Mark Horning
This is the kind of show that is a touchstone tradition for many Cleveland families and with good reason. Each season it seems just as fresh as it can be. Many in the audience will find themselves with something in their eye. Don’t be a Scrooge, come join the fun!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
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
This show is a gentle series of interconnected stories designed to make you laugh and just plain feel good. It is a hot cocoa with cinnamon and whipped cream type of production. Tickets are selling fast so order yours soon.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
THE WILD PARTY
Baldwin Wallace University--Musical Theatre Program
htpps://bw.edu/events/theatre-dance/
Roy Berko
If watching decadence is your thing, you’ll be turned on by The Wild Party. If you prefer being in the presence of characters who have redeeming values so you can feel empathy, this is not going to be your show. The singers, actors, dancers, and the musicians are top-notch. They reach levels of excellence that far exceed those of college students. But, what else can you expect? They are part of the respected and oft-revered Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Program. Bravo!
Laura Kennelly
Bottom Line: The Wild Party is not a feel-good cheerful story, but what makes this simply plotted musical stunning is that everyone at the party turns out to have a great voice and to be an amazingly good dancer. From the opening numbers, when the onstage guests assemble, to the last jazzy note that leaves even audience members quick-stepping home, it’s a celebration that invites the audience in.
To see a full review of this show go here or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Roy Berko
THE GREAT LEAP is a well-written, thought-provoking play that gets a slam dunk production at CPH! This is a must-see that uses the Outcalt stage configuration in epic ways.
Mark Horning
“The Great Leap” is a production that builds by degrees to a surprising climax. From the totally “on” stage set, to the authentic costumes, to the spot on lighting...everything works in tandem to carry us forward to an exciting finish. All of the pieces of the puzzle fit together with surgical precision to give us a totally clear picture. See this show!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
Aside from the glaring inconsistencies in the script, and the sad fake sideburns that are stuck on Saul to indicate the time shift, these performances are remarkably affecting. You just wish they were surrounded with a play that wasn't quite so eager to touch so many bases—political, cultural and personal.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
------Bottom Line: Based in part (though not directly) on the playwright’s family history, The Great Leap shares a story to ponder long after the play ends. While it may sound as if it’s about sports (and it is, in a way), it’s far more ambitious as it touches on life’s meaning, purpose, and chances we take. Well- played, CPT, well-played.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's post here at Cool Cleveland.
DESCRIBE THE NIGHT @ Ensemble
October 28-November 13, 2022
Notre Dame College--4545 College Road--South Euclid
This Ensemble Theatre production is a thinking man and woman's show that will challenge your intellect. I would suggest asking for a paper program in order to keep track of the various scenes, times and locations as listed on the title page. This is cerebral theater at its best.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
Late in the engrossing play "Describe the Night," a character says, “Behold...the black magic marker. The most useful tool in all of communism. There is nothing that cannot be eventually crossed out and changed. This is what we are here to do.” And that is what this script by former Clevelander Rajiv Joseph is doing at Ensemble Theatre. Joseph and director Celeste Cosentino explore the intricate filaments of truth and untruth that composed government rule in the past 100 years, and then subtly asks us to look at our own country and consider the mess we currently confront.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Sheri Gross
The musical “Cats” may not be everyone’s saucer of milk, but this newest iteration with its talented ensemble of dancers, and those standout numbers are the “cat’s meow.” Pun intended.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
Cleveland is truly blessed to have shows of such high caliber visit us for extended stays. This is London West End and Broadway at its best. If you only see one KeyBank Broadway Series production this year then this is the show to see. It is purr-fect.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
The new touring production of Cats is now in residence at Playhouse Square, in the just-turned-100-year-old Connor Palace Theatre. And let's face it: people who love Cats really love it. But for those who don't, this collection of singing and dancing actors dressed as tabbies is like claws on a blackboard. Over the past 40 years since it traveled from London to Broadway, those two audience groups have grown in vociferousness until damn near everybody has a strong opinion— catnip for some, catatonia for others.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
So, what to expect? A fluffy-light plot brought to life by an ensemble cast of over two dozen extraordinary dancers who sing, act and sometimes talk directly to you (if you are in the front rows anyway). The plot? It seems that the stray cats who hang out in the junkyard at night have an annual Jellicle Ball, an event where one is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and start over. (You recall that all cats have nine lives, right?)
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Joey Morona
What CATS lacks in a cohesive narrative and catchy, and, memorable songs, it makes up for it with infectious energy, exhilarating dances numbers and a fun, unapologetically campy spirit.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.