The River @ Ensemble Theatre

Through March 5, 2023

https://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/

(216) 321-2930

 

Roy Berko

THE RIVER is not a play for everyone.  Go if you love theatre which is well directed and acted; but, as with most absurdist plays, it doesn’t render a solution.  It is a play that, even after you leave, doesn’t let you go.  

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

Mark Horning

There is a certain lilting poetry that runs through the dialogue of this play. To those of Northeast Ohio residency who has ever hooked into a six pound Steelhead on a perfect spring morning you will feel the electricity described. Non-anglers will find an intriguing tale of love and loss. This is definitely one you need to catch.

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

Chris Howey

"(The playwright's) trademark rich language and evocative rhythms all seem wasted in a short (80 minutes) and slight effort that seems to smirk at anyone foolish enough to take it seriously."

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

True West @ None Too Fragile

Through February 25, 2023

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/ 

(330) 962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

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

Mark Horning

No doubt about it. This is a nasty play full of nasty people that you will find absolutely despicable and devoid of any humanly redeemable qualities. For those of you that love this “in your face” kind of theater it is right up your alley. If you are more of a delicate bent you might want to pass on this production. It is your choice.

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

Chris Howey

"There may be nothing worse than bad live theater, but there is also nothing better than great live theater. You have no doubt experienced the former. Should you care to sample the latter, it awaits in True West at None Too Fragile Theater for a short while."

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

Sense and Sensibility @ Great Lakes Theater

Through March 5, 2023

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/  

(216) 241-6000.

 

Roy Berko

SENSE AND SENSIBILTY is a delight!  The well-directed cast, supported by the purposeful technical aspects of the production, not only makes this a wonderful theatrical purpose, but creates a staging that has to rank with the best shows Great Lakes Theatre has created.  This is one show that actually deserves the curtain call that the show is nightly getting.

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

Sheri Gross

There is no need to mince words. If you are not planning a trip to the Hanna Theatre to see the Great Lakes Theater production of “Sense and Sensibility,” change your plans. And to those “Janeites,” who may fear that this Kate Hamill adaptation may be a tad too “tituppy” (lively), rest assured, gentle readers, this incredibly innovative take on classic Austen is a delicious romp that lifts this play to new heights without marring its original beauty or intent.

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

Mark Horning

This is truly a show for everyone from youngsters to oldsters alike. The fast paced action, comedic touches and story of love, loss and redemption makes for an excellent evening of theater. No matter how you feel about Jane Austin, you will fall in love with this production. It simply makes sense.

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

Chris Howey

More than anything, this Sense and Sensibility throbs with life and joy, even with all the heartaches. That makes it a fine and invigorating match for the world we occupy today.

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

Laura Kennelly

Great Lakes Theater offers a delightfully funny, sassy Tik-Tok update of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

Directors Sara Bruner and Jaclyn Miller take playwright Kate Hamill’s 2014 adaptation of Austen’s first published novel and relish its satiric bones. This Great Lakes production makes Austen’s late 18th-century tale completely relatable to today’s audience, one used to quick takes and comic fakes.

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

 

GHOST

Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Musical Theatre Program

February 10-26, 2023

https://www.beckcenter.org/

 

Roy Berko

GHOST THE MUSICAL has a weak book and non-memorable music, but it is worth seeing to appreciate its wonderful singing, dynamic dancing, fine acting and creative staging!   Go! See! Enjoy!

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

Howard Gollop

For local audiences, the Beck production had them at a simple tearful acoustic-guitar rendition of "Unchained Melody" and an ethereally lit romantic tryst by a ceramist turntable, the hallmarks of the original film. But Beck Center once again earns it kudos for summoning the hallmarks of an expensive-looking Broadway extravaganza. The sprit of the movie and the Broadway production are conjured up equally convincingly.

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

Chris Howey

"Ghost the Musical that, while less than stirring melodically, is eager to please and has enough solid performances to deliver the ghostly goods."

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

Laura Kennelly

Ghost: The Musical, now at The Beck Center is based on Ghost, a 1990s film. Not all film-based musicals work. This one does, at least in the splendid Beck Center production....

Bottom Line: Ghost: The Musical is a must-see for those who love fantasy, music, dance, and also nourish a spark of romance and comedy. Life is funny; turns out Death at times can be too.

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

 

Hadestown @ Playhouse Square

Through February 19, 2023

https://www.playhousesquare.org/ 

(216) 241-6000. 

 

Roy Berko

Anais Mitchell’s music, lyric and book are impressive, if not always clear as to purpose.  You will not walk out of the theatre whistling or humming any of the songs.  It is doubtful that you will remember any of the lyrics.  What you will remember are the outstanding performances and the innovative directing of Rachel Chavkin and choreography of David Neumann.  This is a must see for theater-goers who appreciate the craft of theater!

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

Kerry Clawson

At age 22, Hannah Whitley of Twinsburg is living the musical theater dream.

The 2018 Twinsburg High school graduate, who graduated from Ball State University last spring, is making her national tour debut co-starring as Eurydice in the celebrated "Hadestown."

The Tony Award-winning musical puts intertwining tales of mythological love into a contemporary world. As Eurydice, Whitley portrays a lonely woman, exhausted from a life of poverty, who falls in love with dreamer Orpheus (Chibueze Ihuoma), a gifted musician.

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

Howard Gollop

For all the Dixieland delights, this is still Greek tragedy, so we can always guess the ending, but, as the show adroitly and pointedly reminds us through tossed-off ditties and soulful ballads, we always have hope -- even if it just hoping to appreciate the many niceties of the production, if not its damning complexities.

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

Sheri Gross

They say “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Well, if those good intentions come with a ticket to see the National Broadway Tour of “Hadestown,” onstage at Playhouse Square, that trip to the underworld is well worth it, and you will enjoy every moment.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

Don’t be put off by the seemingly gloomy subject matter (the underworld) or the fact that it is Greek theater. This show has it all...great music, great singing, strong story line, fantastic choreography, cool costuming, a jazzy oddball orchestra and an amazing stage set matched with superb lighting and sound. This is must see theater! It would be a hell of a shame to miss it.

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

Chris Howey

This award-winning creation of singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell (music, lyrics and book), many years in the making, is a feast for the mind as its deft words weave together the oft-told Greek myths involving doomed lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the fractured marriage of Persephone (goddess of spring) to Hades, the godfather of the underworld. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Can an ancient Greek tale about fate, love, hell and capricious gods still thrill audiences today? After seeing Hadestown, the answer must be a strong Yes. Now at Playhouse Square through February 19, the national tour of the 2019 Tony Award-winning Hadestown offers a fresh look at (as the opening song tells us) “The Road to Hell” and human choices.

Hadestown’s award-winning creators, Anaïs Mitchell (book, music and lyrics) and Rachel Chavkin (director), have translated the timeless Greek legend about obsessive attraction, love and fate into a musical filled with memorable songs, jazzy dances and a double love story.

******

Bottom Line: Hadestown spins a refreshingly original version of a story about love found and love lost (with eternal rinse and repeat possibilities) and pokes loving fun at human folly, the gods and fate. It’s a don’t-miss show that should brighten even our dreary Cleveland February.

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

Kate Klotzbach


"The New Orleans spirit in the big brass /string combo sound steals the show and radiates the joy that is evident in the company.... the music and songs are enjoyable, the dancing is lively, and the experience is epic in regards to a journey of love versus politics and capitalism."

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

Joey Morona

Powerful, thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining, it's not hard to get caught up in the romance, tragedy and hope of "Hadestown.'  Turns out, this ride to hell in one hell of a ride.

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