A DOLL'S HOUSE @ MAMAI THEATRE

Through August 27, 2017

(440) 394-6353

Or https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mtco

Bob Abelman

Currently playing on Broadway is Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” an imagined sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s landmark 1879 melodrama. Mamai Theatre’s revisiting of the original work – a smart and stirring turn under Christine McBurney’s fast-paced and quietly gripping direction – serves to remind us what all the fuss was about in the first place.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Christine Howey

Great theater often comes alive in the details, and there are gorgeous details aplenty in the outstanding production of A Doll’s House now at Mamai Theatre Company. This talented troupe has taken an adaptation by Thornton Wilder of the Henrik Ibsen script and turned that old Norwegian play into a fresh and compelling look at a restless and unfulfilled woman in a confining marriage.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Laura Kennelly

An excellent production in a perfect venue that should delight just about anyone — even those who are afraid of classic Norwegian drama or establishment feminism. This is neither — it’s just great theater.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland or on her blog at artstillmatters.comArtStillMatters.com


Andrea Simakis

It was as though I'd never seen the play before--the highest praise I can give to the revival of a towering classic.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THE TESTAMENT OF MARY @ MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

Through July 23, 2017

(440) 394-6353

Or https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mtco

Bob Abelman

Risks are taken in this regional premiere production – including the opening reveal of Mary and her final tableau – but not all of them pay off and, given the nature of this work, not enough of them are attempted.  At the end of the play, the grieving, flesh and blood mother of the historical Christ asks “was it worth it?”  If this same question was applied to Mamaí’s production, the answer would be yes.

To see a full review of this show, go to:  www.news-herald.com


Mark Horning

For those looking for a revealing religious experience in which to hang their hat on they may be disappointed. This is more a play about a mother’s loss and the effect it has had on her life. You truly feel Mary’s pain as you relate to the loss of her husband and Son. Go in with an open mind and leave a little wiser.   

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

Christine Howey

Quibbles with the staging aside, Toibin’s script is finely crafted and Anne McEvoy invests it with a quiet determination and wry skepticism that is rich and evocative. And that is something worth seeing, protests or not.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

In "The Testament of Mary," the mother of Jesus tells the story of her son's life and crucifixion in her own words.  Her rendition, as imagined by Irish playwright Colm Toibin, differs from anything we've heard. In its regional premiere, the one-woman play is more audacious in concept than execution. This might come as a surprise and, perhaps, something of a disappointment to demonstrators who have gathered in Playhouse Square to protest the production.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THE WOMAN HATER @ MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

August 18 through September 4, 2016

(440) 394-6353

Or https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mtco

Bob Abelman

Mamaí reanimates the lost lampoon, ‘The Woman-Hater.’

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Mark Horning

If your taste in theater leans toward more classical and traditional works, this is a play that will delight you to no end.  Although long in execution, the quality of acting nevertheless helps carry it through somewhat. 
    

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

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN @ MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

July 14 through 31, 2016

(440) 394-6353

Or https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mtco

Bob Abelman

Mamaí’s delightful ‘Lady Windermere's Fan’ offers girls gone Wilde 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

TOP GIRLS @ MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

June 2 through 19, 2016

http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!

or (216) 382-5146​

Bob Abelman

Feminism is a dish served hot in Mamaí’s ‘Top Girls.’

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Mark Horning

While the basic themes of feminist sacrifice and suffering are made clear (even today women struggle to break barriers), the convoluted story line makes it hard to comprehend exactly what the ultimate point of the production really is.  While expertly acted one leaves the room in a state of confusion that even a study of the various synopsis does not clarify.  See this work for the acting not the story. 

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

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN@MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

September 17 through October 4, 2015

http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!

or (216) 382-5146​

Bob Abelman

Political thrillers are precarious things. So much rides on precise writing to generate intrigue, provocative staging to maintain deception and tension, and perfect execution to make the characters believable and the journey worthwhile. While the writing is first-rate, some of the staging and acting choices in this production detracts from it. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

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

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

Howard Gollop
No review yet.

Mark Horning

Hamstrung with weighty dialog and totally preposterous coincidences, the cast manages to shoulder through without too much loss of honor in spite of the silly accents.  Technical problems during the play added to the turmoil of an already weak script that made it clear that Paulina was not the only one being tortured, the audience suffered as well.  This play is in dire need of a reboot. 

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

Christine Howey
Director Katia P. Schwarz keeps the tension ratcheting up on the small Kennedy’s at PlayhouseSquare stage while allowing the personalities of the characters to emerge. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

David Ritchey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas
No review yet.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE@MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY

July 16 to August 2, 2015

http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!

or (216) 382-5146​

Bob Abelman

Mamai’s ‘Streetcar’ is stellar despite understated STELLAAAA!!!

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.


Mark Horning

Think of Mamaí Theatre Company’s rendition of A Streetcar Named Desire as a potentially great New Orleans dish with just a tad too much spice and some unnecessarily added ingredients that could have been left out.  While not a bad meal per say it leaves the person partaking in the feast feeling less than satisfied.     

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


Andrea Simakis

Mamai's "Streetcar" is a joy, that rare staging of a classic piece of theater t hat doesn't cause you to years for a better production.  This is that production.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

ARCADIA @ Mamai Theatre Company

 

July 13-August 3, 2014

Pilgrim Congregational Church

2592 West 14th Street, Cleveland

Information and tickets:  
http://www.mamaitheatreco.org

Bob Abelman

Extravagantly lengthy, opulently wordy and intellectually challenging, this play tests one’s endurance while this production of it – beautifully directed by Christine McBurney with particular attention given to the thread of frivolity that weaves its way through the script – makes the arduous journey well worth the while.  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

“Arcadia” is one of the English language’s great plays.  Tom Stoppard’s language is poetic and poignant.  His use of dichotomies is impressive. This is a play worth seeing and Mamai should be praised for selecting and staging the script.  That said, the almost three hour sit became frustrating as many lines could not be heard, echoes exceeded clarity, acting styles weren’t always consistent to their era. The theatre desperately needs to find another venue.  It’s a shame that their quality work and the efforts of the cast are spoiled by the blurring of the dialogue, which is the basis for understanding the playwright’s brilliant efforts.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

With the new wall treatment lining the back wall, the effect of “Echo Theater” has been greatly reduced thus giving a very adequate cast the ability to project their lines without fear of reverberation.  In short it is a dramody that allows you to solve the mysteries by giving you enough clues to do so.  Good Theater and Good Fun.

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

Christine Howey

The talented Mamai cast delivers Stoppard’s brain-tickling words with musical rhythm and sly wit, under the direction of Christine McBurney. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

STRANDED ON EARTH @ Mamai Theatre

June 5-22, 2014

Theatre Ninjas and Mamai Theatre Company

Bob Abelman

When we first meet Alexandra, the tormented middle-aged artist has her eyes focused on the looming, omnipresent and descending cover of clouds she envisions overhead.  She references the clouds often throughout this play, for her mind, like the weather, is also overcast, turbulent, and undergoing extreme atmospheric pressure. 

Derdriu Ring is one of only a handful of local actors who can play this role; none could play it better.  

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko
 

Mamaí’s mission is “to create intelligent, relevant classical theatre that offers an artistic home for Cleveland’s theatre artists, and equal opportunity for women in the professional theatre community.”  Theater Ninja’s goal is to “reimagine how and why we tell stories, and help us to create deep, fascinating worlds for the audience to explore.”  Their production of Eric Coble’s “Stranded on Earth,” with a master class demonstration of finite acting by Derdriu Ring, well meets both organization’s purposes.   

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

Mark Horning

I strongly suggest that prior to seeing Eric Coble’s “Stranded on Earth” you become familiar with the other two parts of his trilogy, “A Girl’s Guide to Coffee” and “The Velocity of Autumn” either through reviews or synopsizes.  This will greatly add to your enjoyment and understanding of this one woman acting masterpiece starring Derdriu Ring.  Thoughtful, Funny, Intense and Jarring.

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

Christine Howey

In this one-hander, brilliantly performed by Derdriu Ring and directed by Jeremy Paul, Alexa is a 40-something visual artist who is discussing her life in terms of before and after. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Andrea Simakis
 
Actress Derdriu Ring is the white-hot center of a stunning production... Mamai Theatre Company and Theater Ninjas have taken on the most challenging of the three works [Eric Coble's Alexandra plays trilogy]. For me, thanks to this not-to-be-missed collaboration, it is also the most compelling."  

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

BOSTON MARRIAGEA @ Mamai Theatre Company

BOSTON MARRIAGE
Mamai Theatre Company July 18-August 4

http://www.mamaitheatreco.org

Fran Heller
 
Words and lots of them is what this play is all about. It's a bloated linguistic conceit whose arch language is all style and little substance and requires a dictionary to decipher.
Despite Christine McBurney's brisk direction, which keeps the characters moving around the stage like musical chairs, and a trio of well-defined character portraits, the play is mired in verbal ping-pong that proves an insufferable bore.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

“Boston Marriage” is a light and frothy comedy that uses enough fancy dialog to make it interesting and engaging.  It is a whimsical snapshot period piece of days gone by and a nice evening’s diversion.  

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

Christine Howey

This play fascinates as much as it confounds, offering many deliciously dense passages that are both amusing and invigorating. But these Mametian verbal joustings go on so long, with very little actually happening (unlike, say, in Glengarry Glen Ross) that one eventually tires from this genteel exercise in conversational sparring.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Andrea Simakis
 
“Boston Marriage” — a turn-of-the-century euphemism for women living together who may or may not have been getting it on — is a comedy of manners the likes of which you have never seen. 

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

MEDEA
MAMAI THEATRE COMPANY
June 13-30, 2013

                                                         http://www.mamaitheatreco.org

Bob Abelman

For a first production by a new theater company, this one is impressive.  If “Medea” is an example of the femme-forward thinking to come, then Mamai will be a welcome addition to the local theater community.  Though not all of its creative risks pay off in this production, risk-taking is a fine hook on which to hang one’s hat.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.


Roy Berko

MEDEA, a masterpiece example of classical tragedy, is one of the Western world’s greatest plays. It is a daunting undertaking.  Some directorial decisions and story interpretation in this staging seem questionable, but the production is blessed with a brilliant performance by Tracee Patterson.  It’s worth going just to see this amazing actress spin her maniacal magic.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Fran Heller

Irish playwright Brendan Kennelly's translation brings a fresh, contemporary interpretation to "Medea" as an Everywoman who defines the role of womanhood, past and future.
Mamai's inaugural production, a U.S. premiere, succeeds on some fronts, and falters on others.
Tracee Patterson's bravura performance as Medea painfully captures the dilemma of a mother and wife torn between a demand for justice and love for her children.

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

While not without its problems, watching this production of “Medea” is a grippingly intense experience. You feel the electricity even before the play begins and the action grabs and holds you throughout.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning at http://www.examiner.com/review/mama-theatre-s-inaugural-production-of-medea-will-grip-you-and-not-let-go.

Christine Howey

Mamma's pissed, so you better get out of her way. Especially as Tracee Patterson plays this demonically possessed scorned woman.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

With MEDEA, the Maimai Theatre Company much like the titular sorceress and priestess of Hecat, has made a howling entrance onto the city's artistic scene.  The cast is tight, the material superb, the direction canny and inspired.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.