DISNEY NEWSIES @ Connor Palace/Playhouse Square

Disney Newsies

Connor Palace/Plahouse Square

Nov. 4-16, 2014

www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The Disney-produced Broadway musical is a performing arts paradox – it collectively raises casual theater audiences’ entertainment expectations while lowering their standards.  Disney productions like "Newsies" are eye-catching, toe-tapping and crowd-pleasing, but they are hardly thought-provoking.  Admittedly, it feels good to leave your brain at the stage door and enjoy a good paradox upon occasion. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Stop the presses! Newsies, whose North American tour just landed in Cleveland, is a high-spirited musical full of old-style charm, thanks to a bunch of wonderfully charismatic young men who bring the story’s scrappy underdogs to life.

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

Howard Gollop

“Newsies” is a paint-by-the-numbers Broadway blast of big broad brush strokes. 
Whereas other shows may try for subtlety and nuance, “Newsies” remains in a constant flux of musical anthems, backflips and youthful male bravura — made-to-order for swooning pre-teen girls in the audience. 
Well, what else would one expect from Disney on Broadway?

Mark Horning

This is the show that is pure fun theatrical escapism.  For nearly two and a half hours you can root for the good guys, boo the baddies and in the end go home feeling satisfied that everything has a happy ending…in other words, typical Disney.  This is a great show to take the family for a night of entertainment if you can get a ticket to it.

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

Andrea Simakis

Make no mistake:  This is a broad, elecgric song-and-dance exgravaganza.  It is not, despite the presence of gifted book writer Harvey Fierstein, a piece of subtle storytelliong.  It shouldn't work, but it does.

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

Art Thomas

The much-awaited production of  this show is even more spectacular because Cleveland is the first stop on its national tour. There's more energy in this show that even the promo videos can show. The sad news is that by this time few if any tickets will be available for the two week run. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

TINGLE TANGLE @ Theatre Ninjas

October 30-November 15, 2014
http://theaterninjas.com

Bob Abelman

Presented in the creative context of a decadent Weimar-era cabaret – with its naughty period song list, bawdy humor and displays of nudity and sexuality – "Tingle Tangle" boils down to an intriguing personal journey with creator and featured performer Ray Caspio. It is a journey worth taking. 

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

Mark Horning

If you are one of those theater patrons who don’t mind taking “a walk on the wild side” you will be fascinated by this show.  It is funny, frank, moving and quite pertinent.  While not designed to change the world it will give you food for thought.  This is a show for mature and broad thinking adults.

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

Christine Howey

 If you’re in the mood for a fascinating trip that will have you laughing out loud multiple times, get a zesty taste of gender and sexual transience in Tingle Tangle.

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

Woman and Scarecrow @ Mamai

October 30-November 16, 2014

216-382-5146 or http://www.mamaitheatreco.org

Bob Abelman

Anyone who loves great theater done well should see this show.  And bring others so they can see what great theater done well looks like.

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

Mark Horning

Do not shy away from this production simply because of the subject matter.  This is “death lite” shown with humor, dignity, compassion and grace.  There are some truly funny moments that will evoke laughter in spite of the grim nature of the play.  See this one.     

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

Christine Howey

This play says volumes about life and the power of theater. And it is a grand conclusion to Mamai's superb second season.

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

HOW WE GOT ON @ Cleveland Play House

October 24-November 16, 2014

216-241-6000 or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

The hip-hop infused “How We Got On” is more interesting when perceived as performance art than as a play.  However, while the performances are very well done, there is still not much here on which to hang one’s hat.

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

Roy Berko

CPH’s production of HOW WE GOT ON is, in the jargon of the ‘80s, “dope” [good].  It opens the door to a “fresh,”[new and acceptable] understanding of suburban rap.  It takes the audience on a journey to view a “whack” [unconventional] side of music and modern poetry that many have not experienced.   In other words, this is an educational, enjoyable, enlightening, and well conceived production!  Yes, it’s a must see experience!

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


Mark Horning

If you go to the theater to experience the unique and different then this play is for you.  Don’t let your feelings about rap music hold you back.  This is a play about children coming of age and facing life on their own terms.  For those who are fans of this particular music genre you will be happy with the representation.  It is a play for all to enjoy no matter who they are or where they are from.  This chit is dope, bro.  
  

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

Christine Howey

If rap music is anything, it is a continual flow of words tumbling over each other in a giddy frenzy of rhymes and startling images. Unfortunately, How We Got On never “gets it on,” as the performance is shot through with countless long pauses and contemplative silences, as if this was Death of a Salesman or something.

To see a full review of the show, go to raveandpan.blogspot.com

Andrea Simakis 

You'll spend a pleasant evening clapping alogn with Idris Goodwin's friendly, buoyant primer.  If the production were a class, it would be titled "Introduction to Hip-Hop 101"  (When composing lyrics, smiiles are better than metaphores.)

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

Art Thomas

The subject matter of the play is the transition from Rap to Hip Hop which is innovative enough. Beyond this, the plot follows two guys who want to leave their mark on music, their youthful idealism, and  the frustrations of school and parents versus the urge to create and share. Those who come with an open mind will leave 90 minutes later with a better understanding of what drove music of the  late 1980's and  90's.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

THE NORWEGIANS @ Dobama

October 24-November 16, 2014@ Dobama

October 20-24, 2014@ MOCA Cleveland
216-932-3396 or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

At first glance, there is little to love about C. Denby Swanson’s comedy “The Norwegians.”  But rising out of its numbing simplicity like a Phoenix – a very, very funny Phoenix – is an absolutely brilliant piece of storytelling.

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

Roy Berko

“The Norwegians” is the kind of script that some will like, some will dislike.  It gets a better production at Dobama than the material probably deserves.

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

Mark Horning

Don’t let the phrase “bitter comedy” scare you away.  The show is sprinkled throughout with wonderful examples of dry humor and upper mid-west colloquialisms which are a joy to discover and laugh at even after the moment has passed.  The production does not let the grim subject matter get in the way of the comedy.  This is a good one to catch.  Uff Da, You Betcha! 

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

Andrea Simakis

"The Norwegians" begins to wear thin as the minutes tick by. . . .When a woman up-ending her bag and rifling in its conttents is a show's most thigh-slapping moment--Oofta!

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

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD @ Blank Canvas

October 17-November 1, 2014

440-941-0458 or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

It’s the Halloween season, the traditional time of the year to pay homage to ghosts, goblins, and of course, zombies.  Pat Ciamacco and his merry band of performers give the audience a chance to wallow in stage blood, feign fear of the denizens of the dark, and enjoy themselves by watching the “Night of the Living Dead.”  Just remember, “Hamlet” this ain’t!

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