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.