Faith Healer @ None Too Fragile

Through April 22, 2023

                                                          https://www.nonetoofragile.com/ 

                                                                      (330) 962-5547

Chris Howey

None Too Fragile's take on Faith Healer may not be the definitive evocation of this play. But it is solid overall and features one performance that will be a keepsake for those who love the fragile, evanescent art of live theater.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Mark Horning

If you have any issues with depression or mental health I would suggest you sit this play out and stay home. It is depressing to the eighth degree as most Irish drama works are. If, however, you feel that you are suitably stable in mind and body to be able to absorb this litany of mental anguish you should avail yourself of this extraordinary example of pure Hibernian dramatization to witness some of the best acting to hit a local stage. I leave it up to you.

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

Venus In Fur @ None Too Fragile

Through May 28, 2022

https://www.nonetoofragile.com/

(330) 962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

At surface level, the play "Venus in Fur" sounds like one kinky show.

The two-person play, which opened this weekend at None Too Fragile Theatre in its Akron premiere, tells the story of Thomas, a director desperate to find an actress to play the female lead in his adaptation of the erotic 1870 novel "Venus in Furs." An equally desperate actress shows up to audition but she's all wrong for the part.

Or is she?

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

Mark Horning

When the gods come to earth in order to take on a pet project anything can happen and usually does. What looks like a simple reading of a play based on a naughty book turns into much more as power shifts from one to another. This is great theater.

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

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

Kate Klotzbach

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

"The Butcher of Baraboo" @ None Too Fragile

Through October 30, 2021

www.nonetoofragile.com 

(330) 962-5547

 

Kerry Clawson

In "The Butcher of Baraboo," every character has deadly impulses inside them, which we see in sporadic flashes paired with an ever-loopy humor.

In this character-driven work, all five characters are highly memorable, including Jen Klika's sadly contained Valerie; Anne McEvoy's mess of a town sheriff; Kelly Strand's wild pharmacist Midge; Doug Sutherland's controlling Donald and Mary Werntz's desperate Sevenly.

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

Mark Horning

If you are a fan of intimate in your face no holds barred theater then this might be your cup of strong coffee. This tale of love, deceit, drugs and blood and has more twists than a doubly bent corkscrew. Well worth the short drive down to Akron.

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

ON CLOVER ROAD @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 15, 2020

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

The thriller “On Clover Road” is such a harrowing roller coaster ride, audience members could get whiplash from all of its twists and turns.

It’s playwright Steven Dietz’s first thriller ever, now being produced in a highly intense local premiere that grabs you by the throat at None Too Fragile Theatre at the Coach House. For its first offering of the 2020 season, the small professional theater has knocked it out of the park with this extreme story.

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

Chris Howey

"It grabs you by the throat in the first line and doesn't let go." We've all heard someone say that about a book, a movie or play. And sometimes, it's even true. 

Well, it's true in this case. The play is On Clover Road, and don't be misled by the bland title. This work by playwright Steven Dietz doesn't waste a second or a breath as it plunges the audience into a world of surprises that all occur in a seedy room in an apparently abandoned motel. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

NEVILLE'S ISLAND@NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through December 21, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

"Neville’s Island” is kind of like “Lord of the Flies,” the middle-aged version. In this comedy, playwright Tim Firth explores how quickly human beings’ sanity can devolve when fear and panic start to take over.

Sean Derry directs an excellent cast of four men at None Too Fragile in this British show, which premiered in Scarborough, England, in 1992, moved to the West End in 1994 and made its North American premiere in 1996 in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The play, which offers an incisive look into the human condition through four very different personalities, is written by the same man who co-wrote the films “Calendar Girls” and “Kinky Boots.”

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

TWO @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 31, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘Two’ a master class in heartbreak.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here or go to:  www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

“Two” proves once again that none-too-fragile is the consistently best off-off Broadway in the Greater Cleveland area.  The quality of play choices, the prime acting and the spot-on directing, makes going to this venue a theatrical wonder.   

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

Kerry Clawson

The dramatic comedy “Two” is both sad and funny at None Too Fragile as married British pub owners welcome an array of personalities to their watering hole in the north of England.  
In this two-hander directed by Sean Derry, expert actors Derdriu Ring and David Peacock portray not only the Landlady and Landlord, but also 12 other regulars at the bar ... Ring and Peacock, who are a joy to watch opposite each other, are chameleons as they create couples in multiple permutations.

 To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.

PRODIGAL SON @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through April 6, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

Jacob Eeg cuts an emotionally volatile figure as a teen from the Bronx who’s a misunderstood genius in John Patrick Shanley’s “Prodigal Son” at None Too Fragile in Akron.
Eeg, a handsome, blond 21-year-old, brings to life the restless mind of Jim Quinn, whose thinking is leagues ahead of other students. The problem is, he can’t seem to stop himself from acting out.

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

YANKEE TAVERN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

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Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

For about half of this play, we can laugh off all the wild conspiracy theories that kooky Ray offers ... With this crazy character, [Robert] Branch walks an amazing line between talking like a loon and conveying such intelligence that you just may wonder if his words could carry any truth. Branch — who has a largely balding head with long, wild gray hair on the sides — plays a character who’s passionate about the world in his mind and talks to ghosts upstairs, including Adam’s dead father Vince.

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

David Ritchey
  
The acting is superior. Director Sean Derry did an excellent job with his small cast, confronting the audience in the theater. He helped build the suspense. 

To see a full review of this show, go to 
http://akron.com/akron-ohio-entertainment-news.asp?aID=40004

BOOGIEBAN @ none too fragile

November 16-December 8, 2019
nonetoofragile.com  330-962-5547

Bob Abelman

For those in need of theater-as-therapy due to the lasting impact of war on its victims home and away, “Boogieban” will prove to be a welcome and welcoming retreat.  For other theatergoers, the performances will make your trip to Akron worthwhile.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here or go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

With its must see production of “Boogieban,” none too fragile again proves that it is one of the area’s finest theaters.  This gem of a production house expands to the national scene when this staging moves to Chicago and then to New York with the same cast and production values!  

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

Kerry Clawson

In DC Fidler’s “Boogieban,” a military psychiatrist treats a young, psychologically damaged soldier with understanding and mercy, and in the process, the younger man ends up giving the elder one a priceless gift. The somberly poetic drama, now in its world premiere at None Too Fragile Theatre in Akron, played to a sold-out crowd that included the playwright and military consultant Maj. RJ Casey on opening night Friday.

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

Christine Howey

In Boogiebanby D.C. Fidler, now having its world premiere presentation at None Too Fragile theater in Akron, there is banality present. But while it starts slowly, this two-hander builds inexorably to a climactic scene that is so emotionally wrenching you feel it in your bones.

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

FREAK STORM

FREAK STORM
none-too-fragile
September 28-October 13, 2018
330-671-4563

Roy Berko

"Freak Storm" is a well-written, topical play that gets an outstanding absolute must-see production.  Wow!  If all theater productions could be of this level, the world of theater-goers and reviewers would be one of wonder.

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

Kerry Clawson

The drama “Freak Storm” at None Too Fragile in Akron is so inescapably topical, it’s uncanny.
Artistic directors Sean Derry and Alanna Romansky chose the 2008 play by Matt Pelfrey as part of its current season when the #MeToo movement was at the forefront of our nation’s society and politics. 

But they couldn’t have known that they’d be producing the play at exactly the same time that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is being investigated by the FBI on allegations of sexual assault committed in high school and college.

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

Christine Howey

Both the play and our current reality bring into sharp focus how insanely out-of-balance the power dynamics between men and women are. 

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

BLOOMSDAY @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through September 1, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Dietz’s road-not-taken tale, ‘Bloomsday,’ given a delightful turn at none too fragile.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here or go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

“Bloomsday” is a provocative script which gets a fine production.  It continues none-too-fragile’s reputation of being one of the best local theaters.  This is a staging well worth seeing!

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

Kerry Clawson

Dietz’s works is a sweet, wistful one for None Too Fragile, which often stages more savage fare. But all of this lauded theater’s productions, no matter what the level of darkness, offers insight into the human condition.

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

Christine Howey

In less skillful hands, this premise could become grindingly precious, but Dietz is a deft wordsmith and his dialogue is immediately accessible (unlike many of Joyce’s convoluted phrasings) and quite pleasing. And the cast, under the well-tuned direction of Katia Schwarz, fashions a lovely, wistful “what might have been” romance.

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

WHITE GUY ON THE BUS @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 26, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Mark Horning

One must pay careful attention to the various details and clues as this time scrambled show builds. In this stark examination of modern race relations in America we see two extremes colliding in the center as a man’s quest for revenge and justice forces him to be “The Guy On The Bus.” Gripping…Engaging…Topical…Intense. 

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

Christine Howey

The issues the playwright raises are powerful ones, especially in today’s world, and Graham is to be commended for being totally honest about the racial divide that exists in America. But his incessant hammering on these issues, while neglecting a more believable character-driven approach, eventually sabotages his own work.

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

THE LATE HENRY MOSS @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through March 31, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

“The Late Henry Moss” is a comparatively minor work by Shepard, for sure.  But it is given a significant staging at none too fragile.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

As in almost all Sam Shepard blunt, hard hitting plays, the questions of what’s true, what’s fiction, what is family history and what is mythology pervade this tale of dysfunctional relationships in this character-driven tale.  The acting is generally superb, the pace intense, and the over-all effect is unnerving.  If you like good acting and can endure Shepard’s cage-boxing style of writing, this is a production you won’t want to miss.

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


Kerry Clawson

The dynamics between Derry and None Too Fragile newcomer Carroll — whose work has included Broadway, TV and film — are electrifying as Earl tries to dance around their painful past and Ray cruelly forces the truth out of him. We see that both brothers have inherited their father’s violent streak as these actors knock each other around the small stage in some nastily realistic fight scenes.



To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://www.ohio.com/akron/writers/kerry-clawson
 

Christine Howey

Henry Moss is a less successful example of this playwright’s work, and it’s given a production that doesn’’t reach the high bar of quality that None Too Fragile has set for itself.

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

David Ritchey

Is Henry Moss dead?  Or is Henry Moss teasing his sons and playing dead?  Sam Shepard, one of the best playwrights to write for an American stage, wrote a wonderful script, which challenges audiences to find truth or pretend on the stage.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

BOY @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 17, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Audiences should come to this production to witness and voraciously applaud the valiant effort of the performers rather than the play being performed.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog at www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

The script is not as gripping as it might be.  In spite of that, the topic and the production are compelling.  For many, unaware of the true “Joan/John case,” the play probably seems like unreal fiction, but, in reality, the story on which Ziegler’s script was based is real…very real!  This is a production well-worth seeing.

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

Christine Howey

Director Sean Derry, as always, brings out evocative performances from his cast.

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

A STEADY RAIN @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through November 11, 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘A Steady Rain’ is a washout.

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

Mark Horning

 With all of the recent focus on police brutality (especially against people of color) this work has us asking the question “is it the man or the circumstances which has good cops turning bad” and what if anything can be done about it? This is raw theater that relies on words rather than props to get the message out but the viewing of this show comes with a price as we will carry certain parts of this play for some time to come.     

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

Christine Howey

As the two guys plod dutifully through their respective stories, it becomes apparent that even the lurid details of their histories won’t save this play from itself. 

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

LAST OF THE BOYS @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through September 30, 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

War is hell and, as highlighted in “Last of the Boys,” its aftermath is often worse.  Kudos to Sean Derry and his cast for creating a compelling evening of theater.  This is must see theater for anyone interested in fine acting and a more real than life picture of the outcomes of combative and emotional wars on human beings.

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

Kerry Clawson

 Prolific playwright Steven Dietz is a colorful writer who strikingly juxtaposes moments of grief and culpability with pointedly dark humor in "Last of the Boys." This heavy, haunted play is quite different material from his "Becky’s New Car," which was a romp in comparison at Actors’ Summit in 2011...

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

Mark Horning

Even after all this time, the Vietnam War still stirs the emotions of those who lived through that revolutionary era. It was a time of active political revolt against an unpopular government. No matter what side you found yourself on, establishment or hippy, it defined an entire generation that carries those scars even to this day. This show is excellent viewing as well as a great way to begin a healing dialog between current fractured generations.

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

Christine Howey

For those of us who lived through the Vietnam War as adults, there are ghosts aplenty.  And as the current documentary series on PBS shows, the interest in that doomed and lethal excursion never seems to wane. The feelings of loss and guilt, along with the excesses of governmental hubris, are real. This play touches some of those points, but undercuts its theme with too many conflicting elements.

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

David Ritchey

The Viet Nam War shook this country, Viet Nam and most of the world.  Soldiers died and lives were destroyed.  The war didn’t end but goes on in memories.  Some of those memories are evoked by Steven Dietz (B. 1958) in his play “The Last of the Boys.”

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Westside Leader

AN IMPENDING RUPUTURE OF THE BELLY

none-too-fragile
June 23-July 8, 2017
330-962-5547 or www.nontoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘An Impending Rupture’ enraptures.

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

Roy Berko

“An Impending Rupture of the Belly,” which gets a fine production, should be seen by anyone interested in experiencing outstanding acting coupled with a challenging and thought provoking script.

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

Kerry Clawson

Andrew Narten impressively walks a fine line between sanity and insanity with his paranoid character Clay in Matt Pelfrey’s dark comedy "An Impending Rupture of the Belly" at None Too Fragile Theater....  What follows is a snowball effect of hatred and violence as the other people in Clay’s life easily egg him on in his growing paranoia. Narten is magnetic as his volatile character blurts out his many anxieties.

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

Mark Horning

This snapshot of modern social conflict could be taken from the front page of any large metropolitan newspaper in America. All too often, the thin veneer of civility is being burnished off exposing the rotten core of base wood that lies beneath the false surface. While filled with comic moments we are forced to think as we laugh and see ourselves in the roles of aggressor and victim.

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

Christine Howey

Performed on a basically bare stage with minimal set pieces, the bulk of the 85-minute one act relies on the cast to make the proceedings compelling. 

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

SALVAGE @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 20, 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

“Salvage,” continues none-too-fragile’s history of outstanding theatrical presentations as it takes George Brant’s well-crafted script from page to stage, with clarity and vividness.  This is a must see experience!  Believe me, Clevelanders, it’s worth the drive!

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

Kerry Clawson

"Salvage" is a three-woman character study that reveals moments of sheer desperation in a family basement.  In this drama by award-winning Cleveland Heights playwright George Brant, mother Roberta (DeDe Klein) and daughter Kelly (Kelly Strand) are going through dead son/brother Danny’s belongings. At None Too Fragile in Akron, "Salvage" has a sense of urgency from the start as we hear a storm brewing outside and the women rush to sort through Danny’s prized possessions before an expected flood.

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

Andrea Simakis

There are lots of reasons to recommend "Savage"--It's an engrossing well-acted show; The play features an all female cast; It is written by George Brant.

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

A SKULL IN CONNEMARA @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through April 1, 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Roy Berko

Partake in the free shot of Jamison, which is the hallmark of the pre-show ritual at none-too-fragile, sit back, and allow yourself to be immersed in an Irish black comedy, complete with skull battering, blunt language and a wee bit of fun.

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

Mark Horning

If you like your theater with a heavy Irish brogue and freewheeling insults and cursing, this work that borders on sacrilegious is for you. The story and characters are engaging and the mystery holds up well to the very end. Have a jigger of Jamison on the house and enjoy a bit of Irish whimsy. 

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

Kerry Clawson

"A Skull In Connemara" is a sick play.  But this black comedy by Martin McDonagh sure is a funny one at None Too Fragile in Akron’s Merriman Valley. The Irish-English playwright is famous for his vicious but hilarious brand of humor, and Skull does not disappoint on that front.
 .
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

David Ritchey

"A Skull in Connemara" has the most convoluted script produced by the none too fragile (NTF) theater in a long time.  The play is part comedy and part serious drama.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway