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

BROWNSVILLE SONG @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through September 24, 2017

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Despite a story that balances precariously on the tenterhook of tragic loss, director Jimmie Woody keeps his talented performers and their textured performances from sinking into and getting lost in that emotion. The heartbreak is obvious, omnipresent and all-encompassing, but by bearing the pain and moving forward, the survivors’ resilience and the harsh reality of the street are made even more poignant in this powerful play.

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

Roy Berko

Dobama, Cleveland’s fine off-Broadway professional theatre, opens its 2017-2018 season with a mesmerizing production of Kimber Lee’s “must see” script.  Generally well-directed, often superlatively acted, this is drama at its finest!  The opening night standing ovation was well-deserved.

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

Christine Howey

Director Jimmie Woody clearly has a deep affection for this material, and he has done the play proud by casting Jabri Little as Tray and Logan Dior Williams as Devine. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Though "Brownsville Song" is tinged with sorrow, it does not wallow.  Instead, everything about it, from its animated backdrop to its propulsive sound desigg, is aimed at celebrating the life of the boy who was.  

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

RHINOCEROS @ CONVERGENCE-CONTIUUM

Through September 16, 2017

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

“Dying is easy,” said famed 1940s performer Edmund Gwenn on his deathbed.  “Comedy is hard.”   Tragifarcical absurdism may be even harder judging from convergence-continuum’s well-intended by ultimately ungainly production of Eugene Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros.”

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

Roy Berko

The con-con production, under adept directing by Jonathan Wilhelm, is a very long sit, but can be worth the effort.  Don’t go expecting a clear plot with a nicely wrapped-up solution.  This is an absurd play which is intended to make you uncomfortable and forces you to be introspective and examine the world around you as you ask, “Why do we exist?”

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

Mark Horning

If you think that “fake news” alt right and mass hysteria are new ideas…think again. Eugene Ionesco’s play Rhinoceros still strikes a chord 58 years later. Before seeing this work, make an effort to read some online synopses of the play in order to better understand its relativity to today’s headlines. 

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

Christine Howey

The subversive power of theater is that it can make us laugh in the face of real existential threats. And that laughter, with any luck, can turn into change. So it is worth paying attention to this convergence-continuum production of the often wordy Rhinoceros.

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

MOTOWN @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through August 20, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

For those seeking a reprieve from days like these, “Motown: The Musical” is the entertainment for you.  It will take you back to the 1960s as they should have been – when singing was as easy as breathing, dance was the preferred method of locomotion, and the 12^th Street riot didn’t exist.   

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

Mark Horning

As the summer travels along, what better way to spend an August evening than listing to an entire collection of classic hits known by all. The costuming and sets will dazzle you and the feel good music will lift your spirits. This is one rockin’ show!

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

EQUUS @ BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

Through August 26, 2017

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas’ production of “Equus” is a good one and when everyone learns their lines it will be a great one.

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

Roy Berko

“Equus” is not only one of Blank Canvas’s finest productions, but one of the best stagings of the script I’ve seen.  This is required attendance for anyone interested in experiences of marrying a well-written script with a superb staging.  If for no other reason, go to the theatre to experience the marvel of Antonio DeJesus.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey
There are moments in this production, when the horses are gathered together and moving in unison, that one gets the feeling of lift-off that Shaffer’s complex script can inspire. But too often, this version is a rather casual trot around a compelling theme.

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

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.

HAIRSPRAY @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through August 19, 2017

(216) 771-5862

http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org/carousel-tickets.html

Bob Abelman

Last year's live TV broadcast of the musical “Hairspray” was a heavily promoted, overproduced and underperforming $10 million affair.  It was, in short, the artistic antithesis of the under-produced yet absolutely delightful Mercury Theatre Company rendition . 

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

Christine Howey
This is the final show of the Mercury summer season, with next season being their 20^th anniversary. It will be hard to top this season, which has included fine productions of Carousel and La Cage Aux Folles. But I wouldn’t bet against them.

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

DISNEY'S NEWSIES @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through August 13, 2017

(330) 929-4416 or (330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Newsies’ performs above the fold.

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

Roy Berko


“Newsies,” which is based on a real tale of good versus evil, and a love connection of opposites attracting, has a multi-textured melodic score. The Porthouse production contains dynamic choreography and strong musical and vocal sounds, which adds up to a very pleasant evening of theater!

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


Kerry Clawson

Soaring dance and vocals make the Disney musical "Newsies" a thrilling, thoroughly entertaining experience at Porthouse Theatre.

Director Terri Kent's exuberant cast is dominated by the 16 extremely talented newsies, most of whom are college age. Her casting net has gone wide to find the right young men with stellar dance skills in addition to singing and acting prowess. It's exciting and rare to see this much young male, triple-threat talent on one Northeast Ohio stage. ...  All bring a freshness, innocence and winsome energy to their roles as late 19th century newspaper delivery boys.


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


Mark Horning

A small army of professional caliber performers have been gathered to entertain who manage to take a formula musical and turn it into something very special. Bring the entire family together for a pre-show picnic and an outstanding evening of musical entertainment.

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

Christine Howey
It’s a stirring tale with several contemporary connections. And the large cast under the always-disciplined direction of Terri J. Kent handles it masterfully. 

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

CARRIE @ NEAR WEST THEATRE

Through August 6, 2017

(216) 961-6391

Or http://www.nearwesttheatre.org/pages/tickets

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

If you are startled at things that go bump in the night then laugh this may be the perfect show for you. Elements of stagecraft, choreography, acting and song propel the story of a woeful waif trying to deal with two impossible situations in her life at home and school. This is scary drama at its best as only Near West Theatre can pull off.

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

THE SOUND OF MUSIC @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through July 23, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘Sound of Music’ bids a fond and fabulous so long, farewell at Playhouse Square.

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

Roy Berko

 The little girl sitting behind me was on the edge of her seat throughout the show and, at the end, sleepily said to her mother, “I loved it!”  Yes, the touring production of “The Sound of Music,” is a very pleasant experience. “So long, Farewell,” Oy, how long will it be before I have to “Climb Every Mountain” again?  Guess as long as I’m a reviewer, “There is No Way to Stop It.”

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

Mark Horning

There is something quite comforting about enjoying a delightful summertime performance of The Sound of Music in the beautiful and perfectly temperature controlled Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square. Bring the entire family for an evening of familiar music that if it is not already will soon become one “of your favorite things.” With this short run, you are advised to get your tickets quickly.

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

NEIGHBORS @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through July 29, 2017

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

Intentionally discomforting, con-con’s ‘Neighbors’ is also compelling.

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

Roy Berko

“Neighbors” is a disturbing play with a well-intentioned message, but, as is often the case with first plays by an author, it lacks a strong center, is too long, and often shocks more than presents awareness reactions.  It is definitely not a play to be seen by everyone.

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

Mark Horning

Raw, visual, over-bearing and shocking but at the same time thought provoking are words that best describes this over blown sex act of a play that relies on shock rather than finesse to make its point. It is at heart a good story upon which too much extraneous baggage has been heaped. Some people will love it, some people will hate it. It is up for you to decide.

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

Christine Howey
The riveting con-con performances keep it all remarkably engrossing, and that’s quite an achievement in itself.

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

LA CAGE AUX FOLLIES @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through July 22, 2017

(440) 394-6353

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

Bob Abelman

What defines the Mercury production is that it is an unfortunate amalgam of other productions of this show -- farcical, campy, comedic and charming in spurts, and rarely finding the right balance or holding it for long.  This production works best – works brilliantly, in fact – when it addresses the dignity and resilience of its hero Albin, played by Brian Marshall, and when it does so in song. 

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

Christine Howey

The entire enterprise is saved and even elevated by a genuine fondness for the characters and indomitable energy for which MTC has become famous.

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

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

July 6 through 22, 2017

(330) 929-4416 or (330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse Theatre has found the perfect formula for a delightful evening’s escapism:  Take 30 of the best 1920’s and 1930’s jazz and swing compositions by Harlem nightclub legend “Fats” Waller, divide them among five extraordinarily entertaining performers, add a tight three-piece band, and subtract any semblance of a storyline. 

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

Roy Berko

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a musical-review which will be of interest to those who like 1920 and 30’s Harlem Renaissance swing music.  Be aware that the show, though nicely performed, has over 30 songs and no story line. 

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

Kerry Clawson

The musical revue "Ain’t Misbehavin’" is performed with style, humor, panache and great skill at Porthouse Theatre.  It’s a two-hour party where the joint really is jumpin’ as an excellent cast of five brings to life the spirit of jazz innovator Thomas “Fats” Waller.

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

Mark Horning

Bring along a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and whatever other picnic delights you wish for some open air theater that is the Porthouse tradition. This show will have you jumpin’ and jivin’ in your seat. It is the musical revue at its best.

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

Christine Howey

The Porthouse production sparks to life at times, particularly in the wonderful “Black and Blue” number that reveals the hurt behind the jazz and jive. But in general, Ain’t Misbehavin’ ain’t misbehavin’ enough.

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

CITY OF ANGELS @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

July 7 through August 13, 2017

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck Center’s ‘City of Angels’ is missing its wings.

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

Roy Berko

Though it is inconsistent in performance quality, the Beck production of “City of Angels,” gives theater buffs an opportunity to see this seldom-done musical with a fine display of technical effects.

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

Mark Horning

This is a show that tries too hard to do too much in too long of a time. A judicial use of editing of scenes and songs as well as the elimination of the overbearing incidental music during times of dialog would go a long way in improving the effort. Not a bad show per say but one in need of improvement.

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

Christine Howey

Hats off to Beck and Spence for taking on this challenge, and to the performers who damn near make it all work. 

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

The Beck Center’s ambitious summer musical, City of Angels, wins a few, loses a few. Directed by Scott Spence, this clever and comic Tony Award-winning musical (1990) celebrates, literally, two story lines at a time and, much of the time, this works.

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

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.

AS YOU LIKE IT @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through July 16, 2017

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Mark Horning

Pack a nice picnic dinner, but leave the wine and beer at home since Stan Hywet does not allow you to bring your own (they check all incoming containers). Beer and wine can be purchased at the concession stand (go figure) as well as a variety of snacks and sandwiches. Have a nice meal in the open air and relax for an evening of superb Shakespeare as he originally intended. “As You Like It” is packed with comedy, romance, action, song and dance making it one of the most sought after productions, and OSF does it all extremely well!    

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

Christine Howey

The play is as intensely engaging as the pre-show, offering a volley of its own pleasures. 

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