BREAKOUT SESSION (or frogorse)

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

October 27-November 12, 2022

216-631-2727 or http://www.cptonline.org

 Roy Berko

BREAKOUT SESSION (OR FROGORSE)” has an important purpose with lofty goals.  Unfortunately, the play’s format and development do not satisfy the need to truly explain, “something is not working, people” and teach the reality of the “Bias Bubble.”  I wish that the director had taken the comments from the first staging and made the necessary changes to make the follow-up performance more meaningful.  Both CPT and Salter wasted a marvelous opportunity to make this a really important play!  So sad, such a wasted opportunity.

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

AMERICAN PSYCHO

Blank Canvas

October 21-November 5, 2022 

440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Sheri Gross

AMERICAN PSYCHO is an over the top, satirical commentary on disillusionment, gluttony and the misplaced priorities that were to prevalent among young professionals in these types of social circles in the late ‘80s, and thus Cleveland premiere with its trendy, campy premise makes for a thought-provoking, interesting and gnarly night of theater.

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

Chris Howey

American Psycho is a hoot-and-a-half for a while, an ideal Halloween treat for those bored by witches and goblins. Just try not to think about the real psychopaths who now roam our world. 

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

INSURRECTION: HOLDING HISTORY

INSURRECTION: HOLDING HISTORY 

October 15-November 5, 2022

216-687-0074 or www.covergence-continnum.org

Roy Berko

Insurrection, which will confound many, while satisfying some, gets a less than satisfying production at con-con

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

Chris Howey

With a script that ranges from mildly disorienting to startlingly evocative, the director Jeannine Gaskin draws some excellent performances out of her nine-person cast. But what resonates most clearly is the need to confront and understand our past for, as George Orwell said and this play reminds us, "He who controls the past controls the future, and he who controls the present controls the past."

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

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through October 23, 2022

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/

(330) 574-2537

Kerry Clawson

There's plenty that goes bump in the night as the Headless Horseman rides again at Ohio Shakespeare Festival's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

The classic tale by Washington Irving has been adapted by company members Sarah and Joe Pine into a spookily entertaining stage production that enhances the ghost story with original music by Scott McKenna Campbell and a spirited cast of 16.

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

Chris Howey

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a musical scare-fest now at the Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron, is a prime example of how to do a kid-friendly show the right way.

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

Oleanna @ None Too Fragile

Through October 22, 2022

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/

(330) 962-5547

Kerry Clawson

None Too Fragile continues to offer some of the best, most thought-provoking theater around with the David Mamet drama "Oleanna" at its tiny Akron venue.

This two-person show, written by Mamet in 1992, is just as topical as ever today as it explores the power struggle between university professor John and female student Carol. 

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

Romeo and Juliet @ Great Lakes Theater

Through November 6, 2022

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

 Roy Berko

No review yet.
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

Be forewarned. This is a more “Shakespeare in your face” version of the classic tragedy with extended sword fights, screeching parents, teens past their expiration date, an overly comical nurse and (dare we say it) some over acting stretched out to nearly three hours. Some will love it, others will not. Buy a ticket and decide for yourself. 

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

Do not expect a gooey sentimental Romeo and Juliet. Director Sara Bruner has hewn the famous tale of woe into an impressive piece of theater. The pace is quick, but not too quick. The fights, the bawdy jests, the Tik-Tok tone — all vibrate around the two impulsive teens who form the heart of Romeo and Juliet. We feel sorry, but we also remember a bit of how foolish we were at that age.

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

 

THE AGITATORS

RUBBER CITY THEATRE EQUITY M AINSTAGE

The University of Akron

10/14-22/2022

234-252-0272 or www.rubberctytheatre.com

 

Kerry Clawson

The docudrama "The Agitators" at Rubber City Theatre, theater in residence at the University of Akron, is such a beautifully intimate and educational exploration of the extraordinary, long-standing friendship between 19th century cultural icons Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, it's a must-see.

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

 

Les Misérables @ Playhouse Square

Through October 30, 2022

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

LES MIZ!  It is still captivating and is a major piece of the musical theater tapestry which gets an excellent staging at the start of its newest national tour.  If you haven’t seen it before or need a refresher, get to Playhouse before “One Day More,” and get “A Heart Full of Love.”

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

Sheri Gross

Laurence Connor and James Powell have done a gorgeous job turning a larger than life production into a more intimate and meaningful experience, while keeping all of the spectacle that has become synonymous with “Les Misérables." Whether this is your umpteenth viewing, or your virgin voyage, this is a beautiful piece of theater not to be missed.  

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

Mark Horning

The full majestic power of Broadway is brought to the stage with this over the top performance of Le Miz. At times you will be tempted to mount the stage and join the students at the barricades (not recommended). Sit back and witness a spectacle of extraordinary depth as Playhouse Square is privileged to host this production for a full three weeks as its first stop on the national tour.

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

Chris Howey

Touring Production of 'Les Miserables' at Playhouse Square is Big, Ballsy Broadway on Display.

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

Kate Klotzbach

The national tour launch is here in Cleveland! The grand return of the show that’s been self-dubbed as “still the world’s most popular musical” is nothing short of goosebump-inducing... The heart is strong in this play. The cast is solid, with voices that sound classically trained but have a contemporary edge. The harmonies are perfect. And there’s not much to complain about.

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

Joey Morona

"Les Miserables" relaunches national tour at Playhouse Square, and it's as relevant as ever.

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

 

THE THIN PLACE @ D0BAMA

THE THIN PLACE

October 7-30, 2022

216-932-3396

Roy Berko

THE THIN PLACE is a disappointing script that gets a better-than- deserved production at Dobama. If you are a true theater- buff and like trying to figure out if an author has an intent and purpose, while observing good performances, this may be a show for you.

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

Sheri Gross

THE THIN PLACE attempts to conjure the feelings of a Saturday night sleepover with a Oujia board in a more serious and contemplative vein.  And it succeeds most of the time.

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

Mark Horning

This is in essence a 90 minute intermission free ghost story designed to make one think. What really awaits us in The Thin Place? As the play comes to it’s rather perturbing ending we find the audience waiting for the other shoe to drop only to find it hanging in suspension. Everyone who witnesses this production will spend much time afterwards discussing this work. Boo!

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

Chris Howey

"The Thin Place" is an elaborate ghost story, one that might succeed in making you gasp out loud—and that will be plenty satisfying for some. But there are many unexplored ideas and unresolved relationships left unattended—so many that it makes this theatrical experience a lot thinner, bordering on anorexic.

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.