BARBEQUE @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through March 11, 2017

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

Although this CPT production under Beth Woods’ direction has some difficulty reconciling the inconsistent stylings of the two acts, "Barbecue" is nonetheless a savory and satisfying offering.

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

Roy Berko

Barbecue is the type of script that some will love, others abhor.  It is farce, which means broad, overplayed written and portrayed characters, which again, will turn some on, others off.  I found the evening funny, thought provoking, creative and effective, while recognizing its use of writing gimmicks and overly broad characterizations.  It’s worth the time to see this show!!!

 

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

Mark Horning

Consider Barbeque as a litmus test for the liberally minded. It is at the same time funny, shocking and revealing but with a farcical ring to it. While presented in a serious vein you cannot help but notice the tongue in cheek manner in which the story is carried through. It is CPT at its best.

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

Christine Howey

Even with an ending that feels too pat and self-congratulatory, this is a show that will keep you laughing, intellectually involved (eventually), shocked and guessing.

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

Andrea Simakis

"Barbecue" is designed to make you think and laugh out loud while you're doing it. The play never preaches but pulls no punches either, as it challenges our assumptions and unearths our prejudices, often hidden just below our friendly surfaces.  So buy yourself a ticket and get ready to get grilled.

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

WAIT UNTIL DARK @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through March 12, 2017

(216) 664-6064

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Bob Abelman

After its GLT run, the show will be moving to production partner Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s outdoor facility in May. Considering how late the sun sets there at that time of year, actually waiting until dark will be more of a stage direction than a title. And it just may provide the added suspense this play so sorely needs.

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

Roy Berko

Wait Until Dark continues the GLT tradition of producing a mystery as part of its season offerings.  Those who love murder mysteries may well be enthused, but both script and production do not reach the level of effectiveness of previous shows of this genre.

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

Mark Horning

Think of this dated play as a glass of fine champagne that has been left out too long. It tastes the same but has lost all of its fizz. In spite of the best efforts of everyone involved they simply cannot return the original effervescent of when it was fresh and new.  

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

Christine Howey

In this misbegotten production at Great Lakes Theater, there are virtually no thrills and a remarkable absence of chills. 

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

Feeling helpless? Imagine the plight of Susy Hendrix, blind and trapped in a room with a murderous drug dealer. That’s just one plot turn in Wait Until Dark, an engaging thriller staged by Great Lakes Theater at PlayhouseSquare’s Hanna Theatre.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura Kennelly's review in Cool Cleveland


David Ritchey

Wait Until Dark has script problems that make it a strange choice for Great Lakes Theater. Even the movie, with the talented Audrey Hepburn, doesn't hold up well 50+ years later.

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

Andrea Simakis

The problems plaguing the Great Lakes Theater production of "Wait Until Dark" are baked into teh script that seems, well, blind to its own ridiculousness.

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

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL @ THE BECK CENTER

February 10 through 26, 2017

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Bob Abelman

Beck’s ‘Bring It On’ offers cheer-face and style over substance.

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

Roy Berko

Bring It On: The Musical is not a great script, but with a talented cast, high energy dancing, creative choreography, compelling gymnastics, and a dynamic musical score, Beck appears to have another cash cow on its hands as large audiences should fill up the theatre.

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

Kerry Clawson

The musical 'Bring It On' smartly manages to poke tongue-and-cheek fun at the cheerleading world while at the same time celebrating the spirit of competition and friendship.

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


Mark Horning

For fans of The Beck Center and BWU’s Musical Arts Program this production of Bring It On- The Musical will continue to fill the theater with sell-out crowds due mainly to the performance level of the cast and crew and in spite of the weak script and non-memorable music. Get your ticket early to avoid missing this well performed show.

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

Christine Howey

Your interest in cheerleading competitions may be minimal, or nonexistent, but this effusive production will have you standing and applauding at the final curtain.

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

Wow, was I wrong! (That happens once in awhile, hahaha.) Bring it On the Musical, a rock/hip hop show now playing in regional premiere at the Beck Center, turned out to be quite surprising. I had assumed I’d see a fluffy musical based on a film about high school cheerleading competitions — a great subject to showcase dance, but not one too intellectually or emotionally “deep.”

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

Andrea Simakis

The production only really comes alive when we leave the sanitized environs of Campbell's old school and hear Miranda's thrilling voice in the thumping rhythms and clever, loquacious lyrics echoing through the halls of Jackson High.  Choreographer Martin Cespedes gives us the pelvic-centered, bum-shuddering moves you'd expect, but also taps a sinuous street dancer's grace, particularly in "Do Your Own Thing."


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

REPAIRING A NATION @ KARAMU THEATRE

February 9 through 26, 2017

(216) 795-7070  

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

Strong personalities clash as this no-holds-barred battle of the wits and lips unfolds before the audience. No need to mike the actors as this cast carries their voices clear to the back of the theater. While sporting an intricate plot it is an entertaining work that combines American history with a dysfunctional family.    

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

Christine Howey

Under the direction of Margaret Ford-Taylor, the cast works hard for almost three hours to loom Salter’s threads of memory into a powerful whole. And while it doesn’t entirely succeed, the play is often compelling and instructive.

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 WIZ @ NEAR WEST THEATRE (YOUTH CAST 9-15)

February 10 through 19, 2017

(216) 961-6391

Or http://www.nearwesttheatre.org/pages/tickets

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.

Mark Horning

As in all Near West Theater productions, The Wiz is a family friendly theater outing that the entire clan will enjoy. You will marvel at the youth of the actors on stage and the powerful beyond-their-years performance that they give. This is a great “first time” show to see as well as an inspiration to younger family members as to what can be achieved with hard work and plenty of rehearsal.

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

I CALL MY BROTHERS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

February 9 through March 4, 2017

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Bob Abelman

CPT’s ‘I Call My Brothers’ offers a poignant portrait of next to normal.

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

Roy Berko

The intention of I Call My Brothers is well justified.  Unfortunately, the script and the production do not totally accomplish the author’s goal.
  
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Mark Horning

While the central theme of the work carries great potential, none of the sequences play out to a logical conclusion. It is just a bunch of brand new shiny metal strung up for all see but there is a disconnect with the audience as fantasy mixes with reality and a healthy dose of incomprehensible shouted Hip-Hop slam poetry thrown in for good measure. Not everyone’s cup of tea...this one.   

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

Christine Howey

This script, as translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles, shifts back and forth from Amor's frightened journey through the city to his internal thoughts and memories and eventually some dream sequences. It is loaded with powerful stuff, but there is so much disconnection inherent in the staging that the play never lands the knockout blow it seems to desire.

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 KING AND I @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through February 26, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The remarkable success of the touring ‘The King and I’ is no puzzlement.

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


Kerry Clawson

The national tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s "The King and I" is a breathtakingly gorgeous production that appeals to our most romantic natures.  The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which sailed into Playhouse Square this week, presents an iconic culture clash between two of the most famously strong-willed characters in musical theater history: Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam.

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

Howard Gollop

This “King and I” is hardly a style-over-substance endeavor. Director Bartlett Sher gracefully goes for introspection, not outward theatrics. He culls profundity and even timeliness from what has been dismissed by other directors as a creaky standard-issue musical book.

Mark Horning

This is THE ONE! The single show that you need to put on your must see winter list. With its sparkling grandeur, fabulous costuming, exquisite lighting, delightful dance sequences and crystal clear singing it is the must see show of this season’s Key Bank Broadway Series. 

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

Christine Howey

In short, The King and I has all the Broadway zazz you’re looking for, while giving us another perspective on what’s happening in our world today. Hard to ask for anything more.

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

Andrea Simakis

[Director] Bartlett Sher's "The King and I" not only honors the Rodgers and Hammerstain golden age classic--with a muscular pit orchestra giving a rousing performance of its lush, memorable score--but offers us a fresh, 21-st century face."

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

RADIO GOLF @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through February 26, 2017

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Mark Horning

Radio Golf   is a morality play that pits ambition and greed against doing what is right and proper no matter what the consequences. In this day and age it is what we would call a fantasy work. Sides are being chosen, the line is drawn in the sand and we the audience gets to witness it all. An intriguing story told well and well worth seeing.  

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


Roy Berko

August Wilson, who is one of the most important contemporary playwrights, shines a well-focused spotlight on the history and conflicts of the African American community.  Ensemble’s production of Wilson’s Radio Golf is a well-conceived tribute to the man and his message.  It is a must see! 

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

Christine Howey

Director Terrence Spivey once again shows he knows how to bring resonant performances out of a talented cast. And that leads to a staging of Radio Golf that, while not perfect, is thoroughly involving from start to finish.

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 WHALE @ NONE TOO FRAGILE

Through February 18. 2017

(330) 671-4563

Or http://www.nonetoofragile.com

Bob Abelman

none too fragile’s ‘The Whale’ wallows in well-chartered waters

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

Kerry Clawson

At face value, a play about a 600-pound recluse who’s slowly eating himself to death sounds miserable. Granted, Charlie’s story is a sad one. But Robert Ellis brings a lovingness and nobility to his character that is uplifting, as the dying man forms a fragile community of people who care about each other.

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

Mark Horning

If you are a fan of shows that deliver hard hitting emotion, this is the one show you will not want to miss. You will find yourself drawn in to a swirling cauldron of despair, anger, self pity and addiction. After seeing this show you are guaranteed to feel better about your life by comparison no matter what.  

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

Christine Howey

Much like its protagonist, in this play there is a wonderful entity struggling to fight its way out of the smothering confines in which it finds itself. And this production only succeeds in fits and starts.

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

David Ritchey

The none too fragile theater has brought this compelling story to its stage in a
dynamite production. 

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

BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY @ LAKELAND CIVIC THEATRE

February 3 through 19, 2017

(440) 525-7134

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

Bob Abelman

Rickety ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ is bolstered by Lakeland Civic Theatre’s talent and vision.

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

Roy Berko

It may be cliché and overly dramatic, but The Bridges of Madison County makes for a fine evening of theatre.  The Lakeland production was stellar.  Applause, applause, applause!  

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

LOVE FROM A STRANGER @ CLAGUE PLAYHOUSE

Through February 12, 2017

(440) 331-0403

https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=cplay

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.

Mark Horning

If you can get past the bad accents and wigs, this show is actually rather well done. The suspense is slowly built up and the surprise ending is quite satisfying. It is classic Agatha and needs to be seen. Clague productions nearly always sell out so buy your tickets quickly.

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

BASKERVILLE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through February 12, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Bob Abelman

Before the Cleveland Play House considers Ken Ludwig’s next play, it should hire Dr. Ruth Westheimer as a dramaturg.

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

Roy Berko

Is Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a great play?  No!  Is it even a very good play?  Probably not.  What it is is a play that will delight many.  Especially those who like to solve mysteries, who are enamored with farcical delights, and enjoy a cast who is having a lark playing lots of characters and changing costumes a great deal.  And, no spoiler alert here, the butler didn’t do it! 

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

Mark Horning

While not quite measuring up to the very high comedic bar of Ken Ludwig’s past works, “Baskerville” does make for an enjoyable evening of theater especially for those familiar with Sir Author Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. While lacking in the farce department there is enough action to keep your attention. Not a bad play per say, just different than what was expected.

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

Christine Howey

There are chuckles aplenty in this send-up of Sherlock—it’s a bracing dose of silliness for the sometimes overly staid CPH audiences.

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

David Ritchey

On the stage a well-crafted mystery provokes the audience to gasp or scream or grab the arm of a complete stranger. Every heart in the auditorium skips a beat and then gallops as the mystery moves toward its terrifying climax.

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

Andrea Simakis

The fast-moving production is as fun as roller coasters were when you were 10, thanks to the show's central conceit: Five actors play some 40 roles. The joy of "Baskerville" is seeing how they pull it off.

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

THE NIGHT ALIVE @ DOBAMA THEATRE

January 20 through February 12, 2017

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Bob Abelman

“The Night Alive” is an intriguing play and risky enterprise.  This is a remarkable production of it. 

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

Roy Berko

THE NIGHT ALIVE, which is about the lives of a few lost souls, gets a strong staging.  Unfortunately, the play is about people who don’t engender a reason to be cared about. 

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

Kerry Clawson

"The Night Alive" is a very dark show by famed Irish playwright Conor McPherson about five characters who have few redeeming qualities. ... Director Leighann Delorenzo has undoubtedly directed her actors to create consistently awkward connections between their characters. But their dynamics are so tentative that the intermissionless play, which runs an hour and 50 minutes, drags during the first half hour.

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


Mark Horning

While extremely well done, the show seems to falter at the end. Many of the patrons leaving the theater seemed to have enjoyed the complexity and especially the comedy of the play but were unanimously confused concerning the ending as in “Who died?” Tommy? Aimee? Both? Part of the challenge will be in figuring out this burning question.

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

Christine Howey

Under the intelligent and specific direction of Leighann DeLorenzo, the immensely talented five-person cast does this material proud. 

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 PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through January 22, 2017

(216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

Ensemble Theatre should be commended for bringing live children’s theater to an audience.  There are far too few opportunities for youngsters to be exposed to the theatrical arts.  Though not a totally effective production, there is enough positive about THE PHANTOM TOLL BOOTH to encourage parents to bring their children and, hopefully, then discuss the implications of the script with them.

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

Mark Horning

If you are a young parent with small children (6 to 11) wishing to share a night of nonsense humor, puns galore and hilarious wordplay then this is a play you will not want to miss. Feed your inner child while introducing your own children to live theater.

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

THIS IS NOT ABOUT MY DEAD DOG@ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL

Through January 28, 2017

(216) 302-8850

Or http://playwrightslocal.org/

Bob Abelman

We’ve all had moments like those revealed by Amy Schwabauer and see ourselves in her embarrassment and angst.  But few of us are brave enough to put it on stage before an audience, bold or brilliant enough to perform it ourselves, and brazen enough to consider it theater.

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

Roy Berko

The largely mid-twenties female sold-out audience responded well to the tales of self-loathing.  Some even shed tears at the end.  The stories obviously hit a chord with them.  Some adjustments in the script could expand the appeal to a wider audience and provide a better theatrical experience.

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

Christine Howey

If you’re going to write a one-woman play that is largely about drinking and vomiting, it helps if you’re an engaging and at times electric actor. Thankfully, that’s what writer-performer Amy Schwabauer has going for her.

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

INTO THE WOODS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through January 29, 2017

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Put Sweeney Todd in lederhosen and brightly colored socks and he is still the demon barber of Fleet Street.

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

Roy Berko

The Fiasco Theater staging of INTO THE WOODS, part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is not a flashy production filled with special effects.  It is a visionary piece of directing excellence by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, who looked beyond the surface and came up with a concept which gave new life to an oft-produced play.  Will everyone like it?  No.  Those who live for escape, want conflict-free stories, who are tired of seeing yet another production of this script, and those who don’t appreciate Sondheim’s musical genius, may well be turned off.  The rest of us will revel in a magical evening of theatrical creativity.

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

Kerry Clawson

Fiasco Theater’s Into the Woods is a breath of fresh air,  full of offbeat imagination and crystal-clear storytelling that makes for a stimulating evening with Stephen Sondheim’s most famous musical.

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


Mark Horning

Whether you are a Stephen Sondheim fan or not, you owe it to yourself to see this adult targeted performance simply due to the uniqueness in which it is portrayed. The simplicity in the stage set, costuming and musical numbers allows more room for the story to stand on its own.

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

Christine Howey

Into the Woods is all about dreams and the reality of how those dreams often turn out, based on the decisions we make. In that regard, this production is a fine and inventive interpretation of this work. But at almost three hours with one intermission, and placed on a single unchanging set, it takes the resolve of a fairy tale hero to stay focused on these colliding yarns.

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

David Ritchey

Once upon a time, a team of actors and stage technicians went into the woods – or maybe just on tour and found themselves in the Connor Palace Theater, Cleveland, Ohio.  Yes, they tour with “Into the Woods.”  But, something went wrong.  Or even worse, several things went wrong.  Those Cleveland audiences known for giving everyone a standing ovation, did not stand for the cast of “Into the Woods” at the curtain-call time.  The audience rushed out of the theater.

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

Andrea Simakis

Be careful what you wish for, because it might just come true. It's a lesson we'd do well to heed, now and ever after.
Still, it's worth straying from that moral here, because one couldn't wish for a finer iteration of an American masterwork than Fiasco Theater's "Into the Woods."
Don't be afraid of the dark.

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