THE LIGHT @ Ensemble

THE LIGHT

   Ensemble Theatre 

May 26-June 11, 2023

216-321-2930 or www.ensembletheatrecle.org

Roy Berko

Every once in a while a theater-goer is blessed with an emotional and logical experience that lives for a long time in their being.  Such is THE LIGHT, Loy A. Webb’s searing must-see play that is having its Cleveland area premiere at Ensemble Theater.

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

Mark Horning

This is one of those rare theatrical treats that is known as “a complete play” that takes the theater goer on a wild and rambunctious ride while at the same time teaching us a much deeper lesson then we expected to see. Damn! You really must see this play!

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

DEAR EVAN HANSEN (Huntington Featured Performance)

Connor Palace

May 16-21, 2023

playhousesquare.org, 216-241-6000

Roy Berko

“DEAR EVAN HANSEN” is a mesmerizing evening of contemporary musical theater.  Complete with pop-contemporary music sounds, staged with narrative story-telling tunes, and a relevant story line, it is one of the finest examples of the new wave of musical dramas.  Don’t go expecting show-stoppers and an escapist plot.  This is life as it is being lived, with all its angst and issues.  The touring production, with choreography by Danny Mefford and direction by Michael Greif, is standing ovation worthy and is an absolutely must see!!  

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

Howard Gollop

If you missed the poorly attended but acclaimed 2021 film version, you might think you know what the 2016 Broadway hit “Dear Evan Hansen” is about before entering the Connor Palace on Playhouse Square — perhaps some sort of staged Hallmark movie of the week about a teen loner who finds popularity by “just being himself."

But as the plot unfolds and the emotional music commences, it turns out you didn’t know “Dear Evan Hansen” at all, nor how wonderfully the show evolves into a transformative emotional experience. Nor how the show improves with age as it makes its return engagement to Playhouse Square with a cast that may very well rival the Broadway original led by Ben Platt (judging from videoed segments from the original production).

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

Mark Horning

This is a show designed for parents and teenage children alike. It is a production that will open up dialogues between families as the show is totally relatable to everyone. An excellent story line, hard hitting subject matter, great acting, great visuals and great music combine to make this must see theater. Buy the tickets and bring the teens!

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

Chris Howey

"The intriguing story is fully supported by a melodic, often powerful score and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. And it misses the trap of falling into maudlin sentimentality since the book by Steven Levenson has enough snark to keep it all from becoming a trite after-school special."

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

Moriarty @ Cleveland Play House

Through May 21, 2023

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/ 

(216) 241-6000.

 

Roy Berko

I wish I could say that the relationship of positive productions by CPH, Ludwig and Sherlock Holmes continue with their latest co-adventure.  Unfortunately, I can’t.  KEN LUDWIG’S MORIARTY: A NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES ADVENTURE is short on clever writing, adventure, humor, pace and enjoyment.  Too bad!

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

Howard Gollop

Proven Broadway comedy playwright Ken Ludwig ("Lend Me a Tenor" and "Moon Over Buffalo") and a serviceable professional cast manage to get across a fair amount of disparate plot points from the pages of various books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle -- all to the satisfaction of Cleveland Play House audience members sitting contentedly before this new Sherlock Holmes concoction. But one thing's of no mystery: There's nothing new about "Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure."

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

This show has it all! Danger, laughter, mystery, intrigue, a “dog” and even romance are found around every corner (including lots of slamming doors). To fans of the Sherlock Holmes collection of stories you will be delighted with the surprise ending. With limited seating in the Allen Theatre you would be advised to order your tickets early as this show guarantees to be a sellout. Buy your tickets now! 

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

Chris Howey

Ken Ludwig's Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure is neither New (in terms of the humor being offered), nor is it much of an Adventure. It has the comedy profile of a dated episode of "The Love Boat" combined with the riveting suspense of "Scooby-Doo." It employs so many tired jokes and well-worn tropes, the low-energy script generates sighs rather than guffaws. 

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