Mark Horning
This exceptional show will only be on stage through this coming Sunday, December 22nd and should not be missed. Kwanzaa has grown from a celebration of African-Americans to one of all colors, beliefs and traditions. Come join the celebration and be awed.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
THIS SIDE OF CRAZY
convergence-continuum
December 6 - 21, 2024
216-687-0074 or https://www.convergence-continuum.org
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
A contemporary Southern American Gothic, This Side of Crazy resonates with Flannery O’Connor and Beth Henley, as it presents to the audience who surrounds the performance space from two sides in an L shape, skeletons in their “closets” just like Sam Shepard did in his dysfunctional family dramas. The “closets” are, in this play, different parts of the house of Ditty Blaylock, who lives with her eldest daughter, a “social media evangelist,” and her incapacitated husband Jude (played by a simulated patient).
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Roy Berko
Yes, PETER/WENDY is yet another version of the tale of the boy who refuses to grow up, but it adds a creative element that other stagings don’t. On the intimate Dobama stage, it will involve and entrance you. It’s well-worth your time to think happy thoughts and let your inner child soar!
Howard Gollop
More philosophy than fantasy, the original adaptation (Dobama is the first professional theater to take on the work) seeks to study character over caricature. As one audience member put it, "Peter Pan" meets "Our Town."
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Mark Horning
This stripped down rendition of the children’s classic would be an ideal pick to introduce young children to a live theater experience. Young at heart adults will also be enthralled by the presentation. Find your happy word and buy a ticket.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Dobama Theatre’s production of Peter/Wendy, written by Jeremy Bloom, based on Scottish novelist and dramatist Sir James Matthew Barrie’s play (1904) and novel (1911), is an excellent work for people of all ages. The production’s emphasis on gratitude and caring makes the show suitable for today’s social, cultural, and political environment.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Mark Horning
This show is a perennial Northeast Ohio holiday favorite and this time around has enough changes to give it a fresh appeal. As in most shows during the holidays it is geared for the family and you are encouraged to bring the entire family to relax and have a laugh or two. Buy tickets for the entire family!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
The Cleveland Play House’s latest version of A Christmas Story, the holiday classic about family, gifts and dreams, shines with talent. Now at Playhouse Square’s cozy Allen Theatre, director Jackson Gay’s version offers a slightly new (but not too new) approach that not only invokes holiday spirit, but offers a new insight into the characters, especially of our hero Ralphie.
To see a full review of this show go here read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The play version, written by Phillip Grecian, is based on the 1983 motion picture A Christmas Story written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, and on the book In God We Trust, Al Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. Phillip Grecian’s script underscores the element of “memory” of the narrator Ralph (Herndon Lackey) who follows the young Ralphie around on stage throughout the show. The narrator’s constant presence adds the sense of “observation” and reminiscence, reminding the audience that all the characters live inside Ralph’s memory. Many “transformations” of the people and their roles within Ralphie’s wishful imagination become more imaginative, creative, and entertaining (with familiar music prepared by sound designer Joanna Lynne Staub) than the transformations portrayed in the film.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Mark Horning
This is a show that literally the entire family will love and will talk about it for years to come. You will be dazzled with the various acts and have a great laugh at all the comic antics that go on. See this show before it gets away.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Mark Horning
Take my word for it, this is NOT your typical hum-drum Christmas themed show that will be forgotten in short order. This is two hours of solid entertainment that invites you to become an active participant. It is a joyful celebration that should be witnessed by all peoples of all ages. You cannot help be become involved. SOMEBODY SAY “AMEN!”
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
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. These review(s) fall into that category.
Mark Horning
The real secret to pulling off “Joseph” is to keep the action moving at a breakneck pace, having exemplary singing and dancing and a group not shy about singing loudly as a group. This production delivers on all of these counts and then some. Make the drive to Akron and see this exceptional work.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.