A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

September 7-30, 2019
440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp                          

Bob Abelman

“Isn't it bliss? Don't you approve?” asks Desirée in the opening refrain of the money-song “Send in the Clowns” in “A Little Night Music.”  “Well, for the most part” is the honest answer after watching a respectable but not remarkable production of this musical at Lakeland Civic Theatre.

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

Roy Berko

In spite of a talented cast, “A Little Night Music” is uninspired and not up to the usual high level of Lakeland’s Sondheim script presentations.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

From the vocal overture sung by a five-person chorus to that rom-com conclusion, this production directed by Friedman (his 50^th at this theater!) is a nearly constant delight. 

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

ALABAMA STORY @ Ensemble Theatre

September 7-30, 2018
216-321-2910 or www.ensembletheatrecle.org

Bob Abelman

Ensemble’s ‘Alabama Story’ strikes a familiar, formidable chord.

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

“Alabama Story,” a well written account of a real life incident is theater at its finest displaying excellent acting, an enveloping script and a technically complementing design. This is an absolutely, must see production!

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

Christine Howey

In all, this is an admirable and well-intentioned effort. But the script by Jones, while sweet and compassionate, is often far too instructive and didactic. It also gets tangled up in unnecessary factoids about Reed’s life and career, unable to shake off the urge to share all the jots and tittles of his Wikipedia research. 

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

SUNSET BABY @ Dobama

September 7-30, 2018

216-932-3396 or www.dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s ‘Sunset Baby’ rises to the occasion

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

or go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

“Sunset Baby” is an unnerving, thought-provoking script which exposes the viewer to not only the black experience in this country, but forces them to think back to both the turbulent 1960s and the effect the political and societal problems of the day had on those who actively lived through those times.  It is a well-conceived production worth seeing.

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

Christine Howey

Sunset Baby is worth a trip to Lee Road, for Mary Francis Miller’s stunning performance, for a few clips of Nina Simone’s singing, and for a story that touches on the personal sacrifices that people make when they try to move the world in a different direction.

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

Andrea Simakis

Dobama's intelligent production enhances the work of a savvy playwright who knows every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. No problems or causes in sight. 

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

JANE EYRE @ CLEVELAND MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT

Through September 9, 2018

(216) 529-9411

http://www.musicaltheaterproject.org

Bob Abelman

Eight stage adaptations of the much-beloved “Jane Eyre” appeared in England and America between 1848 and 1882.  There have been many others since but it is hard to imagine any better than the one currently being staged by Cleveland Musical Theatre.  

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

“Jane Eyre,” in its new form and format, is a musical that shows that a “small” production, in which care is taken with directing, casting and technical aspects can make musical theater more captivating than big, splashy, over-produced shows.  With an additional “signature” song, the revised script seems ready for an off-Broadway, small theatre run.

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

Christine Howey

This production shows a clear path to making Jane Eyre, the new revised musical version, an outstanding theatrical experience for years to come.

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 CASUAL TREE WARD @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

Through September 15, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

Playwright Hawkes emulates the skalds of yore by telling a tale about the world on the brink and the need to forge a better relationship with nature.  Though the tale has never been more relevant, the telling of it is too much of a test of acumen and endurance to be entertaining or particularly persuasive. 

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

Christine Howey

It’s not necessary to follow each and every pathway that Hawkes forges to find pleasure in the fulsome flow of his language and the thoughts that twinkle on and off like Christmas lights. 

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

DOWN BY CONTACT @ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL

Through September 2, 2018

(216) 302-8850

http://playwrightslocal.org/

Bob Abelman

X’s and O’s don’t add up in Playwright Local’s ‘Down by Contact.’

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


“Down By Contact” exposes the audience to an important present-day issue:  the effects of head trauma on athletes. It also vividly shows the effects of CTE and how the National Football League tried to avoid responsibility for a lack of protection of the players.  The script itself needs some refining and further development.   

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

Mark Horning

What happens when the roar of the crowd fades away and the effects of countless injuries begin to physically and mentally manifest themselves in our sports heroes? Playwrights Local and Dobama Theatre’s production gives you a realistic look into life after the gridiron. Well worth the drive to see this one.

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

Christine Howey

Because the play never delves deeply enough into Carson’s terror of his mind leaving him, and due to a concluding eulogy by Tommy and Kelsey that is unnecessarily garbled, the end result is not an emotional touchdown. It’s more of a three-and-out.

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

WE WILL ROCK YOU @ BLANK CANVAS

Through August 18, 2018

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Audiences might be entering the theater with apprehension, but they will be leaving doing the fandango to the parking lot and out into the night.

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

Mark Horning

While not their best effort to date, "We Will Rock You" is still a pretty good choice for your theater dollar. While the music volume will not make your ears bleed you will get some semblance of Queen’s talent and Freddie Mercury’s amazing composing skills. Go into the performance thinking “rock-lite” and you will have a more enjoyable time. 

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

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE @ MERCURY THEATRE

"Caroline, or Change"
Through August 11, 2018
mercurytheatrecompany.org

Christine Howey

'Hamilton' is monumental, but 'Caroline, or Change' ticks a lot of the same boxes.

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

OKLAHOMA @ Porthouse

"Oklamoma!"
July 26-August 12, 2018

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s ‘Oklahoma!’ earns the exclamation point.

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

Porthouse ended its fiftieth season on a high note with the well-conceived “Oklahoma!.”  The Kent State professional summer theater should look forward to more years of audience-pleasing shows under the stewardship of Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent and Executive Producer Eric VanBaars.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

This is truly what outdoor summer theater is all about. It is a gathering of friends and family for a theater experience that takes you away from your daily troubles. This young energetic cast with a sprinkling of seasoned pros does a wonderful job of transporting us back in time to simpler days with an excellent orchestra and superb stage set, lighting and sound. Take a break and bring the family.

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

Christine Howey

Even with a couple wrinkles, it’s always good to revisit the genius of Rogers and Hammerstein that is on display in Oklahoma!

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

SIMPLY SIMONE @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through August 5, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

Back by popular demand, Simply Simon makes a triumphant return to the newly renovated and spectacular Jelliffe Theatre. You will not simply witness this performance; you will become a part of it. Come see an old favorite in its new and shiny surroundings.

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

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT @ MERCURY THEATRE

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 771-5862

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

Bob Abelman

Kudos to Mercury for breathing new life into this often performed and usually overproduced musical, and for taking creative risks that, for the most part, pay off.

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

Christine Howey

When you’re going high-concept with a production, it’s best to make sure you have the time and the acting resources to nail the reinterpretation. From that perspective this Joseph, in 1930s parlance, is a broken-down flivver.

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 NATIONAL TOUR OF HAMILTON @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through August 26, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Yes it is, and yes it does!

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

“Hamilton” is a special theatrical event and experience.  The script is riveting, the music involving, the choreography creative, the production superb.  The touring production is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to participate in one of those special once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  This is one show that definitely deserves its standing ovation.  Bravo!

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

Kerry Clawson

Seeing "Hamilton" play out live onstage is an exhilarating experience that far exceeds all expectations I had imagined after listening to the Broadway cast recording and reading about the show for years.

That’s because Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The second national tour, now at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre, is a high-octane production with the most propulsive momentum I’ve ever seen in a musical.
.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

In “Hamilton,” of course, no one forgoes popular music idioms, but King George imparts his glib dismissal of America in the hilarious style of a British pop star, like a renegade from Herman’s Hermits.  The song is called “You’ll Be Back,” and indeed we will — hopefully when the show returns in another tour with less-expensive and more available tickets.

Mark Horning

After all the hype does the National Touring Company Production of Hamilton live up to its promises? Well, yes and no. The show is your typical over the top Broadway extravaganza with bigger than life figures, exquisite dance numbers, a great hulking set and colorful period wigs and costumes. The weak link is the sound system that denies audience members a clear exposure to the rapid fire lyrics and subtle nuances of the various songs. It is a great show that could be better.

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

Christine Howey

You should do anything legal (and possibly even illegal) to get a ticket. Your life as a human being at this moment in the 21st century will not be entirely fulfilled if you don't witness this extraordinary work of art written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

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

Andrea Simakis

'Hamilton' in fine company, lives up to the hype.   Perhaps the greatest gift of this breathtaking piece of art is how touchingly famliar and human it makes the men and women who helped shape America seem--so unlike the cold faces under powdered wigs in portrait galleries.

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

ROMEO AND JULIET @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through July 15, 2018
(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

OSF’s comedic approach for the first half of the production is achieved chiefly through actor Ryan Zarecki as Mercutio, who is relentlessly teasing and bawdy with his wildly funny, over-the-top mockery of his friend Romeo. 

Zarecki creates the most energetic jokester I’ve ever seen in a Mercutio, aided by his abundant physical comedy. He amps up the comedy in his highly memorable characterization by picking Romeo up and spinning around with his friend on his shoulders, and even plants a mocking kiss on the angry Tybalt while dueling him.

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

Christine Howey

In this instance, many decisions made by director Nancy Cates wind up making this R&J substantially less memorable than it ought 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

NEXT TO NORMAL @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through July 21, 2018

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s marvelous ‘Next to Normal’ is everything but entertaining.

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

“Next to Normal” is one of the great scripts in the lexicon of American Musical theater.  It gets a superb staging at Porthouse.  The direction, performances and technical aspects are all right on target.  This is a must see production that should not be missed! 

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

Mark Horning

Looking at the scant description of the show might make some think twice about attending. This would be a mistake. The music (with a superb six piece orchestra) and the excellent cast make this must see theater. Kudos goes out to Porthouse for the courage to stage this extraordinary performance that addresses the subject of modern mental health and its various treatments. 

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

Christine Howey

This is the 50^th anniversary season of Porthouse, the Alice Ripley alumna vibe is in the air, and this version of Next to Normal is another winner. 

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

AND ALL THE DEAD LIE DOWN @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through July 28, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

If you’d like to see a play in the process of development, then “And All the Dead Lie Down,” could be your thing.  It is not a well-crafted script, but the directing and acting are excellent.

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

GYPSY @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through August 12, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck’s imbalanced ‘Gypsy’ entertains but does not enthrall.

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

Roy Berko

“Gypsy” is one of the classic scripts in the lexicon of American Musical Theater.  It gets an acceptable, but definitely not a great staging at Beck.  The show’s highlight was the choreography.  The production will entertain some people, but could have been so much more.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

While not up to their usual high standards, the Beck Center’s production of Gypsy is still worth the price of the ticket due to the choreography and orchestration. Many will love the show while others will wish for what might have been.

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

Christine Howey

Locally, no other theater does big Broadway productions better than Beck Center. But this time around, their Gypsy drops a few spangles but reveals less than it should.

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

Gypsy’s Mama Rose stamps motherhood as a fearsome creation. The Beck Center production, directed by Scott Spence, simultaneously exposes showbiz’s dark side and delights in its glories — namely story, music and dance. It’s an engaging and touching musical.

For a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review at Cool Cleveland

Andrea Simakis

Beck's 'Gypsy' doesn't completely bare its soul.

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