"The Choir of Man" @ Playhouse Square

Extended Through September 18, 2021

(216) 241-6000 https://www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

It isn’t Frozen, The Lion King, or Hamilton, which some local theater-goers might have preferred to re-open the theatres of Playhouse Square, but The Choir of Men is an evening of emotional song and dance, and a perfect selection to reopen Playhouse Square. The response has been so positive that the run has been extended until July 25.

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

Kerry Clawson

The unbridled joy in "The Choir of Man" is the kind of therapeutic show we all need as theatergoers finally start to come together again.

The celebratory concert-style show, set in a working onstage pub at Playhouse Square's Mimi Ohio Theatre, has the distinction of being the first tour in the United States since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020. Yes, it's come to Northeast Ohio. And it's the first live show at Playhouse Square in 15 months. 

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

Howard Gollop

Rather than Emerald-aisle exotica, the aura of the Mimi Ohio Theater stage for this pop/folk-rock cover revue is more spiritually connected to virtually any bar down the block in Northeast Ohio. Most of the true evocations of Irish musical lore are dispensed with in the pre-show riffing, where the tightly-clothed, youngish castmembers (20s through 30s) flirt with the audience members while literally serving them beer -- a practice that delightfully continues throughout the regular performance.”

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

Mark Horning

This is just the medicine that Cleveland needs to bring it out of its doldrums. It is at the same time rowdy, brassy, bold, sentimental, heartfelt and poignant or as those who have traveled to the Emerald Isle would know, a typical night at an Irish pub. 

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

Chris Howey

The degree to which you love The Choir of Man may depend on your tolerance for high volume singing of power ballads, testosterone-fueled dancing, and over-used swiveling concert spotlights that frequently bathe and momentarily blind the audience.

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

Kate Klotzbach

There is no big plot line. There are no story resolutions. You will not have to consult CliffsNotes to interpret anything that happens in this production. The Choir of Man is simple, pure, unadulterated bliss presented with honest elation. It is the show that says, "The worst has passed: let's gather safely and enjoy life again!" CHEERS!

To see a full review of this show, read Kate Klotzbach's Reivew at https://kateklotzbach.com/

"Quilters" @ Porthouse Theatre

June 17the through July 3, 2021

(330) 672-3884 https://www.kent.edu/porthouse

 

Roy Berko

QUILTERS, which could be dubbed Quilters 101, is not only a workshop of the role of material and sewing in the early days of this country, but a history lesson of the experiences of the women who helped settle the Midwest.  Don't expect big chorus numbers or show stoppers, or to come out humming the score.  This is just a pleasant slice of old-time life and makes for a nice way to spend a summer evening and the return of live theater.

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

Kerry Clawson

"Quilters" is a beautiful little musical that celebrates the perseverance, love and relationships of pioneer women, now playing at Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls.

The show's opening night, which played to a house about 80% full, was a joyous occasion marking the return of live theater to the summer venue after a pandemic hiatus last summer.

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

Mark Horning

Live theater is finally back and none too soon. Porthouse has chosen a pertinent musical that we can all relate to after the many months of isolation that we experienced. It is an uplifting message of hope that we all need to hear right now.

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

Chris Howey

Even though the material shows some mismatched rows and wavy borders, there's plenty of comfort to be had in the stories of these hardy women.

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