The Wizard Of Oz @ Near West Theatre

Through December 3, 2023

https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/ 

(216) 961-6391

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.

Mark Horning

It is always nice to find a non-holiday themed show to escape the challenges of the season. This is such a show. While its length may be a bit long, the action moves at a break neck speed. Come see the show to witness what superbly trained volunteers can accomplish after eight weeks of intensive work and where dreams really do come true.

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

A Christmas Carol @ Great Lakes Theater

Through December 23, 2023

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/ 

(216) 241-6000

 

Mark Horning

No matter how many times you have seen this show it is still worth seeing once again with those you love. It is a touchstone of Christmas comfort and joy that we all need this frantic time of the year. Take a much needed break from the hubbub of the holidays and share this experience with those closet to you. It is a tradition well worth beginning.

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

ROCKY

Through December 16, 2023

WWW.BLANKCANVASTHEATRE.COM 

440-941-0458

Howard Gollop

Just as the original "Rocky" was the little 1976 movie that could, the local Blank Canvas Theater's production of the short-lived 2014 Broadway musical version of "Rocky" was the little show that could. In addition to leads with amazing singing/acting abilities -- Michael Snider as the titular failing Philadelphia boxer and Carolyn Demanelis as his mouse-to-powerhouse girlfriend Adrian -- the Blank Canvas Theater production team is a knock-out force. That proves especially true with the final fight scene on a thrust-stage rink that puts the audience into the nail-biting immediacy of the real thing. The show itself (which, oddly enough, began in Germany before moving to Broadway) features a fetching score and an involving book that honors the Sylvester Stallone film without slavishly imitating it.

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

Sheri Gross

This Cleveland premiere of “Rocky” on stage at Blank Canvas has some hits, some misses, but a lot of heart.

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

Mark Horning

If you have had your fill of the “holly jolly” and would like a little action in your holiday viewing this is an excellent show to seek out. It’s a familiar story that we all know and love that is told with heart and soul. It’s a fun evening of theater that will knock you out. YO!

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

Chris Howey

What works best is the casting throughout. In the linchpin roles of Rocky and Adrian, Michael Snider and Carolyn Demanelis display genuine chemistry, showing us how these shy, romantically hesitant people find their way to each other. Snider has a powerful voice and it helps that he kind of looks like an athlete, say a young version of Bernie Kosar. Demanelis also sings well when she's not forcing the volume, but she perfectly underplays her role which draws Rocky (and the rest of us) towards her.

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

PIPPIN @ BW

PIPPIN

Baldwin Wallace University--Musical Theatre Program

November 9-19, 2023

Roy Berko

When someone goes to a musical theatre production at Baldwin Wallace, they probably go with the knowledge that program is ranked as one of the best of its type in the country and the performers are of high quality. They should also be aware that these are students who are not only performing in a show, but are getting a learning experience.  The unevenness of the recently closed production of PIPPIN was not due to the talent of the students, but the decisions of the guest director and a student musical director.  As is, the show was enjoyable, but not of the usual high BW level of achievement.

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

Chris Howey

Pippin, the vehicle that made Ben Vereen as Leading Player a star, and it is now playing at Baldwin Wallace University. As staged by director Nathan Henry and Choreographer Gregory Daniels (who has re-staged much of signature Fosse moves along with adding his own), the play is a treat for those who have never seen Fosse live—especially since it is performed by a BWU cast of singers, dancers and actors who exude professionalism with each and every jazz-hand.

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

Laura Kennelly

Pippin, the musical now at Baldwin Wallace University’s Kleist Center for Art & Drama, explores what might happen to a royal prince who yearns to do “something extraordinary.” The Broadway show directed by Bob Fosse (with book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schartz) premiered in the 1970s, but it’s been revived numerous times.

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

TROUBLE IN MIND @ SEAT OF PANTS PRODUCTIONS

THE PIVOT CENTER--2937 WEST 25TH STREET

November 3-19, 2023

https://seatofthepants.org/productions

Roy Berko

The company’s use of an intensive rehearsal period known as “process driven production method,” paid off.  There is no doubt of clear character development, smooth flow of action, and meaningful stage pictures.  All in all, the show makes for both a rich experience regarding evaluating yours and societal attitudes, as well as a fine theatrical experience!  This is must see theatre!

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

Howard Gollop

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

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

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

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

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

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol @ Clague Playhouse

Through December 3, 2023

www.clagueplayhouse.org 

(440) 331-0403

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.

 

Mark Horning

If you have become jaded by the yearly renditions of “the same old same old” then you owe it to yourself to see an entirely different take on a Christmas classic. This is superb acting with plenty of room for your imagination to take flight as we learn “the other side of the tale”. Bring the entire family for an enjoyable evening of fine community theater.

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

C

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

KEY BANK NORTH COUNTRY--CONNOR PALACE

NOVEMBER 31-DECEMBER 19, 2023

216-241-6000 OR PLAYHOUSESQUARE.ORG

 

Roy Berko

The singing voices are strong, the music well-played, the technical aspects well done.  The sound system leaves much to be desired as spoken voices are not well-heard. Don’t expect the usual Broadway glossy set, special effects, fancy costumes, or electronic effects.  If you are a Dylan-fanatic, are into his music and/or want to sit back and listen to his songs, while paying a little attention to a slight story, this will be your thing!  Me?  I’m looking forward to FUNNY GIRL and COMPANY, later in the season offerings. 

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

Howard Gollop

How well Dylan's '60s folk-rock songs fit into Depression-era Duluth is still something for debate, but McPherson further ups the  ante by framing the whole production as sort of a "Prairie Home Companion" -- that famous folksy variety show broadcast from downtown St. Paul, downstate of Duluth. If Dylan's music doesn't quite thematically match up with the play, it certainly fills the bill for live variety revue.

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

Sheri Gross

Girl From the North Country” is complicated and dark; and during a time when many of us are carrying a lot of sadness and fear about the state of our world, and also take to heart a lot of the issues at the forefront of the plot, it may not have a smooth landing. But it is definitely a show that takes risks, pushes the envelope, and lifts up some of Dylans masterful music that we may never have discovered otherwise. 

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

Mark Horning

While this is a very well produced show with excellent singing, dancing, acting and a strong story line it is a truly depressing story. There is no glossy Broadway set, lighting, costumes, videos projections or pyrotechnics. Nary a sequin can be found in sight although there are three disco balls that are used a lot. It is simply an evening of acting with unrelated songs thrown in. If you are a Dylan fan, you will appreciate the various renditions.    

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

Chris Howey

This towering and teetering collection of deliciously downbeat vignettes and mystically evocative songs manages to worm its way into your mind and heart, leaving you licking your fingers and burping contentedly when the 150-minute show is concluded.

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

Laura Kennelly

The national tour of Broadway’s Girl from the North Country at the Connor Palace Theatre offers a fine music-centered evening — and may just make a few new Bob Dylan fans (not that he needs any more).

Writer and director Conor McPherson combines Dylan’s songs with orchestrations by Simon Hale to weave a minimal storyline into a Picasso-like mélange. Don’t go expecting a typical Disney musical. This is not one.

It’s a tough look at how life can go very wrong in a very cold place, yet hope can lead people to venture into new dreams. So it’s not a total downer, but the show’s appeal comes more from the powerful singing, both in solo and supporting choruses. Girl from the North Country explores longing, love and joy — sometimes (and often surprisingly) simultaneously.

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

Joey Morona

‘Girl from the North Country’ reveals the brilliance of Bob Dylan’s music and the flaws of a jukebox musical

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

 

CABARET @ Kent State University Musical Theatre Department

Kent State University--Wright-Curtis Theatre

October 27-November 9, 2023

330-672-2787 or www.kent/theatredance

Roy Berko

KSU’s CABARET is one of the highest quality college performances this reviewer has ever seen.  Every aspect was well-conceived.  Terri Kent and Martin Cespedes are to be commended for their vision and execution and every person who participated in bringing this show to stage should be proud of their accomplishments!  Applause, applause, applause.

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