Waitress @ Playhouse Square

Through June 26, 2022

 https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/waitress-2

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

If you haven’t seen WAITRESS before, go see this staging.  If you have seen WAITRESS before, go see this staging.  Except for the sound system issues, WAITRESS is a fine theatrical experience.   In spite of that, go see this show!!

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

Howard Gollop

This version triumphs in a more intimate production that sacrifices none of the Broadway panache, but delivers a more human-scale tour-de-force that's rare on the stages of touring houses.

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

Sheri Gross

WAITRESS is one of those shows that everyone should see; a musical comedy about serious issues.  We laugh with, we even laugh at, but are never trivialized.  It is a show that renews our belief in happy endings.  And with a story that tugs at the heartstrings, a fabulous cast and a winning score.

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

Mark Horning

Flour...Sugar...Butter...Flour...Sugar...Butter and of course Love. These are the ingredients that go into making a great pie and Love makes everything special including this show. Take someone special to see it and afterwards go out for some pie. 

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

Chris Howey

"Waitress" is a delightful offering, stuffed with engaging songs and a few outstanding performances. Heck, even the scene changes as created by the original director Diane Paulus are worth half the price of admission.

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

Laura Kennelly

Sara Bareilles’ hit musical Waitress has returned to Playhouse Square for an extended run in the close confines of the Hanna Theatre. The show is based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly with a book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Diane Paulus.

In this case, “a new look” does not mean improved.

The Hanna’s thrust stage has been removed and the theater’s excellent acoustical properties are buried under amplification. The vocalists and the compact onstage band, conducted by Lilli Wosk, often overwhelmed the space. What is usually an advantage in the Hanna (proximity of every seat to the stage) has become a liability.

The storyline has shifted to a caricature of the original’s “feel-good” small town vibe. Yes, we do sympathize with waitress Jenna (Stephanie Torns) who suffers in her marriage to abusive loser Earl (Brad Standley). Torns’ attractive Jenna belts out Bareilles’ quirky songs about the pies, pies created to fit every occasion. The titles offer an ongoing commentary on Jenna’s life: “Big Guy Strawberry Pie,” “I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby Pie,” “I Hate My Husband Pie,” and “Pregnant, Miserable, Self-Pitying Loser Pie.”

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

Joey Morona

"Waitress" isn't a groundbreaking musical nor is it the gradnspectacle of other Boradway fare thatr passses through Playhouse Square. Instead, staged in a smaller theater, it's an intimate experience that will leave you feeling happy, hopeful and maybe a little bit hungry.

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

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE @ Beck Center

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

May 27-June 26, 2022

 

Roy Berko
 

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE had the potential to be a hoot of an evening. As is, it didn’t have the pizzazz to be either a fun drag show, or an escapist comedy.  The poorly conceived costumes and wigs, the lack of the needed quick pacing, and the overly long production (almost two hours without break), left too much to be desired!  Too bad…in these days of angst…a fun escape would have been nice.

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

Howard Gollop

It's a slight comedy by Mathew Lopez, but with the right talent and direction, it works. 

One reason is Matt Gittins as Elvis/Georgia. It's an underwritten role, but Gittins musters so much power and nuance, the character -- and his drag characters -- come to life.

He and his co-star Jason Eno as Miss Tracy Mills may not be true drag queens, but with the help of Veranda L'Ni as "director of drag" and Eric Schmiedl as the plain old regular director, they light the stage on fire as well as turn up the heat of a potentially lukewarm play.

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

Mark Horning

While a great concept, the show lacks in writing pizzazz. The humor could have been punch up a lot more as the idea was ripe with potential. Add to this the costuming, endless set blackout changes, and long intermissionless two hours it made for a long evening. Of course, the audience the evening I saw it loved and hooted and cheered through the entire show so don’t take my word for it.   

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

Chris Howey

It's a frothy and frequently amusing one-act that, even at a butt-numbing two hours, manages to hold one's attention.  However, a couple creative decisions and some inherent limitations in the script put a crimp in the generally excellent work turned in by the five-person cast. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Show business can surprise aspiring performers. Now playing in the Beck Center’s Studio Theater, The Legend of Georgia McBride lightheartedly sketches one man’s unanticipated route to success. Written by Matthew Lopez and directed by Eric Schmiedl, the show allows for plenty of laughs thanks to a small and appealing cast.

For the full review, read Laura Kennelly's review at Cool Cleveland here

Log Cabin @ Convergence-Continuum

Through June 11, 2022

https://www.convergence-continuum.org/ 

(216) 687-0074

 

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

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

A superb cast can only take a show so far and this gay sitcom of a play is a perfect example. It tries to shock an educated audience but the controversy is long gone. See it for the superb acting abilities of the cast if for nothing else.

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.

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

 

Enemy of the People @ Rubber City Theatre

Through May 21, 2022

https://www.rubbercitytheatre.com/

(234) 252-0272

 

Kerry Clawson

Rubber City Theatre's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" is a chilling modern-day version that sets this battle of right vs. might in a Trump-era, mid-sized Rust-Belt city.

... The play, performed without intermission and directed by Lana Sugarman, is highly thought-provoking. The problem is, the quality of the acting is inconsistent among four of the eight cast members.

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for an underground hero that makes good kind of show...forget it. This play is a real downer. In this tale of greed at all expense the bad guys win, the good guys lose and innocent people may get sick and die as a result. It is a raw story right out of today’s headlines and a cautionary tale of what continues to happen since 1882 when the play was first written. No sugar coating on this one but more a strong taste of bitter salt. Good 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.

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

 

Venus In Fur @ None Too Fragile

Through May 28, 2022

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/

(330) 962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

At surface level, the play "Venus in Fur" sounds like one kinky show.

The two-person play, which opened this weekend at None Too Fragile Theatre in its Akron premiere, tells the story of Thomas, a director desperate to find an actress to play the female lead in his adaptation of the erotic 1870 novel "Venus in Furs." An equally desperate actress shows up to audition but she's all wrong for the part.

Or is she?

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

Mark Horning

When the gods come to earth in order to take on a pet project anything can happen and usually does. What looks like a simple reading of a play based on a naughty book turns into much more as power shifts from one to another. This is great 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.

Kate Klotzbach

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

Same Time, Next Year @ Clague Playhouse

Through May 29, 2022

http://www.clagueplayhouse.org

(440) 331-0403

 WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater 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.

Mark Horning

Some plays were born to be placed in small intimate theaters and “Same Time, Next Year” is a perfect fit for Clague Playhouse. It is a delightful story with naughty undertones that touches your heart while giving you a history lesson of the 50s through 70s. Come feel the love!

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

American Moor @ Karamu

Through May 29, 2022

https://www.karamuhouse.org/

(216) 795-7077

 

Roy Berko

For anyone who wants to experience a performance that balances dynamism and lyricism with amazing skill, AMERICAN MOOR is a must-see."   This is a sensational night of theatre.  Bravo!!!!

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

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

It is refreshing to get a fresh interpretation of the Black situation as it applies to the theater and art. Words written over 400 years ago by Shakespeare come back to ring true in these days of struggle and Black Lives Matter. This show is a melding of classical and contemporary ideas flowing together that will fascinate all who go to see it. Be amazed.

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

Chris Howey

"Indeed, "American Moor" slings some decent Shakespeare, and is a play you should probably see more than once, to get the full effect. But one viewing is absolutely mandatory."

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

THE THREE MUSKETEERS @ Cleveland Play House

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

ALLEN THEATRE

Through May 22, 2022

Tickets:  clevelandplayhouse.com

 

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Why do you want to see this play? It is an old story with a new twist in casting and costuming. It is a timeless classic that everyone should see in some form. The acting tries hard to stay out of the way of the action and the fight scenes are real enough to convince. In a phrase...All For One…

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

Chris Howey

"It all ends, predictably enough, with the time-honored catch phrase of The Three Musketeers, "All for one and one for all." And while this production will not linger long in your memory, it tries so hard to please you may not be able to resist it."

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.

Joey Morona

THE THREE MUSKETEERS is updated with modern sensibility, a diverse cast and plenty of action.

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

 

Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS @ Great Lakes Theater

Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS

April 29-May 22, 2022

216-241-6000 or www.greatlakestheater.org

 

Roy Berko

Having seen superb productions of THE 39 STEPS in London and Canada, the level was high for my attending the show at GLT.  Unfortunately, though the local staging is adequate, it was not all that the staging of the clever script can be.  The pacing was much too slow and the absurdity too controlled.  Audiences not aware of what could be may be delighted by the Jaclyn Miller directed show.  Those in the know will probably be disappointed.

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

Sheri Gross

The Great Lakes Theater production of “The 39 Steps” is more than a typical farce; it is a blast! And it is a toss up as to who is having the most fun…the audience or the cast. You will delight in the comedic spectacle, get caught up in the spoofy melodrama, you might even find yourself practicing your best Scottish brogue on your way home. Ultimately, you will enjoy a night of feel-good entertainment, which is something that we all deserve.

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

Mark Horning

A true comedy farce requires that the silliness builds up to a highly nearly unsustainable level with that peak then being held true to the end. While this show comes close, the hick-up in the second act unfortunately takes the wind out of the sails. It is a good show in search of greatness that some fine tuning might help. Still, it is great fun and worth the price of the ticket.

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

Laura Kennelly

Fans seeking farce, Alfred Hitchcock drama and spy adventures should not miss the Great Lakes Theater’s Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps currently playing at the Hanna Theatre. Directed by Jaclyn Miller, the play is packed with spirited fun and satiric frivolity. It is delightful from start to finish.

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

Kate Klotzbach

... the production is not just a whodunit, but a what-is-it wrapped in a shroud of puns, illusions, and spy gags. The evil laughs are well placed, and the shtick is as campy as a Monty Python sketch on its 12th cup of coffee.

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