Sunday in the Park With George @ Great Lakes Theater

Through October 12, 2025

http://www.greatlakestheater.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

Stephen Sondheim's revered "Sunday in the Park with George" is about as good as any production of the legendary Broadway musical can get. But this production quality at times sheds a harsher spotlight on the highly introspective, occasionally problematic work. But Like the thematic Seurat painting itself, success can be about sheer artistry over easy emotion. And in that respect, "Sunday in the Park with George" is a masterpiece to behold.

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

To understand this show one must attempt to understand Seurat’s painting technique of using small dots that when viewed at a distance blend into an image. The songs, choreography, costumes, stage, actors, lighting and sound are all the dots and it is up to us to step back far enough to see a clear image. Luckily the precision of this production makes that easy. 

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

Laura Kennelly

Sunday in the Park with George, currently at Great Lakes Theater, blends music, story, and visual art to suggest the mind and method behind Georges Seurat’s most famous work, “A Sunday Afternoon on the the Island of La Grande Jatte” (1884). (It sounds fancier in French: “Un dimanche après-midi à l’Île de la Grande Jatte.”) Seurat, evidently seeking to escape the label “impressionist,” explored what became known as “pointillist” technique. Rather than traditional brushstrokes, he combined small dots to create “colors” via the viewer’s own vision. (If you compare his work to his competitor Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” (1881), you can see what he was up against. “But what,” you might rightly ask, “does that have to do with the musical currently under discussion?” Oddly enough, it does—at least for those of us who tend to vanish down random rabbit holes of comparison and imagination. But back to the review: It’s fascinating to see how director Victoria Bussert adapts Seurat’s technique, using the finest “materials” (in this case, cast, set and music), to create a thought-provoking (and enjoyable) version of this rarely-produced Stephen Sodheim and James Lapine musical.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Gwendolyn Kochur

Theater is like pointillism, in a way. It utilizes separate artistic contributions from casts and creatives and pieces them together so that, when viewed at a distance by the audience, it should create a seamless image. 

In Great Lakes Theater’s “Sunday in the Park with George,” director Victoria Bussert combines the artistry of skilled actors and creative designers to construct a visually stunning piece of theater ripe with talent. However, there is one character painted with such a charismatic, interesting hand that they continually pull the focus of the overall painting…and it’s not George. 

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

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

Joey Morona

Great Lakes Theater isn’t easing into its 64th season. The local repertory company, known for staging classics with flair, has made an ambitious choice for its 2025-26 opener: Stephen Sondheim’s daring musical “Sunday in the Park with George.” It’s a bold move, and not an easy one. The musical, at the Hanna Theatre through Oct. 12, is as evocative as it is esoteric. 

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

 

Come From Away @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through October 12, 2025

http://www.wethervaneplayhouse.com

(303) 836-2626

WORTH NOTING: 

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.

 

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

This show has a tremendous amount of heart and nothing is left on the stage. It is a show that will tug on all of your emotions. You will laugh, cry, ponder, reflect and pray along with the cast as they sweep you along in a fast paced “screech”. 

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
No review yet.
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.

 

Our Town @ Cleveland Play House

Through September 28, 2025

http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(216) 400-7906

     

Howard Gollop

Under the subtle inventiveness of acclaimed Tony- and Obie award-winning director Mary Zimmerman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play takes on a new glow of freshness and power, only occasionally overly self-reverential (as other productions of it tend to be). The main visual conceit for the Play House production, with scenic designer Daniel Ostling, is a ceiling of light banks that lower successively at each of the three acts. The meaning of this is not quite clear, but the effect is one of focus and interest.

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

Once described as “the greatest American play ever written” this production lives up to the promise. While touching on the subjects of life, death and the beyond it encourages us to wake up now to seize the day by not letting a single scrap of time pass without noting something wonderful has happened. Carpe Diem and see this play.

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.

Gwendolyn Kochur

CPH’s “Our Town” uses a precise, firm hand to deliver the life lessons of Thornton Wilder’s great American play in a rendition that demands audiences confront the preciousness of life.  Read the full review here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
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.

 

The Notebook @ Playhouse Square

Through September 27, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-5000

 

Roy Berko

THE NOTEBOOK THE MUSICAL tells an emotional story of love, family, loyalty and compassion.  The touring production is a high-quality, well directed and performed show.  It should be well-received in the hinterlands where its less than sophisticated tone and tale should appeal to audiences more than it did in the high-powered less-than sentimental New York.  YES, GO SEE AN IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION OF A WELL-CRAFTED AND CONCEIVED SHOW! 

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

Howard Gollop

In the film version, the more cynical viewers might have been eager to condemn the sappiness of the epic romantic tale, although ultimately being won over at the end, focussing on the tragedy of true love undone by lost memory. But here, the bittersweet three-prong power of "The Notebook," woven into a single dramatic arch, commands the viewer from the beginning, growing only stronger until the last note of the musical's finale.

For the full review, visit https://chroniclet.com/news/443733/the-notebook-our-town-life-love-death-brilliantly-reflected-on-playhouse-square/ 

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

Sheri Gross

“The Notebook” is not just a love story; it is a reminder, especially during the High Holidays, that we must accept the bad in order to appreciate the good, that our days are precious, our choices matter, and possibly even more important, that this is a show that requires an enormous amount of tissues.

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

Mark Horning

Be prepared to have all of your emotions engaged in a single evening of superb musical theater. You will laugh, you will cry, you will cheer and you will fall in love with this wonderfully crafted example of superlative theatrical offerings. Shows like this do not come around that often so make it a point to see this production.

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.

Gwendolyn Kochur

“The Notebook” is awash with sentiment, emotion and romance. It knows just the right buttons to push–and the musical notes to hit–to sweep you away, and that is a triumph in itself. Were it not prudent to ask the “why” and the “how,” to examine the brush strokes of the painting and determine how the pieces make the whole, it would be easy to get caught up in that wave of emotion and never notice the often redundant, manipulative tide that carried you out to sea in the first place. 

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn Kochur's Review here.

Joey Morona

“The Notebook” is why we go to the theater: to get swept up, forget the world outside and feel everything. There are tears, but laughter and joy, too. Your mileage may vary, but to answer the question posed at the beginning — I cried 40 minutes in and four times in total.

Caroline or Change @ Cain Park

Through August 24, 2025

https://cainpark.com/theater-events/

(216) 371-3000

      

Mark Horning

This show goes far deeper than its race relation overtones. It is a microcosm of circumstances that we still witness to this day. With only three more performances left you should hurry to see this tiny slice of Americana history. You will find the singing and acting far beyond your expectations. 

Gwendolyn Kochur

Set during the Civil Rights Movement, “Caroline, or Change” is a slow burn that explores pain, anger, loss and acceptance. Cain Park’s production of the show is full of fire: the actors are passionate, emotional performers, the story is moving and relevant and the band is stocked with skilled musicians.

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

 

We Are Continuous @ Convergence-Continuum

Through August 31, 2025

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

(216) 687-0074

 

Mark Horning

Forget for a moment that this is a gay play. Look at it instead as a representation of the evolution of acceptance by friends and family. The acting is at times genuinely funny, at times poignant, at times dramatic, at times tragic and at all times totally entertaining. This is what great theater is all about...exposing us to ideas no matter what our thoughts or beliefs may be. It will be time well spent.    

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“we are continuous” is far from the first show to explore gay or bi-racial relationships. Nor is it rare in how it explores themes of family, acceptance and forgiveness. Instead, convergence-continuum’s show distinguishes itself by the unique way in which it journeys through those explorations: directly and with immense sincerity.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The Convergence Continuum production of we are continuous, written by Harrison David Rivers and directed by Jeannine Taskin and Lauren Lash, is a touching, moving, and significant work, especially today when the putting down of humans and nature, including children and young adults by rich, judgmental, powerful, self-serving, and hypocritical older or old adults becomes the national and hegemonic norm and standard.

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.

 

Sweeny Todd @ Rabbit Run Theater

Through August 30, 2025

https://visitashtabulacounty.com/venue/rabbit-run-theater/

(440) 428-5913

WORTH NOTING: 

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.

 

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Growing up in Tokyo, I attended several performances of Japanese productions featuring our superstars like then Ichikawa Somegorō VI (currently Matsumoto Hakuō II) and Otori Ran. According to my record and recollection, the Rabbit Run Theater production of Sweeney Todd, directed by its executive director, Brint Learned, is my first US production to attend; it is indeed a strong and impressive community-theatre work, demonstrating their excellent collaboration and love for theatre.

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.

 

Beetlejuice, The Musical. The Musical. The Musical @ Playhouse Square

Through August 17, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

     

Howard Gollop

Is the Broadway musical version of "Beetlejuice," continuing a return tour on Playhouse Square, a phenomenon in itself? Judging by a discernible amount of cosplaying members of the KeyBank State Theatre opening-night, replete with demonic makeup and striped blazers and gowns emblematic of the title character's couture aesthetic, it is indeed. Does it deserve the cult status of the original 1988 film that inspired this Hollywood-to-Broadway conversion (reinvigorated in an acclaimed film sequel only last year)? Director Alex Timbers makes sure of it. 

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

Mark Horning

This is a raucous in your face scream fest that will have you laughing until you hurt. Although lasting a bit over two hours plus intermission the time goes by fast. Put on your best black and white stripes and join the fun. This is a short six day run so get your tickets quickly.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

The hyper-saturated visual elements of the production are practically a show in themselves. Add in a few characters with massive personalities and a high-energy ensemble, and you get a show that hardly ever pauses to catch its breath. It’s a true testament to the cast and crew of “Beetlejuice” that they can consistently deliver such a demanding show with such intensity and vigor after nearly three years of touring.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

On August 12, 2025, The KeyBank State Theatre, the venue of the KeyBank Broadway Series’ Beetlejuice (Music and Lyrics by Eddie Perfect and Book by Scott Brown and Anthony King), was packed with many Beetlejuice heads, dressed in all types of attire with motifs from the musical: black and white stripes, beetles, vines, and leaves.  

This “cult” musical’s “characters” include lighting, special effects, scenery, and costumes as they all become part of the organic living “creatures” that live and breathe with living humans—performers—on the stage.

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

King Lear @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 17, 2025

http://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com

(330) 574-2537

 

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
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

The Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s King Lear is a powerful work that speaks about the high price that one ruler needs to pay for their arrogance, pride, and poor judgment. By casting a fabulous female performer, Tracee Patterson, for the role of King Lear, this production, directed by Tess Burgler, underscores the universality of this tragic theme beyond traditional gender specification, emphasizing the father-daughter relationship. 

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.

 

Freaky Friday @ Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Through August 16, 2025

http://www.CLVT.org

(440) 247-8955

WORTH NOTING: 

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

While being a very entertaining non-musical series of movies, the stage musical tends to throw too much at us for comfort. Sometimes less is more. Some serious snipping needs to be done in order to make this show easier to view. Regardless, CVLT fans will love it none the less.

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

Calendar Girls @ Rabbit Run Theater

Through August 2, 2025

https://www.clevelandstagealliance.com

(440) 428-5913

WORTH NOTING: 

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.

  

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

It is delightful to see so many theatre lovers on a hot July evening in Madison, Ohio. The theatre, one of the two facilities operated by the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, is located in Madison Township, near Lake Erie. Surrounded by meadows and trees, the picnic area is lovely for theatre patrons to enjoy a picnic before a performance.

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

 

Pippin @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through August 9, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com

(216) 941-0458

      

Mark Horning

This is one of the shows that defy definition. It could be billed as a psychedelic circus influenced historically flavored romantic coming of age dramedy...but by any definition, this production is simply GREAT! High energy throughout with a lot of heart and life lessons. Well worth seeing.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

“Pippin” explores the consequences of exchanging the mundane in favor of chasing the extraordinary. Blank Canvas Theatre doesn’t try to wow you with acrobatics, contortionists or a massive big-top tent: it packs power with its minimalism, it trusts its performers to transport and it allows the story to speak for itself.

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn Kochur's Review here.

      

SCHOOL OF ROCK (Porthouse Theatre)

 

Roy Berko

Capsule judgment:  SCHOOL OF ROCK is a fun-filled show with a moral message. The Porthouse production was nicely done, in spite of some age-casting problems and a mid-production medical issue. The music rocked.  The cast entertained.  It’s the kind of show that audience’s love.  

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

Mark Horning

If you are looking for a fun summer show this definitely fills the bill. Combine a heartfelt message with an off the wall teaching method and throw in some rock and roll and you have a great reason to picnic prior on the surrounding theater grounds.

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

Under the direction of Terri J. Kent, Porthouse Theatre’s production taps into the heart of the show. Porthouse recognizes that the real stars of “School of Rock” are the kids, and it gives talented, young, up-and-coming actors plenty of room to embrace the spotlight.

To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn Kochur's Review here.

Dr. Yuko Kkurahashi

Director Terri Kent embodies and amplifies the musical’s core energy, artistry, freedom, and collaboration, as well as memory through visual and auditory elements. Scenic designer Jonathon Taylor designed and built the panel that looks like the front of a multi-purpose portable CD player (with an opening for a cassette tape and a radio tuner scale). It looks rather retro, suggesting that this boombox metaphorically implies part of Dewey’s life growing up in the 1980s. Three openings on this panel accommodate different pieces of furniture (such as a bed and sofa) and the band platform (with the musical instruments) that slides out downstage.   

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

Chagrin Arts’ production of Blind Injustice @ Playhouse Square Outcalt Theatre

July 11th through 13th, 2025

WORTH NOTING: 

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.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Bringing Blind Injustice to Cleveland required monumental work by many people. Their time and efforts resulted in the work impacting many Ohioans and beyond through their three performances and three post-show discussions.

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

Kimberly Akimbo @ Playhouse Square

Through August 3, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

The script will never be compared other teen-centered musicals such as WEST SIDE STORY or DEAR EVAN HANSEN or even HAIRSPRAY, but the story is interesting, the touring-show is well performed and all-in-all, it makes for a pleasing evening of theater.

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

Howard Gollop

Try explaining the basic plot of "Kimberly Akimbo" (which debuted on Broadway in 2022) to someone who's not a Broadway aficionado, and you might get little more than blank stares ...Yet this surprisingly upbeat, heartwarming musical -- with an incisive book/script and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on his lesser-known 2001 comedy of the same name -- quickly wins over audiences as they identify the power of those who embrace whatever life gives them and triumph as best they can.

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

Mark Horning

Try explaining the basic plot of "Kimberly Akimbo" (which debuted on Broadway in 2022) to someone who's not a Broadway aficionado, and you might get little more than blank stares ...Yet this surprisingly upbeat, heartwarming musical -- with an incisive book/script and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on his lesser-known 2001 comedy of the same name -- quickly wins over audiences as they identify the power of those who embrace whatever life gives them and triumph as best they caTo see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review hMark Horning

At last, a fun comedy that is full of heart and most important a happy ending for all. This group of nine professionals fill the stage with enormous talent. This is the feel good show of the year.

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

Laura Kennelly

Want to deal with an extremely rare disease that forces sufferers to endure adolescence and aging simultaneously? This is sixteen-year-old Kimberly’s fate. Kimberly Akimbo, the Tony Award-winning musical now at Playhouse Square, shares a comically exaggerated look at poor Kimberly’s life as a “not typical teenager.” (Most people with her premature aging condition don’t make it past sixteen years old.) With book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, score by Jeanine Tesori, choreography by Danny Mefford, and direction by Jessica Stone, it ticks all the boxes for traditional Broadway success.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

Kimberly’s story is filled with courage and determination to “act,” though the musical satirizes this “action” with hilarity and outrageousness to the fullest extent. Carolee Carmello’s Kimberly, with her full range of expressions—from bewilderment to tension and happiness—plays this teenager with both physical and emotional challenges compellingly and convincingly.  The leader of the gang who makes Kimberly’s road trip possible is her aunt Debra, who does everything outside the box. Emily Koch’s Debra demonstrates the character’s big presence. Laura Woyasz plays Kimberly’s good-hearted narcist mother, emphasizing the character’s eccentricity and obtuseness. Jim Hogan performs Kim’s “nice” but inconsiderate father, who cannot keep his promises to his daughter, escaping from reality to beer.

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

Joey Morona

“Kimberly Akimbo,” offers something different: an intimate production, featuring a nine-person cast, a modest (yet inventive) set design and none of usual Broadway razzle dazzle.

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

 

THE TEMPEST

0HIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

7/3-20, 2025

ohioshakespearefestival.com or 1-888-718-4253 opt. 1

Mark Horning

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Gwendolyn Kochur

"Magic is a driver in “The Tempest.” It fuels not only the tempest from which the show derives its name, but also nearly all of the antics that occur throughout the play. OSF’s production, with its masterful cast, captivating costuming, and seamlessly integrated music provides a night of theater as magical and enchanting as the play itself."

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Director Nancy Cates emphasizes nature and spirits as depicted in the script through trees, grasses, and different natural sounds—including those of frogs in the pond—to highlight the atmosphere of the play locale. On this island, Prospero resides with her daughter Miranda for over 15 years.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

A Chorus Line @ Beck Center for the Arts

Through August 10, 2025 

http://www.beckcenter.org

(216) 521-2540 

Roy Berko

The Beck show is a fine example of what happens when a fine script is staged by a talented director/choreographer, who has the fortune of finding a well-trained and talented cast.  The enthusiastic audience left on an emotional high, humming and singing one of the many memorable songs of the score, realizing that there are those in the world of theater who constantly illustrate, “What I Did for Love!”  

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

Howard Gollop

Amazingly, Beck managed to cull top triple-threats (singing/dancing/acting) from the region, many from local college and university musical theater programs. Director and Choreographer Christopher Chase Carter managed to recreate the essence of Michael Bennett's magical celebration of the nameless faces behind the spotlighted stars. 

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

Mark Horning

Hopefully the five week run can be improved with a turn of a knob to boost up the sound quality, a heart to heart talk with the cast on “putting it all out there on stage” and a quickening of the pace during the slow periods. Adding a short intermission would not be a bad idea as well. Judging by the opening night audience reaction most in attendance seemed to appreciate the show but there is definitely room for improvement.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

On the bare stage with a distorted back-wall mirror, designed by Cheri Prough DeVol, is spectacularly lit by also Prough DeVol, using horizontal and vertical lighting beams.  Although spotlights have occasional challenges, such as insufficiently lighting the person sharing their story, for example, the lighting is generally adequate and effective, reflecting each auditioner’s story—both individually and collectively—and underscoring key moments using varying tones and levels of intensity.  As theatre scholar Christine Essin explains in her 2015 essay in Theatre Journal, “The sharp angle of the spots’ beams allowed the dancers onstage to easily step back and fade into darkness.”  DeVol’s lighting followed the original design’s methods, with more advanced technology available today, underscoring real/past/imaginary realms alternately and poetically. The silhouettes of the 17 finalists are spectacular, reflecting the original Broadway show’s window card and album cover.

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

 

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown @ Porthouse Theatre

Through July 12, 2025

http://www.porthousetheatre.com

(330)672-3884

 

Roy Berko

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, in spite of its appearing to be an easy script to stage, is quite complex.  The Porthouse production is pleasant, but misses out on some of the creating the joy of childhood and the textured realities of the Peanuts gang.

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

Mark Horning

While not my favorite production this summer, it is still a high energy performance that will bring back childhood memories of a simpler time. It is a show that awakens the inner child in everyone aged 8 to 80 and a nice excuse to pack a picnic basket of goodies to share with friends before the show. Bring the entire family...especially the youngsters.

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

"Beautiful - The Carole King Musical @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through July 13, 2025

http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com

(330) 836-2626

WORTH NOTING: 

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.

 

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

For the older crowd, this is music we all grew up with and learned to love but will also be appreciated by today’s youngsters. Each performance shines with brilliance. Comments from those exiting the theater were 100% positive. 

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
No review yet.
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.

 

Disaster @ Blank Canvas Theatre

Through June 28, 2025

http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com

(216) 941-0458

 

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

Disaster movies are a big part of the Hollywood offerings even now and for every disaster film there is a ribald comedic send up. This show takes the best of all the classic films of the 70s and blends them seamlessly together while dovetailing the songs in as an integral part of the plot. Brilliant and hilarious.

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
No review yet.
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.

 

Fiddler on the Roof @ Porthouse Theatre

Through August 11, 2025

http:www.porthousetheatre.com

(330) 672-3884

 

Roy Berko

Reviewing a preview performance of a show is a disservice to the director, choreographer, musicians and cast.  Usually this is the first chance to perform before and get used to an audience’s presence.  But, seeing a preview, I did, and I was pleased that Director Terri Kent and choreographer Martin Cespedes’s FIDDLER, was generally set and ready, only needing little polishing needed in vocal cadence, keying and waiting for laughs, and some musical blending.  

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

Porthouse Theatre has been putting on superb musical productions for over 50 years and each season seems to get better and better. Many patrons arrive hours before curtain to picnic and relax on the acres of spaciously treed green space. Those who have experienced Porthouse need no inducement but for those who have not made the drive it truly is worth it to see this Broadway gem.  

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
No review yet.
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.

 

Hamilton @ Playhouse Square

Through July 6, 2025

http://www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

     

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

With the current state of political turmoil in this country we need a reminder of the courage it took to form this country in the first place. This is a truly inspirational show that illustrates we are not a country ruled by an uncaring king. With 34 songs and weighing in at two hours and forty minutes (that includes the intermission) it might not be suitable for the very young. The rest of us will love it. 8647!

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

Gwendolyn Kochur

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

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

Joey Morona

Maybe someday “Hamilton”'s music will sound as simple to modern ears as “Baby Shark,” and its choreography will look as quaint as early TikTok videos. But even if that day comes, the show will endure. Because beneath all the flourishes, the musical tells a timeless, deeply human story about ambition and idealism, love and loss, ego and forgiveness. It’s about building a country while trying to build a life and creating a legacy.

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