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Photo Flash: First Look - Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Makes a Splash at Beck Centerby BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(12/01/2017) - Join us under the sea again for Beck Center's critically acclaimed production of The Little Mermaid. Last year, this production was winner of Cleveland Critics Circle 2016 Theater Awards for Best Musical Direction, Best Projection Design, and the Rising Star Award, and recognized for Best Musical Production, Best Lighting Design, and Best Choreographer. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Photo Flash: A Bawdy, Boozy, Over-the-Top First Look at THE LOUSH SISTERS Holiday Show at CPTby BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(11/30/2017) - Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) presents the return of The Loush Sisters - a martini-loving, naughty-but-nice-comedic duo - in their latest original show, The Loush Sisters get HARD for the Holidays (Yippie-Kai-Yay Mother-Loushers). The production is onstage now through December 17 at CPT's historic Gordon Square Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
BWW Review: O'Neill's THE HAIRY APE opens Ensemble's 28th seasonby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(11/20/2017) - Ensemble Theatre is opening its 28th season, entitled 'We the People,' with O'Neill's 'The Hairy Ape.' The script fits into the theatre's selection of plays that 'celebrates the diversity and dynamics of the population that makes up this 'great nation' while also speaking to the challenges we still face in 2017!'
BWW Review: Touring Wonderful WICKED Wows Yet Again at Stateby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(11/13/2017) - Okay, I'm a 'Wicked' junky. I've seen the show five times, including seeing it in its first week of the New York run.
Photo Flash: Rajiv Joseph's THE LAKE EFFECT In Cleveland
by A.A. Cristi - Cleveland
(11/10/2017) - Karamu House joins forces with Ensemble Theatre to present the socially relevant comedy The Lake Effect written by Cleveland Heights native Rajiv Joseph. This Ohio premiere runs from November 2 through November 26, 2017 at the historical renowned Karamu House Concert Hall.
by A.A. Cristi - Cleveland
(11/10/2017) - Karamu House joins forces with Ensemble Theatre to present the socially relevant comedy The Lake Effect written by Cleveland Heights native Rajiv Joseph. This Ohio premiere runs from November 2 through November 26, 2017 at the historical renowned Karamu House Concert Hall.
BWW Review: “Diary of Anne Frank” Conveys Important Message at the Cleveland Play Houseby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(11/07/2017) - The Holocaust was a horrific series of experiences. As the years go by, and the survivors of the atrocities die off, leaving no one to attest to the actual pain and suffering, those who want to make sure that such experiences do not repeat themselves turn to tangible objects and written accounts.
BWW Review: Karamu and Ensemble Team Up for Dealing with THE LAKE EFFECTby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(11/06/2017) - Karamu, the joyful meeting place, is the oldest continually running Black theatre in America. Ensemble, whose purpose is to showcase classical American drama, has some of its history steeped in Karamu.
Photo Flash: THE ART OF LONGING by Lisa Langford Comes to Cleveland Public Theatreby A.A. Cristi - Cleveland
(10/31/2017) - Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is proud to announce the world premiere of The Art of Longing, an adventurous and surreal new play by Lisa Langford, directed by Jimmie Woody. The Art of Longing is onstage October 26 - November 18, 2017, in CPT's James Levin Theatre.
BWW Review: Con-Con's “In the Closet,” a thoughtful journey into whether anyone can ever emerge from hidingby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/23/2017) - Have you ever wondered if your life would have played out differently if, at a young age, you had been able to meet 'yourself' a couple of years older, forty years older, and then you as a person near the end of your life? Would the knowledge of the path you would follow, what pitfalls you would encounter, what decisions you made, make your life different?
BWW Review: Touring Company of WAITRESS Serves Up Sumptuous Treat in Premiere at Connor Palaceby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/21/2017) - The quality of the music, the staging, the performances and the story line of Waitress assure that it will delight audiences as it traverses the country. It's a must see for anyone who loves musical theater at its creative best.
BWW Review: LES SYLPHIDES at Cleveland Balletby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/18/2017) - The 'new' Cleveland Ballet, under the artistic leadership of Puerto Rico-born Gladisa Guadalupe, a former member of the 'old' Cleveland Ballet, the Dennis Nahat-led company which left CLE for San Jose, California, has been officially named the Resident Ballet Company of Playhouse Square.
BWW Review: MARJORIE PRIME is Prime Offering at Dobamaby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/15/2017) - Local theater-goers are familiar with the outstanding performance work of Dorothy Silver, often called 'the first lady of Cleveland theater.' Many are also aware of the creative writings of Jordan Harrison from his script development of the television hit, 'Orange is The New Black.' The two merge in Dobama Theater's masterful 'Marjorie Prime.'
BWW Review: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (MUSICAL) rings in at Great Lakes Theaterby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/13/2017) - The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not a typical Disney stage creation. It is a dark, brooding musical and probably not appropriate for children. While the first act is rather slow, the second act is strong. It is well worth seeing.
Photo Flash: Inside the Home of THE FAMILY CLAXONby Julie Musbach - Cleveland
(10/11/2017) - Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is proud to announce the world premiere of The Family Claxon, a dark comedy by Eric Coble, 2016/2017 Nord Family Foundation Catapult Fellow, and directed by Craig J. George. The Family Claxon is onstage October 5 28, 2017, in CPT's historic Gordon Square Theatre.
BWW Review: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Delights at Great Lakes Theaterby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/09/2017) - Those who are afraid of seeing Shakespeare because of the oft abstract language and confusing plot twists should fear not. This production is a total delight, with a nice mash-up of comedy and outlandish farce, mixed in with a little lover's stardust. It's definite must see!
Photo Flash: First Look at A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Great Lakes Theaterby BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(10/09/2017) - Great Lakes Theater (GLT) commences its 2017-18 season at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square with a Fall Repertory that features the soaring musical epic in its Midwest premiere, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Shakespeare's magical comic masterpiece, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The productions are being performed in rotating repertory through November 5, 2017. Joseph Hanreddy directs A Midsummer Night's Dream. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast of 'Midsummer' in action below!
BWW Review: Farcical, Slapstick THE ROCKY HORRO SHOW Fun at Blank Canvasby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/08/2017) - On June 20, 1973 I had one of my mind-blowing experiences in a theater.
BWW Review: Compelling, Must see “Well” @ Ensembleby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(10/02/2017) - Well is one of those special scripts and performances that showcases the message of what theater is all about. It's a must see experience.
Photo Flash: First Look at Corey Mach and More in Great Lakes Theater's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAMEby BWW News Desk - Broadway
(10/02/2017) - Great Lakes Theater (GLT) commences its 2017-18 season at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square with a Fall Repertory that features the soaring musical epic in its Midwest premiere, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Shakespeare's magical comic masterpiece, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The productions will be performed in rotating repertory through November 5, 2017. Victoria Bussert directs The Hunchback of Notre Dame. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Photo Coverage: WAITRESS Gets Baking for National Tour- Go Inside Rehearsal!by Jennifer Broski - Broadway
(10/02/2017) - The upcoming National Touring Production of WAITRESS, the new Broadway musical from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles inspired by Adrienne Shelley's 2007 motion picture, will be led by Desi Oakley (Les Miserables, Evita) as Jenna, and Lenne Klingaman as Dawn with Bryan Fenkhart (Memphis) as Dr. Pomatter, Nick Bailey ('Red Oaks') as Earl and Ryan G. Dunkin ('Bull') as Cal.
Photo Flash: Cleveland Public Theatre presents THE FAMILY CLAXONby A.A. Cristi - Cleveland
(09/26/2017) - Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is proud to announce the world premiere of The Family Claxon, a dark comedy by Eric Coble, 2016/2017 Nord Family Foundation Catapult Fellow, and directed by Craig J. George. The Family Claxon is onstage October 5 28, 2017, in CPT's historic Gordon Square Theatre.
BWW Review: Mesmerizing, emotion-laden “Last of the Boys” at none too fragileby Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/19/2017) - War is hell and, as highlighted in Last of the Boys, its aftermath is often worse. Kudos to Sean Derry and his cast for creating a compelling evening of theater. This is must see theater for anyone interested in fine acting and a more real than life picture of the outcomes of combative and emotional wars on human beings.
BWW Review: Finely Performed “Simply Simone” Jazzes Up Karamu
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/18/2017) - Mention the name Nina Simone and your mind probably conjures up jazz. Yes, Nina, the jazz superstar and writer/performer of such powerhouse songs as 'My Baby Just Cares for Me,' 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black,' and 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' But, were you aware that the terms child prodigy, civil rights activist, political exile and the Legend Queen of Black Classical music also apply?
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/18/2017) - Mention the name Nina Simone and your mind probably conjures up jazz. Yes, Nina, the jazz superstar and writer/performer of such powerhouse songs as 'My Baby Just Cares for Me,' 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black,' and 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' But, were you aware that the terms child prodigy, civil rights activist, political exile and the Legend Queen of Black Classical music also apply?
BWW Review: Cleveland Play House opens 2017-2018 with entertaining “Shakespeare in Love”
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/18/2017) - Cleveland Play House opens 2017-2018 with entertaining Shakespeare in Love
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/18/2017) - Cleveland Play House opens 2017-2018 with entertaining Shakespeare in Love
Photo Flash: A Haunting First Look at WOMAN IN BLACK at Clague Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(09/15/2017) - Clague Playhouse opens its 90th anniversary season with the haunting ghost play, The Woman in Black. Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill, the spine-tingler will be running now through October 8, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
by BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(09/15/2017) - Clague Playhouse opens its 90th anniversary season with the haunting ghost play, The Woman in Black. Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill, the spine-tingler will be running now through October 8, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
BWW Review: Irreverent "Book of Mormon" Delights in Return Visit at State Theatre
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/14/2017) - One of the major concerns in attending a return visit by a Broadway touring show is that the production will be a lesser version. Those planning on attending 'Book of Mormon,' now on stage at the State Theatre, should have no fears. This reincarnation is equally good as any of the other versions that have trucked into town. In fact, it is probably better than some of the others.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/14/2017) - One of the major concerns in attending a return visit by a Broadway touring show is that the production will be a lesser version. Those planning on attending 'Book of Mormon,' now on stage at the State Theatre, should have no fears. This reincarnation is equally good as any of the other versions that have trucked into town. In fact, it is probably better than some of the others.
BWW Review: Opening night standing ovation for Dobama's “brownsville song (b-side for tray) well-deserved
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/04/2017) - Dobama, Cleveland's fine off-Broadway professional theatre, opens its 2017-2018 season with a mesmerizing production of Kimber Lee's "must see" script. Generally well-directed, often superlatively acted, this is drama at its finest! The opening night standing ovation was well-deserved.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(09/04/2017) - Dobama, Cleveland's fine off-Broadway professional theatre, opens its 2017-2018 season with a mesmerizing production of Kimber Lee's "must see" script. Generally well-directed, often superlatively acted, this is drama at its finest! The opening night standing ovation was well-deserved.
BWW Review: RHINOCEROS Challenges the Audience to Place a Spotlight on the Absurdity of Life Today at Con-Con
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/27/2017) - Eugene Ionesco, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter and Edward Albee are Theatre of the Absurd playwrights. Unlike modern-movement writers like Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and William Inge, who wrote realistic plays which included solutions to problems or resolved situations, the Absurdists based their plays on Existentialism, asking, 'Why do we exist?' but giving no answers. Their writings are full of questions to ponder and probe.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/27/2017) - Eugene Ionesco, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter and Edward Albee are Theatre of the Absurd playwrights. Unlike modern-movement writers like Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and William Inge, who wrote realistic plays which included solutions to problems or resolved situations, the Absurdists based their plays on Existentialism, asking, 'Why do we exist?' but giving no answers. Their writings are full of questions to ponder and probe.
BWW Review: EQUUS at Blank Canvas
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/13/2017) - This is required attendance for anyone interested in experiences of marrying a well-written script with a superb staging. If for no other reason, go to the theater to experience the marvel of Antonio DeJesus.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/13/2017) - This is required attendance for anyone interested in experiences of marrying a well-written script with a superb staging. If for no other reason, go to the theater to experience the marvel of Antonio DeJesus.
BWW Review: A Clevelander's View of the Shaw Festival - 2017
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/01/2017) - The Shaw is one of two major Canadian theater celebrations, the other being The Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. Both are professional, high quality venues.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(08/01/2017) - The Shaw is one of two major Canadian theater celebrations, the other being The Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. Both are professional, high quality venues.
BWW Review: DISNEY'S NEWSIES, in it's Area Premiere, Makes for a Very Pleasant Evening of Theater at Porthouse Theatre
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/31/2017) - 'Newsies' is the Disney produced musical that was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in which a group of ragtag ruffian youth, who were the breadwinners for their impoverished immigrant families, stood up to the powerful Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of New York's major newspaper. The show is now on stage at Porthouse Theatre, in its area premiere, on the grounds of Blossom Center.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/31/2017) - 'Newsies' is the Disney produced musical that was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in which a group of ragtag ruffian youth, who were the breadwinners for their impoverished immigrant families, stood up to the powerful Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of New York's major newspaper. The show is now on stage at Porthouse Theatre, in its area premiere, on the grounds of Blossom Center.
BWW Review: “Best of Broadway' brings out the best of the Cleveland Orchestra and Festival Chorus at Blossom
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/21/2017) - A massive Blossom crowd, a nearly full amphitheater and a lawn in which not a blade of grass was not the covered with blankets, table cloths, lawn chairs and people, came out to hear the 'Best of Broadway,' a series of groovy music, jive, jazz, tin pan alley and ballads from the golden years of musicals performed on the Great White Way.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/21/2017) - A massive Blossom crowd, a nearly full amphitheater and a lawn in which not a blade of grass was not the covered with blankets, table cloths, lawn chairs and people, came out to hear the 'Best of Broadway,' a series of groovy music, jive, jazz, tin pan alley and ballads from the golden years of musicals performed on the Great White Way.
BWW Review: The Hills Are Alive, Once Again, with the THE SOUND OF MUSIC Courtesy of Playhouse Square
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/19/2017) - The hills are alive, once again, with the 'Sound of Music' courtesy of Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/19/2017) - The hills are alive, once again, with the 'Sound of Music' courtesy of Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH
BWW Review: GROUNDWORKS DANCE THEATER delights again in Cain Park concert
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/19/2017) - As such television programs as 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'World of Dance' convince more and more people to appreciate dance as an art form, they also create a higher barrier for local companies to leap. With such superb choreographers as Tony winning Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh and Tyce Diorio creating visual marvels, and national and world-wide dancers modeling what is 'good' in dance, expectations for local companies rise.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/19/2017) - As such television programs as 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'World of Dance' convince more and more people to appreciate dance as an art form, they also create a higher barrier for local companies to leap. With such superb choreographers as Tony winning Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh and Tyce Diorio creating visual marvels, and national and world-wide dancers modeling what is 'good' in dance, expectations for local companies rise.
BWW Review: Idina Menzel in Concert at Jacobs Pavilion
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/16/2017) - Menzel's openness to the audience, her kid-inclusiveness, courtesy to her joint performers and fine singing voice, made for a fine evening of entertainment. Applause, applause!
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/16/2017) - Menzel's openness to the audience, her kid-inclusiveness, courtesy to her joint performers and fine singing voice, made for a fine evening of entertainment. Applause, applause!
BWW Review: Seldom-staged “City of Angels” now at Beck Center for the Arts
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/11/2017) - 'City of Angels,' a version of which is now on stage at Beck Center, opened on Broadway in December of 1989 and ran through January, 1992, in a healthy run of almost 900 performances. Lakewood's Dee Hoty, a three-time Tony nominee, played a leading role in the Great White Way run.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/11/2017) - 'City of Angels,' a version of which is now on stage at Beck Center, opened on Broadway in December of 1989 and ran through January, 1992, in a healthy run of almost 900 performances. Lakewood's Dee Hoty, a three-time Tony nominee, played a leading role in the Great White Way run.
BWW Review: Jivin' AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' is All Singing and Dancing at Porthouse
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/08/2017) - "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a musical-review which will be of interest to those who like 1920 and 30's Harlem Renaissance swing music. Be aware that the show, though nicely performed, has over 30 songs and no story line.
by Roy Berko - Cleveland
(07/08/2017) - "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a musical-review which will be of interest to those who like 1920 and 30's Harlem Renaissance swing music. Be aware that the show, though nicely performed, has over 30 songs and no story line.
Photo Flash: First Look at CITY OF ANGELS at Beck Center
by BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(07/07/2017) - Beck Center for the Arts presents City of Angels, winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. This acclaimed film noir musical runs tonight, July 7, through August 13, 2017 in the Mackey Theater. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
by BWW News Desk - Cleveland
(07/07/2017) - Beck Center for the Arts presents City of Angels, winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. This acclaimed film noir musical runs tonight, July 7, through August 13, 2017 in the Mackey Theater. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
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