RENT @ Cain Park

Through June 25, 2023

https://www.cainpark.com/428/Rent

(216) 371-3000

 

Roy Berko

RENT holds a special place in American Musical Theatre history, ushering in the era of the musical drama.  Though, thanks to science, we are long past the time when AIDS was a sure-thing death sentence, because politicians such as President Ronald Reagan and NY mayor Ed Koch denied the existence of AIDS and denied funding for research, causing many unnecessary deaths, the power of the music and the development of the characters makes it a special script with a well-honed production.  THIS IS A WELL-HONED PRODUCTION!  Standing O!

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

Chris Howey

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical is now at Cain Park, and under the direction of Nathan Henry it's a substantial success, with only a couple glitches marring its gleaming surface.

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

Laura Kennelly

Bottom Line: A heartfelt production of Rent, the musical that broke barriers when it first appeared. A reminder of how swiftly time passes — especially the “five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes” that make up a year.

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

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Porthouse Theatre

June 9-24, 2023

www.kent.edu or 330-672-3884

Roy Berko

There is “Comedy Tonight” at Blossom!  Maybe a little more abandonment by some in the cast, might have been desired, but it appeared the audience was having a great time and, that’s what this type of show should illicit…unabashed enjoyment!

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

Mark Horning

Pack a basket full of goodies, break out the picnic gear and head out to Porthouse Theatre for this show. As always it is a shear delight of music, dancing and hilarity. Veni ad illudendum et affer totam familiam (Come for the fun of it and bring the entire family).

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

Chris Howey

When it works, the comic invention provided by director Kent, choreographer/artistic collaborator Martín Céspedes, and certain actors gives the show its wings. Those are the moments when Funny Thing is a funny thing, indeed.

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

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Through June 18, 2023

http://cvlt.org/

(440) 247-8955

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

Like any farce, the quality of the ridiculousness is only as effective as the cast and director.  In the case of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, all of the needed elements are present and laughter reigns.  Go! Laugh! Forget the angst of the world.  HAMLET this ain’t!

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

Mark Horning

Pratfalls, self destructing sets, crazy prop substitutions, flubbed lines, knocked out actors, a repeatedly revived corpse, stuck doors and stuff flying off the walls...if you are in the mood for a madcap comedy Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is the place to be but be warned, this show is selling out fast so order your tickets NOW!

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

MOULIN ROUGE ! THE MUSICAL

MOULIN ROUGE!  THE MUSICAL

KEY BANK BROADWAY SERIES--KEY BANK STATE THEATRE

JUNE 7-JULY 2, 2023

216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org 

Roy Berko

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is not a great musical, but it will entertain anyone who wants to escape from the real world for a couple of hours and allow the sets, costumes, choreography, singing, performances and melodramatic sit-com plot, carry you to escape to early 1900’s gay Paree.  Be ready for a dynamic crowd involving curtain call!

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

Howard Gollop

It may make some classic-film devotees pine for the original 1952 version of "Moulin Rouge" -- sans the exclamation point. That's director John Huston's assiduously recreated milieu of the real Moulin Rouge, where Toulouse Lautrec (played here by the normal-sized, likable Nick Rashad Burroughs) is a genuine artist and not one of a threesome of virtual ne'er-do-well frat boys (the character Christian hales from western Ohio) pitching an impromptu musical to their adored chanteuse star (which is sort of the "American in Paris" or backstage-musical part of the show). A more refined, adult "Moulin Rouge" of John Huston's calibre will have to wait. Until then, the junk-food pleasures of this version satiates any entertainment void, and it's a sure sugar rush. 

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

Sheri Gross

The show itself is a mixed bag in every way. The storyline is entertaining, yet a bit flimsy. The music is a blast, yet frantic in spots. The production values are a feast for your eyes, yet overstimulating at times. And the cast is uber talented, yet a bit uneven.

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

Mark Horning

Everybody deserves a little “naughty” pleasure in their lives and this show is just the ticket to titillate and arouse the senses. Sit back and enjoy a wild ride of dazzle and just for fun, see how many pop songs you can pick out during the performance. Bring an adult friend and enjoy!  

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

Chris Howey

Moulin Rouge-The Musical, a clichéd love story wrapped in miles of theatrical gloss, is visually enthralling and consistently entertaining without leaving a whisper of thought about the time, the people, or their lives.

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

Laura Kennelly

Deserving of its numerous awards and designed to tickle musical fancies (and fantasies) Moulin Rouge! The Musical offers a dazzling old-school extravaganza featuring fantasy and musical escape. (I’d say it’s not for young children unless they are interested in sexuality and nudity—and their guardians approve.)

To see a full review, read Laura Kennelly's review here or go to  https://coolcleveland.com/2023/06/theater-review-moulin-rouge-playhouse-square-by-laura-kennelly/

Kate Klotzbach

If a replay of the 2001 hit movie is what you’re looking for, you will not get it here with this Broadway tour version. The structure is there, but they’ve loaded up the jukebox with even more songs, and it’s a hodgepodge of truth, beauty, freedom, and love! To each their own. See it for the sheer spectacle.

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

Joey Morona

The stage show goes to great lengths trying to top its predecessor. The effort begins with Catherine Zuber’s dazzling, award-winning costumes and continues with Derek McLane’s eye-popping set design.

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

 

Walking To Buchenwald @ Convergence-Continuum

Through June 24, 2023

https://convergence-continuum.org

(216) 687-0074

 

Roy Berko

Every once in a while a director and actors shine, while the script they are working with doesn’t really deserve to garner the quality.  This is the case of WALKING TO BUCHENWALD, the Tom Jacobson play now on stage at convergence-continuum.

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

Mark Horning

With a little bit of tightening up this could be an extremely funny and moving show except for the ending that just goes phiff as the cast suddenly goes meandering off to Buchenwald following a dramatic medical situation. 

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

Chris Howey

In Walking to Buchenwald, now at Convergence-Continuum theater, the innovative playwright Tom Jacobson attempts to achieve the kind of lift-off provided by such contrasting tones. (He has done similar kinds of tricks in other works, and Con-Con did one full justice 14 years ago with his time-twisting play Ouroboros.) But in this instance, due to a volley of pedestrian jokes and some weak writing decisions, a script that starts out playing it all for laughs later turns into a mystifying slog.

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

DOUBT: A parable @ Beck Center

Doubt: A Parable 

Beck Center For The Arts Studio Theater

Through June 25, 2023

https://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

What a joy to attend a theatrical production which is based on a well-selected, thought-provoking script, that gets the highest quality of directing, acting and technical aspects.  There is no doubt that this is one of the best local theatrical experiences of this or any season!  Bravo!!!

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

Howard Gollop

Christopher Bohan as the priest, Derdriu Ring as the menacing principal, Gabriella O'Fallon as the young teacher and Tamara French, in the riveting all-too-brief role of the beleaguered mother of a problem child, triumph in spellbindingly nuanced performances. Likewise, the subtle but controlled direction by Donald Carrier and production team of scenic designer Jill Davis and lighting designer Adam Ditzel create a convincing world in the intimate studio theater as enveloping as the expansive 2008 film version.

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

Sheri Gross

This production of “Doubt: A Parable” will stay with us for a long time, not only because it forces us to confront truths within ourselves, but also because of the bar that it sets for remarkable theater in Cleveland.

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

Mark Horning

Big things come in small packages and proof of this is the ninety minute (without intermission) gem in the Beck Center Studio Theater. For any current or former Catholics it will be a merry trip down memory lane as long suppressed memories are revived. You may wish to book an appointment with your shrink later this week.

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

                                                              

Chris Howey

Director Carrier keeps the proceedings intense, but also finds the humor in this battle of wits and morals that eludes an easy conclusion. 

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