ANGELS IN AMERICA PART II: PERESTROIKA @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through May 20, 2018

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Bob Abelman

“We’re not going away.  We won’t die slow, secret deaths anymore,” cries Prior to all who will listen at the end of the play. “More life!” This declaration of choosing life, despite all the suffering and ugliness he has encountered in the world, is the play’s most poignant moment and Kushner’s most stunning accomplishment with “Angels in America,” considering the time in which it was written.  

But it is just one of many moments that shows the immense compassion with which Ensemble Theatre approached this play. 

To see a full review of this show, go to: www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

“Perestroika” completes the “Angels In America” tale. Though overly long, the strong cast, creative staging, effective projections, and vivid writing make for a challenging but fulfilling theatrical experience that is well-worth seeing for those who like “thinking” theater.

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

APPROPRIATE @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through May 20, 2018

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s ‘Appropriate’ offers another of Jacobs-Jenkins’ provocative shades of gray

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

Everything from the foundation of the ill-kept, once grand plantation home, to the very souls of every member of the Arkansas-bred family, is weak and crumbling.  This must see Dobama production gives clear insight into effects of family dysfunction and repercussions of long-held secrets.

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

Mark Horning

As the various pungent layers of this theatrical onion are peeled away the sins of the father and various family members are brought out at last into the light of day as the acrid fumes bring tears for what has passed and been lost forever. Intense…Topical…Hard Hitting…Life Altering.

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

Christine Howey

The usually splendid director Nathan Motta leads his cast into multiple dead-ends that finally become as exhausting as the over-amped cicada sound effects that accompany each scene change.

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

It's too long, its characters  and language too flat--but it's also thought-provoking and intriguing, one of those plasy  you can't get out of your head.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through May 6, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

The word is d-i-v-e-r-t-i-s-s-e-m-e-n-t (a pleasant escape).

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

Sometimes it’s fun to just sit in the theatre and laugh.  If that is your kind of entertainment, “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is your thing and will spell “d-e-l-i-g-h-t” for you. 

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

Mark Horning

The comedic timing of this cast is exquisite as one hilarious line after another comes spilling forth from the stage. It is a coming of age story about children learning who they are by striving to better themselves which in some cases may not include as much winning as giving. This is must see comedy theater.

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

Howard Gollop

An enterprise such as this — with six of the adults playing grade-school overachieving geeks and nerds — might easily result in the tiresome mugging and overplaying of a bad fraternity skit. But each character was lovingly and assiduously concocted with seamless originality between the show's creators and performers. What’s more, the orchestra conducted by Jordan Cooper, the convincing and stylish gym-cafetorium set by Michael Schweikardt and the choreography and direction by Marcia Mildgrom Dodge are of a caliber that makes this show such a solid progeny of Broadway.

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: It’s a show that’s full of itself — most often in a good way — and offers cute songs, such as “Magic Foot” in which Barfee reveals his spelling trick.

For a full review go here or to Cool Cleveland

SIDE SHOW @ BLANK CANVAS THEATRE

Through April 28, 2018

(440) 941-0458

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Blank Canvas’ walks the precarious tightrope that is ‘Side Show’

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Mark Horning

If your taste in theater tends towards the more avant guarde and whimsical, you will love this newest offering by Blank Canvas. While the sit time is a bit long, the endearing cast fills the time with rather brilliant orchestrations and songs. Well worth seeing.

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

Christine Howey

The conclusion of the show is bracingly realistic, and Ciamacco and Harden carry it off well. As for the rest of the cast, they need to find their characters’ individual freak flags and give the lead duo the support they deserve.

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 HUMANS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through April 29, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

There’s a wonderful cartoon by The New Yorker’s Bob Mankoff that depicts a corporate executive reporting to his board.  “And so,” he says, “while the end-of-the-world scenario will be rife with unimaginable horrors, we believe that the pre-end period will be filled with unprecedented opportunities for profit.”

Stephen Karam’s “The Humans” also calls attention to the admirable if highly irrational human tendency to be enterprising in the face of imminent demise.  

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

Key Bank subscribers may be thrown off by the fact that “The Humans’” is not a musical.  But it, like last season’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night,” and “War Horse,” the marvelous hit of several seasons ago, is a straight play that has special appeal.  Unlike those shows, it lacks the outstanding technical and special effects to grab and hold attention.  What it does have is a finely-written story that gets an outstanding performance that is well worth experiencing.

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


Kerry Clawson

All six characters in the drama "The Humans" at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace are flawed, disillusioned and broken.  The basic truth to this meticulously wrought, heartbreakingly realistic play by Stephen Karam is this: Who among us isn’t, in some way?

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at  http://www.ohio.com/akron/entertainment. 

Howard Gollop

The rich soulful song ("The Parting Glass") a centerpiece in Stephen Karam’s masterwork, is a grim reminder of the lost Irish soul of the family — not to mention lost hope, lost jobs, lost youth, lost health and lost romance.  It’s all uncovered in two acts of biting comedy, mournful pathos and chilling visual and audio imagery — the latter brilliantly conceived by director Joe Mantello in the deceptively realistic guise of a thunderously clumping upstairs neighbor, an ominous roar of a washing machine from an adjacent wall and bad lightbulbs and electric circuitry that provide punctuating blackouts.

Mark Horning

For many this wincingly honest portrayal of family life will feel as if it is hitting too close to home but good theater is not always puppies and daffodils. If nothing else, by the end of the play you will realize that your family may not be as bad as you thought and could indeed be worthy of your affection…now if they could only do something to fix the sound system. 

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

Christine Howey

As amusing as the play often is, there is a forlorn melancholy at its heart that Edward Hopper would recognize. And it’s why The Humans will stay with you long after you leave the theater.

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

Laura Kennelly

Holiday dinners should come with trigger warnings, at least according to Stephen Karam’s The Humans, the latest in the Broadway Series currently at Playhouse Square. In an intense, well-crafted (and compressed) drama centered on a Thanksgiving family reunion, the Blake family goes from “Happy to see  you” to “What has happened to us? What have we done?”  

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

Andrea Simakis

It is one of the most keenly observed depictions of the way we live now to unfold on the stage in years and captures, in 90, intermission-free minutes, the sum of our fears and desires, the twin emotions a very good therapist once told me, motivating each and every one of us.

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

KING CHARLES III @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through April 22, 2018

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

 
Kerry Clawson

Miller plays the new king as such a highly passionate and idealistic person, we almost forget what a cad Charles was to the late Princess Diana. His Charles immediately clashes with the prime minister (Scott Shriner), who expects him to rubber-stamp a new bill that would restrict the freedom of the press.
Miller enables audiences to respect Charles when his character proves he’s not a pushover and sticks to his principles. Despite the media’s invasion of privacy within his family, Charles refuses to limit its freedom, and the story turns into a battle of wills.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawon's review at  http://www.ohio.com/akron/writers/kerry-clawson.


Mark Horning

Americans have always been fascinated with England and especially the Royal Family. This “what if” tale is not only entertaining but possibly closer to truth then some in England would wish to admit. The surprise ending makes for a splendid bit of conversation on the way home. Cheers!

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

BR'ER COTTON @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through April 21, 2018

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

Rolling premiere of ‘Br’er Cotton’ hits some potholes at the CPT.

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Mark Horning

When you are able to look past the headlines of police violence and black on black crime you begin to see the effects that these pressures have on the lives of real individuals. While this show offers no solutions it does encourage further discussions among those who witness it which may be lead to answers concerning this terrible modern urban problem.

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

Christine Howey
Chisholm's script, which reaches for some comparison to the Uncle Remus stories about Br'er Rabbit, is obvious and banal when it should be inventive. And it wears its anger in ways that fail to ignite any new perspectives or energize the audience. 

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

MACBETH @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through April 15, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

It’s back to basics with Great Lakes’ "Macbeth." 

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Roy Berko

The staging is exciting, the story line is paced to build to the forewarned conclusion, the language is easy to understand, the characterizations are well-etched, the acting is superb, the technical aspects are excellent, the fight scenes are theatrically real, the creative development of the Three Witches is groundbreaking.  All in all, this is a “Macbeth” to be treasured and is a must see production!  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Leave it to Great Lakes Theater to raise the bar to immeasurable heights in their stunning reproduction of this epic Shakespearean work. It is a great work taken to even greater heights by its faithful attention to detail. All fans of the Bard must see this and feel free to bring friends along who are unfamiliar so that they can see how truly magnificent live theater can be.  

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

Christine Howey

Even while there are stretches of dialogue that are difficult to follow, this production of Macbeth—augmented by Kim Krumm Sorneson’s period costumes and Matthew Webb’s well-accented sound design—has enough blood lust and evil to satisfy old Mac friends as well as newcomers.

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

Tony Soprano and his gang were sissies compared to Macbeth and his thugs. In its latest presentation of the gory tragedy that is Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Great Lakes Theater has once again semi-transformed  into a “mini-Globe” theater, paying homage to Shakespeare’s own London stage. ...BOTTOM LINE: This straight-forward, rapid-fire production of Macbeth touches all the bases, reminding us that ambition is destructive and psychological warfare (what the witches waged against the would-be ruler) kills.

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

MY FIRST TIME @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through April 29, 2018

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

The Beck Center’s tiny Studio Theater, sequestered to the far back corner of the performing arts facility cattycorner to the men’s bathroom, is the place where subversive works like “Evil Dead:  The Musical” are staged. 

And now, with this current production of “My First Time,” add naughty to the type of Studio Theater offerings as well.

To see a full review of this show, go to: 

www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/

Mark Horning

As in anything dealing with humans this show is rife with the contrariness of life. For some it was the best of times, for others it was the worst of times and for still others it left no indelible mark whatsoever. No matter what the response whether from the website or the audience submitted cards it was still their first time and highly entertaining.

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

Christine Howey

Warning: You won’t get a boner, theatrical or otherwise, from watching this fragmented, fractured exercise in terminal tedium.

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

If you like funny, hot and  steamy chatter about losing your virginity (80 minutes straight, no intermission), you will likely have a great time. Caution: I’d not take the younger kiddos unless I wanted to “have that talk” with them.

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

ADVENTURES OF A BLACK GIRL IN HER SEARCH FOR GOD @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through April 15, 2018

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

The commentary, “The Adventures of a Black Girl in Her Search for God,” as evidenced at the Shaw Festival, can be a compelling hour production.   Unfortunately, in spite of a valiant effort, this isn’t the case at Karamu. 

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

Mark Horning

While this whirlwind performance may seem confusing to some at its core there are some very deep ideas that bear thinking about. Enjoy a powerful and energetic evening of live theater with a high energy cast. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review hehttps://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/cleveland/cleve236.htmlre.

Christine Howey

As expertly directed by Nina Domingue, this American premiere of the script is a frequently involving and satisfying romp through Shavian wit and wisdom, highlighted by some intense and amusing performances. 

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 OLDEST PROFESSION @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through April 14, 2018

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Bob Abelman

There’s a musical theater remake of the film “Pretty Woman” in the works.  Consider Paula Vogel’s “The Oldest Profession,” currently being staged by convergence-continuum, its sobering sequel.

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

Roy Berko

Though “The Oldest Profession” is one of Paula Vogel’s lesser plays, it gets a humorous staging.   The script, which is more character study than plot driven, doesn’t have much to say, but it does entertain.

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

THE LATE HENRY MOSS @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through March 31, 2018

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

“The Late Henry Moss” is a comparatively minor work by Shepard, for sure.  But it is given a significant staging at none too fragile.

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

Roy Berko

As in almost all Sam Shepard blunt, hard hitting plays, the questions of what’s true, what’s fiction, what is family history and what is mythology pervade this tale of dysfunctional relationships in this character-driven tale.  The acting is generally superb, the pace intense, and the over-all effect is unnerving.  If you like good acting and can endure Shepard’s cage-boxing style of writing, this is a production you won’t want to miss.

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


Kerry Clawson

The dynamics between Derry and None Too Fragile newcomer Carroll — whose work has included Broadway, TV and film — are electrifying as Earl tries to dance around their painful past and Ray cruelly forces the truth out of him. We see that both brothers have inherited their father’s violent streak as these actors knock each other around the small stage in some nastily realistic fight scenes.



To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review at http://www.ohio.com/akron/writers/kerry-clawson
 

Christine Howey

Henry Moss is a less successful example of this playwright’s work, and it’s given a production that doesn’’t reach the high bar of quality that None Too Fragile has set for itself.

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

David Ritchey

Is Henry Moss dead?  Or is Henry Moss teasing his sons and playing dead?  Sam Shepard, one of the best playwrights to write for an American stage, wrote a wonderful script, which challenges audiences to find truth or pretend on the stage.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

RENT @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through March 25, 2018

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Tired, non-Equity tour of "Rent" makes it difficult to forget regret.

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

Roy Berko

The 20th anniversary tour of “Rent” disappoints.  In spite of the wonder of the Pulitzer Prize winning script and score, this staging lacks the intensity and dynamics need to make Larson’s ideas ring true.  

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

Mark Horning

RENT was groundbreaking when it first hit Broadway after years of rewrites and theater shops but with this cast it still truly grabs your emotions and will not let go even after 20 years of touring. Your emotions run the full gambit as the story unfolds. Sure to be another Playhouse Square sellout.

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

Christine Howey
Unfortunately, this 20^th Anniversary Tour of Rent might be more accurately titled Squat, because the performers on the Connor Palace stage seems like interlopers who are unlawfully occupying this iconic theatrical territory. 

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

Andrea Simakis

Like Miranda, we owe a lot to Larson [Jonothan Larson, author of "RENT"].  That's why his glorious masterpiece deserves a more powerful reprise than this road company give it.

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

SCAPIN @ OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Through March 18, 2018

(330) 673-8761

Or http://ohioshakespeare.com

Bob Abelman

OSF’s hilarious ‘Scapin’ finds the play amidst the playfulness.

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

Kerry Clawson

Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s 'Scapin' cast so energetically and skillfully embraces the play’s over-the-top, slapstick comedy, it leaves audience members in riotous laughter throughout the show. 
Leading the way in this classic laugh fest by Moliere is the charismatic Ryan Zarecki in the title role of the witty and manipulative servant Scapin, who has both the play’s foolish masters and viewers eating out of his hand.

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

THE EFFECT @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through March 25, 2018

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Style salvages substance in Dobama’s engaging production of "The Effect."

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

Roy Berko

Though the Dobama production aspects are quite good, and the performances are top notch, the experience is not without angst.  One leaves asking, “What does Prebble want us to gain from the script?  The ending, two incomplete conclusions, doesn’t help to answer the question.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

Often jarring and at times a bit pedestrian, Dobama Theatre manages to make this bitter pill of a show easier to swallow. Chalk it up to good directing and exceptional acting. Worth seeing if for nothing more then something to talk about on the way home.

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

Christine Howey

The risks that are taken here are often surprising, and the immersive intellectual challenges continually tweak and tantalize. The result is a theatrical experience that is far from a placebo.

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