Review: SNS' THE PROM at Garden Theater
by Paul Batterson - March 17, 2024
Broadway Musicals are often fantasies, musical representations about things that could not possibly happen. The saddest thing about Short North Stage’s production of THE PROM, which runs from March 14 through April 7 at the Garden Theater, is that it is based partly in truth....
Review: MAMMA MIA! Delivers Dynamo Performance at the Ohio Theatre
by Dylan Shaffer - March 18, 2024
With familiar hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Honey, Honey,” MAMMA MIA! has a leg up on most musicals: audiences already know the songs. But to surmount and overcome the expectations of audiences is no easy feat. The 25th Anniversary Tour of MAMMA MIA! blows all expectations out of t...
Review: PAT METHENY at Riffe Center
by Paul Batterson - March 10, 2024
In his two-hour set, Metheny, the only artist to win Grammys in 10 different categories, was like a magician as he revealed the skills that garnered him gold records for Still Life (Talking), Letter from Home, and Secret Story....
Review: SKELETON CREW at Studio 2 At Riffe Center
by Paul Batterson - March 04, 2024
Rico Parker joins a talented quartet of actors, performing with Wilma Hatton (Faye), Clarissa Rai (Shanita), and Alan Tyson (Reggie), in bringing this two-act, two-hour show to life. Each actor brings out certain nuances to his or her character, revealing the character’s strengths and concealing his...
Review: THE DREAM AND BEYOND at ShadowBox Live
by Paul Batterson - January 31, 2024
Shadowbox Live reached deep into their skill sets to celebrate the 11 leaders’ achievements through art, words, dance and song while educating the audience on their significance. ...
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Garden Theater
by Paul Batterson - January 26, 2024
A show about domestic violence and oppression doesn’t sound like a cheery night at the theater. Here’s what makes the show work: the music and lyrics, especially in the opening three numbers, are about as uplifting as one can get in a show and secondly, there are opportunities for redemption for eve...
Review: THE DRUMS OF WAR at Abbey Theater of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - January 21, 2024
Director Joe Bishara uses overhead projections of the actual leaders in the play, allowing the audience to compare the actors on the stage and the Roosevelt and Churchills on newsreels....