Feature: There's a Cleveland Atmosphere to Broadway Theatre

There's a Cleveland atmosphere to Broadway theatre

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association, Cleveland Critics Circle)

Last season over twenty performers with Cleveland area connections played on Broadway. So far this season, the trend continues. Chris McCarrell is in LES MISERABLES, Cassie Okenka will be in SCHOOL OF ROCK, Steel Burkhart appears in ALADDIN, Jill Paice stars in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, Kyle Post kicks up his heels in KINKY BOOTS and Alex Wyse has a major role in SPRING AWAKENING.

I've reviewed many of those shows in previous trips to New York. Here are my latest "quickie" comments about recent shows I've seen on Broadway. To read the entire review of any show go to http://www.royberko.info

SPRING AWAKENING-a brilliant, compelling, creative revival on Broadway which features Beachwood's Alex Wyse

In its original Broadway production, SPRING AWAKENING was a smash hit. In its re-imagined production, the marriage of spoken/sung sounds and American Sign Language adds to the overall captivating effect of a story of oppression and misunderstanding, not only of youth, but of the deaf world. The production should be a clear candidate for a Tony Best Musical Revival!

SPRING AWAKENING is in a limited run through January 24, 2016 @ THE BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE, 256 West 47th Street, New York

DAMES AT SEA-a happy flashback to the musicals of the 30s

DAMES AT SEA is a slight musical that delights. The dancing is dynamic, the stage explodes with enthusiasm, the orchestra produces toe-tapping sounds. It's an escapist type of production, though not a great Broadway musical, which will allow the audience to leave the theatre humming the music and adding a little dance gait to their exit out of the theatre.

DAMES AT SEA is in an open-run at the intimate 597-seat Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44 th Street.

FOOL FOR LOVE a Manhattan Theatre Club gift to students and audiences

The Manhattan Theatre Club's FOOL FOR LOVE is a powerful play that is well directed and performed. It delves into the psychological weaknesses of people who find themselves unable or unwilling to move forward in a healthy way. It is a good lesson for how not to live ones life for the numerous students who will see the production as part of the MTC mission. As a side pay-off, anyone who can attend when the teens are in attendance will gain respect for the MTC program and the youth who are fortunate to be involved.

FOOL FOR LOVE is being staged by the Manhattan Theatre Club in the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 West 47th Street, New York. Its run has been extended through December 13, 2015.