MASSACRE (SING TO YOUR CHILDREN) @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through June 10, 2017

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

It’s impossible not to appreciate con-con’s willingness to take on a show with such a high degree of difficulty and risk.  But you also wish they were better equipped to soar on the take-offs and stick their landings.

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

Roy Berko

“Massacre (Sing to Your Children)” is an abstract play whose meaning will depend on an individual’s views of the world, and their willingness to search for the author’s intent and purpose.  This is a script and production for playgoers who like to probe for ideas with no need for clarity of ideas or outcomes.

Christine Howey
You need to love a theater that will go out on a limb and produce a play with this kind of fierce point of view and risk-taking nature, even if it doesn’t quite hang together.

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

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

INCORRUPTIBLE @ CLAGUE PLAYHOUSE

Through June 4, 2017

(440) 331-0403

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

Photo Courtesy of Clague Playhouse

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved 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.  This review falls into that category.

Bob Abelman (reviewed for the CJN by community theater critic Eric Kish)

Dark Ages Catholicism is not often associated with anything remotely comical.  But thanks to Michael Hollinger’s clever 1996 farce “Incorruptible,” that comedic gap has been bridged and Clague Playhouse’s current production of the show, directed by Tyson Douglas Rand, is something of a blessing.

To see a full review of this show, go to here.

Mark Horning

Billed as a dark comedy (with more emphasis on the former than the latter)…“that will have audiences asking for mercy while rolling in the aisles with laughter” simply did not deliver as promised on opening night. Hopefully as the cast gets a show or two under their belts the comedic timing will sharpen up and the show will become the promised potential laugh riot.

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

THINGS AS THEY ARE @ PLAYWRIGHT"S LOCAL

Through May 28, 2017

(216) 302-8850

Or http://playwrightslocal.org/
Artwork Courtesy of Playwright's Local

Bob Abelman

Despite director Anjanette Hall’s best efforts, it is often hard to distinguish between the playwright’s efforts to use Stevens’ abstract ideas and radiant lyricism as key elements in the storytelling and the creative choices governed by budgetary constraints or simple oversight. 

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

Roy Berko

As a play in process, “Things As They Are” needs to be reexamined with an eye for sharpening and tightening the dialogue and ascertaining whether all the visual and audio stimuli are necessary to tell the tale.  For those who like to see new works, to discuss and add in-put into the development process, Playwrights Local and this play offer that opportunity.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey
Todd and Hall and their team have many ideas at work here, and their dedication to the subject matter is evident throughout. But it would all work better if the extraneous staging effects were trimmed, the audience brought in closer, and the script tightened to concentrate more on Stevens’ works. 

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

David Ritchie

“Things as They Are” brings audiences some wonderful things as they were.  The story moves through Wallace Stevens’ life from the poet as a young man to the mature (dying) Stevens. Jason Markouc (Young Wallace Stevens) and Robert Hawkes (Mature Wallace Stevens) are excellent in their respective roles. The script and Anjanette Hall (Director) permit the audience to watch Stevens grow and mature from a young man to a mature and then old and dying man. The character slowly modulates through life.

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

THESE MORTAL HOSTS @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through May 20, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Photo Courtesy Of Cleveland Play House

Bob Abelman

New Ground’s ‘These Mortal Hosts’ offers a fresh twist on an old tale.

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

Christine Howey

In this 100-minute one-act, three average people have had their bodies annexed by some force that they can’t control. And we’re not talking about a craving for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups here because these unseen forces are pretty serious.

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.

MARY POPPINS @ NEAR WEST THEATRE

Through May 21, 2017

(216) 961-6391

Or http://www.nearwesttheatre.org/pages/tickets
Photo courtesy of Near West Theatre

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved 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.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

By definition, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious simply means fantastic, wonderful and extraordinarily good. The same can be said of the Near West Theatre production of Mary Poppins. The show has it all…huge dance numbers…tender moments…wonderful singing…laugh out loud moments…and most important, a flying Mary Poppins. This is sure to be a sellout throughout its run as it is the best theater value in town. No spoonful of sugar is needed for this show. It is sweet enough on its own.

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

FOREVER PLAID @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through May 21, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Currently on the Great Lakes Theater stage under Victoria Bussert’s direction is the corny and contrived “Forever Plaid,” sans the brand equity that typically accompanies productions by Cleveland’s classic company and without the ingenuity typical of its top-tier director.   

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

Roy Berko

“Forever Plaid “is an escapist evening of theater, which is a pleasant trip back to yesterday, when clean-scrubbed boy singers waxed beautifully about the angst of young love, trips of fantasy and the mini-stresses of life.  If you like that kind of thing, this is a show for you.

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

Mark Horning

Forever Plaid is a delightful nostalgic night out where those who remember “Sunday Nights at 7” can relive some wonderful memories. The vocal harmonies are spot on and the continuous patter a delight. This is a feel good musical that everyone will enjoy.

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

Christine Howey

If you love those close-harmony boy singing groups crooning “Shangri-la” and reliving the Eisenhower era, fire up your Rascal and head on down to East 14^th Street. 

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


Great Lakes Theater signs off the current season with Forever Plaid, a Stuart Ross and James Raitt musical directed by Victoria Bussert. It’s a sweetly nostalgic look at 1950s pop music and early ’60s quartets (Four Freshman, etc.) through the eyes of the Plaids, four young men who were on their way (maybe) to fame and fortune in 1963. Alas, they died when their car collided with a bus full of Catholic school girls...But wait! Here they are, each bearing a lit candle down the stairs as they enter the Hanna Theatre with a stage waiting in readiness for them (each mic covered with a tiny white shroud), an audience looking at them, expecting a show. Is it heaven or hell or purgatory or merely a waiting station before the next stage?

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
To see a full review of this show you may also read Laura Kennelly's blog 

THE NORTH POOL @ Ensemble

The North Pool
April 28-May 21, 2017
tickets:  www.ensembletheatreCLE.org or 216-321-2930

Bob Abelman

While the small confines of the vice principal’s office makes for an intense evening of theater, it can also be argued that playwright Rajiv Joseph has set his sights so small as to keep this interesting play from becoming particularly intriguing.

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

Roy Berko

While the production is well-conceived and holds attention, “The North Pool” is somewhat unsatisfying as a thoughtful piece of play crafting.  The script leaves us wanting more, a clearer message to carry from the theatre.

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

Mark Horning

Set in real time, The North Pool shows in detail what could be considered a life changing segment in two men’s lives. It also shows how faulty data can lead to snap judgments that could lead to negative consequences much later on in people’s lives. This show is well drawn and well acted.

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

GOOSETOWN @ NEW WORLD PERFORMANCE LAB

April 28, 29 & 30 and May 26, 27 & 28, 2017

(330) 867-3299

Or devilsmilk.bpt.me

Kerry Clawson

"Goosetown" is the result of an ambitious two-year project to create an original musical steeped in Akron’s rubber history, set in 1913 when the city’s booming factories drew thousands of immigrants and out-of-state workers. ... Six of the seven characters have a tragedy or cross to bear. But Buck has created essentially six separate story lines that run simultaneously, and although these stories intersect, we don’t often feel their characters connecting on a deep level. Goosetown has gone through several workshops and many revisions, but these separate stories could still stand to be streamlined and simplified.

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

SOMETHING ROTTEN @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through May 14, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

“Something Rotten!” is the kind of big, boisterous and brassy musical theatergoers think about when the word “Broadway” is mentioned.  This tour meets all expectations and is an absolute treat to watch.

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

Roy Berko

“Something Rotten” is a theatrical treat…a wonderfully conceived and performed musical farce.  Anyone who wants to go to the theater and have a great time, unburdened by a complicated plot, listen to fun lyrics, see dynamic dancing and experience two acts of non-stop laughter…this is the must see musical!

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

Kerry Clawson

There are so many hilarious musical theater references cleverly enfolded into the wacky "Something Rotten!" — in both sly and obvious fashion — this show is a musical theater lover’s dream.  Doubling the laughs are the creative ways in which book writers Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell and lyricists Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick ingeniously weave the great words of the Bard into this wholly original musical, which brings together the 1595 world of Shakespeare with the many joys of the Great White Way.

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

Howard Gollop

The show erupts into all — and I mean ALL — the show-biz pastiches --Tin Pan Alley to hip hop -- incessantly making references to virtually every Broadway musical ever written to go with it.
Trouble is, there really is nowhere new to go after the first showstopper production number early in the first act — hence, an onslaught of more showstoppers and more allusions to more Broadway musicals.  The touring production has more-than-acceptable Broadway luster — creating a smashing evening on the town. Yes, it may be decent Broadway, but it sure ain’t Shakespeare.

Mark Horning

Everything you have heard about this show is true. It is a fast pace, highly energetic, extraordinarily funny huge hit that everyone will want to see. Half of the fun is discovering all of the Broadway references sprinkled throughout the show. You are guaranteed to leave the theater laughing.
    

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

Laura Kennelly

‘Tis a happy occasion for the provinces (AKA Cleveland, to put it in Elizabethan style) when [Broadway] Royalty visits. And, make no mistake, Something Rotten! offers a very very happy occasion--it’s one of the best new musicals around. The National Touring Company of  Something Rotten! (the Broadway show closed January 1st) brings rich and silly merriment to the Connor Palace.

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

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through April 30, 2017

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Mark Horning

With a spacious two tiered set, period costumes, the olde world feeling of the theatre and profoundly adept actors one feels as if they are at the Globe taking in an exceptional performance. While for some Shakespeare conjures up nightmarish visions of high school studies, one OSF performance will have you falling in love with the wit and wisdom displayed in this comedic work which will hopefully whet your appetite for more.

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

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through May 7, 2017

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Bob Abelman (Guest critic Gwendolyn Kochur)

As you exit the theater rejuvenated and well entertained, it is clear that – where pure pleasure is concerned – you really can take with you.

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

Roy Berko

For those who like to go to the theater to have fun, get away from their own work-a-day world of angst, “You Can’t Take It With You” is your thing.  Don’t’ expect a professional level production, most of the cast are not Equity carrying members, but there is enough comedy, ridiculousness, and delight to make even the Grinch smile.

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

Mark Horning

If your taste in entertainment favors the absurd and madcap this is must see theater. While limited in Equity members, the large cast manages to bring forth the excitement and craziness of the original production. It is fun theater for the sake of entertainment and should not be missed.

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

HAND TO GOD @ DOBAMA

Through May 21, 2017

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Everything the playwright has to offer lands with resonance as well as audacity.  And, under Matthew Wright’s sleight-of-hand direction, even the dropping of f-bombs is raised to an art form.  His actors offer a masterclass in balancing horror with humor, vulnerability with vulgarity, and playing impertinence with a straight face.

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

Roy Berko

“Hand to God” is a brilliant production, and places a spotlight on lost people caught up in their inabilities to cope with grief and abandonment.  In fascination, we watch as these people lose healthy reality, replace it with abject pain, interspersing horror with laughter.  This must-see staging, has to be one of the highlights of this theater season!

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

Christine Howey

The ensemble performances are quite adept. But it is Wehner’s star turn as the man with the devil stuck on the end of his arm that steals the show and is worth the price of admission.

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

Andrea Simakis

...Director Matthew Wright and his fine-tuned cast wring the comic profanity and real pathos from Robert Askins' script...The undisputed star of the show is Tyrone, voiced and manipulated with such skill and ease by [actor Luke] Wehner, you'll find yourself forgetting the two are one...enjoy the wickedly entertaining puppet show."

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

FREAKY FRIDAY @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through May 14, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

'Freaky Friday' causes Cleveland Play House and Playhouse Square to swap souls.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Roy Berko

If you go to the theater for enjoyment, Cleveland Play House’s “Freaky Friday” is your thing.  If you go to the theater to see marvelous talent, in a well-directed, well-conceived show, “Freaky Friday” is your thing.  If you don’t go to theater but have always wondered what a Broadway show is like, “Freaky Friday” is your thing.  Yes, if you don’t go see “Freaky Friday” you are going to miss out on a special event!

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


Kerry Clawson

The new Disney musical 'Freaky Friday' is a fun and fluffy time, but a work of art it’s not. The musical at Cleveland Play House is a contemporary spin on the original 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers as well as the 1976 and 2003 Disney movies.

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


Howard Gollop

It’s a medium-speed musical whose numerous attributes (and few limitations) can succinctly be summed up by the name above the title — Disney. With sets by Beowulf Boritt and costumes by Emily Rebholz, the production has the feel and scope of one of those downsized extravaganzas on an ocean cruise.   Fortunately, although the show rarely soars, there doesn’t seem to be many kinks to work out — certainly not with an intelligent and strong turn by Emma Hunton as teen daughter Ellie, nor with the powerhouse, stand-up-and-cheer performance by Heidi Blickenstaff  as the mom-turned-teen.  Come to think of it, she’s the closest “Freaky Friday” gets to soaring.

Mark Horning

For those looking for a family safe and suitable show that entertains and delights, this is the one to see. With a well developed cast, functional sets, believable costuming and a number of dazzling song and dance numbers it is an evening of solid entertainment wrapped up in a nice moral tale with a happy ending.

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

Christine Howey

The potentially tender, lightly amusing and affecting fantasy is crushed under the brutal treads of the Kitt/Yorkey pop-rock sonic muggings and music director Andrew Graham’s unrelenting intensity. 

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

Never mind “being in someone else’s shoes.” How about exchanging bodies? That’s the premise of Freaky Friday, the Cleveland Play House’s last show of the 2016-2017 season. This Disney pop/rock theatrical production takes a light look at the common “You just don’t understand” wail that often comes from both mothers and daughters.  After Disney movies plus TV shows based on the idea (and in this musical’s case, specifically on Mary Rodger’s novel, Freaky Friday), the comic story itself won’t surprise.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at Cool Cleveland.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's blog

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS @ CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE

Through April 22, 2017

(440) 247-8955

http://www.cvlt.org/

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved 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.  This review falls into that category.

Mark Horning

This 35 year old dark comedy chestnut of a musical still manages to bring a smile and a laugh to audience members, especially when superbly done. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre fills the stage with equal amounts of whimsy, fun and Doo-Wop making for an enjoyable theater experience.

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

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through April 23, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

They don’t give Pulitzer Prizes for titles. 

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

Roy Berko

“Between Riverside and Crazy” is an interesting set of character investigations within a plot which probably won’t fascinate, but will instill interest.  The production is excellent, the set fascinating, the laughs enough to keep attention and diminish some of the angst, and offers viewers a chance to experience seldom used runway staging.

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

Christine Howey

The excellent Cleveland Play House cast invests the proceedings with plenty of wry characterizations to bring out the humor in this rather seedy narrative.

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

DEATH OF A MAN @ NEW WORLD PERFORMANCE LAB

Through Sunday, May 14, 2017

(330) 867-3299

Or https://nwplab.com

Kerry Clawson

Somber lighting, chanting and the ritual shaking of a tree branch by Colombian actor Jairo Cuesta has the Man warding off evil spirits as the story unfolds of more than two decades of terror and enslavement of the indigenous Uitotos by the rubber supplier. ... Directed by co-artistic director James Slowiak, the bald, shirtless Cuesta moves fluidly, at one with the jungle as he portrays a hissing snake, snarls as a four-legged animal and perches on a box like a large bird.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

LABIO DE LIEBRE @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through April 15, 2017

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

What this play attempts to do is to put names and personalities to what for many of us are obscure newspaper reports from other parts of the world. It does a good job at this. Through. this work, the nameless and faceless victims come alive in our minds as we begin to ask questions as to what can be done to stop these atrocities. 

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

Christine Howey

Although nuance and subtlety are not the production’s long suits, this 90-minute piece eventually makes a powerful statement about tragedies that have befallen many people.

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

HAMLET@ Great Lakes Theater

 

March 31-April 15, 2017
Tickets:  216-664-6064 or wwwgreatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

By featuring male and female twins in “The Comedy of Errors” and “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare capitalized on the humor that comes from mistaken identity and the provocation found in issues grounded in gender roles and social politics. 

By double-casting the title character in “Hamlet” with a male and a female  actor in alternating performances, the only thing Great Lakes Theater director Charlie Fee meant to capitalize on was his deep and diverse talent pool of performers.   

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

Roy Berko

The preview performance of “Hamlet” grabbed and held the audience’s attention.  Laura Welsh Berg was convincing and gave a “different” dimension to the role of the Prince of Denmark.  Though Shakespeare traditionalists may scream “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (GLT), others who see the “female” version of the play should leave saying, “Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” 

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

Mark Horning

One thing is for certain, whichever performance you choose to see, be it Hamlet portrayed by a man or a woman, you will be witnessing one of Great Lakes Theater’s finer productions and a premiere adaptation of a great and noble work. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Happily, the production delivers the jolts and jibes we've come to expect of what is arguably Shakespeare's most famous play.

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