Monday, June 20, 2022

ELLIOT & ME



Chagrin Falls Little Theatre

June 9-June 25, 2022

 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 blog site.  This review falls into that category.


Roy Berko

ELLIOT & Me is a “hamisha” (warm/comfortable) show that makes for an enjoyable evening of theatre.  It’s the kind of script that could be comfortably performed by community theatres and maybe even off-Broadway.


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


Sunday, June 19, 2022

Little Shop Of Horror @ Porthouse Theatre



Through July 2, 2022
https://www.kent.edu/porthouse/little-shop-horrors
(330) 672-3884

 

Roy Berko

Porthouse’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is well directed by Terri Kent, creatively choreographed by Martin Cespedes, and musically on-key by Jennifer Korecki and her musicians.  Audiences should enjoy themselves with the spirited production, but may return home and get rid of their house plants.

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

Kerry Clawson

For a really campy treat, head to Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls for the famously fun, comedy sci-fi musical "Little Shop of Horrors." 

The musical, which kicks of Porthouse Theatre's 54th season, features a tight cast of nine including Kent State University students, recent grads and other professionals. It's a colorful celebration of the horror musical as well as early rock, doo-wop and Motown, based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman and Charles Griffith.

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

Sheri Gross

Scary-licious sci-fi meets paranormal pop/rock in Porthouse Theatre’s horror musical comedy, “”Little Shop of Horrors,” and while it may make you second guess purchasing a venus flytrap anytime soon, the show will definitely have you bopping in your seats. 

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

Mark Horning

Porthouse Theatre has a long established tradition of far more hits than misses and their current production proves the point. It is a pleasant way to spend an evening with a picnic supper on the spacious grounds followed by a well produced and entertaining musical. Come see what all the fuss is about. You will be glad you did.

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

Chris Howey

PLet's face it, if you haven't seen "Little Shop of Horrors" by now (or even actually been in it) since it's been a perennial favorite of school, college and community theater groups for several decades, then you really have to call someone to remove the rock you've been living under. Surprise, it's 2022 and we're still humming along to this musical version of the cult eponymous cult flick. It features the Mushnik florist shop employees—schlub Seymour and fetching Audrey—along with the carnivorous botanical monstrosity dubbed Audrey II by love-smitten Seymour.

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

Friday, June 17, 2022

The Fantasticks @ Near West Theatre

 


June 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 2022
(216) 961-6391

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

At long last, Near West Theatre is able to stage small intimate productions in their brand new 70+ seat Black Box Theatre. This will allow them to broaden their horizons even further as people once again venture out to see live entertainment. Their first production “The Fantasticks” is a nice fit to their plans. Chances are this limited dates production (only five more shows) will sell out in a hurry so get your tickets fast.

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


Sunday, June 12, 2022

SCHOOL OF ROCK @ Cain Park




SCHOOL OF ROCK
June 9-26, 2022

 

Roy Berko

SCHOOL OF ROCK is a fun-filled show with a nice moral message. The Cain Park production is well-directed and performed. The music rocks.  The cast entertains.  It’s the kind of show that audiences love.   

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

Chris Howey


If you want take children you know to a show, you should bring them down into the leafy environs of Cain Park and experience "School of Rock." It's not perfect and sure, it's predictable. But thanks to the skills of director Joanna May Cullinan and band conductor Bradley Wyner, "School" is family friendly with just enough sly winks. And when it comes to conveying joy, this show shreds.


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


 

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Playhouse Square Touring Production of My Fair Lady


Through June 26, 2022
https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/my-fair-lady-22 
(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

MY FAIR LADY has deservedly been called "the perfect musical" and the Lincoln Center revival did nothing but increase the respect level. The touring company, may not be up to the New York performance level, but it is a visual and production delight.  It is well-worth a trip to Playhouse Square!

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

Howard Gollop

Yes, as the number ("Get Me to the Church on Time") magically grows chorus members, the dancing girls somehow fade away and in come drag queens for a raucous can-can. We are in "Moulin Rouge" territory now.

I don't think Shaw would have ever imagined this when "Pygmalion" opened in London in 1913, but 109 years later, audiences less and less can imagine or appreciate what life was really like in the author's day, which would make a more faithful adaptation all that more "loverly."

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

Sheri Gross

Yes, this play is three hours long, but don’t let that scare you away. This updated version of “My Fair Lady,” under the impeccable direction of Bartlett Sher, with its beloved score by Lerner and Leowe, and its exceptional cast led by Ahmed and Mackintosh, is an important piece of classic theater that demands to be seen. In fact, you may walk out of the theater singing to yourselves, “I could have watched all night…and still have begged for more.” 

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

Mark Horning

This is a show that will totally enthrall all who see it. From the over the top grand stage sets with descending Opera House front, Higgin’s spinning multi-room home with spacious study, Alfred’s neighborhood pub, Higgin’s outdoor street, Ascot (with the sound of horses racing from left to right), and the Grand Ballroom at the Embassy, the costuming, the singing, the orchestra...I could go on and on. In short, see this show and be bedazzled. You will be humming songs all the way back to the car.

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

Chris Howey

Some have dubbed "My Fair Lady" the "perfect musical" since it is not the kind of sappy "moon-June" romance that gets stale over the decades. Thanks to Alan Jay Lerner's witty book and lyrics, Frederick Lowe's lush score, and Sher's spot-on direction, this production rises to the top. And it does so without a traditional love story, a comedy lead, or de rigeur kickass dance numbers for a chorus of 40, "My Fair Lady" is simply a delight for all the senses, right down to the perfect downbeat ending.


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

Laura Kennelly

Although My Fair Lady is over 60 years old, she is not showing her age. Director Bartlett Sher has kept the glamour and modernized the emphasis without changing a word in Playhouse Square’s latest touring show. Yes, Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) still create theater magic....

Caution: If you are expecting a rom-com, you are bound to be disappointed, especially in this subtly modernized version. Ahmed’s Eliza is brilliant, hard-working, and — when the role demands it — gorgeous and charming, but there are no romantic vibes between her and her instructor. It does not matter, it is a wonderful show and if you go home and think Higgins and Eliza are made for each other? Well, anything is possible in fantasy land.

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

Zachary Lewis

Superb cast and lavish visuals come together in lavish production of "My Fair Lady" at Playhouse Square.

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