Roy Berko
GREASE, Porthouse-style, is a nostalgic reminder of the era of mid-1900’s and left those of a certain-age satisfied and maybe those of the Information Age/Digital Age asking “what was the attitude, grease and angst” all about.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
Those who loved the stage version of the flapper favorite "Thoroughly Modern Millie" should equally adore "Thoroughly Modern Gatsby."
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
For fans of the book and/or movies you may find yourself puzzled at the liberties taken and may leave wanting more grit and suffering. The rest of us will be satisfied with the spectacular sets, musical numbers, cars and jazz (sex) as a fine example of when Broadway is at its best when it hits the local stage.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning'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.
Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The extremely gorgeous set, designed by Paul Tate DePoo, paradoxically suggests the ephemeral nature of the intoxicating, alluring, and giddy lifestyle desired and pursued by many. Multiple panels with projected images create a distinct Art Deco style. Those windows, with decorative motifs and circular, oval, and floral patterns, resonate with those designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The design vibes also come from Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed simple, chic, and yet spectacular windows with simple geometric shapes and lines. In Gatsby’s mansion, vertical lines are the repeated patterns/images, functioning as a visual metaphor, with different colors and sparkling reflections that easily morph into “other objects,” such as tons of books in the library. The patterns and landscape that represent different styles of “modernity”—including a view from Gatsby’s mansion—are beautifully projected by DePoo, who also serves as the projection designer. Lighting designer Pattack uses sectional/partial lighting to illuminate each character, expressing the ominous, foreboding, dark, and contrived fate of those who may continue their self-destructive and frivolous lives.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Joey Morona
The musical softens the source material’s darker edges, deepens its characters and leans into the romance. The result is a sweeping, tragic tale of star-crossed lovers that loses some of the original’s bite but makes for a more satisfying night at the theater.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
This could amount to sheer chaos, but it all comes together surprisingly well with the Beck Center talents of director Don Carrier, who gets a lot out of his young actors, and especially scenic, lighting and projection designer Cheri Prough DeVol, who turns the highly intimate Beck Center Studio Theater into a virtual visual extravaganza.
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.
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.
Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Though written in the early 2000s and premiered as a workshop production at Brown/Trinity Repertory Theatre in 2006, the play remains strikingly contemporary today. The play's opening scene between Solomon (Jonathan Koppleman) and his teacher (Laura Rauh) makes me wonder whether it has been updated for 2026; to that extent, the issues feel timely. This timelessness is emphasized by Don Carrier and his designers. For example, a tote bag with a rainbow “Their, theirs” print reflects today’s concerns about and defiance of personal and institutional attacks on the LGBTQ+ community across the nation.
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.
Roy Berko
No review yet.
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
“Cleveland’s up-close and OUT there Theatre” has truly stretched the edges of reality with this absurdly dark comedy. Fans of Con-Con will flock. How they react will be anyone’s guess. See the show and make up your own mind.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning'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.
Gwendolyn Kochur
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Under Barclay’s direction, which emphasizes a blend of dark, serious, mildly comedic, real, and surreal elements, the performers—Demanelis as Anne, Atkinson as Genevieve, Starkman as Isabel, Frye as Steve, Centeno as Juan/John, Bartlett as Faceless Ghost, and McFadden as Mary—articulate Arbery’s words with effective, rhythmic clarity. Demanelis, Atkinson, and Starkman place their characters in the real and the surreal, emphasizing their quiet chaos, confusion, and madness in a compelling and peculiar way. Somehow, however, the audience seems to miss the subtle humor embedded in the script.
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.