Through December 16, 2023
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.
