CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE 2024 THEATER AWARDS

For more than 50 years, the CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE (CCC) has provided support and recognition for professional theaters in our community and for the talented individuals who create and stage their productions. CCC members include local theater critics who write for print and/or online publications; or who have established a distinct, credible, and consistent online presence (blog, etc.) for their reviews.

 

On the CCC website, www.clevelandtheaterreviews.com, visitors will find capsule reviews of professional productions in the 216/440/330 area, with links to the reviewers’ full articles.

 

In addition, each year CCC honors outstanding local productions as well as select performers, directors, designers, and playwrights. (Note: The organization does not separate award recipients by gender identities.)

 

Eligible plays include those staged by Cleveland-area professional and higher education theaters during the 2024 calendar year.

 

Members of the CCC who voted for the 2024 Awards are:  Sheri Gross (Cleveland Jewish News, The Lorain Journal, The News Herald), Mark Horning (WIX, Chagrin Valley Times, The Solon Times), Howard Golub (The Chronicle Telegram), Roy Berko (Broadwayworld.com, CoolCleveland.com, theatrecriticism.com, www.royberko.info), Laura Kennelly (CoolCleveland.com) and Yuko Kurahashi (PlayShakespeare.com).

 

(Duplicate winners and honorable mentions are listed in alphabetical order, not by order of excellence.)

 

BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION

INTO THE WOODS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

            Honorable Mention

            ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, GREAT LAKES THEATER

            BEAUTIFUL, CAROLE KING, THE MUSICAL, BECK CENTER

            IN THE HEIGHTS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

            RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK                                                                 CENTER        

           

BEST NON-MUSICAL PRODUCTION

            AMADEUS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

            POTUS, DOBAMA THEATER

                        Honorable Mention

             A DOLL’S HOUSE PART II, BECK CENTER

             A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, GREAT LAKES THEATER

             JITNEY, BECK CENTER

             MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

                       

 

BEST PERFORMERS–MUSICAL

DANNY BÓ, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/PLAY                                     HOUSE SQUARE

            JAEDYN LATTER, INTO THE WOODS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

            MATT KOENIG, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK                                CENTER

            MATTHEW GITTINS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE                                 UNIVERSITY

            REESE HENRICK, BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, BECK CENTER

                        Honorable Mention

                        CHRISTINA ROSE HALL, ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, GREAT LAKES                                                  THEATER

                        COLEEN LONGSHAW JACKSON, NUNSENSE, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE                                 UNIVERSITY

                        DARYLL LEWIS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, BLANK CANVAS

                        JILLIAN KATES, INTO THE WOODS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

                        ZACHARY PALUMBO, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, BLANK CANVAS                                         THEATER

           

BEST PERFORMERS – NON-MUSICAL

            AAMAR-MALIK CULBRETH, JITNEY, BECK CENTER

            ANJANETTE HALL, DOLL’S HOUSE-PART II, BECK CENTER

DEIDRIU RING, SOMETHING CLEAN, DOBAMA THEATER

MAGGIE LACEY, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, CLEVELAND PLAY                             HOUSE

PRICE WALDMAN, AMADEUS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

            Honorable Mention

                        DYRELL BARNETT, PURLIE VICTORIOUS, KARAMU HOUSE THEATRE

                        MARIAH BURKS-DOT, THE BREAKFAST AT THE BOOK STORE, KARAMU                                             HOUSE THEATRE

                        SCOTT ESPOSITO, THE CRUCIBLE, BLANK CANVAS THEATER

                        WILL BLUM, AMADEUS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

                       

RISING STAR

            PARKER TOWNS, ANNIE, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

                       

BEST DIRECTOR – MUSICAL

            VICTORIA BUSSERT, INTO THE WOODS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

                        Honorable Mention

                        VICTORIA BUSSERT, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE

                                   UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        SCOTT SPENCE, BEAUTIFUL, CAROLE KING, THE MUSICAL, BECK                                                                      CENTER

                        TERRI KENT, ANNIE, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

           

BEST DIRECTOR – NON-MUSICAL

            DON CARRIER, A DOLL’S HOUSE-PART II, BECK CENTER

            LAURA GORDON, AMADEUS, CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

                        Honorable Mention

   CARRIE WILLIAMS, POTUS, DOBAMA THEATER

   JIMMIE WOODY, JITNEY, BECK CENTER

BEST CHOREOGRAPHER

LAUREN TIDMORE MAROUSEK, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE

UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

Honorable Mention

            LAUREN TIDMORE MAROUSEK, BEAUTIFUL, CAROLE KING, THE                                                                  MUSICAL BECk CENTER

            LIZ BAUMGARTNER, GROUNDHOG DAY, BLANK CANVAS THEATER

            MARTIN CÉSPEDES, ANNIE, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

            MARTIN CÉSPEDES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, PORTHOUSE/KENT                                             STATE UNIVERSITY

 

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION 

MATTHEW WEBB, ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, GREAT LAKES THEATER

Honorable Mention

            ALEXANDRE MARR, ANNIE, PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

             MATTHEW WEBB, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BECK CENTER

 

BEST SCENIC DESIGN

            RICK MARTIN, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

Honorable Mention

CHERI PROUGH DEVOL, BEAUTIFUL, CAROLE KING, THE                                                                    MUSICAL, BECK CENTER

LARRY HEYMAN, THE CHERRY ORCHARD, CASE WESTERN               RESERVE UNIVERSITY/CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE        

RAUL ABREGO, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, CLEVELAND                                    PLAY HOUSE

                           TRAD BURNS, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE/BECK CENTER

 

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

            RICK MARTIN, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GREAT LAKES THEATER

                        Honorable Mention

                        ADAM DITZEL, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2, BECK CENTER

                        JAKYUNG C. SEO, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, PORTHOUSE/KENT                                             STATE UNIVERSITY

                        JEREMY PAUL, SOMETHING CLEAN, DOBAMA THEATER

                       

BEST PROJECTION DESIGN

            JACK-ANTHONY INA, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN                                                                                        WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        Honorable Mention

                        JEREMY PAUL & WAYNE SMITH, WENDY/PETER, DOBAMA THEATER

                        PATRICK CIAMACCO, GROUNDHOG DAY, BLANK CANVAS THEATER

             SCOTT ZOLKOWSKI, LAST SHIP TO PROXIMA CENTAURI,                                                  CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM             

  T. PAUL LOWRY, BREAKFAST AT THE BOOKSTORE, KARAMU HOUSE                           THEATRE

 

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

            DANIELE TYLER MATHEWS, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, GREAT LAKES                            THEATER

            ESTHER HABERLEN, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GREAT LAKES                                 THEATER

                        Honorable Mention

                        MIEKA van der PLOEG, A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT’S DREAM, GREAT                                           LAKE THEATER

                        OLIVERA GAJIC, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, GREAT LAKES THEATER

                       

BEST SOUND DESIGN

            CARLTON GUC, RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE

UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

            Honorable Mention

            PATRICK JOHN KIERNAN, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, GREAT                                     LAKES THEATER

 

BEST TOURING PRODUCTION 

            BACK TO THE FUTURE, PLAY HOUSE SQUARE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        MJ, PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

 

BEST NEW PLAY BY A LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT

RACHEL ZAKE, THE PROSPECT OF EQUALITY, ENSEMBLE THEATRE

                        HONORABLE MENTION

                        LISA LANGFORD, BREAKFAST IN THE BOOKSTORE, KARAMU HOUSE                                     THEATRE

 

BEST ENSEMBLE (BEST CAST LEADS AND CHORUS) IN A MUSICAL

            RIDE THE CYCLONE, BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER

                        Honorable Mention

                        BEAUTIFUL, CAROLE KING, THE MUSICAL, BECK CENTER

           

BEST WORLD PREMIERE IN THE CLEVELAND AREA

            THE PROSPECT OF EQUALITY, ENSEMBLE THEATRE

                        Honorable Mention

                        ALTER, CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

           

SPECIAL MENTION

CHARLES FEE, GREAT LAKES THEATER--FOR HIS MANY SUCCESSFUL AND CREATIVE YEARS AS THE THEATER’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR.

 

CHRIS HOWEY—A LONG-TIME OFFICER AND ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE CLEVELAND CRITICS CIRCLE, SHE WAS WELL KNOWN AS THE ACERBIC THEATER CRITIC FOR THE PLAIN DEALER AND SCENE. HER EXTENSIVE THEATER BACKGROUND INCLUDES WORK AS A DIRECTOR, ACTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT, INCLUDING THE PLAY AND MOVIE EXACT CHANGE, IN WHICH SHE WROTE AND PERFORMED HER OWN TRANSITIONING STORY.  SHE HAS RECENTLY RETIRED FROM REVIEWING AND MOVED TO NEW JERSEY.

 

MARY JANE NOTTAGE--ACTRESS AND THEATRE PHILANTHROPIST, WHO PASSED AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 AT THE AGE OF 90. A TALENTED ACTRESS--IT WAS HER LIFE AND PASSION.  SHE STARTED HER CAREER AT THE CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE AND WENT ON TO DISPLAY HER TALENTS AT SUCH VENUES AS KARAMU, ENSEMBLE, NONE-TOO-FRAGILE, MAMAl, CASSIDY, CLAGUE, ACTOR'S SUMMIT, CHAGRIN VALLEY, LAKELAND, TRI-C, BALDWIN-WALLACE AND CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE.

 

ROY BERKO FOR BEING RECOGNIZED BY BROADWAY WORLD AND GOOGLE BECAUSE HE WAS

"DEEMED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND INFLUENTIAL ARTS JOURNALISTS/CRITICS IN THE CLEVELAND AREA. THIS IS A TESTAMENT TO THE AMAZING WORK HE HAS DONE SUPPORTING AND CONTRIBUTING TO LOCAL ARTS."

 

FAYE SHOLITON FOR HER EFFORTS, THROUGH INTERPLAY, TO KEEP JEWISH THEATRE PRESENT IN CLEVELAND.

The Amen Corner @ Weathervane Playhouse

Through January 26, 2025

http:wwwweathervaneplayhouse.com

(330) 836-2626

WORTH NOTING: 

In order to bring attention to local productions of merit at theaters that are not on the Cleveland Critics Circle’s approved Equity Theater 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.  These review(s) fall into that category.

 

Mark Horning

Sometimes theater becomes much more than an entertainment enterprise. There are times such as this when it becomes a rousing sacred experience with a strong life lesson thrown in for good measure. Buy a ticket and be swept away. Somebody say Amen.

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

Potted Potter @ Playhouse Square

Through January 12, 2024

https://www.playhousesquare.org/ 

(216)-241-6000

Mark Horning

Potted Potter is the most mad capped 70 minutes you will ever spend in any theater. As each book is introduced you get a shirt tail explanation of the crux of each book with various parts lightly acted out. This is a show for muggles and wizards of all ages to enjoy together. The two actors early on form a strong bond with the audience which continues through the end. Ignore the snow and buy a ticket.

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

Life of Pi @ Connor Palace Theatre

Through January 26, 2024

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

 (216) 241-6000

Roy Berko

It is difficult to watch such a combination of writing, acting and special effects and not be swept up in the wonder of live theatre.  The written story made for a thrilling experience in imagination. The film version added the visual experience.  The stage presentation offers an immersive experience that goes well beyond either of the other formats.  Do yourself a favor and see this production of LIFE OF PI.

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

Howard Gollop

Despite the rather pedestrian framing in Lolita Chakrabarti stage adaptation -- two investigators force the emotionally and physically drained protagonist to relive his cathartic seafaring tragedy as he recuperates in a hospital in Mexico -- the play quickly embraces the awe-inspiring magic of Tim Hatley's scenic design and Andrzej Goulding's video and animation projections.

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

Sheri Gross

While the plot is compelling, it is the visual feas created by director Max Webster and his uber-talented production team that bring this story to life.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

If you are a fan of the book and/or the movie you will be thunderstruck by the live performance. You are literally swept along at a breakneck speed as this exciting tale of perseverance, fortitude, hope and faith is spelled out in an easy to follow pattern. This show is well worth the price of the ticket.

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

Laura Kennelly

Life of Pi, the latest KeyBank Broadway series production at Playhouse Square, turns the Connor Palace stage into a zoo, an ocean and a hospital as it dramatizes an adventure few, if any, would choose to have. It’s a glorious, extravagant telling of  Yann Martel’s best-selling novel (as adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti).

It seems a simple story — a tale of surviving despite terrible odds — and, thanks to the actors, dazzling puppeteers, and all-around skill and creativity, it’s easy to forget that this is really a horror story. Yes, it’s about resilience, but it illustrates the way we may perceive, even craft, memories  to survive.

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

Kate Klotzbach

It's not often that a production is both visually stunning and existentially beautiful. The North American tour of LIFE OF PI is an example of both and even more..

To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Mesmerizing and captivating are two adjectives I can come up with to describe the Cleveland Playsquare production of Life of Pi at the Connor Palace of Cleveland Playhouse Square.  The work is psychologically and philosophically compelling, reflecting many sides of humans, humanity, nature, and their lives. The message that lingered within the audience’s mind is that humans cannot continue to live without a “good story” that allows one to come to terms with violence, horrors, traumas, and pains—a familiar theme seen in such works as Vanilla Sky and Shutter Island, along with many allegorical stories such as the Grimms’ Fairy Tales and Aesop’s fables. And the violence, horrors, traumas, and pains in this situation are rooted in creatures’ instincts—both humans and animals—to survive, as in resonance with Carl Sagan’s words: “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” 

To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona

‘Life of Pi’ is a visually stunning and thought-provoking night of theater at Playhouse Square

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.

 

The Light Of Kinara: A Kwanzaa Celebration @ Cleveland Public Theatre

Through December 22, 2024

https://www.cptonline.org/ 

(216) 631-2727 ext. 501

 

Mark Horning

This exceptional show will only be on stage through this coming Sunday, December 22^nd and should not be missed. Kwanzaa has grown from a celebration of African-Americans to one of all colors, beliefs and traditions. Come join the celebration and be awed. 

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

THIS SIDE OF CRAZY

convergence-continuum

December 6 - 21, 2024​

216-687-0074 or https://www.convergence-continuum.org

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

A contemporary Southern American Gothic, This Side of Crazy resonates with Flannery O’Connor and Beth Henley,  as it presents to the audience who surrounds the performance space from two sides in an L shape, skeletons in their “closets” just like Sam Shepard did in his dysfunctional family dramas. The “closets” are, in this play, different parts of the house of Ditty Blaylock, who lives with her eldest daughter, a “social media evangelist,” and her incapacitated husband Jude (played by a simulated patient).

To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Peter/Wendy @ Dobama Theatre

Through December 29, 2024

http://www.dobama.org 

(216) 932-3396

Roy Berko

Yes, PETER/WENDY is yet another version of the tale of the boy who refuses to grow up, but it adds a creative element that other stagings don’t.  On the intimate Dobama stage, it will involve and entrance you.  It’s well-worth your time to think happy thoughts and let your inner child soar!

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

Howard Gollop

More philosophy than fantasy, the original adaptation (Dobama is the first professional theater to take on the work) seeks to study character over caricature. As one audience member put it, "Peter Pan" meets "Our Town."

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

Mark Horning

This stripped down rendition of the children’s classic would be an ideal pick to introduce young children to a live theater experience. Young at heart adults will also be enthralled by the presentation. Find your happy word and buy a ticket.

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

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

Dobama Theatre’s production of Peter/Wendy, written by Jeremy Bloom, based on Scottish novelist and dramatist Sir James Matthew Barrie’s play (1904) and novel (1911), is an excellent work for people of all ages. The production’s emphasis on gratitude and caring makes the show suitable for today’s social, cultural, and political environment.

To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.