Epiphany @ Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program

Through March 7, 2026

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2025/epiphany

(216) 241-6000

 

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 young actors, in collaboration with director Carrier and movement coordinator Eliza Ladd Schwarz, uniquely, creatively, and believably perform their characters, who are in a perpetual search for human connection.  Carrier's focus is on the illumination of both the surface and internal emotions and thoughts of the characters. Through subtle facial expressions, mannerisms, and blocking choices, Carrier creates "still" and "moving" images of bewildered and defensive characters playing (literally and metaphorically) various instruments--music instruments and life instruments. 

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.

 

Much Ado About Nothing @ Playhouse Square

Through November 15, 2025

http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com 

(216) 241-6000

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Directing the Case Western University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program’s Much Ado About Nothing, Terri McMahon selects clarity and simplicity by cutting many characters. One example would be the cutting of several characters—Ursula, Balthasar, Verges, and Antonio—giving other characters (close to them) more weight and importance. Because of the elimination of Ursula, the character of Margaret becomes more critical. Because of Verges's cut, the audience’s full attention is on Dogberry. The elimination of Balthasar and Antonio gives Leonata more space to shine independently. 

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

 

Season's Greetings @ Playhouse Square

Through April 5, 2025

https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/

(216) 400-7096

 

Mark Horning

To be honest, I thought that this production had great potential and for the most part it lived up to my expectations. It is a fine show with a lot of laughs and interesting situations. Perhaps we should commission Mr. Ayckbourn for a sequel. See the show and let me know what you think. Cheers!

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

Howard Gollop

To be sure, not much could be done to elevate a 1980s comedy from across the pond (as they say). Aykbourn has a lot going on, but not much in the way of character nuance. That burden is left up to a collegiate American cast who must first master casual British accents, then near-middle-age adults, and then characterizations that bring uniqueness to otherwise broad characters.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review at https://chroniclet.com/

Dr.Yuko Kurahashi

The Season’s Greeting, like The Cherry Orchard, unpacks all the disruptive elements that afflict different aspects of the family and individuals at different but significant and crucial points in their lives. Their impulses are all self-absorbed and self-focused, trying to satisfy their needs immediately, including Bernard’s disastrous puppet show. The characters’ acquisitiveness might have reflected Thatcherism in the UK and Reaganomics in the US at the time of the play’s premiere. In 2025, it is a perfect rendering of those who continue to become richer at the expense of others’ welfare, needs, and basic rights.

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

MIDDLETOWN

MIDDLETOWN

Cleveland Play House (CWRU/CPH MFA ACTING PROGRAM)

The Helen Theatre

February 21-March 2, 2024

216-400-7000

Howard Gollop

A simple drama about small-town life turns out to be anything but warm escapism in Will Eno's "Middletown." Some striking and ominous visual effects by Ben Needham (sets) and Adam Ditzes (lights) help coax the audience into accepting the extraordinary emanating out of the ordinary. But what really propels the subtext is the nuanced performances of the members of the Case Western University and Cleveland Play House joint MFA program, so insightfully honed by director Donald Carrier.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Set in Middletown, a small town where everybody knows everyone—but not quite, Will Eno’s Middletown is a nervous Our Town, minus Emily and umbrellas. Eno includes possible bits and pieces of references, renditions, and metaphors from Angels in America, Endgame, The Trueman Show, Expecting Isabel, many stories by Philip Roth, and Carl Sagan’s Murmurs of Earth. 

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