THE ISLAND @ Ensemble Theatre

Ensemble Theatre @ Notre Dame College 

www.ensembletheatrecle.org 

216-321-2930

 

Roy Berko

THE ISLAND helps to keep the history and human torture of apartheid alive, and like plays, books and films about the Holocaust, keeps the vision, thoughts and memories of those horrible times alive, so that they are never repeated again.  This is an absolutely must-see production!

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

Howard Gollop

No review yet.

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

Thousands of men and women were imprisoned on Robben Island (including Nelson Mandela) and this work is a fitting testimony to their grit and their knack to survive and not be oppressed no matter how harsh the conditions. This show is a political statement that needs to be shared over and over again. Come be amazed.

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

Chris Howey

Under the eloquent direction of Sarah May, these two fine actors [Robert Williams & Nnamdi] create a complete world on their almost bare stage. Beyond the specific and telling reference to actual prisons and prisoners, it reminds us that we are all chained together on a little island called the world. 

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.

 

Mary Shelly's Frankenstein @ Cleveland Play House

Through November 12, 2023

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

The production, though not as compelling as it could be, tells the tale as Mary Shelly intended it.  If you think of the Frankenstein tale as true horrifying and scary, the monster as epitomized by Boris Karloff in the films FRANKENSTEIN AND THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, or ridiculously humorous as portrayed in ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN or HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, this is not it.  This is a straight-forth telling of the Shelly tale, with the ominous over-tones of what might be in this age of Emotional Intelligence.

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

Howard Gollop

Playwright Catlin carefully intertwines the sad tale of a man-made monster ostracized from society to real-life victims of that stifling early-19th-century society for other reasons. Their true-life horrific fates, like the monster in their melodrama, are strikingly revealed at the end of the play. Director Michael Barakiva keeps David Catlin's intriguing work befittingly lugubrious, perhaps too successfully. He has ample help setting the mood with scenic and costume designer Lex Liang, whose elegantly macabre flourishes transform the in-the-round Outcalt Theater stage (seating on all four sides) making the audience members feel like they've stepped right into the dark, rich world of the novel.

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 production is by far the most evenly balanced of the season. Equal elements of sex, love, horror, grotesque, apathy and even bits of comedy abound as well as an unworldly stage set and special effects that draw us in completely. This is not only a faithful rendition of the novel but an intimate view of the protagonists as well. This is must see theater.   

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

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

Laura Kennelly

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, now at Playhouse Square’s Outcalt Theatre, weaves a mesmerizing tale about monsters both human and human-made.

Playwright David Catlin has cleverly interspersed Mary Shelley’s well-known horror tale with the somewhat less well-known story about its genesis. It was 1816 and the wealthy, but socially outcast George Gordon, Lord Byron, had invited a trio of other British misfits (poets, teenage free-lovers) to join him and Dr. Polidore (his physician) in his Swiss lakeside villa. ....

Bottom Line: A beautifully executed version of a terrifying fantasy. Recommended.

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

Dracula: The Bloody Truth @ Great Lakes Theater

Through November 5, 2023 

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

Many will find DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH to be a laugh riot, others will wonder why their seatmates were reacting, while they aren’t.  I, unfortunately, was in the latter group.  Too bad, for with all the angst in the world, I was hoping for two-hours, with intermission, of humorous escape.  Oh, well . . 

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

Howard Gollop

Based on a British comedy troupe trifle by Le Navet Bete and John Nicholson, this "Dracula" embraces the sure-fire comedy tropes of an imploding theatrical endeavor. (Think "The Play that Goes Wrong," "Peter Pan that Goes Wrong" and their illustrious precursor "Noises Off.") Trouble eventually catches up with Helsing, his fellow actors and, alas, Great Lakes Theater itself, as the chaos eventually overwhelms the company and stifles the comedic and dramatic inertia  Everything just dissolves into unending pratfalls, falling set peaces and winking-comedy bits that eventually weigh the entire production down. 

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

Hopefully with upcoming shows this production will hit its mark and be more enjoyable than its opening. There is a fine line between comical and silly. With a little work on timing this balance can be achieved. As in all live theater, it is a work in progress. If you are looking for a safe Halloween type show to take the family, this one would work well.

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

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

Laura Kennelly

Under the direction of Charles Fee, and with the mighty efforts of four actors playing 40 characters, the opening night show offered an impressive display of physical comedy. Nothing seemed static as performers switched characters and sexes as needed for the storyline. Age-bent bodies turned into nimble youths in the blink of an eye.

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

Zombie Prom @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through November 4, 2023

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/

(440) 941-0458

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
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 is the perfect Halloween treat for the entire family. The underlying theme of inclusion is well presented with a sprightly musical score that smooths away the grim premise. The Friday show I went to was sold out and may be the case as word of mouth gains momentum. Don’t delay, buy your tickets right now. 

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

Chris Howey

'Zombie Prom' at Blank Canvas Theatre Will Leave You Irradiated by a Zany, Fun Performance

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

THE GROWN-UP

CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

OCTOBER 13-NOVEMBER 4, 2023

WWW.CONVERGENCE=-CONTINUUM.ORG 

Roy Berko

THE GROWN-UP, while fulfilling con-con’s purpose of expanding human imagination and extending the conventional boundaries of language, structure, space and performance, continues the pattern of presenting challenging plays that fits the likes of their core audience.  As with most the theatre’s offerings, this offering is both challenging and thought-provoking.  It is a quick and interesting experience.

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

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

Mark Horning

If you are a fan of Con-Con you will love this show. For first time attendees it may throw you off just a bit but not to worry, just enjoy the ride and don’t fret over the details. After all this is Con-Con whose purpose is to expand our way of looking at theater through the use of interesting language, structure, space and content. Bring your imagination and enjoy a dazzling 90 minute no-intermission trip of fantasy.

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

Chris Howey

"All in all, The Grown-Up lands on its feet when it could have easily crashed through theatrical guardrails and landed upside down in a ditch. And while you may not come away with cogent new thoughts about the passage of time and the value of the moment, you'll have some genuine fun."

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

AMERICAN BUFFALO

NONE-TOO-FRAGILE

OCTOBER 6-21, 2023 

330-962-5547 or nonetoofragile.com

Chris Howey

"When it comes to plays about capitalism, American Buffalo is, shall we say, the coin of the realm. And the production of this 50-year-old gem, now at None Too Fragile theater in Akron, gleams like the mint-condition, rare nickel referenced in the title...once again he (director Derry) fashions a play that crawls under your skin and stays there...There are many reasons to attend shows at None Too Fragile...But the headiest part of the experience is when their team is hitting on all cylinders. And American Buffalo is a prime example of NTF at its best."

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

MAKE BELIEVE @ Dobama

MAKE BELIEVE

Dobama

October 6-29, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org

Roy Berko

MAKE BELIEVE is play with a compelling premise, especially in this era of multi-dysfunctional families and days and nights of angst.  With some careful cutting, and some extra-time spent working with the younger members of the cast, based on comments of reviews of other productions of this script, this may have been an exceptional experience.  As is, the production makes for a thought-provoking evening with some lacking qualities.

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

Sheri Gross

Dobama Theater kicks off its season with Bess Wohl’s ambitious and complex play “Make Believe,” a drama that explores how childhood trauma can have long lasting effects, even into adulthood. The first part of the play is set in the 1980s in an attic playroom fully stocked with plenty of toys to keep any child happy and occupied for hours on end. Sadly, the children playing in this attic are not very happy, and unfortunately, the script does not successfully keep us occupied.

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

Mark Horning

This is a work that you must steel yourself beforehand in order to appreciate it to its fullest. As advertised, it is an adult play with language and themes that for some may be a bit too much but for others an opener of conversations with their significant others. You decide.

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

Chris Howey

Ultimately, Wohl's title for this overwritten play is all too accurate. It does indeed feel like "make-believe," as in a story that lacks the snap, surprise and stakes of real life. 

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

THE WIZ

THE WIZ

CONNOR PALACE

October 3-22, 2023

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

 

Roy Berko

There is no doubt that you should ease your way down the road to the Connor Palace to escape from our world of war, angst and government chaos, and thoroughly enjoy the reimagined Wizard of Oz!

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

Howard Gollop

One critic said it all upon the 1975 debut of this ingenious all-black take on "The Wizard of Oz": "The 'Wiz' is a Wow!"  The only thing to add to this eventual marquee mantra in describing this show's official pre-Broadway revival, continuing at the Connor Palace Theater on Playhouse Square, is, "The Wiz" is more "wow" than ever.

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

Sheri Gross

In spite of some bumps on the road to Emerald City, this production of “the Wiz” reminds us to have faith in ourselves and each other, and that “hope” is a powerful thing. Now more than ever, we all deserve to receive a message like that. To quote Stephen Sondheim as to why he says “The Wiz” is his favorite musical: “It's the one show which makes you feel better when you come out of it than you did when you walked in.”

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

Mark Horning

This show encapsulates all that is great about African-American influenced theater. On opening night each and every song elicited applause from the audience and had people dancing in their seats. The show is exciting and fast moving and quite suited for older children (teens). Groove on down the road and see this masterpiece!

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

Chris Howey

This revival of The Wiz is a feast of voices that will ring in your ears for a long time. And once the rest of the production rises to that level, this can be a Wiz for the ages.

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

Laura Kennelly

Time to ease on down a brand-new yellow brick road? Absolutely.

Dorothy and her friends get a gorgeous re-imagining in The Wiz at Playhouse Square. The show’s revival, now on pre-Broadway tour, mixes old and new, with book by William F. Brown, music by Charlie Smalls, and additions by Amber Ruffin. The all-Black cast flaunts a fabulous look that doesn’t rely on big names. (And that’s not to say we’re not looking at future stars.)

To see a full review of this show go here 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

The highly anticipated revival of the classic musical arrived at the Connor Palace this week for the start of its pre-Broadway run ready to impress and eager to inspire. Turns out, the show, which kicks off Playhouse Square 2023-24 KeyBank Broadway Series, is indeed the “feast for the eyes and soul.”

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