WAITRESS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Order up: Touring ‘Waitress’ a blue-plate special with a side of extraordinary.

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

Roy Berko

The quality of the music, the staging, the performances and the story line of “Waitress” assure that it will delight audiences as it traverses the country.  It’s a must see for anyone who loves musical theater at its creative best. 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

It must have been daunting for the producers to open “Waitress” during the same Broadway season as the runaway sensation “Hamilton,” but this modest confection nevertheless proved itself a piping hot hit, still running on Broadway and launching a national tour that began last week in Cleveland.  This production — created and directed completely by women — may be too cerebral to call “easy as pie” but the audience will certainly want to savor it as if it were.

Mark Horning

This is a well told story with tailor made songs that while not memorable will leave you with a pleasing overall effect to ride home with. There is drama, romance, comedy, suspense and pathos all carefully mixed together. It is in short sugar and spice and a perfect recipe for an enjoyable night out at the theater.

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

Christine Howey

As directed by the esteemed Diane Paulus, this show is sweet but never saccharine and it goes down real smooth. If I were Jenna, I’d call it “The ‘You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry, You’ll Sigh with Delight’ Pie.” Yum.

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

Laura Kennelly

This finely-crafted show in the Connor Palace opens the national tour of the Broadway hit that’s still playing in NYC. We may be in Cleveland, but we might as well be in New York as far as cast, sets, and performances go. “Waitress” revels in a slickly presented and sassy mix, blending song, great sets, recipes for imaginary pies, dancing, and sex into a sprightly musical event.

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

Andrea Simakis

'Waitress' serves up a delicious slice of life in all its messy, complicated beauty.

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

IN THE CLOSET @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through November 4, 2017

(216) 687-0074

convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

 “In the Closet” is not a great play, but it is a script that incites a great deal of thought.  It gets a very creditable production at con-con.

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

Christine Howey

If you’re hearing the high-pitched squeal of a metaphor being stretched to its breaking point, you wouldn’t be mistaken. 

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

MARJORIE PRIME @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 12, 2017

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

“Siri?  Google ‘artificial intelligence’ and the seemingly innocuous but increasingly integral role technology plays in our daily lives.”

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

Roy Berko

 “Marjorie Prime” is one of those special theatrical occurrences that allows the audience to experience both a thought-provoking script and a superbly acted and directed staging.  This is theater at its finest!  Go see!  Must see!

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

Mark Horning

As the world pitches headlong into a state of increased artificial intelligence usage questions arise as to the dangers and pitfalls as opposed to the benefits. While seemingly benign in nature does the turning over of basic brain functions help or weaken us as humans? What about the effects on our instinctive behavior patterns? Through our association with these future animatrons do we end up mimicking them to the point of surrendering our humanity? These are the questions that you will find raised in this fascinating futuristic work. 

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

Christine Howey

On one hand, one could wish for a more dramatic confrontation between these people as some of them evolve from one form to another. Surely, such an experience would generate passions of some sort, and those are notably missing in this rather sterile piece. But the elegance of Harrison’s exposition-free writing and the finely modulated performances exert a quiet drama all their own.

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

Andrea Simakis


Love - whether sexual or filial or the kind you feel for a pet - and the terror of losing that love to the endlessness of the grave run through every moment of director Shannon Sindelar's hypnotic production, like the low hum of an electric current.

Silver is magnificent as the aging flirt who has borne more hurts than any parent should. A long-ago family tragedy has sent fissures through her relationship with Tess, cracks that have never mended.

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

THE FAMILY CLAXON @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through October 28, 2017

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

There’s a sitcom on stage at Cleveland Public Theatre.

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

Mark Horning

     

By no means can the word subtle be used in describing this production. The cast comes at you hammer and tong in a comedic assault of your senses. Some may find it a bit too much as this over-extended sitcom leaves nothing sacred and barely takes a breath from start to finish. Not what one would call a quiet night at the theater with which some audience members will appreciate.

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

Christine Howey

Suffice to say that CPT deserves our thanks for encouraging and staging new work. And that The Family Claxon should be taken out behind the barn and quietly interred. Cause of death: Terminal creative exhaustion.

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

The madcap proceedings swirl around an aged paterfamilias. But in this amusing, pointed romp, Grandad Claxon is little more than a tuft of hair in a high-tech wheelchair, a rolling life-support system that bleeps and hisses and leaks.

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

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes offers modern, amusing but muddled "Midsummer." 

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

Roy Berko

Those who are afraid of seeing Shakespeare because of the oft abstract language and confusing plot twists should fear not.  This production is a total delight, with a nice mash-up of comedy and outlandish farce, mixed in with a little lover’s stardust.  It’s definite must see!

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

Mark Horning

Great Lakes Theater is skilled beyond measure at making Shakespeare palpable for the masses, especially when portraying a comedy. In spite of the language difference it is easily understood by all and being a farcical comedy will be beloved by all. This band of thespians goes for the laughs with great success. The slapstick play within a play “Pyramus and Thisbe” will have you laughing until you hurt.

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

Christine Howey

The GLT company has never been better in weaving together this modern-dress version, even in the face of a scenic design that is both static and busy, and not all that entrancing.

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

Howard Gollop

The delights of this tale — about  a mash-up of  fairies, nobility and commoners finding romance and royal gratification in a magical forest — are overflowing. And it seems even more so under the magical world created (once again) by scenic designer Jeff Herrmann. It’s a land where grand architecture and effusive vegetation are woven together, a mirthful mix of  earthly and ethereal. There’s no better place for this Shakespeare to happen.

Laura Kennelly

The Great Lakes Theater Midsummer Night’s Dream gives us Shakespeare at his hilarious (and bawdy) best. In this enchanting Hanna Theatre production directed by Joseph Hanreddy every silly, comic element melds and spins into a dream. Under Hanreddy’s guidance, anachronisms (but who cares?) and traditional elements blend seamlessly to create a fresh look and a marvelous show.

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

Andrea Simakis

More than 400  years after its debut, teh Bard's comedy of mistaken identity and midsummer mayhem still brings laughter--and bite--as Great Lakes Theater's whimsical, and very funny, production proves.

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

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW @ BLANK CANVAS

Through October 28, 2017

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Roy Berko

If you are in the right mood, and can let loose of your inhibitions, and take “The Rocky Horror Show,” for its intended purpose—a screwball comedy, you’ll have a blast!  This is not “Next to Normal” or “Bridges of Madison County,” just some” The Time Warp” fun!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

This is a show that comes equipped with its own rabid fan base, so the seats are sure to be filled for the run at BCT. They are guaranteed to yell, scream, and shout obscenities on cue. It’s just too bad that this production doesn’t bring the audience to a shattering orgasm—theatrically speaking.

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

WAITING FOR GODOT @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through November 5, 2017

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

There is no greater mixed metaphor than comparing a show to The Show, particularly when one is by Samuel Beckett and the other is baseball.  But last Friday night, worlds apart but just 10 miles away, the Indians met the Yankees at Progressive Field for game 2 of the ALDS while Vladimir and Estragon were waiting for Godot at the Beck Center for the Arts.  And there were lessons to be learned.

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

Mark Horning

Waiting For Godot is a thumbs up/thumbs down kind of play that you either get or are left confounded. Some audience members will over think it while others will under think it. Regardless, it will open your mind to a variety of debates within and without. See it and gauge your reaction. 

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

Christine Howey

The fine actors in this production will, for a fleeting couple of hours, show you what kickass acting is all about. Indeed, they are so damn good you may actually, for a fleeting moment, think life has a purpose. Silly you!

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

BOTTOM LINE: I didn’t think I’d be recommending this show because its thesis is depressing, but I find I must. This outstanding production quietly and strongly reminds us that life is, indeed, absurd. Beckett asks that we devise our reasons for embracing it anyway.

For a full review go to artstillmatters.com or

Cool Cleveland.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 4, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

There’s something so 1980s about the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” currently in production by Great Lakes Theater.

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

Roy Berko


 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is not a typical Disney stage creation.  It is a dark, brooding musical and probably not appropriate for children.  While the first act is rather slow, the second act is strong.  It is well worth seeing.

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

Kerry Clawson

When young, bare-chested actor Corey Mach steps out of the crowd during the opening number of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and transforms right before our eyes into Quasimodo, assuming the crooked body language, gaping mouth and shirt with a hump, we are transfixed.  “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” he sings.  That is the central question of this epic sweep of a musical, which is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and the 1996 Disney movie. The stunning show, featuring brilliant vocals from a cast of 19 directed by Victoria Bussert, is making its Midwest premiere at Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland.
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To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Mark Horning

Somehow Great Lakes Theater manages to enlarge the stage in all directions for this phenomenal bigger than life rendering of the Victor Hugo classic. All of the elements of light, sound, voice and dance combine to totally captivate the audience in a production that can only be described as "Magnifique." This is the high bar from which all other Playhouse Square shows will be measure to this season. See this show!

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

Christine Howey

Thanks to the sure hand of director Bussert, it all works as a sumptuous theatrical treat. But perhaps due to its cartoon lineage, it lacks the impact of that other musical made from a Hugo novel: Les Miserables.

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

Howard Gollop

Like another recent Disney film-to-stage transfer, “Freaky Friday,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” belongs to a new entertainment genre — direct-to-regional-theater — sort of the live-stage version of direct-to-video. 

But at least the people behind this show are thinking. And the people in front of the stage are talented. So a Broadway run for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” doesn’t seem to be out of the question,” and neither would it be out of the question if it were a staging such as this.

Laura Kennelly

The Hanna Great Lakes Theater’s opening show this season is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a Disney-film-inspired musical that didn’t make it to Broadway. Director Victoria Bussert’s signature touch is shown in her vibrant use of the Hanna’s cozy space and her employment of a wonderfully talented cast. But even Bussert’s talent can’t dissipate the awkward story created by this Disneyfication of Victor Hugo’s novel. (“Disneyfication” here means simplifying a 19th-century 800-plus page gothic romance into a single story that argues for being kind to strangers and to those weaker than oneself.)

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

Andrea Simakis

From its dark corners to is most heavenly choral numbers, the musical works wonderfully at the Hanna.  Great Lakes has begun its new season in big style.

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

WELL @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through October 22, 2017

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

Ensemble offers infectiously endearing ‘Well.’

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

Roy Berko

“Well” is one of those special scripts and performances that showcases the message of what theater is all about.  It’s a must see experience.

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

Mark Horning

Can humans really escape their childhood influences through flight, therapy and adult relationships when a single trip home negates all and reduces them back to their painful pre-teens? This and many other questions form the body of Lisa Kron’s theatrical exploration WELL. While teetering on the edge of conventional theater it manages to explore issues we all deal with in our present and past lives.

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

Christine Howey

It seems that interesting is the very best word to describe this superbly performed, intriguingly constructed piece of theater. 

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

THE THREE MUSKETEERS @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through October 8, 2017

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

"The Three Musketeers: An Adventure, with Music" is swashbuckling entertainment that keeps kids of all ages on the edge of their seats. The world premiere play at Ohio Shakespeare Festival at Greystone Hall is company member Joe Pine’s stage adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. The story, set in 17th century France, is full of intrigue and action, following the exploits of the elite Musketeer guard and their new friend, d’Artagnan.

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

Mark Horning

Although a familiar tale with nearly a half dozen movie versions, this rendition is quite faithful to the original novel. The music is a wonderful addition that helps move the story along. Most important, the various sword fighting scenes are wonderfully believable and expertly choreographed. Bring the entire family and fill the seats for this delight.

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

LIFE X 3 @ CESEAR'S FORUM

Through October 28, 2017

(330) 405-3045

http://www.cesearsforum.com/

Bob Abelman

Cesear’s Forum stages ‘Life x 3,’ offers schadenfreude on steroids.

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

Christine Howey

There are aspirations to the metaphysical in Reza’s script, but the repeated renditions don’t provide the necessary snap of realization that is required to bring the audience along. Instead, by the end, it feels as if we’ve been stumbling through several rough drafts of a piece that isn’t quite finished.

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

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKCOO's NEST @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through October 8, 2017

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Dale Wasserman’s 1963 stage adaptation of Ken Kesey's 1962 novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is a celebration of a counterculture anarchy and rebelliousness that no longer exists in this country. But under William Roudebush’s astute direction and with an ensemble of superb performers, the Beck Center for the Arts’ production has mined and delivers all the many human moments this play has to offer.

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

Mark Horning

Using every inch of the large Mackey Theater stage, this larger than life drama is must see theater for all. No matter how many times you have seen the play or the movie you will witness with fresh eyes this unfolding drama of a battle of the wills.

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

Christine Howey

In all, this Cuckoo’s Nest captures many of the aspects of Kesey’s book and Wasserman’s adaptation. But it doesn’t soar quite high enough to momentarily liberate us all from the cages in which we find ourselves.

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 production of Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest combines a stage full of brilliant actors to produce a moving drama that does exactly what good theatre should do: inspire empathy and reflection. William Roudebush has taken Dale Wasserman’s stage adaptation of Kesey’s novel and turned it into an immersive, fast-paced recreation of Kesey’s novelistic early 1960s rant against ruthless and controlling social mechanisms (in this case the deadly combo created by courts and asylums).

To read the full review go to Laura's blog at Art Still Matters

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

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through October 1, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

CPH’s ‘Shakespeare in Love’ finds its muse, and then some.

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

Roy Berko

A combination of farce, comedy, drama, tragedy and historification, “Shakespeare in Love” delights.  It makes for a joyful start to CPH’s 2017-2018 season.  And, yes, there is a dog!

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

Kerry Clawson

The romantic comedy 'Shakespeare in Love' is so full of love and joy, seeing its most passionate moments play out on the Cleveland Play House stage brings tears to the eyes.
The play, running at the Allen Theatre, stars the highly charismatic Charlie Thurston as penniless young Will Shakespeare opposite the luminous Marina Shay as Viola de Lesseps, the wealthy, literate beauty who becomes his muse. 

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

Howard Gollop

There's a creative input of no less than three scribes, too many and too underdeveloped characters, all-too-brief moments of inspired dialogue that seem to come out of nowhere, jarring shifts in tone -- and slogging alternate narratives that lose steam long before a charming theater-festival-style epilogue makes the bewildered audience wish even more there had been a deserving play preceding it.

Mark Horning

From the opening salvo of the gang of actors taking over the theatre to the heartfelt finish where Shakespeare delivers an ending soliloquy this show has it all. Much like well done live Shakespearean performances it is a lively mix of comedy, romance, tragedy, pathos and lighting quick insults. This is great viewing for the entire family whether a fan of the Bard or not. 

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

Christine Howey

The handsome set and costumes designed by Lex Liang, the seamless choreography by David Shimotakahara and the lush sound by designer and composer Jane Shaw serve to make the entire production feel far more substantive than the script allows it to be.

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

Well! What a dazzling season opener for the Cleveland Play House’s 2017-2018 season! Director Laura Kepley’s Shakespeare in Love is a delicious messy mélange: part love story, part musical comedy, part wordplay (with a little sword play thrown in for good measure), part shaggy dog story (including the dog), and overall, ambitious fun.

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

Andrea Simakis

In terms of my heart, I'm in deep like with this show, a feeling puncturated by flutters of lust.  But you know what they say--you never forget you first.

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

SIMPLY SIMONE @ KARAMU

   Through October 8, 2017

   216-795-7077 

Or karamuhouse.org

Bob Abelman

The audience wasn’t applauding the spirit of Nina Simone, the incandescent soul singer and Black Power icon, who was one of the most influential, provocative and least understood artists of the twentieth century.  The audience wasn’t applauding this production of this show either, for there is little in the way of staging to facilitate the storytelling.  No, the audience was applauding the performers. 

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

Roy Berko

If you like the sounds and music of Nina Simone, enjoy well played, sung and performed jazz, gospel, blues, folk, R&B, and pop music, and want to know more about the Diva of Jazz, Karamu’s “Simply Simone” should be your entertainment destination.

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

Christine Howey

Most of what made Nina Simone so different and wonderful is simply missing from Simply Simone.

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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

BOOK OF MORMON @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through September 17, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Parker, Stone and Lopez are men on a mission but, unlike the characters in their play, it is clearly not a mission from God.  They are purposefully pushing the acceptable boundaries of musical theater and having a great time doing it. 

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

Roy Berko

If you haven’t seen “The Book of Mormon,” or need a new shot of irreverent satire which skewers anyone and everyone, this is an absolute go see production. If you are a language prude, religious fanatic, or aren’t in the mood for ridiculous delight, stay away.  It’s everything a modern musical that is meant for pure entertainment, with a sip of philosophy, should be!

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

Howard Gollop

"The Book of Mormon” may no longer be the “it” show, thanks to the hip-hop “Hamilton” now ruling Broadway and the national touring scene (coming to Playhouse Square next summer). But “Mormon” hasn’t lost its edge, thanks in part to a remarkable new tour that opened Tuesday at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre. The energy is palpable on both sides of the stage.

Mark Horning

  

Even after six years of tours, Book of Mormon still has sold-out venues wherever it lands and once again is filling the State Theatre at Playhouse Square with some audience members who are viewing it for the third time. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned viewer you are guaranteed an evening of absolute hilarity. The musical comedy offers a mixture of broad farce comedy with just enough facts to keep it glued together. Go to this show with an open mind and a penchant for comedy.

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

Christine Howey

In short, this show is a hoot and a half, and it is performed with superb professionalism by this touring company. Something that is not always true when a show visits for just a short time. So go, laugh, smile. You deserve it.

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