Oliver Parker! @ convergence -continuum

August 20-September 11, 2021

2438 Scranton Road, Cleveland (in Tremont) 

Roy Berko

One critic stated of OLIVER PARKER!, “Elizabeth Meriwether’s comedy combines the crass vulgarity that passes for wit in teen-aimed Hollywood movies with a well-worn stage cliché, the dark story of family dysfunction.”  I would add, “it gets a better production at Con-con than the script deserves.”

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

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here. 

Altar Boyz @ Porthouse Theatre

Through August 15, 2021

(330) 672-3884 

https://www.kent.edu/porthouse

 

Roy Berko

ALTAR BOYZ has a weak script and score, but in the hands of the competent Kent/Cespedes/Swoboda combo, the Porthouse production is more than the material deserves.  It’s worth the drive to the grounds at Blossom to see how to make a near “something” from a near “nothing.”

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

Kerry Clawson

It's a very silly musical with the slimmest of stories but, thanks to a talented cast, I enjoyed some laughs and am still humming some of the show's pop tunes from opening night Friday.

Yes, it's fluffy. And yes, it's cheesy — exactly what this satire of the popularity of both boy bands and Christian pop music set out to be when it premiered off-Broadway in 2005.

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

Mark Horning

On the plus side you have a lot of energy and some cute moments. On the down side there is the weak script, silly story lines and less than memorable songs. While the Sunday afternoon audience seemed enthusiastic in their applause some will see this show as not their cup of tea.

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

Romeo and Juliet at Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

Romeo and Juliet
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Various dates and sites.  For information go to:  https://www.cleveshakes.com

Mark Horning

No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

Romeo and Juliet are at it again in a thoroughly enjoyable outdoor production.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

 

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Doe Nothing

Through August 8, 2021

(216) 521-2540 x10

https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/thisgirl

 

Roy Berko

This Girls Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing is advertised as family friendly.  The younger members of the audience on opening night were observed squirming and obviously not interested or understanding.  They were not alone.  In spite of a brilliant performance by Derdriu Ring, the obtuse tale did little to grab and hold the audience.

 

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

Kerry Clawson
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Mark Horning

This coming of age saga is a lesson for all of us to grow into ourselves no matter how others perceive us or try to get us to change. Derdriu Ring masterfully handles the multiple roles without a single hick-up. 

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

Chris Howey

As produced at the Beck Center, the laborious and essentially inaccurate title--This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, and This Girl Does Nothing--is playwright Finegan Kruckmeyer's worst mistake, since his play exudes charm by the barrelful thanks to a clever script and an always engaging performance by Derdriu Ring.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

 

Amélie The Musical @ Mercury Theatre Company

Through August 7, 2021

https://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org/ 

(216) 771-5862.

 

Roy Berko

AMELIE is the type of musical that some will find charming, others, like myself, will find it a lesser musical.  The show gets a very creditable production at Mercury Theatre.

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

Mark Horning

With a little bit of work on the technical side of things this could be a delightful summer theater outing. Hopefully, as the production moves forward it will evolve. I would also suggest reading the synopsis of the plot by googling Amélia The Musical and clicking on the Wikipedia offering.

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

Chris Howey

Amelie has a winning quality that leaves you smiling, even if during the middle of the show you're not exactly sure what you're smiling at. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Midsummer Night's Dream @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Through August 22, 2021

(330) 574-2537 https://www.ohioshakespearefestival.com/midsummer

Kerry Clawson

A deluge put a stop to opening night of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" within just two scenes Friday at Stan Hywet's lagoon but that didn't keep me from going back to see all of Shakespeare's delicious comedy Saturday.

The hardy troupe of Ohio Shakespeare actors were awfully game Friday as they were sprinkled on on the outdoor stage during both the company's uproarious greenshow and the beginning of the beloved comedy. Early on, I felt bad for the actors whose backsides became wet after sitting on the sodden stage at various points. But when the rain turned into a downpour, director Tess Burgler called for a break and soon canceled the show.

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

Mark Horning

Come experience Shakespeare as it was meant to be seen (in the open air complete with bugs, bats and frogs). This production is a great way to introduce first time attendees of the Bard’s plays. Once they have experienced this live they will find themselves coming back over and over again.

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

Chris Howey

No review yet

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

 

BKLYN The Musical @ Porthouse Theatre

July 8 - 24, 2021

(330) 672-3884

https://www.kent.edu/porthouse

Roy Berko

BROOKLYN THE MUSICAL is not a show for everyone.  The story is convoluted and the music not memorable. In spite of these flaws, the Porthouse production is good enough to make the trip out to the beautiful setting a worthwhile ride.

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

Kerry Clawson

"Brooklyn the Musical" is a fast-paced fairy tale, set on a street corner, that features powerful singing by a small but mighty-sounding cast at Porthouse Theatre.

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

Mark Horning

While some will rave at this show as they did on opening night others will walk away a bit confused as to what all the fuss is about. If I would grade the show I would give it a strong B-. It is for the most part entertaining but not as good as it could be.

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

Chris Howey

This show doesn't wear its emotions on its sleeve, it wraps itself in drippy feelings like an oversized and excessively embroidered caftan.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

"The Choir of Man" @ Playhouse Square

Extended Through September 18, 2021

(216) 241-6000 https://www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

It isn’t Frozen, The Lion King, or Hamilton, which some local theater-goers might have preferred to re-open the theatres of Playhouse Square, but The Choir of Men is an evening of emotional song and dance, and a perfect selection to reopen Playhouse Square. The response has been so positive that the run has been extended until July 25.

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

Kerry Clawson

The unbridled joy in "The Choir of Man" is the kind of therapeutic show we all need as theatergoers finally start to come together again.

The celebratory concert-style show, set in a working onstage pub at Playhouse Square's Mimi Ohio Theatre, has the distinction of being the first tour in the United States since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020. Yes, it's come to Northeast Ohio. And it's the first live show at Playhouse Square in 15 months. 

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

Howard Gollop

Rather than Emerald-aisle exotica, the aura of the Mimi Ohio Theater stage for this pop/folk-rock cover revue is more spiritually connected to virtually any bar down the block in Northeast Ohio. Most of the true evocations of Irish musical lore are dispensed with in the pre-show riffing, where the tightly-clothed, youngish castmembers (20s through 30s) flirt with the audience members while literally serving them beer -- a practice that delightfully continues throughout the regular performance.”

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollup's review here.

Mark Horning

This is just the medicine that Cleveland needs to bring it out of its doldrums. It is at the same time rowdy, brassy, bold, sentimental, heartfelt and poignant or as those who have traveled to the Emerald Isle would know, a typical night at an Irish pub. 

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

Chris Howey

The degree to which you love The Choir of Man may depend on your tolerance for high volume singing of power ballads, testosterone-fueled dancing, and over-used swiveling concert spotlights that frequently bathe and momentarily blind the audience.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Kate Klotzbach

There is no big plot line. There are no story resolutions. You will not have to consult CliffsNotes to interpret anything that happens in this production. The Choir of Man is simple, pure, unadulterated bliss presented with honest elation. It is the show that says, "The worst has passed: let's gather safely and enjoy life again!" CHEERS!

To see a full review of this show, read Kate Klotzbach's Reivew at https://kateklotzbach.com/

"Quilters" @ Porthouse Theatre

June 17the through July 3, 2021

(330) 672-3884 https://www.kent.edu/porthouse

 

Roy Berko

QUILTERS, which could be dubbed Quilters 101, is not only a workshop of the role of material and sewing in the early days of this country, but a history lesson of the experiences of the women who helped settle the Midwest.  Don't expect big chorus numbers or show stoppers, or to come out humming the score.  This is just a pleasant slice of old-time life and makes for a nice way to spend a summer evening and the return of live theater.

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

Kerry Clawson

"Quilters" is a beautiful little musical that celebrates the perseverance, love and relationships of pioneer women, now playing at Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls.

The show's opening night, which played to a house about 80% full, was a joyous occasion marking the return of live theater to the summer venue after a pandemic hiatus last summer.

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

Mark Horning

Live theater is finally back and none too soon. Porthouse has chosen a pertinent musical that we can all relate to after the many months of isolation that we experienced. It is an uplifting message of hope that we all need to hear right now.

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

Chris Howey

Even though the material shows some mismatched rows and wavy borders, there's plenty of comfort to be had in the stories of these hardy women.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

 

FULLY COMMITTED @ Beck Center for the Arts

FULLY COMMITTED

November 13-29 (run extended)

Roy Berko

A funny one-man show, Fully Committed, which leaves the viewer exhausted from Koester’s near frenetic un-hinged tour-de-force performance. It is a wonderful way to spend an hour getting away from pandemic stress and the world of angst.  

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

Laura Kennelly

A good treat for a night in. No driving in the snow or rain, no parking problems, and no schedule problems either because each ticket offers a generous window to see the show. I’d suggest viewers settle down in a comfy spot, preferably with a favorite dish and a favorite drink before they dial up the Beck Center’s virtual production of Fully Committed.

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

SPRING AWAKENING @ Baldwin Wallace

Roy Berko

Victoria Bussert and her BWU crew and cast avoided, as one of the songs from “SPRING AWAKENING” states, being “Totally Fucked” and took on the Covid-19 challenge, developing a thought-provoking production which turned out to be the first collegiate pandemic production of the script and further recognition of the college’s program.  Bravo!

 

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

Laura Kennelly

An impressive and ingenious example of “the show must go on.” Bravo to BW, but I can’t wait until next year when I hope life will be normal. I miss the magic of being in the room when it happens.

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

Andrea Simakis

(https://www.americantheatre.org/2020/11/16/masked-and-raging-ohio-students-make-a-spring-awakening/)

 

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE'S "THE LOUSH SISTERS PAY PER VIEW (BUFFER THIS!)"

December 2, 3, 10, 11, 17, 19, 2020 | 8:00pm (ET)

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

 

Roy Berko

Separated by a pane of plastic to protect themselves from spreading Covid, the Loush sisters referred to their sexual antics and skills, referred to the political and social world around them, sang with vitality, and tried to take their viewers on an escape from reality.  Part of it worked, part didn’t, but the duo can’t be accused of holding back.

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

Mark Horning

For us veterans who have sat through previous offerings this may be a time to hope that this is the sister’s swan song. The reveal that this show was in trouble was when the number showing how many viewers were watching began to shrink as the show went on. If you feel that in your heart you wish to support local theater by purchasing a ticket of two that would be very noble. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review hhttps://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/cleveland-public-theatre-keeps-the-home-fires-burning-with-zoomere.

THE COMPETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through August 9, 2020

(330) 673-8761
Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

 Roy Berko

No review yet.

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

Kerry Clawson

Laughter is the best antidote to our worries and woes, and Ohio Shakespeare Festival is sharing loads of mirth at the Akron area’s first live play in four months with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised],” a carefully socially distanced outdoor performance at Stan Hywet.

Opening night Friday was a momentous occasion for the performing arts as local theatergoers attended the first live stage production since coronavirus shuttered theaters in March. 

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

Howard Gollop

No review yet.

Mark Horning

Here is your chance to support local theater, have a safe and entertaining evening out (remember those) and catch a little culture while having a rollicking good time either at the live performance or online in the safety of your abode.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review https://misterh215.wixsite.com/mysite/single-post/2020/08/08/Ohio-Shakespeare-Festival-proves-that-the-show-must-go-on-%E2%80%98in-spite-of%E2%80%99

Chris Howey

No review yet.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

No review yet.

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

Andrea Simakis

No review yet.

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

 

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND AFRAID @ SEAT OF THE PANTS ENSEMBLE

Through March 15, 2020

https://seatofthepants.org/ensemble

Roy Berko

“WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND AFRAID” gets a superb production, with high quality direction and acting, thus making it a perfect vehicle to “celebrate” the issues of womanhood in this era of angst.  It is a production well worth experiencing!

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

Kerry Clawson

In Sarah Treem’s “When We Were Young and Unafraid,” a play produced by Seat of the Pants, she brings together four women who are working to carve out their own identities, independent of men, in 1972.

The drama, which the company is presenting at Aurora Community Theatre, features an awesome quartet of talented local actresses, joined by one actor. Star actress Derdriu Ring is relentlessly fierce as Agnes, who runs her own bed-and-breakfast on an island off Seattle.

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

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

KINDERTRANSPORT @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Due to the illness of Dorothy Silver the reviews of this show are being held until March 13!

Roy Berko
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop
No review yet.

Mark Horning
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Laura Kennelly
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

DANCE NATION @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 29, 2020

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

 Though the Dobama production is well conceived, the language, over-wrought angst and dramatic structure render is probably not a play for everyone.  It’s worth going to observe the talented cast.

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


Mark Horning

This show can be described as a bumpy ride at best. Between scenes of high intensity the pace shifts down to nearly a crawl then ramps back up for more intense high jinks. Fans of Roller Coasters will love it. In a word...it is a fierce 100 minutes of non-stop theater.

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

Andrea Simakis

The production exerts the power of a spell, able to strip away the year, taking you back to when you were 13 and thought you'd die if the thing you want more the anything isn't happen.

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

BREAKOUT SESSION (OR FROGOSRSE) @ Cleveland Public Theatre

February 22-March 14, 2020

216-631-2727 or go on line to http://www.cptonline.org/

Roy Berko

“BREAKOUT SESSION (OR FROGORSE)” has an important purpose with lofty goals.  Unfortunately, the play’s format and subject development does not satisfy the need to truly explain, “something is not working, people” and teach the “Bias Bubble”reality.

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

SLEUTH @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 8, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

“SLEUTH” should be an enjoyable delight for theater-goers.  Go!  See!  Enjoy! (But don’t tell anyone the secret of the cast, the gun shots or the ending!)

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

Mark Horning

If you are someone who likes to investigate what goes bump in the night and enjoy a great murder mystery comedy with a madcap ring to it this is must see theater for you. This show will leave you guessing right up to the end. Boo!

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

Chris Howey

The stock-in-trade for Great Lakes Theater is evocative language, whether by Shakespeare or other theatrical luminaries. And this play, even while getting awfully gimpy in the knees, still has enough rich wordplay to make for a dandy evening.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Howard Gollop

A one-trick-pony whodunit such as "Sleuth," which has been making the rounds on screen and stage for decades, would seem a tired choice for a regional theater. So it's a testement to playwright Anthony Shaffer and the cast and crew of Great Lakes Theater that "Sleuth," under the muscular direction of Charles Fee, remains so compelling in 2020 -- even if we have long known who did it.

Complete article appears in Elyira Chronice Telegram

Laura Kennelly

There’s mystery afoot in the engaging Great Lakes Theatre production of Sleuth at the Hanna Theatre. Director Charles Fee and the talented cast create a tour de force of acting chops. These players show what acting is all about as they create a maddening, confusing world, and then, having done so, plunge us all into its surprising adventures.

Full review at artstillmatters.com or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

SCOTTSBORO BOYS @ Beck Center (Baldwin Wallace/Beck co-production)

February 7-23, 2020

216-521-2540
 or http://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

“THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS” is a powerful piece of historical theatre whose message must be heard, especially in these days of the continuance and rise of racial and religious prejudice.  The Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program production itself was inconsistent in its overall effect, but is still a staging worth seeing. 

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

Kerry Clawson

Beck Center for the Arts and Baldwin Wallace have joined forces for a bold and devastating show, “The Scottsboro Boys,” in the Ohio premiere of this stark, historically-based musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb.

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

Mark Horning

You can bill this show as an intense historic drama played out through the most nocuous manner possible (i.e. a Minstrel Show) that illustrates the truths and pathos far better than any other manner could. It is a show that will leave you angry about racial inequality but wiser with the final scene bringing it all home. 

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

Chris Howey

This fascinating piece is about a deadly serious Depression-era event that added fuel to the black civil rights movement in the 1960s. 

Howard Gollop

If nothing else, the Beck Center for the Arts and the Baldwin-Wallace musical theater program deserve accolades for at last bringing this criminally neglected decade-old musical to Northeast Ohio.  It not only marks the final collaboration of John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, it majestically and ingeniously unfolds a chapter of Black American history that gave birth to the civil rights movement.

Then again, this production of "Scottsboro Boys" -- conceived in the style of a classic minstrel show -- deserves so much more adulations for its sheer talent -- magnificently helmed by choreographer-director Jon Martinez.

Complete article appears in Elyria Chronicle Telegram

Laura Kennelly

Brilliant and daring. The latest Baldwin Wallace University/Beck Center collaborative production, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s The Scottsboro Boys, directed and choreographed by Jon Martinez, provides a stunning (albeit starkly condensed) musical sketch of a real event.

To see a full review of this show, go to Scottsboro Boys or read Laura's post at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

It's a swift, sometimes beautiful, often brutal ride---entertaining and horrifying all at once.

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

HEROES @ 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.

Through February 9, 2020

(440) 331-0403

www.clagueplayhouse.org

Mark Horning

 For those theater goers who wish to see three excellent actors working off of each other this is a must see show. Volumes of dialog are replaced with subtle yet knowing inflections that only years of being on local stages can create. It is nuance theater at its best. 

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

ON CLOVER ROAD @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 15, 2020

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Kerry Clawson

The thriller “On Clover Road” is such a harrowing roller coaster ride, audience members could get whiplash from all of its twists and turns.

It’s playwright Steven Dietz’s first thriller ever, now being produced in a highly intense local premiere that grabs you by the throat at None Too Fragile Theatre at the Coach House. For its first offering of the 2020 season, the small professional theater has knocked it out of the park with this extreme story.

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

Chris Howey

"It grabs you by the throat in the first line and doesn't let go." We've all heard someone say that about a book, a movie or play. And sometimes, it's even true. 

Well, it's true in this case. The play is On Clover Road, and don't be misled by the bland title. This work by playwright Steven Dietz doesn't waste a second or a breath as it plunges the audience into a world of surprises that all occur in a seedy room in an apparently abandoned motel. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF ANASTASIA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

There is an adage in theatre that after seeing a musical one should not leave talking sets and costumes.  In the case of the touring company of “ANASTASA” however, that’s exactly what the audience was doing.  Yes, this is not a great musical.  The plot is obvious and the music pleasant, not memorable.   However, the production values are outstanding and the cast excellent, so, all in all, what we have is a pleasant, if not spectacular,  evening of theatre.

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

Kerry Clawson

“Anastasia” is a visually stunning musical whose tale has an epic sweep. But for much of the first act, its momentum felt a bit slow Wednesday night at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

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

Howard Gollop

Luckily, the sets and costumes add color and nuance to a production that could use more of both. At the very least, one would think a veteran director named Darko Tresnjak (for real) could imbue his cast with an authentic Eastern European aura.

No such luck. Although the show is nevertheless engaging and expensive-looking, particularly for a national tour,  it's about as Russian as St. Petersburg, Fla. 

Mark Horning

What we have is the usual collection of pleasant but hardly memorable songs, a predictable story line combined with an excellent cast and spectacular stage set and video projections that add depth. In short this is a show worth venturing out into the cold and weather to see. It is indeed a very nice way to spend an evening at the theater.

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

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.


Laura Kennelly

Bottom Line: Anastasia is a light, enjoyable musical that offers a new take on the rags-to-riches motif. It’s a perfect winter treat. The national touring company does a bang-up job of bringing Broadway to Cleveland. (And yes, Cleveland was mentioned in the dialogue — but I bet a different town is named at the next stop — we all laughed anyway.)

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

IF/THEN @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

January 31-February 16, 2020

440-525-7134 or http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

Roy Berko

IF/THEN has a wonderful score.  Too bad somewhere in the show’s development, the confusing plot and excessive length weren’t dealt with. 

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

Chris Howey

The saving graces in this production are that it is directed by Martin Friedman, a man whose plays always pulse with humanity, and that it stars Sandra Emerick, a woman who knows how to act a song while doing full justice to its musicality. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

SASSY MAMAS @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through February 23, 2020

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

This show is absolutely hilarious in its concept and execution as three “hot mamas” seek out young companionship in this total role reversal. It is a laugh fest supreme that will have you feeling good all the way home. 

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

Chris Howey

Sassy Mamas, Celeste Bedford Walker's naughty and frolicsome comedy is making its return engagement at Karamu House. In this iteration, the cast is flying even higher on the sexual octane pumped out by the playwright, as three career women "of a certain age" in the same condo building explore their libidos with younger studs. 

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.