Wonderland Wives @ Convergence Continuum

Through December 23, 2023

https://www.convergence-continuum.org/

(216) 687-0074

 

Mark Horning

This show takes wholesome characters that we all loved and grew up with and turns them on their ear. It’s a warped version of “Real Housewives of Wonderland” as they cut each other to ribbons and with all manner of addictions sweeping through the magic kingdom. It is a hoot and a half proving that happily ever after is not what it is cracked up to be. Bring your adult Prince Charming or Princess along for a good laugh.  

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

Skylight @ None Too Fragile

Through December 16, 2023

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/ 

(330) 962-5547

Mark Horning

The intimacy of this tiny box theater works well to draw the audience in. It is like being a neighbor with the wall removed. If you can snag a ticket to this show...DO SO! Cheers!

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

A LIGHT IN THE NIGHT: A HANUKAH PLAY

TAILSPINNERS CHILDREN'S THEATER @ JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

DECEMBER 2-20 

Roy Berko

The production, with its simple set and small cast, would be perfect for tours to first to third  grade Sunday or Jewish school classes, where the kids could be pre-taught the Chanukah story and the script’s songs, so they could be knowledgeable active participants.

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

Mark Horning

While a bit lacking on the professional level the show makes up for it with love and enthusiasm. In short, it achieves what it set out to accomplish and that is to educate and entertain both those of the Jewish faith (young and old) plus any passerby who happens to wander in. Mazel tov!

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

 

Tease The Season @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through December 10, 2023

www.cptonline.org 

(216) 631-2727 ext. 501

 

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

While not your standard holiday fare of tinsel and holly this show takes the Christmas theme into a whole new direction with loads of laughs. It is indeed “a love letter to the holidays for anyone that is from a different culture, does not have family near or are in need of a little extra cheer.”.It is a cozy bit of warmth that we all could use during these gray months. Strip On!

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.

HAIRSPRAY (TOURING COMPANY)

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE (CONNOR PALACE)

December 5-10, 2023

216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

The touring production was quite adequate, but could have been so much more with stronger direction, better technical aspects and a stronger cast.  The opening night audience as on their feet at the end in spite of the performance and technical issues.

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

Howard Gollop

The latest teased-up sensation comes from one of those second-run, non-union touring companies designed for overnight stops and week-long runs. Although the resulting economy of the production value for this Cleveland run is occasionally apparent, the original artistry of the original designers -- David Rockwell on sets, William Ivey Long on costumes and especially Patrick W. Lord on a spectacular video design -- mostly maintains the look and feel as full-blown Broadway.

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

Mark Horning

There are scant five shows left on this way too brief tour stop at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio so order your tickets quickly as this show will quickly sell out. This production combines the best of heart and soul with a strong back beat and a huge cast in size and talent. You will hear the bells!

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

Chris Howey

This is an early stop on the 45-city tour for this non-equity production, but it glistens in almost every respect—from spot-on performances to dances that make you want to move. As the show says in its concluding, standing ovation number: "You Can't Stop the Beat."

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

Kate Klotzbach

The best parts about the national tour of HAIRSPRAY are the visuals and choreography. With plenty of vibrant colors and groovy moves, this vibrant assault on the eyes will keep audiences entranced for the full 2 hours of the show.

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

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT @ BECK CENTER

BECK CENTER--SENNEY THEATER

DECEMBER 1-30, 2023

www.beckcenter.org 

Roy Berko

 Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fun show for audiences of all ages.  As evidenced by the extended applause at the end of the show, and the many instances of audience delight displayed during the production, despite some questionable directorial decisions, the cast and crews efforts were appreciated.

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

Howard Gollop

But the really ingenious element in this show is the dancing computer visuals by Brittany Merenda, plus sets by Sheri Prough DeVol and lights by Steve Shack. Together, they transform ordinary set pieces into a bejeweled production that would make the scenic design of Webber's subsequent "Phantom of the Opera" look ordinary in comparison.

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

Looking past the small faults and adding together the positive virtues of this production it is still well worth the price of the ticket to see. The chorus numbers alone make it worthwhile. Go, Go, Go see this show.

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

Sibling rivalry has never been more deliciously portrayed. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed by Scott Spence, now playing at the Beck Center’s Senney Theater (the larger one), offers a festive family musical that skips the traditional holiday motifs (candy canes, gingerbread men, jingle bells and St. Nick) in favor of straight shots of comic joy.

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

 

Black Nativity @ Allen Theatre (Karamu House)

Through December 16, 2023

https://karamuhouse.org/ 

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

Co-directors, Tony F. Siras and Errin Weaver, conceived a production that gives a true Afrocentric twist to the nativity that clearly stresses that Afro-people were there, are here and will be around for years to come!
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

If you are looking for a holiday show that is truly inspiring then I suggest you get tickets right away to the Karamu House production of Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” on stage in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. You will find yourself singing and dancing along with the performers. Somebody say “Amen”!

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

 

LITTLE WOMEN

LITTLE WOMEN

DOBAMA

December 1-31, 2023

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org/ 

Roy Berko

At this time of holiday, yet living in a world of stress and strife, it is nice to be able to go back in time and relive one of the English language’s epic tales.  The Dobama production nicely develops Louisa May Alcott’s sappy, but well-intentioned picture of life in a by-gone era, where melodrama ruled in literature.

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

Sheri Gross

As the chill of winter begins to set in, there is nothing cozier than curling up with a good book. But if you are someone who also has the itch to make plans on the weekend, you can achieve both of those things by making a trip to Dobama Theater and cozying up to the adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women.” 

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

Mark Horning

While not perfect, this show takes us back to a gentler but to some degree highly sacrinated time where drama held sway over substance. It is a pleasant painting of a simple by-gone era. Like a hot cup of tea next to a fire on a winter’s eve it warms the soul and creates a feeling of well being. Savor the moment.   

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

Chris Howey

The latest iteration of Little Women—now at Dobama Theatre as adapted by Heather Chrisler—lights up the stage with four characterizations of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth that are so sharp you could use them to field dress a musk ox. 

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

Kate Klotzbach

If you’re looking for a touching tale that is huge on whimsy, adventure, and family, then the stage adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN written by Heather Chrisler and directed by Melissa Crum is the perfect warm-fuzzy for you this December. This smartly-directed gem is full of feel-good fun and all of the emotions of growing up.

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

Shakespeare In Hollywood @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through December 17, 2023

https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/ 

(303) 574-2537.  

 

Mark Horning

What can be better than comedic Shakespeare? Ken Ludwig and Ohio Shakespeare Festival takes us on a wild ride of fantasy in this supernatural screwball romp that pokes fun at not only Shakespeare but the entire 30s movie industry including the Hays Office that wielded way too much power. This delightful show is well worth the trip to Akron. Bring a friend.

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.