Roy Berko - Page 30

Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma ushered in the era of book-centric American musicals that have been designated as musical comedies. The beginning, middle and ending structured stories normally contain singing, dancing, show stoppers, comedy, a few conflicts, and a satisfying ending, in a two-act format.

Theater history books refer to 'The Black Crook,' which opened in 1866 in New York, as the first book musical. According to 'Something Rotten!,' by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell (book) and Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (music and lyrics that honor should go to 'Omelette.'

Though it seems like it will never be here, there will be summer and the Cleveland theater scene will heat up. Here's a list of some of the offerings that are being staged.

Check out our list of some of the top venues to check out when visiting Cleveland below!

Negative racial and ethnic stereotypes, anti-ageism, political philosophical differences, and border conflicts are not usual topics for a comic play. But, author Karen Zacarias, whose 'Native Gardens' is now in production at Cleveland Play House, believes 'humor humanizes' when what could be the basis of a blood bath becomes a pool of laughter with a purpose.

Chemical addiction is the 'compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol).' In those with addiction, the substance controls the person, rather than the person being able to control their desire to stop usage or change their addictive behavior.

Calogero Lorenzo 'Chazz' Palminteri is a Bronx guy through and through. He lives and breathes New York Yankee pinstripes, is addicted to 'sauce,' and 'tawks' Bronxese.

OnStage's 2018-2019 rankings of musical theater programs ranked Cleveland suburban Baldwin Wallace University' as number 1 in the nation, indicating that it was the 'top destination for any student wanting to study musical theatre.'

What is art? What is friendship? What is the value of a piece of art? What is the value of friendship? These are just some of the questions which are put forth in Yasmina Reza's French-language play that has been translated into English by Christopher Hampton and is now in production at Blank Canvas theater.

Since 2012, Seat of the Pants, self-referred to as a 'band of storytellers,' has been traversing the countryside in various locations around Northeast Ohio, focusing their actions on 'sharing compelling narratives in unique spaces and developing an aesthetic rooted in imaginative staging and human connection.'

Convergence Continuum recently staged 'Rapture, Blister, Burn' a very well written clearly staged show, that highlighted the author's intent and purpose. It was a standout production.