Roy Berko
It is difficult to watch such a combination of writing, acting and special effects and not be swept up in the wonder of live theatre. The written story made for a thrilling experience in imagination. The film version added the visual experience. The stage presentation offers an immersive experience that goes well beyond either of the other formats. Do yourself a favor and see this production of LIFE OF PI.
Howard Gollop
Despite the rather pedestrian framing in Lolita Chakrabarti stage adaptation -- two investigators force the emotionally and physically drained protagonist to relive his cathartic seafaring tragedy as he recuperates in a hospital in Mexico -- the play quickly embraces the awe-inspiring magic of Tim Hatley's scenic design and Andrzej Goulding's video and animation projections.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
While the plot is compelling, it is the visual feas created by director Max Webster and his uber-talented production team that bring this story to life.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
If you are a fan of the book and/or the movie you will be thunderstruck by the live performance. You are literally swept along at a breakneck speed as this exciting tale of perseverance, fortitude, hope and faith is spelled out in an easy to follow pattern. This show is well worth the price of the ticket.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
Life of Pi, the latest KeyBank Broadway series production at Playhouse Square, turns the Connor Palace stage into a zoo, an ocean and a hospital as it dramatizes an adventure few, if any, would choose to have. It’s a glorious, extravagant telling of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel (as adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti).
It seems a simple story — a tale of surviving despite terrible odds — and, thanks to the actors, dazzling puppeteers, and all-around skill and creativity, it’s easy to forget that this is really a horror story. Yes, it’s about resilience, but it illustrates the way we may perceive, even craft, memories to survive.
To see a full review of this show, go here or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Kate Klotzbach
It's not often that a production is both visually stunning and existentially beautiful. The North American tour of LIFE OF PI is an example of both and even more..
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Mesmerizing and captivating are two adjectives I can come up with to describe the Cleveland Playsquare production of Life of Pi at the Connor Palace of Cleveland Playhouse Square. The work is psychologically and philosophically compelling, reflecting many sides of humans, humanity, nature, and their lives. The message that lingered within the audience’s mind is that humans cannot continue to live without a “good story” that allows one to come to terms with violence, horrors, traumas, and pains—a familiar theme seen in such works as Vanilla Sky and Shutter Island, along with many allegorical stories such as the Grimms’ Fairy Tales and Aesop’s fables. And the violence, horrors, traumas, and pains in this situation are rooted in creatures’ instincts—both humans and animals—to survive, as in resonance with Carl Sagan’s words: “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.”
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Joey Morona
‘Life of Pi’ is a visually stunning and thought-provoking night of theater at Playhouse Square
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
