CLEVELAND THEATER REVIEWS

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...

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....

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!...

On June 20, 1973 I had one of my mind-blowing experiences in a theater....

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....

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 emotion...

Cleveland Play House opens 2017-2018 with entertaining Shakespeare in Love...

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, ci...

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 tha...

Why travel to the West Coast to sample delicious wines when wine country can come to you? Lisa Mattson, Director of Marketing of Jordan Vineyard & Winery, brought a stellar lineup of exclusive Jordan vintages to Johnny's Downtown in Cleveland, Ohio, for a one-night sold-out event that featured the b...

Apollo's Fire, Cleveland's award winning Baroque orchestra, opens new season with "Israel in Egypt"...

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....

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 th...

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....

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....

'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 sh...

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 musi...

The hills are alive, once again, with the 'Sound of Music' courtesy of Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH...

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...

'Neighbors,' penned by Jacobs-Jenkins, is now on stage at convergence-continuum....

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!...

'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....

"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....

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Matt Pelfrey is noted for inventing oddball concepts and writing sardonic dialogue. His 'An Impending Rupture of the Belly,' now on stage at none-too-fragile, is Pelfrey at his 'creative' black comedy best....