 521-2521

beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

Serious with a humorous underbelly, Beck's BROADWAY BOUND is a perfect way to reenter the world of live theatre. The script is well written, the cast is outstanding, and except for the problems with the sound system, this is a special evening of theater.

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

Howard Gollop

But, once again, Austin Pendleton -- this time as the wily but cuddly commie with scatological one-liners -- dominates the show. His persona seems to be something of an elfin septuagenarian ragamuffin, and his almost chaotic delivery works as well here as it did when he starred as the destitute over-the-hill real estate salesman in Beck Center's "Glengarry Glen Ross."

Come to think of it, Pendleton is so right and original in this role, one might suspect it was his choice to put "Broadway Bound" on the Beck 2021-22 season in the first place. It's a feather in his cap, but Beck Center audiences reap the real benefit.

For the full review, link to 

https://chroniclet.com/news/275835/beck-center-veteran-austin-pendleton-returns-for-neil-simons-broadway-bound/

Mark Horning

One common factor that every one who sees this play will experience is the idea that it was written about their particular families. It is chock full of relatable experiences of people we have grown up with. While not as bone jarring as some productions it is more like sitting down to a dinner of comfort food and upon finishing the meal walking away very contented.

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

Laura Kennelly

Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound opened the 2021-2022 theater season September 10 in the Beck Center for the Arts. Directed by William Roudebush, and staged in the updated Senney Theater, the drama/comedy draws from the author’s life. The story veers from family dynamics (did dad wet the bed again?) to life’s mundane details (is the pot roast hot?) to Simon’s efforts to be a writer (will I ever make it big?). It’s not a spoiler to say that he succeeded (Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize, Broadway shows, hit films), but it’s possible that the first success illustrated here proved to be his most exciting one.

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

 

Oliver Parker! @ convergence -continuum

August 20-September 11, 2021

2438 Scranton Road, Cleveland (in Tremont) 

Roy Berko

One critic stated of OLIVER PARKER!, “Elizabeth Meriwether’s comedy combines the crass vulgarity that passes for wit in teen-aimed Hollywood movies with a well-worn stage cliché, the dark story of family dysfunction.”  I would add, “it gets a better production at Con-con than the script deserves.”

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

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here. 

Altar Boyz @ Porthouse Theatre

Through August 15, 2021

(330) 672-3884 

https://www.kent.edu/porthouse

 

Roy Berko

ALTAR BOYZ has a weak script and score, but in the hands of the competent Kent/Cespedes/Swoboda combo, the Porthouse production is more than the material deserves.  It’s worth the drive to the grounds at Blossom to see how to make a near “something” from a near “nothing.”

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

Kerry Clawson

It's a very silly musical with the slimmest of stories but, thanks to a talented cast, I enjoyed some laughs and am still humming some of the show's pop tunes from opening night Friday.

Yes, it's fluffy. And yes, it's cheesy — exactly what this satire of the popularity of both boy bands and Christian pop music set out to be when it premiered off-Broadway in 2005.

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

Mark Horning

On the plus side you have a lot of energy and some cute moments. On the down side there is the weak script, silly story lines and less than memorable songs. While the Sunday afternoon audience seemed enthusiastic in their applause some will see this show as not their cup of tea.

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.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

Romeo and Juliet at Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

Romeo and Juliet
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Various dates and sites.  For information go to:  https://www.cleveshakes.com

Mark Horning

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

Chris Howey

Romeo and Juliet are at it again in a thoroughly enjoyable outdoor production.

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.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Doe Nothing

Through August 8, 2021

(216) 521-2540 x10

https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/thisgirl

 

Roy Berko

This Girls Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing is advertised as family friendly.  The younger members of the audience on opening night were observed squirming and obviously not interested or understanding.  They were not alone.  In spite of a brilliant performance by Derdriu Ring, the obtuse tale did little to grab and hold the audience.

 

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.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Mark Horning

This coming of age saga is a lesson for all of us to grow into ourselves no matter how others perceive us or try to get us to change. Derdriu Ring masterfully handles the multiple roles without a single hick-up. 

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

Chris Howey

As produced at the Beck Center, the laborious and essentially inaccurate title--This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, and This Girl Does Nothing--is playwright Finegan Kruckmeyer's worst mistake, since his play exudes charm by the barrelful thanks to a clever script and an always engaging performance by Derdriu Ring.

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.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

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

 

Amélie The Musical @ Mercury Theatre Company

Through August 7, 2021

https://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org/ 

(216) 771-5862.

 

Roy Berko

AMELIE is the type of musical that some will find charming, others, like myself, will find it a lesser musical.  The show gets a very creditable production at Mercury Theatre.

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

Mark Horning

With a little bit of work on the technical side of things this could be a delightful summer theater outing. Hopefully, as the production moves forward it will evolve. I would also suggest reading the synopsis of the plot by googling Amélia The Musical and clicking on the Wikipedia offering.

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

Chris Howey

Amelie has a winning quality that leaves you smiling, even if during the middle of the show you're not exactly sure what you're smiling at. 

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Midsummer Night's Dream @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 22, 2021

(330) 574-2537 https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/midsummer

Kerry Clawson

A deluge put a stop to opening night of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" within just two scenes Friday at Stan Hywet's lagoon but that didn't keep me from going back to see all of Shakespeare's delicious comedy Saturday.

The hardy troupe of Ohio Shakespeare actors were awfully game Friday as they were sprinkled on on the outdoor stage during both the company's uproarious greenshow and the beginning of the beloved comedy. Early on, I felt bad for the actors whose backsides became wet after sitting on the sodden stage at various points. But when the rain turned into a downpour, director Tess Burgler called for a break and soon canceled the show.

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

Mark Horning

Come experience Shakespeare as it was meant to be seen (in the open air complete with bugs, bats and frogs). This production is a great way to introduce first time attendees of the Bard’s plays. Once they have experienced this live they will find themselves coming back over and over again.

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.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

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