"Newsies" @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through August 13, 2022

https://cvlt.org/events/newsies/

(440) 247-8955 12-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 

or two hours before curtain.

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. 

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

It never ceases to amaze when Chagrin Valley Little Theatre takes on a major production that fills their tiny stage. “Newsies” uses every single square inch of space and somehow does it without the actors bumping into each other. This show has its moments that make it worth the price of the ticket.

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.

 

TAMING OF THE SHREW

OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

July 7-August 14, 2022

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/shrew 

Kerry Clawson

... something's missing here because we don't feel the chemistry between her [Tess Burgler's] Petruchio and Katarina. After Petruchio goes through elaborate machinations to force Katarina to comply as his new wife, we're supposed to believe that a real spark develops between them by the end. But I wasn't feeling it. 

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

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

ANGRY FAGS at con-con

convergence-continuum

July 8-30, 2022

www.convergence-continuum.org 

Roy Berko

Con-cons cult audience will be pleased by the presence of lots of male partial nudity, a non-traditional story, and the gay theme.  Others will be intrigued by the author’s ability to lead down one path and throw a curveball into the action and then surprise with a startling ending.  All in all, even with some of the weak performances, this is a production worth seeing.

Howard Gollop

Right off the bat (which happens to be a murder weapon in this play) Convergence-Continuum should be thanked profusely for bringing more unique, unsettling and vital theatre to Cleveland. 

That being said, "Angry Fags" is not without problems. 

With a play that begins as "Boys in the  Band" and ends up as "Bonnie and Clyde" (albeit more perverse and dystopian), playwright Topher Payne  bites into a lot more political and philosophical meat than he can chew. 

Although quite earnest and intent, the nonprofessional cast might be in over their heads -- as is director Scott Zolkowski, although he's to be commended for navigating so well through a tight budget in an even tighter performance space. 

Despite its powerful moments, the production fails to remediate the discordant tonal problems of the script, much less hone in on the nuances (and humor) that would make underwritten characters compelling, or at least worth more empathy.

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

AIN'T TO PROUD--The Life and Times of The Temptations

Key Bank Broadway Series

Key Bank State Theatre

July 12-31, 2020

Roy Berko

It is always interesting, whether or not you are a fan of a person or a group, to see and hear their story in a juke box musical.  AIN’T TOO PROUD gives the viewer an inside view of how The Temptations were founded, developed and performed.  The touring show did the history proud.  If you love the Temptations, you’ll be on “Cloud Nine” and “Shout” about AIN’T TOO PROUD.  If not a fanatic, it is still worth seeing it. 

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

Kerry Clawson

"Ain't Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations" is pure excitement at the State Theatre at Playhouse Square.

The jukebox musical, which follows the Temptations' journey from their early days in Detroit to the top of the charts, features a mindboggling 31 hits by the Motown group and others.

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

Howard Gollop

Yes, the expected ups and downs of superstardom -- drugs, alcohol, womanizing, troubled marriages -- are all there, as are the trials and tribulations of navigating the 1960s, from the bigoted South to the turbulent North. Yet a sleek black-and-grey production design by Robert Brill, powerfully lit by Howell Binkley, nuanced direction by Des McAnuff and mesmerizingly accurate choreography by Sergio Trujillo keep the proceedings exciting and vital. 

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

Laura Kennelly

More a concert than a musical, the national tour production of Broadway’s “ain’t too proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, is rocking Playhouse Square through July 31. This lively production celebrates the R&B hits that made the ensemble popular from the 1960s until today. Directed by Des McAnuff, with a script by Dominique Morisseau, it features the Tony Award-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo with music and lyrics from the Legendary Motown Catalog 

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

Kate Klotzbach

The acting is believable, the dancing is entertaining, the costumes are slick, and the singing is off-the-charts with tight and powerful harmonies. This is not just a jukebox musical with no story, it is indeed "The Life and Times of the Temptations," a journey into the lives of an epically popular group that is a cornerstone of Motown history.

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

Joey Morona

With rousing songs (and less-so dialogue), 'Ain't Too Proud' takes us through group's highs and lows.

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

GODSPELL @ Porthouse

July 8-23, 2022

Tickets:  330-672-3884 or www.porthousetheatre.com

Roy Berko

A good production of GODSPELL can be a fine theatrical experience, whether you are or are not into the religious message.  Though the ending did not have the emotional effect that could be created, the Porthouse staging pleased the audience.

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

Kerry Clawson

Porthouse Theatre has a hit on its hands with its ultra-animated, fun-loving production of the classic musical "Godspell," featuring a highly talented cast of 10 at the outdoor summer theater adjacent to Blossom Music Center. 

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

Sheri Gross

This production of “Godspell” is filled with music that you want to sing, lessons that you want to think about, and talent that you want to applaud. So make sure to check the Blossom concert schedule and start out early to avoid traffic. You won’t want to miss a moment.  

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

Something Rotten @ Beck Center For The Arts

Through August 7, 2022

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

(216) 521-2540 X10

 Roy Berko

"SOMETHING ROTTEN" is a theatrical treat. This is an absolutely must see for anyone who loves musical theatre and/or wants to experience a wonderful evening of dance, song and side-splitting laughter. It is actually worthy of a standing ovation!)

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

Howard Gollop

Even the best regional theaters stretch their limits when it comes to mounting a big Broadway musical, usually the domain of the national tour circuit in Northeast Ohio. But Beck Center for the Arts stretches its talent (if not its budget) to new heights in its production of the relatively new Broadway hit "Something Rotten."

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

Sheri Gross

If you are no stranger to the show “Something Rotten,” you will want to make your way to Beck Center to see this particular rendition. And if you have never seen the show, get your tickets now, because we all need a good laugh these days, and this production is not only laugh-out-loud funny, but wonderfully campy, and full of frivolous fun!

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

Mark Horning

If you are weary of seeing the latest “Broadway Show Based On A Movie”, “Something Rotten” stands alone in its originality. It is truly laugh out loud funny. See how many Bard and Broadway references you can pick up out of the rapid fire delivery. Be prepared to be totally entertained.

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

Nothing is rotten about the Beck Center’s fast-moving summer offering, Something Rotten. An allusive feast, the musical, playing in the Senney Theater through August 7, makes snappy, satirical fun of literary icon William Shakespeare and his imagined rivals.

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