A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

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

This long standing Cleveland Christmas tradition still sells out simply because it is so superbly done. It is the touchstone that a lot of families use to kick off the holiday celebrations. Come see it again and bring the entire family for a night of superb holiday theater.

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

EVERY BRILLIANT THING @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Until December 22, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

“EVERY BRILLIANT THING” is a brilliant and absolutely must-see production.  Mental illness and its impact on a family, mortality and existential despondency are central themes. These are heavy subjects but, ironically, the approach is almost frolicsome and totally mesmerizing.

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.

Mark Horning

Mental health issues seem to peak especially during the holiday season thus the timeliness of this show is apt as we are bombarded with holly jolly Christmas cheer whether we want it or not. It is a show of hope that gently reminds us of every brilliant thing that gives us reason to live.  

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF WHITE CHRISTMAS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through December 1, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

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

"White Christmas" is back with nonstop candy-colored backdrops befitting both a Cinemascope movie and a Currier and Ives Christmas card; decorated trees rolling in from the wings; tons of bubbly snow falling from the stage and auditorium; scene-stealing bits from Elyria's own Cliff Bemis; and abundant evergreen tunes by the great Irving Berlin.

Mark Horning

This show is a perfect early Christmas gift for the entire family as nothing has been spared in this lush production filled with nostalgia and great show tunes. With a short run of only four remaining performances you need to order tickers NOW! This is the ultimate feel good show of the season.

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

LIVE BODIES FOR SALE @ PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL

Through December 15, 2019

(216) 302-8850

Or http://playwrightslocal.org/

Roy Berko

“LIVE BODIES FOR SALE” is a powerful and compelling exposition that grabs and holds attention, not only because of the stories told, but also because of the well-conceived performances.  This is an absolutely must-see experience which shows the power of theater to teach and persuade.

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

Mark Horning

You will not enjoy Live Bodies For Sale but this is a show that should be seen by parents and teens alike. Sometimes theater should be less about entertainment and stronger on teaching vastly needed life lessons. This is one of those shows. Have the courage to see this with your son and daughter. 

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

Andrea Simakis

In writing “Live Bodies for Sale,” playwright Christopher Johnston pulled out his reporter’s notebook and interviewed survivors of the inhumane crime of human trafficking. He didn’t speak to women in far-flung countries but to those right here in Cleveland.  Their stories, told in a series of arresting monologues peppered throughout the loosely structured work, are the reason to make the trek to Waterloo Arts District to see the world-premiere Playwrights Local production.

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

THE LOUSCH SISTERS LOVE DICK'NS @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through December 21, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

If you are in need of a silly irreverent look at the dark force of the holidays, this show (fortified with a goodly amount of hooch) should fill the bill. Most of the CPT regulars will get the joke while newcomers may shy away.

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

TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE BANDS VISIT @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Through November 24, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“The Band’s Visit” is a slice of life, character-centered show, woven together with spoken and sung words and music, that is filled with caring humanism.  

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

Kerry Clawson

The elegantly written and performed work stays true to a comment original filmmaker Eran Kolirin made about the movie as it was being adapted for the stage: What if there were an orchestra for all the little things in life? In a story with simple conversations, where not much happens, the music treats every moment as important.

That makes the quote both at the beginning and end of the show quite the understatement: “Once, not long ago, a group of musicians came to Israel from Egypt. You probably didn’t hear about it. It wasn’t very important.”

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

Howard Gollop

Considering "The Band's Visit" is basically about a relatively irrelevant burg in Israel, of all places, where nothing ever happens, one may wonder if it could possibly be the kind of Broadway musical that won a Tony Award for best musical in 2018. Yes it is.

Through interwoven vignettes of deceptive insignificance, the cast compels the audience to savor the complexities and simplicities of human life. What the Broadway incarnation of "The Band's Visit" may lack the original film's cinematic verisimilitude, it more than compensates with a richly hued soul-revealling score. David Yazbek's songs evoke longing, waiting (actually the name of a song), epic romance and intimate small-town life.

Mark Horning

Every so often a show comes along bringing its own special magic to the stage. This is such a show. Lasting only 100 minutes with no intermission it is probably the best theater time you can experience. Bring someone you love to share in the magic.

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

Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: Tonic for the mind and soul. Watching it is like watching a tale from the Thousand and One Nights come to life. Moonlight, romance, music, and longing combine to weave a subtle musical magic in only 90 minutes.

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

Andrea Simakis

‘The Band’s Visit’ at Playhouse Square is a joyous musical celebration of life’s big questions at the scale of the human heart.

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

RASHEEDA SPEAKING @ KARAMU THEATER

Through November 24, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Mark Horning

If you have ever had the nagging feeling that someone is after your job, you are probably right and this play proves it in a masterful manner. It is theatrical dynamite in an easy to understand small package. Workers of the World Unite...and see this play.

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

PENELOPIAS @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

 (216) 321-2930

Or www.ensemble-theatre.com

Roy Berko

“The Penelopiad” is a well-directed and performed play which exposes the audience to the lost art of Greek theater production while telling a contemporary tale of women caught in a man’s world.  It will be of interest to true theater-goers who appreciate quality theatrics.

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

Mark Horning

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest productions to hit Cleveland in quite some time. Although the Greek names remain intact, the contemporary writing style makes this epic work easy to follow. You will find yourself swept along for a wild ride. If you are serious about theater you should seriously consider seeing this wonderful show.

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

WAKEY WAKEY @ DOBAMA THEATRE

Through November 10, 2019

(216) 932-3396

Or dobama.org

Roy Berko

Will Eno’s “Wakey, Wakey” is a heartfelt look at the end of life which invites the audience to be psychologically present while the emotional tale masterfully plays itself out.  Justifiably, there is no curtain call.  Who applauds a eulogy?

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

Mark Horning

This powerfully concentrated work is bound to elicit a cornucopia of reactions from each show’s collection of audience members. Some will understand while others will leave with “WTF?” on their lips and still others will think that they have gone through a drug free acid trip. No matter what the response, everyone who sees this show will be changed in some way. This is the distilled essence of good theater.

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

HOMOS, OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA @ CONVERGENCE CONTINUUM

Through November 9, 2019

(216) 687-0074

Or convergence-continiuum.org

Roy Berko

“Homos, or Everyone in America” gets a good production at con-con.  While some of the stereotypes could have been pulled back by the author, there is enough empathy developed to hold the audience’s attention.

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

Howard Gollop

Rarely does a local company master the nuanced intimacy of an astoundingly compelling drama like “Homos, Or  Everyone in America.” Rarely does a local company master the nuanced intimacy of a theater such as The Luminous, home to one of the best companies in Northeast Ohio — convergence-continuum. Do not miss this in its final weekend.

PIPELINE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

“Pipeline” is a powerful and intelligent new play which lays a smorgasbord of issues facing black young men, African American families, and the societal responsibility of working toward confronting the long smoldering problems concerning the education of people of color and the consequences of the system as now conceived.  The CPH production is well-worth seeing.  Expect to participate in a long conversation about the play on the ride home.

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

Mark Horning

This intermission free ninety minutes flies by as we are witnesses to the turmoil brought on by spousal betrayal and the resulting problems in its wake with a story ripped right off the headlines that brings us face to face with a growing problem in our society.

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


Laura Kennelly

Despite a good effort by the talented Cleveland Play House team, it’s not enough to smooth over distracting dramatic elements inherent in the play itself. Pipeline tries to cover too many important social topics — public and private education, divorce, single parents, social reform — all at once. It takes a village to make a mess? I don’t think that’s what the playwright had in mind, but that seems to be what she shows us. Morisseau, a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant awardee for 2018, offers 90 minutes of pain about marriage, schools, responsibility and assumptions.

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

Andrea Simakis

“Pipeline” is Morisseau’s argument that we can all do better: Parents. Teachers. Students. Administrators. Government. The Village. Her best idea? Ask him what he needs — then really listen to what he says.

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

RASTUS AND HATTIE @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Through October 26, 2019

(216) 631-2727

Or www.cptonline.org

Mark Horning

If we truly are the culmination of past generational experiences, will erasing these deeply rooted horrors help us or hinder us? If given the choice would you allow yourself to be genetically altered in order to assure that future generations would be baggage free? These questions and more are to be up for consideration. See this show for the “think factor.”

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

Andrea Simakis

In the simplest terms, it’s one of the best plays about race I can remember, and one of the funniest too. It’s also wrenching and heartbreaking, a bracingly original look at America’s original sin of slavery through the lens of history, science fiction and satire, a mashup of genres that shouldn’t work but does.

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

THE TOURING PRODUCTION OF SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL @ THE CONNOR PALACE

Through October 27, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.playhousesquare.org

Howard Gollop

The book, credited to no less than three playwrights -- Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff -- plays like a movie trailer for a full-fledged biography that never gets released. In layered flashbacks, scenes are truncated to the point of merely being hinted at, amounting to little more than introductions to Summer's songs. 

Mark Horning

For those of us who came of age during the time of multi tiered dance clubs, disco music and garish dress this show is a delightful blast from the past (emphasis on the blast). You will find yourself dancing to the beat in your seats. Its party time!

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


Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: It’s light as a feather (despite lip service to women’s rights and equal pay) compared to biographical musicals such as Funny Girl or Gypsy that make us care about their subject. However those who really enjoyed Jersey Boys or Motown may find themselves loving it and dancing. (BTW: There’s a party next door to the theater after every show.)

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

Andrea Simakis

In the end, “Summer” is a lot like that mirrored disco ball: cold and dazzling, with a Styrofoam core.

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

THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING @ THE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Roy Berko

Unfortunately, the staging and performance quality of “The Member of the Wedding” was not what it should have been. 

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


Mark Horning

This is one of those “onion” plays that when the various layers are peeled away they reveal a fascinating slice of history. While primarily concerning a young woman’s awakening it also hints at the first stirrings of the civil rights movement. Well worth the investment of time to see this fascinating show.

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


Laura Kennelly

Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding, now at the Beck Center, builds slowly, scene by scene, to give a true and tender glimpse of lives intersecting in a small southern town. Director Eric Schmiedl and an excellent cast make everything they do to bring us into their world seem simple and easy (it is not) as we slip into August 1945 and a welcome post-war era.

To read the full review go to CoolCleveland.com or Laura's blog at artstillmatters.com.

JULIUS CAESAR @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 3, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

The production is riveting.  Fast paced, lines clearly stated, actions exciting, and acting well-textured.  This is Shakespeare staging and performance at its finest.  It’s a must see for anyone who enjoys good theater.  Kudos to Sara Bruner and her fine cast and technical staff!  

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

Howard Gollop

After all, the concept of cross-dressing -- females playing males and vice versa -- is as old as Shakespeare itself. So when cross-gender casting is done well, as in this case, the work looks as new and fresh as ever.

Mark Horning

You have not really experienced live theater until you have witnessed one of Shakespeare’s greatest works done exceptionally well by a most professional of theater groups. Have no fear of being able to decipher the Middle English tongue. This production is done in the most easily understood manner. This is great theater and should not be missed.

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


Laura Kennelly

Sarah Bruner, director of Julius Caesar now at Great Lakes Theater, brings grim reality (and a bit of modernity) to Shakespeare’s classic tale about politics, changing rulers, and trusting sycophants.

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

Andrea Simakis

In Bruner’s “Julius Caesar,” a woman in power is normalized; it’s factual, not freakish. That’s as much a tribute to Bruner’s direction as it is to Healey’s majestic performance. Her voice is commanding. She strides with purpose. She fills space with her presence, at ease with being the sun around which everything revolves.

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

THE MUSIC MAN @ GREAT LAKES THEATER

Through November 10, 2019

(216) 241-6000

Or www.greatlakestheater.org

Roy Berko

“The Music Man” is an apple pie, All American, feel good musical which gets a fresh, dynamic and engaging production at GLT under the creative direction of Victoria Bussert.

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

Howard Gollop

As is the case with all Great Lakes Theater productions, this "Music Man" is shared with the co-producing Idaho Shakespeare Festival, where all performances are staged in an undoubtably cavernous outdoor amphitheater.  That may be why this otherwise ernest production at the comparatively intimate Hanna Theatre (with the orchestra hidden under a stage that extends into the audience) comes across as way too broad -- and even strident at times. It's a big brass band of a show marching through a living room, and it's a missed opportunity to mine a bit of nuance in a high-school/community theater warhorse.

Mark Horning

Nothing beats a well conceived and executed live performance of this classic Broadway musical and Great Lakes Theater does an extraordinary job. The casting is perfect, the music stirring and the acting superb. Come witness Broadway magic in the intimate Hanna Theatre.

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

Laura Kennelly

How many ways to say “wonderful?” Meredith Willson’s beloved classic, "The Music Man," now at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre inspires a search for fresh adjectives to describe this lively look at small town life in 1912. Director Victoria Bussert and her cohorts make every minute engaging, from overture to triumphant finale.

The Music Man won Best Musical at the 1957 Tony Awards. In the right hands (and this Great Lakes production is), it’s still easy to see why: terrific score, romantic storyline, and engaging, loveable characters (even the villains turn loveable despite their villainy). It’s just fun to imagine living in 1912 River City, Iowa (at least in the Disneyfied version of Willson’s River City we see here).

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland or her blog at artstillmatters.com

PARADISE BLUE @ KARAMU THEATRE

Through October 20, 2019

(216) 795-7070

Or www.karamuhouse.org

Roy Berko

“Paradise Blue” gets a solid, high quality, thought-inducing, drama and laugh-inducing production.  It’s Karamu at its best!

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

Mark Horning

This is one of those complete shows that offers more entertainment for the buck than any other in recent memory. It is uproariously funny, sexy, dangerous, poignant and just downright entertaining. The bit over two hours of stage time flies by which is proof of a great show and oh that surprise ending. See this show...Damn! 

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

COPENHAGEN @ Cesear's Forum

September 20-October 26

216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Roy Berko

“Copenhagen” continues Cesear’s Forum for doing small cast, high quality, thought provoking plays, that draw in a thinking crowd.  Though a long sit, the play is an idea-expanding experience that is well-worth seeing.

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

INTO THE BREECHES @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE

Allen Theate

September 14-October 6, 2019

216-241-6000 or http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com

Roy Berko

“Into the Breeches!” is the most fun I’ve had in a theater in a long time.  It’s an absolutely must see, and opens CPH’s season on a very, very high note! Go! Laugh-out-loud!  

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

Howard Gollop

It's hard not to like a simple comedy that pushes all the women/LGBT/race buttons. Brandt further stacks the deck by moving the play from Chicago to Cleveland (and briefly Parma where the frustrated aging prima donna briefly escapes to star in a children's theater production of "Cinderella"). 

Mark Horning

This show while touching on the poignant stories so evident during World War II does so with absolute hilarity. It is laugh out loud screaming funny that will carry you through to the next day and beyond. If you have not had a good belly laugh for awhile here is your chance and that’s no joke.

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


Laura Kennelly

BOTTOM LINE: A genuinely funny play that takes stereotypes and turns them inside out and then back again. Its often satiric “sorry, not sorry” Cleveland vibe, aided by dynamic physical comedy, wins the day. A brilliant blend of literature and history, comedy and tragedy, the Cleveland Play House’s Into the Breeches! should be on everyone’s “must see” list.

For the full review see: Into the Breeches!

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

Andrea Simakis

It's not that women aren't capable of competing and scheming.  It's jut that got about it in more artful ways.  And, in George Brandt's "Into the Breeches," the warm-hearted backstage comedy with a topical bite, that manipulation is for a good cause.

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

GLENNGARRY GLEN ROSS @ THE BECK CENTER

Through October 6, 2019

(216) 521-2540

Or http://www.beckcenter.org

Howard Gollop

Pendleton alone merits this production a must-see accolade. But considering all the other ample qualities of Beck's dramatic tragedy "Glengarry Glen Ross," to miss it would be the bigger tragedy by far.

Mark Horning

Shady business deals, foul language, backstabbing, crime and just plain nastiness combine in this excellent production that shows how far men will go to succeed. This classic tale of greed and double dealing is a great morality play to experience. See this for the drama.

  

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


Laura Kennelly

Watching the characters con, lie and trick each other in the Beck Center’s Glengarry Glen Ross reminded me of the truth embedded in Shakespeare’s catchy phrase about lust: “an expanse of spirit in a waste of shame.” David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning (1984) work portrays a toxic blend of lust (for money), vanity and a “mine is bigger than yours” business culture. It offers a perfect illustration of the myriad ways humans can betray each other. Bummer. 

For more go to Glengarry at the Beck
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Andrea Simakis

"Glengarry"--with its usual cast of seven men--is Brough to vicious, vitriolic life in a production now on stage art Beck Center for the Arts.

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