TINTYPES @ PORTHOUSE THEATRE

Through July 20, 2019

(330) 672-3884

Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Roy Berko

“Tintypes” is a musical revue which reminds of the desires, values and worth of immigrants.  It reinforces the idea of why the less fortunate of the world are willing to risk their very lives in their desire to live the American dream. In its own way, it highlights the present battle over immigration. 

 

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

 Kerry Clawson

“Tintypes” is a fast-paced, peppy musical revue at Porthouse Theatre. It celebrates the rapid change that took place in America between the 1870s and 1920. ... This musical attempts to cover a lot of historical territory, including the rapid industrialization, factory workers’ plight, politics and entertainment of the era. But there’s no story with a solid through line to bring us through that time period, so audiences experience snapshots of that history almost solely through music.

To see a full review of this show, see https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.
 
Mark Horning

While the July 4^th holiday brings out a plethora of patriotic concerts and shows, Tintypes manages to strike a nice balance of contemporary and rousing martial music making for an extremely fine evening of family entertainment. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy at the spacious grounds surrounding the theater and prepare to go home feeling good.

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

33 1/3 @ Dobama

Through July 14, 2019

216-932-3396
 or http://www.dobama.org/

                                                              

Bob Abelman

In Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners “Private Lives,” music plays a crucial role when the brilliant dialogue cannot carry all the emotional weight of the storytelling.  So much so that one of the characters casually remarks: “Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.”

This sentiment drives Jay Turvey and Paul Sportelli’s new musical “33 1/3,” which re-imagines the jukebox musical so that pop music becomes the subject matter and not the accompanying score.  And it does so with endearing sentimentality, a subtle sense of humor, and a remarkable delicacy that draws the audience into its nostalgic world and keeps us there in a gentle embrace.

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

“33 1/3,” in its world premiere at Dobama, is a work in progress.  It will be interesting to see what, if any changes the authors make as the piece moves forward.  You might want to see it here, so you can say “I saw it in its infancy.” 

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

Mark Horning

All shows during their evolution have needed shortening, the inserting of a block buster song as well as a song to illustrate the main character’s desires. This is what this show could use. While this staging is “nice” it needs more biting comedy, a stronger story and a hit song or two all in a shortened time frame. 

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

RAGTIME THE MUSICAL @ Cain Park

June 13-30, 2019
216-371-3000 
or http://cainpark.com

Bob Abelman

Cain Park’s exquisitely pared down ‘Ragtime’ finds the core humanity that drives this musical.

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

“Ragtime” tells an important tale that needs to be seen and heard.   Except for an over-enthusiastic orchestra and some audio balance problems, this production does the script justice.  It’s well worth the sit!

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

Laura Kennelly

The swiftly-moving Ragtime: The Musical, now at Cain Park’s Alma Theater, gives a musical snapshot of early 1900s in New York City. Based on E. L. Doctorow’s fine and dramatic novel with the same name, it features book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The Cain Park production,  directed by Joanna May Cullinan, pays appropriate homage to the classic America-as-melting-pot narrative (at least to the New York City, East Coast  version).

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

MAN OF LA MANCHA @ Porthouse

Through June 29, 2019

(330) 672-3884
Or http://www.porthousetheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Porthouse’s gorgeous ‘Man of La Mancha’ inspires tilting at windmills.

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
 

Terri Kent’s soul of humanness and Martin Céspedes’s creativity and visual perception are stamped all over this captivating production.  It is a “Man of La Mancha” for the 2019s.   It’s a musical drama which has an important story to tell.  GO!  Experience theater at is finest!

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

Kerry Clawson

At Porthouse Theatre, Fabio Polanco expertly takes on one of the most dramatic musical theater roles of all time — Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote in a swashbuckling, romantic and bittersweet performance of “Man of La Mancha.” Director Terri Kent’s cast of 21 is thoroughly invested in this world of the old nobleman gone mad who has dubbed himself the errant knight Don Quixote and set out with his squire, Sancho Panza (Timothy Culver).

To see a full review of this show, see https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.


Mark Horning

Any show that can make a weather weary audience forget about the rain outside with a two and a half hour theatrical vacation knows how to do it right. This updated version of a Broadway classic is must see summer theater. Grab a rain coat and make your way to Porthouse Theatre.

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

DEAR EVAN HANSEN @ Connor Palace (Key Bank Broadway Series)

June 11-30, 2019

216-241-6000 
or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The sobbing you hear underscoring the production of “Dear Evan Hansen” – currently on tour and on stage at Playhouse Square after being recognized as the best musical on Broadway in 2017 – is coming from both sides of the proscenium.  It is the sound of actors lost in their astoundingly honest and gut-wrenching depiction of people in pain and the audience’s gut-response to it.

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

“Dear Evan Hansen” is a mesmerizing evening of contemporary musical theatre.  Complete with pop-contemporary music sounds, complete with art songs and narrative story-telling tunes, and a relevant story line, it is one of the finest examples of the new wave of musical dramas.  Don’t go expecting show-stoppers and an escapist plot, this is life as it is being lived, with all its angst and issues.  The touring production is excellent and is an absolutely must see!!  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

The blockbuster “Dear Evan Hansen” starts out as a sad, intimate musical about crippling social anxiety and isolation but ends up turning into something quite different.  At the helm of this brilliant show, now on national tour at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, is astounding 21-year-old actor Ben Levi Ross, who is a bundle of raw nerves and emotion as the teenage title character. He makes us love Evan Hansen — nervous tics, lies and all — with his character’s self-deprecating humor and sweet heart.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.

Howard Gollop

But this is not some sort of intimate studio production; this is a big Broadway musical. Cue the talents of lighting designer Japhy Weideman and set designer David Korins, who have created the perfect world of smartphone images and piercing illuminations where such a story as this can blossom majestically. Michael Greif’s direction molds the labyrinth of ideas, words, songs and images into graspable cohesion, But back to Levenson’s book — so original and compelling, the audience has no idea by the end of the first act how it could end with an accessible, agreeable conclusion. Yet it does end — more satisfyingly than imagined — and the characters and the audience are all the better for it.

Laura Kennelly

Overheard on the way out of the Connor Palace Theatre: “This show would be great for psychologists.” The show? The long-awaited Dear Evan Hansen. multiple award winner, including a 2017 Tony for  Best Musical.  Directed by Michael Greif, with book by Steven Levenson, score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the musical explores alienation, family dynamics and chance. Greif, surely a master of unhappiness, offers a sad and serious look at life for several teens and two sets of parents. It should come as no surprise to learn that he also directed Rent and Next to Normal. The characters and the subtext (modern life can be pretty awful, but there’s hope for us all) echo a similar perspective.

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

Andrea Simakis

This isn't a show out to corner a narrow tween/teen market.  "Dear Evan Hansen" is for everyone who has ever felt lost and broken and unloved.  That's part of its irrestible, universal appeal!

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

MAMMA MIA @ MERCURY THEATRE COMPANY

Through June 23, 2019

(216) 771-5862

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

Bob Abelman

Mercury offers an infectious but undistinguished ‘Mamma Mia!’

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

KING LEAR @ BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through June 30, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck Center offers a well-acted but ill-conceived ‘King Lear.’  

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

With its bare bones set and costuming in this 100 seat theater you are in for an intimate and totally immersing experience of Shakespeare as you rarely see it. The only way to make it more compelling would be to assign lines to the audience members. This is truly one of the best cast and most vivid productions of this outstanding drama. Buy a ticket and be amazed.

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


Laura Kennelly

Shakespeare’s King Lear shines with fresh light in this subtle and brilliant Beck Center production. Director  Eric Schmiedl has created a new view of this familiar classic by ditching frills, fancy  costumes and elaborate sets. It’s nothing like the King Lear you might have been forced to read in school (of course, if you liked it then, never mind this sentence.)

For the full review see King Lear.

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

ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE'S AIDA @ KARAMU

May 23-June 16, 2019

216-795-7077 
or go to http://www.karamuhouse.org/

Bob Abelman

Karamu’s ‘Aida’ is so good it earned a standing ovation at intermission.

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
   

In evaluating productions, it is important that a reviewer take into consideration the venue and the company doing the show.   Karamu’s “Aida” cannot be compared to the Broadway or professional touring company. None of the youngish cast are Equity members.  They range from being seasoned community and educational theater performers to stage newbies.  That taken into consideration, audiences should enjoy themselves with this Tony Sias directed production.

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

Kerry Clawson

In the musical “Aida” at Karamu House in Cleveland, actress Mary-Francis Miller creates a supreme blend of power and passion as the mythical title character. ... It’s too bad that her leading man, though, Darelle Hill as Radames, took a while to warm up to his role as the other half of this star-crossed duo in Sunday’s performance.

To see a full review of this show, see https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson.

Mark Horning

What makes this show an exciting viewing experience is the sheer power of the vocals that sweeps the audience along for an amazing ride back to ancient Egypt. It is a show of love, loss, political intrigue, power, lust and greed...in effect, great entertainment. This is a great show to bring the entire family.

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

STATEMENTS AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT @ CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

May 24-June 15, 2019
216-687-0074
or http://convergence-continuum.org

Bob Abelman

con-con’s ‘Statements After An Arrest’ still arresting.

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

With the recent election of a new President of South Africa, resulting in a probe of the economic and social status of blacks in that country, con-con’s play choice is relevant.  Informing of the horrors of apartheid, which seem to parallel the desires of some of US citizens, also makes the topic germane.   Unfortunately, the quality of the script and some of the directorial decisions leave the audience wanting.

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

Mark Horning

While at times the script tends to weaken, the totally (au) natural performance of the two principles helps make this seventy-five minute theater experience time well spent. This nearly Shakespearean theme of illicit romance tells the tale of generations of oppressed blacks and the whites who loved them during the reign of apartheid in South Africa in a way all can understand.

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

CENTRAL CONCERN @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through June 8, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

‘Central Concern’ at Cleveland Public Theatre offers an absurdist civics lesson. 

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

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE @ BLANK CANVAS

Through June 1, 2019

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas rescues ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ from itself.

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

“Little Miss Sunshine” is not a great musical script nor does it have a strong score.  The show’s farcical nature is a challenge for any cast and director.  In spite of a gallant effort, the Blank Canvas production just doesn’t work as well as it could have.  

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

TWO @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through May 31, 2019

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘Two’ a master class in heartbreak.

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

“Two” proves once again that none-too-fragile is the consistently best off-off Broadway in the Greater Cleveland area.  The quality of play choices, the prime acting and the spot-on directing, makes going to this venue a theatrical wonder.   

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

Kerry Clawson

The dramatic comedy “Two” is both sad and funny at None Too Fragile as married British pub owners welcome an array of personalities to their watering hole in the north of England.  
In this two-hander directed by Sean Derry, expert actors Derdriu Ring and David Peacock portray not only the Landlady and Landlord, but also 12 other regulars at the bar ... Ring and Peacock, who are a joy to watch opposite each other, are chameleons as they create couples in multiple permutations.

 To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through May 26, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

Great Lakes Theater’s rock ‘n’ roll tribute ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

worth every penny.

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

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is one of those enjoyable evenings of theatre.  It’s filled with great music and good enough performances that led to screaming, yelling, clapping, and multi-standing ovations given by the audience.  Yes, Memories Are Made of This!

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

Mark Horning

If your looking for a healthy dose of good ol’ Rock and Roll played with all of its original firecracker energy this is one show you will not want to miss. The cast has amazing chemistry that shines past the footlights clear back to the farthest seats. Million Dollar Quartet will have you rockin’ and rollin’ in the aisles. ROCK ON!

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

1776 @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through May 5, 2019

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Kerry Clawson

It’s great to see how funny America’s founding fathers can be. And, no, I’m not talking about “Hamilton” this time. I’m talking about the musical that came 46 years earlier — “1776.”  The 1969 musical, rarely produced in the Akron area, is now playing with a 27-member cast of excellent actors and fine singers at Ohio Shakespeare Festival.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at https://www.ohio.com/topics/clawson/.