Roy Berko - Page 42

Will Rogers was a great American humorist and philosopher. His understated humor is sage wisdom, but does not make for compelling theatre, in spite of a nice presentation by Neil Thackaberry at Actors' Summit.

NEXT FALL continues the Blank Canvas's streak of well conceived productions of challenging scripts. Though viewers may have to set aside their own individual beliefs in order to buy into the play's ending, this is an overall positive theatrical experience and very well worth seeing.

GLT's THE WINTER'S TALE is a disappointment. This is a difficult script to produce due to the many emotional and psychological levels which require a clear staging philosophy. Due to the lack of focused directing by Jesse Berger, the production never sets a clear course and leaves so much of Shakespeare's brilliance untapped.

Each night during the 2011 Broadway revival of THE NORMAL HEART, Larry Kramer, the author of the script, stood outside the theatre to distribute a letter to members of the audience.

Antonio Brown, whose work was the centerpiece of EXPLORE DISCOVER (9/22/12) has great potential as a choreographer. Though it might be incumbent upon a local reviewer to extol his work, it would not be a service to him or his audience. Brown is just developing a style and dance philosophy that will take years and maturity to polish, and needs honest evaluation to help him on his path. Verb should be praised for giving the young man a chance to ply his creativity and give him a chance to experiment.

What happens when you combine a perfectly perceived script, which tells a meaningful story, and a gets masterfully staged show? You get Lakeland Theatre's PROOF. This is a production everyone interested in a good story and a great production must see!

If you are in the mood for total silliness, want to hear some well sung classical modern songs, and desire to see some excellent dancing, XANADU is for you. The "Magic" may "Suddenly" take you to "Xanadu," allowing you to be "Suspended in Time," so, "Don't Walk Away" from seeing this show at Beck.

LOMBARDI doesn't get the full six points of scoring a touchdown, but is good enough to get three for kicking a field goal.

THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT, the play that dare not speak its name, has a lot to say. In spite of the almost immediate negative reaction of some people to the title, the production makes for a very compelling evening of theatre. Congrats to Dobama for not steering away from the script because of the title and the realistic language.

The Weathervane production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is a well conceived community theatre level staging and well worth the drive to Akron.

New Orleans' Preservation Hall is a small weathered music venue in the heart of the French Quarter. Its jazz band was founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. Since its inception the group has travelled world wide spreading the New Orleans sound, which centers on creating a joyful spirit.

With the ever increasing popularity of reality television shows like SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and DANCING WITH THE STARS, the interest in dance is expanding. Local evidence was the large enthusiastic audience at Doug Elkin's 'FRÄULEIN MARIA, recently presented by DanceCleveland at the Hanna Theatre and the sold out Cain Park run of the Groundworks DanceTheater's at Cain Park.

MILK MILK LEMONADE, is a thought provoking, laugh-filled play that leans a little too much on comedy and not enough on the depth of the tale. Although not for everyone, it is tailor-made for the typical off-the-wall con-con audience member.

Cleveland needs a resident ballet company. Although not world-class, Pointe of Departure would be a wonderful permanent addition to the local scene. It can only be wished that Gabay and her company will find the desire and financing to make their home here, permanent.

If you like Elvis's songs, are in the mood for escapist theatre wrapped in a nearly non-existent plot, and want to see lots of high school and college kids have a good time performing, ALL SHOOK UP! could be your thing.

There is a love-in going on at the Cleveland Play House's Allen Theatre between Janis Joplin and the audience. Janis Joplin? She's dead. She died in 1970 at the age of 27. You'd never know it from the happenings on the CPH stage. Mary Bridget Davies, who took over the role opening night, doesn't imitate Janis, she is Janis!

Many consider THE SOUND OF MUSIC the greatest American musical. Others think of it as a sentimental piece of fluff. Whatever their view, few can sit and listen passively to the likes of such songs as My Favorite Things, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Do-Re-Mi, and Maria. This is Rogers and Hammerstein at their best.

HIRSCH is an impressive story and staging which should be seen at The Festival, as it is the only physical venue where setting and person will clearly merge

Stratford's 42nd STREET is a total delight. Anyone who loves great dancing, fine singing, and creative staging should be enchanted by this production.