TALL SKINNY CRUEL CRUEL BOYS@THEATER NINJAS

October 29 through November 14, 2015

http://theaterninjas.com

Bob Abelman

‘Tall Skinny Cruel Cruel Boys’ is an intriguing but indecisive psychodrama.

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

Roy Berko

Though not for everyone, TALL SKINNY CRUEL CRUEL BOYS will be a positive experience for those who like “thinking” person’s theater.  It also makes for a positive Halloween season scare-treat.  What’s hiding under your bed?

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

Christine Howey

In the daunting role of Brandy, Rachel Lee Kolis demonstrates a raw physicality that gives her performance a mesmerizing quality. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Andrea Simakis

The marriage of playwright and company is  match made in surreal heaven.

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

THE CALL@DOBAMA THEATRE

October 23 through November 15, 2015

216-932-3396 

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

Dobama’s thought-provoking but highly entertaining ‘The Call’ comes collect.

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

Roy Berko

THE CALL is one of those special theatrical performances that encourages thinking and contemplation, while adding just enough humor to avoid depression.  The topic is contemporary, the script is meticulously written, the production well staged, the acting of the highest level.  This is a must see production!

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

Mark Horning

Much like a guitar string that is tightened to the snapping point, this show gradually ratchets up the energy until the tension is built to the point of breaking only to have calm reason and love to smooth the troubled waters in the end.  It is a roller coaster ride with a long climb and a single fast hill that at the end flattens out to a gentle coast.

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

Christine Howey

It's always a shame when a play targets an important topic and falls short. But with The Call, it feels like the playwright just keeps pivoting away from the bull's-eye, firing arrows off in all directions.

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

BAT BOY THE MUSICAL@BLANK CANVAS

October 16 through 31, 2015

440-941-0458 

Or www.blankcanvastheatre.com

Bob Abelman

Does Blank Canvas director Patrick Ciammaci, who routinely traverses between the worlds of classic drama and cult comedy, find common ground and create a more tempered treatment of “Bat Boy: The Musical?”  Nahhh!

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

Roy Berko

BAT BOY, THE MUSICAL is a farcical show, which gets an entertaining production at Blank Canvas under the creative direction of Pat Ciamacco. To truly appreciate the show you have to go with the attitude that you are going to have a fun-filled time. It’s worth seeing the show, if for no other reason, to observe the wonderful character development by Pat Miller as the Bat Boy.

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

Christine Howey

Director Ciamacco has perfect pitch for surreal stories such as this, and once again his sprightly, inventive sense of humor shines forth.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

THE INVESTIGATION@CESAR'S FORUM

October 16 through November 14, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or http://www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The current staging of this play by Cesear’s Forum is lifeless.  This is because director Greg Cesear has little faith that the words can speak for themselves and offers his assistance to make the play – a dramatic rendering of court transcripts – more inventive.  

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

Roy Berko

My ride home after Cesear’s Forum’s THE INVESTIGATION was done in silence.  I sit here now, trying to write a review, with welled eyes.  Oh, the inhumanity of man.  

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

Christine Howey

While The Investigation does not succeed, it is one more example of the risks Greg Cesear and his troupe love to take. And for that, they deserve a deep bow.

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

FIRST LOVE @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

October 9 through October 24, 2015

330-671-4563 

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

Nothing happens in this play and it is absolutely enthralling because of what actors Anne McEvoy and Robert Hawkes bring to it. 

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


Kerry Clawson


Charles Mee's "First Love" is strangely poetic as two senior citizen characters dance around the prospect of love at None Too Fragile Theater.

The first meeting between Edith and Harold - played by the excellent Anne McEvoy and Robert Hawkes - is combative when they become acquainted on a park bench. The two look comically disheveled with their ripped, dirty clothing, she with a babushka-like scarf on her head and pushing a cart full of belongings.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.


Christine Howey

The superb three-person cast of Robert Hawkes, Anne McEvoy and Rachel Roberts, and their director Sean Derry, invest this script with such pulsing humanity you can’t look away, even as your mind races to make sense of a not particularly sensible plot.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT@CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

October 8 through 25, 2015

216-631-2727 

Or www.cptonline.org

Christine Howey

Since the playwright has neatly negated the need for a critic such as myself, since you’ll never see the show I saw, my opinion stands for little. Still, I found the show to be surprisingly amusing 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

THE CRUCIBLE@CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

October 10 through November 8, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

In 1692, the farmer Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft, arrested and subjected to a public pressing, where a board was laid across his naked body and heavy stones were placed upon it to coerce a confession. In a remarkable act of defiance, the elderly Corey demanded “more weight.”  In the making of Cleveland Play House’s powerful and thoroughly engaging production of “The Crucible,” director Laura Kepley seems to have shouted “more weight” as well.  And got it.

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

Roy Berko

THE CRUCIBLE is an important American classic which gets a fine production at CPH under the directorship of Laura Kepley.  There are important lessons to be gained from seeing this script.  It is doubtful that local audiences will get another opportunity to see a better staging.  This is a definite must be seen!!

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

Mark Horning

From the frenzied opening scene through the bedlam of the courtroom to its tragic ending this gripping drama will have audience members on the edge of their seats.  In the course of over two hours of fast moving stage time you will come to love some characters, totally despise others and feel pity and empathy for yet others.  This is not a show for the faint of heart.  It is an emotional roller coaster that hits on all cylinders of your emotional engine.  You will experience anger, disgust, helplessness, pity, impatience and yes, even humor as this tale of self serving deceit takes over.  This is must see dramatic theater at its best.

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

Christine Howey

The story in The Crucible is riveting all by itself. But this production by the Cleveland Play House is literally monumental in its scope.

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

Andrea Simakis

Every aspect of CPH production gives Miller's gutsy 'Crucible' incendiary edginess.

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

Art Thomas
 
Although the production design is of this decade, the drama is likely what playwright Arthur Miller envisioned when the performers and director are at their best. The lengthy scenes of increasingly irrational fear resonate with today's audiences. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

QUILTERS@ACTORS' SUMMIT

October 8 through November 1, 2015

330-374-7568 

Or www.actorssummit.org

Mark Horning

Rarely does one find that rare combination of entertainment and education in a theatrical performance.  “Quilters” is the rare exception to that.  The show is engaging and well thought out, just like the quilts that are represented.  Everything falls into its proper place.  Just as quilts themselves are viewed from a distance for an initial impact and scrutinized closer for the detail of stitching, this show stands up to a closer inspection.  Bring the entire family.   

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

MOTHERS AND SONS@THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

October 9 through November 15, 2015

216-521-2540 

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Bucking the thematic tradition of portraying explicitly or presumably gay characters as self-hating, suicidal, and suffering from or under the constant threat of the AIDS pandemic, “Mothers and Sons” examines the life of the survivors now that the dust has settled and the political climate has changed.  At the heart of this play is McNally’s determination to portray the new normal in the American family unit.  And McNally succeeds, for this play effectively puts dramatic and seemingly rapid social change into a perfectly casual and comfortable context.

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

Roy Berko

Under the inspired directorial guidance of Sarah May, the brilliantly written MOTHERS AND SONS is a must-see production at Beck.  The acting, technical aspects, pacing and attitude are all right on the mark!  Bravo!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Christine Howey

In the abstract, it would seem that Terrence McNally’s play about the mother of a deceased gay man confronting his former lover would have sparks flying. Unfortunately, this production of a flawed script never generates anything but confusion and torpor.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Andrea Simakis

It's clear that  the notion of "closure," a word Katharine rightfully hates is easier talked about than lived.

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

THE HAPPY SAD@CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM

October 2 through 24, 2015

216-687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

Con-con straddled itself with a weakly developed script that leaves the director and the actors fighting for dramatic credibility.  In spite of this, some nicely textured performances, and some creative directing renders an acceptable theatrical production.

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

Christine Howey

With its relentlessly shallow depiction of these horny young folks, The Happy Sad makes any rack of American Greetings cards seem as nuanced and steamy as Anais Nin’s Delta of Venus.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Art Thomas

Seven characters have the chance to develop casual or deeply intimate relationships with each other and they do so with mostly comedic results. Push aside the hilarious but superficial situations and there are deeper layers in this show. If nothing else, go to see the amazingly bubbely performance by Hillary Wheelock.

Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

BULLETS OVER BROADWAY@CONNOR PALACE

October 6 through 18, 2015

216-241-6000 

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The walk back to the parking lot seemed a lot longer than it should have after seeing a musical comedy.   "Bullets Over Broadway” is a low caliber play put in a high caliber production.

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

Kerry Clawson

"Bullets Over Broadway" is a musical that revels in its own extreme giddiness, which is what makes watching it such a good time....  Glamorous flapper and showgirl costumes by William Ivey Long are a big treat, as is the top-notch dancing.

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

Howard Gollop

The star turns emerge as well, but it’s never more apparent until Jeff Brooks as the menacing bodyguard with a flair for dramaturgy. He certainly struts his stuff like nobody’s business in “Tain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do.”  Fortunately, there are enough moments like this to sustain an overall satisfying evening, but ultimately, “Bullets”  just never lives up to the promise of a Woody Allen Broadway bonanza.

Mark Horning

What a rip roaring way to kick off what promises to be a fantastic KeyBank Broadway Series season.  Bullets and laughs fly in this smart and sexy comedy that has it all…costumes, stage sets, acting, singing, dancing and story.  Grab yur fedora and dame and hop in the old jalopy.  ‘Dis is one productin’ yous dont’s wanna miss.

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

Christine Howey

The sets are gorgeous! The costuming is lush and witty! But still the show labors to deliver anything close to the kind of hilarity generated by the ultimate backstage musical (also directed by Stroman), The Producers.

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

Andrea Simakis

Top-shelf performances in 'Bullet" will go right to your head.

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

Art Thomas

This is an old-fashioned musical--not in the romantic spirit of "Carousel" but in the madcap mind of Woody Allen, who stuffs two dozen songs into the show, giving a gem to every character. Flashy choreography and a breathless pace leave one exhausted at the end of the show. "Yes, we Have No Bananas" is the improbable finale. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

KING LEAR@GREAT LAKES THEATER

October 2 through November 1, 2015

216-664-6064 

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

As he emerges from prison carrying Cordelia’s body, Lear howls in despair ranting, “heaven’s vault should crack” because of his daughter’s death. It does not, and are we left with no answers.  It is this lack of unexplained horror that makes KING LEAR such a powerful, maybe even excruciating play, and a classic example of Shakespeare at his finest.  Joseph Hanreddy, his cast and crew make this a fine GLT offering. 

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

Christine Howey

There is much to admire in this staging of King Lear by Great Lakes Theater, including some incisive performances under the direction of Joseph Hanreddy and a scenic design that falls into a state of decrepitude right alongside the King's. 

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

Andrea Simakis

There is a "Man Max" quality to the electrifying Great Lakes Theater production of "King Lear" at the Hanna Theatre, a grungy, post-apocalyptic feel that is only heightened as the play speeds toward its dark denouement like a killer meteor hutrling to Earth.

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

Art Thomas

The straightforward story of Lear's descent into madness is clear in this iteration which is surprisingly traditional despite the contemporary costuming. The production has a lot of bells and whistles, making it probably the nosiest production of "Lear" you will ever see. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

THE SECRET GARDEN@GREAT LAKES THEATER

September 25 through October 31, 2015

216-664-6064 

or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

The tears start welling up right about the time the pale apparition of Lily Craven makes her entrance early in Great Lakes Theater’s absolutely gorgeous telling of “The Secret Garden.”  They’re welling up still.   

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

Roy Berko

Victoria Bussert, her technical crew and the cast join their skills 

to make the Great Lakes production of THE SECRET GARDEN a very special theatrical offering.  This is a show that deserves the standing ovation that it should get after each performance.  Bravo!

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

Mark Horning 

It can be a real challenge putting on a show as well known and as well liked as The Secret Garden especially as a musical but Great Lakes Theater pulls it off with aplomb.  The singing is magnificent, the costumes breathtaking and the easy to follow moral tale of loss and redemption rings clear as the wonderful voices of the cast.  Take the entire family to see this one (if you can get tickets).  This is a spectacular way to start the GLT season. 

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

Howard Gollup

Let’s just get this out of the way: “The Secret Garden” is majestic, magical, meaningful and melodious as superbly rendered by the Great Lakes Theater company at the Hanna Theatre on Playhouse Square.   The concept by librettist and lyricist Marsha Norman is to move the original work well beyond a Shirley Temple movie. 

Christine Howey

While the material itself can get on some nerves, the performances under the direction of Bussert are blameless. 

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Andrea Simakis

Witnessing such a moment teaches that sometimes live theatre can offer the very gift Mary gave her family--a cure for soul sickness, a spiritual lift that banishes grief, if only for two transporting hours.

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

Art Thomas

I'm not a fan of this show, but you'll never have to see another production of  it after experiencing the spot on cast who carry off the music with  boundless energy. Opening with death by cholera and ending with floral theatrical drops, "The Secret Garden" is less typical than most and refreshing in its musical innovations.
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife

WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

September 18-October 4, 2015

440-525-7134 or

http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp 

Roy Berko

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF gets a very credible staging at Lakeland’s Civic Theater.  The acting is of high quality.  Potential audience members should be aware that, though the show clicks along at a nice pace, this is a long three-act play with two intermissions.  It’s well worth a trip to Lake County to see this seldom produced classic.

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

Christine Howey

Friedman is a deft and nuanced director, managing to cadge some shivers of revulsion from this classic play. And as always, Albee’s words carry the day, taking us on a fraught journey through an evening of barely civilized confrontation, showing us how our illusions can either protect us or destroy us.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

SPITFIRE GRILL@BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through October 18, 2015

http://www.beckcenter.org

Or 216-521-2540 

Bob Abelman

Some musicals have an impressive literary pedigree.  The Tony Award-winning “Cats” is based on the whimsical verse of poet T.S. Eliot.  “South Pacific” is an adaptation of James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.  “The Spitfire Grill,” on stage at the Beck Center for the Arts, seems inspired by Hallmark.  

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

Roy Berko

THE SPITFIRE GRILL is a nicely honed script, filled with excellent music.  It gets a well-conceived, acted and sung production.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

This is a nice rainy evening type of show to see that has a high content of comfort in it.  Before the last curtain call, all ends predictably well and the theme that constructive change is always possible for those willing to work at it gives the audience a feel-good sense of well being to take home with them. 

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

Christine Howey

The actors do their jobs well under the direction of William Roudebush. But the whole thing is so drenched in sugary syrup that they should have hot showers in the lobby for audience members who need to rinse off the treacle.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Art Thomas

This is one of the quirkiest musicals you'll see. The charming characters and folk-style score make it easy to dismiss the outlandish plot and situations. With Bill Roudebush directing and  a cast that includes Neely Gevaart, Lenne Snively and Dan Folino it doesn't get better than this. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife