CAT'S PAW

CAT'S PAW

BECK CENTER--STUDIO THEATRE

SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 22, 2023

    216-521-2540 or beckcenter.org

 

Roy Berko

 CAT’S PAW is a powerful script, filled with tension and angst.  It gets a very well-conceived and developed production at Beck.  It’s definitely a “go see!”

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

Howard Gollop

It's particularly important that a play receives the kind of solid professionalism offered by Beck Center. The audience is placed squarely into the beating heart of this terrifying ambience, assiduously rendered by designer Cheri Prough DeVol. With dynamic performances by Chris Richards as the overwrought but stoic head terrorist, Lara Mielcarek as the strategizing TV reporter, Michael Dempsey as the confused sycophantic head of  the EPA and Grace Favarro as the head terrorist's cultish henchman/girlfriend, the production captures the audience in the immediacy of the moment.

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

While not a show for the weak of heart, this production will find you asking the question such as “Do the ends justify the means?” and “What needs to be done in order to get people to listen and actually do something about the environment.” This is the message that this mainly ignored play spoke of 40 years ago and to this day is still sloughed over. What will it take to wake us up? Take courage and see this play.

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

Chris Howey

"Side-by-side polemics do little to advance the drama at hand, and while there is a chuckle or two tucked into their verbal fencing, it all leads nowhere."

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

Laura Kennelly

Cat’s-Paw, written by William Mastrosimone and directed by William Roudebush, feeds off the confined spaces offered by the Beck’s Studio Theater. ***

We come to understand that Victor, and those he has recruited, justifies any action — murder, kidnapping, suicide missions — to draw attention to their cause. They see their behavior as noble because their cause is just (where have we heard that before?). Their mission? To improve the environment by forcing the EPA to implement and enforce strict regulations.

Bottom Line: After a ninety-plus minutes long sit (no intermission), I began to feel like a captive myself, one subjected to lectures and (basically) justifications for murderous acts that claimed to be “for a good cause.” Hey, I remember the 1970s and 1980s too. While I wouldn’t recommend this play as a work of art, I do applaud the director, cast and crew who gave it as much cred as possible.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'

                                                      'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'

Great Lakes Theater

September 22-October 8, 2023

216-241-6000 or greatlakestheater.org

 

Roy Berko

When I reviewed the Broadway production of NP&TGC1812 I said it was “breathtaking.”  I continued, “this is more than a musical, it is a spectacle of enormous proportions.”  I repeat the same for the GLT production and add that I doubt if there is another director on the local scene who could create such a quality staging of this script!

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

Howard Gollop

All this fun could easily have been just frenzy were it not for the knowing reign of veteran director Victoria Bussert. The production not only ends with a literal comet but begins as a theatrical comet as well -- nonstop images and action, haunting intimate encounters, spot-on sight gags and organic ensemble production numbers by choreographer Jaclyn Miller that would beckon the audience to stand up and dance as well.

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

Sheri Gross

Kudos and bravos must go to this entire Great Lakes Theater cast and crew for creating an epic theatrical experience that must be seen and heard.  

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

Mark Horning

This show while a bit long (just under two and a half hours) is so engrossing the time passes very quickly. There is an intensity that is seldom seen in theater these days. You will find yourself caught up and swept away by the grandness of it all. See this show!

To see a full review of this show,  Review  https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/great-lakes-theater-natasha-pierre-the-great-comet-of-1812-blazes-forth

Chris Howey

"This remarkable, resounding show runs through October 8 and if you think you're too busy to see it, change your plans and get your pert little buns down to the Hanna Theatre."

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

Laura Kennelly

This Great Lakes Theater version of Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera written by Dave Malloy and directed by Victoria Bussert, is in several ways even better than the Broadway show. A big part of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is its power to pull us into the action, into the party, and into the story. The Hanna Theatre excels in doing just that.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a fabulous production and a must-see show. If you see only one show a year, let it be this one. Tolstoy never had it so good.

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

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

CLYDE'S

KARAMU

September 22-October 15, 2022

216-795-7077 or karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

Though very talky, with little to no action, CLYDE’S, with its many laughs, makes for an interesting evening of theatre. Fortunately, it ends with a positive, though some might think, unrealistic message.

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

Like the perfect sandwich, all of the elements of this play must compliment each other in an either positive or negative manner. This play is a Ying/Yang collage of sight and sound. While not perfect, it is still a delicious theater treat for the masses. Be sure not to blink at the surprise ending and the “OH WOW!” moment.

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

Chris Howey

"There are many interesting ideas at work in Clyde's. But many potentially insightful aspects are smothered by the often-cartoonish portrayal of these people, who often orate their lines directly to the audience."

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

Joey Morona

The collective result is an entertaining show full of insight and nuance.

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

  

THE TEMPEST

THE TEMPEST

CWRU-CPH MFA/HELEN THEATER (IN ALLEN THEATRE COMPLEX)--PHSQ

SEPTEMBER 20-30, 2023

216-400-2023 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

 

Chris Howey

"As with all of old Will's works, complexities ensue and it is up to the performers and director to make it all fit together and create that special theatrical magic that even Ariel would envy. And while this production succeeds in many respects., other areas are given short shrift."

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

Howard Gollop

While Great Lakes Theater (formerly the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival) takes a break from the Bard with a smashing production of the Broadway hit "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," Playhouse Square is still offering amazing  classic theater with "The Tempest" at the intimate Helen Theater. The Case Western Reserve University MFA Acting Program and Cleveland Play House production talent in front and behind the highly atmospheric rocky island set by Richard H. Morris, Jr. whip up a tempest of great theater. 

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

THURGOOD

THURGOOD

Cleveland Playhouse--Allen Theatre

September 9-October 1, 2023

216-400-7000 or clevelandplayhouse.com/

Roy Berko

THURGOOD is not only is a wonderful historical epic, but is wonderful entertainment.  Dramatic, humorous, well performed and clever….it makes for a marvelous must-see theatrical experience.

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

Howard Gollop

Likewise, one-man shows such as this prove a most powerful evening of theater if a company such this -- well designed by Vicki Smith and lit by Don Darnutzer -- knows how to produce it.

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

It is rare indeed to find a show as educationally beneficial, as full of heart and soul and as joyously entertaining as this production. You really should avail yourself of this rare treat of superb one man theater. Witness a part of history!

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

Chris Howey

For those who have forgotten Marshall's contributions to the law, Thurgood serves as an informative, entertaining and slightly wistful reminder.

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.

Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

LUNGS

LUNGS

Dobama

September 8-24. 2023

214-321-2930 or www.ensembletheatrcle.org 

Roy Berko

The script, with its strong language and themes, is a thinking person’s play.  This is not a production for those who go to theatre to escape, to be “entertained.”  Many people will not “like” this play.  “To be liked” is not its purpose.  The author wants you to think about the role of communication in a relationship.  To think about the world in which we live.  To think about what “good” people are.  To think, about…maybe even overthink!  The production succeeds in developing the intent and purpose of the author!

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

Sheri Gross

“Lungs” debuted in 2011, and the issues at the center of the story are not only still relevant 22 years later, but they are even more dire. While there are plenty of laughs, it is an intense, and in some ways, exhausting theatrical experience that may not be everyone’s cup of chai, but It is an important piece of theater if it is handled correctly and done well, which speaks directly to this impressive production at Ensemble Theater.

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

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

Lungs is a smart play that will keep you on your toes, even as you contemplate the vagaries of love, family and our assault on our planet. And it reminds (in case you needed reminding) that things are plenty complicated in this fraught 21st century.

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