Significant Other @ Dobama Theatre

Through May 19, 2024

https://www.dobama.org/ 

(216) 932-3396

 

Roy Berko

SIGNIFICANT OTHER is a significant contemporary play that gets an outstanding production.  Go experience the fine performance of Scott Esposito, and the rest of the cast, and be exposed to a must-see production!

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

Howard Gollop

Playwright Joshua Harmon seems to know his way around his supporting characters -- who seem ready for the reboot of "Sex in the City" -- better than he does the protagonist. He's rendered a bit too emotionally strung, maniacally romantic and intermittently lugubrious to merit all the attention he demands from the audience, as well as his friends. A throwaway comment he makes about someone too ugly to be taken seriously as a "significant partner" is all we need do know why he's not even the bridesmaid, let alone the bride.

Nevertheless, dependable Dobama ensures a fulfilling production, starting with director Colin Anderson, who knows his way around an intimate theater and intimate characters -- well played by an amazing ensemble lead by Scott Esposito as lovelorn Jordon and Kat Nash, Mary-Francis Miller, Kat Shy and Kat Nash as his female pals. The production design by Richard Morris, Jr., with literally spot-on lighting by Adam Ditzes, manages maximally convincing environments in minimal space.

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

Sheri Gross

When asked what the play “Significant Other” is about, playwright Joshua Harmon says “I think it’s a play grappling with what it means to be alone and what you do when you know what would make your life better but you can’t make it happen.” That is a pretty universal theme that we can all identify with at some point in our lives, and it is cathartic to be able to laugh and cry along with these characters as they try to process and embrace their new normal. 

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

Mark Horning

While this show offers very high production values the use of language and mature adult themes might be a turnoff for some theater goers. This is modern theater that looks at current situations. Buy a ticket, see the show, then form your own opinion.

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

Chris Howey

It's not unusual for a play to be centered around one character, but it's rare for that person to be the least interesting character in the piece. Yet that is what happens in Significant Other, now at Dobama Theatre.

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

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, 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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Dobama Theatre production of Joshua Harmon’s Significant Other offers a “significant” educational moment for us to reflect on the loneliness, isolation, and depression of those who are not included in compulsory heterosexuality—I believe this term, popularized by Adrienne Rich, is still relevant today when people try to believe that facing and fighting against have become so “passé.” 

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

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

 

Always...Patsy Cline @ Great Lakes Theater

Through May 19, 2024

 https://www.greatlakestheater.org/ 

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

Hey, “Stupid Cupid,” if you have “True Love” for country music, you’ll have “Sweet Dreams” and feel “True Love” when you think back to having seen ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE.  For the rest of us, “Come on In and Make Yourself at Home” and realize that you are not “Crazy” for being a semi-fan and not echoing the Patsyites yelling, “How Great Thou Art.”

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

Howard Gollop

Coincidentally, "Always ... Patsy Cline" was a successful centerpiece of a revival of its current Hanna Theater (which became home to Great Lakes Theater) as a short-lived cabaret repertory in the mid-1990s. Almost three decades later, “Always … Patsy Cline” returns as charming as ever under the playful direction of Victoria Bussert, an inviting production design with Grand Ole Opry undertones by Jeff Herrmann and authentic-sounding country-music backup lead by Matthew Webb. This twosome romance is definitely a two-stepping treat.

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

Even if you are not a big fan of country or for that matter Patsy Cline, you really owe it to yourself to see this particular show. It is a nice reminder of gentle music that induces a sense of calm. It is an evening of songs about love gone wrong but done exceptionally well in a concert setting. 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

Always…Patsy Cline. Jukebox musical sporting a documentary style? Yes, for sure. Well done? Absolutely. Fun? Yes, again.

Always…Patsy Cline has just enough story to hold the songs (why we are here) together. The show, originally crafted by Ted Swindley and now directed at GLT by Victoria Bussert, is a little gem. It never gets tiresome as it looks at friendship and song in equally compelling measure.

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

Kate Klotzbach

The story is loose, but effective, and the audience actually gets the best character development from France's Louise, as the script is written from her point of view. If anything, the show could use a little more backstory and a better in-depth look at Patsy Cline, herself, as she is the title role. But what the script lacks in insight into the star sensation, it makes up for in heart in regards to demonstrating the importance of the friendship between the two women. There is also a ton of humor and wit in this show, and Bussert has done a clever job staging this well-matched duo around the performance space.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley (playwright, director, and founder of Stages Repertory in Houston, Texas) and directed by Victoria Bussert, the Great Lakes Theatre production of Always…Patsy Cline captures the audience’s heart—especially those who grew up listening to her on radio and records.

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

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

 

COMPANY

COMPANY

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE/CONNOR PALACE/KEY BANK BROADWAY SERIES

APRIL 30-MAY 19, 2024

www.playhousesquare.org 

Roy Berko

The “new” gender-bender, reconceptualized COMPANY, nicely displays how a script can grow and become relevant, once again, in the hands of the right writing and production crew.  It makes for a feeling of “Being Alive” while you are “Side by Side by Side” with other joyous theater-goers.

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
No review yet.
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
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, 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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona

The show encompasses the full human experience..it's funny and heartbreaking.

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

 

STOMP @ Playhouse Square

Through April 21, 2024

https://www.playhousesquare.org/events 

(216) 241-6000

 

Mark Horning

The action is fast and furious for the ninety minute (without intermission) back beat extravaganza as performers wow the audience with incredible feats of percussive skills. You will be astounded by the muscularly demanding precision performed on stage. With only four days left, purchase your ticket NOW!

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

Chris Howey

This brilliant re-imagining (or rediscovery) of the quotidian sounds that occupy our world has been dazzling audiences with its explosive dance moves and its wry sense of humor.

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

AMADEUS

AMADEUS

Cleveland Play House (Outcalt Theatre)

April 6-28, 2024

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2023/amadeus or call 216-400-7000

Howard Gollop

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

Sheri Gross

Imagine a jealousy that runs so deep that the war waged is not against the one that evokes that jealousy, but with God Himself. This is what Italian composer Antonio Salieri eats, sleeps, and breathes, as he walks through the world in the shadow of his friend and nemesis Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

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

Mark Horning

If you are a stickler for truth in theater this may not be a work you wish to witness. It follows to the letter the same dramatic flaws, innuendos and misrepresentations of the original 1979 play and 1984 movie. Do, however, see it for the superb acting by all members of the cast. It is an intriguing “tale of madness, malice and music” that will leave you thoroughly entertained.

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

Chris Howey

This CPH production traces every step of that tormented man's journey with style and relish.

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

Laura Kennelly

Didn’t know classical music had a naughty side? Let Amadeus, the sizzling Mozart/Salieri fable now at the Cleveland Play House, change your mind. Director Laura Gordon and a fine cast bring Peter Shaffer’s entertaining riff about jealousy and European royal patronage to life in the Outcalt Theatre through April 28.

It’s true that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died tragically young and that his final commissioned work was a requiem for a secret patron. However, there’s little basis for the play’s supposition that Italian composer Salieri’s jealous efforts destroyed young Mozart. As far as history tells us, Salieri’s music was acclaimed and successful, and he had nothing to do with the poverty and illness that brought Mozart to an untimely end.

But never mind, Amadeus rivetingly illustrates envy’s corrosive powers.

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

Kate Klotzbach

Did he do it? Did Italian composer Antonio Salieri murder musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? If intentions were enough to kill a person, then the easy answer is, “Yes.” Salieri never laid a hand on Mozart, but his vicious acts of professional sabotage certainly took a violent toll upon Mozart’s soul. Written by Peter Shaffer, this fictional account of Mozart’s life is every bit as complex as his music is famous.

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

Jitney Taxi Service @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through May 5, 2024

www.beckcenter.org

(216) 521-2540

 

Mark Horning

If you have never witnessed an August Wilson play you are in for a huge treat and if you have, you owe it to yourself to see this production. This two hour race of emotions grabs and holds your attention for the entire time. You not only relate, you root for various characters praying they will win out in the end. It is life, death and romance in a gripping saga. This is must see theater of the highest magnitude. 

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

Chris Howey

In short, this production is not to be missed.

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

Laura Kennelly

Jitney, playing at the Beck Center for the Arts through May 5, is a mini masterpiece. Director Jimmie Woody allows each character’s unique perspective to gradually unfold in this August Wilson award-winning classic. It was the first play written in playwright August Wilson’s Pittsburgh series.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Set in a car service office—run by Becker (Darryl Tatum) in the Hill District between 1970 and 79, the story of Jitney follows immediately after Two Trains Running, which covers the decade between 1960 and 69. Jitney illustrates the story of the multigeneration of taxi drivers and how they impacted their communities. This play's background is the modern transportation mode (automobiles) that gave mobility and freedom to Blacks and their lives. Yet, behind this appearance of “improvement” is permeating gentrification that pushes original residents out of the area, as they need to close their businesses and schools.

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

Stonewallin' @ Convergence-Contiuum

Through April 20, 2024

www.convergence-continuum.org 

(216) 687-0074

 

Mark Horning

Con-Con really enjoys putting itself out there with works that champion the LGBTQ community in America yet are extremely entertaining to straight audiences as well. You will find yourself totally engaged in this “romantic tale” with a twist. Fill the theater for this one.

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