Robert Mark Morgan News

If our global temperature changes as little as two degrees Celsius, that's when we'll start to notice the disastrous effects of climate change. That's only about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or basically the average fluctuation of temperature we see hourly on a local level. A little scary, isn't it?

Greater Cleveland is blessed with a vital theater scene. It has been the purpose of the TIMES THEATER TRIBUTES, now known as BROADWAY WORLD-CLEVELAND REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL THEATER TRIBUTES (BWW-Cle Theater Tributes), to recognize theatrical experiences that, in the subjective view of this reviewer, were excellent and deserve recognition.

Perhaps the best way to approach Dickens' venerable A CHRISTMAS CAROL is straight-forward, with a generous helping of music, sterling performances, and some cool effects to liven up the proceedings. After all, the story, which dates from 1843, has been reworked, parodied, and used as a device by nearly every sitcom and animated show ever made. So, what's old seems new again in The Repertory of St. Louis' current presentation for the holidays. And, what a treat it is. David H. Bell's adaptation is faithful to the spirit and language of the story, which occurs when the industrial revolution has wreaked havoc on the lives of both the old and young. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, this is an absolute must-see for the Christmas season!

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf.

The most popular show in Cleveland Play House history is back just in time for the holidays! A Christmas Story will once again delight Cleveland audiences with its nostalgic tale of little Ralphie Parker and his ultimate Christmas wish.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf.

The most popular show in Cleveland Play House history is back just in time for the holidays! A Christmas Story will once again delight Cleveland audiences with its nostalgic tale of little Ralphie Parker and his ultimate Christmas wish.

Our nation is in the midst of a national election, and local theatres have responded with a series of plays that examine various foibles and stories of political intrigue. Ensemble is staging former County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones' THE BLOODLESS JUNGLE (September 15-October 2) about a rising idealistic political star running for a pivotal Congressional seat. The Musical Theater Project is featuring THE CRADLE WILL ROCK (September 21 & September 25), a play about Unionism with political undertones. Cleveland Public Theatre is presenting 44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS (October 6-29), which showcases the life and times of the 44 Presidents of the United States, featuring an all-female cast. And, Cleveland Play House just opened ALL THE WAY (September 17-October 9), a Tony-Award winning drama that examines the power of one person to transform a country.

Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Most versions I've seen have been scaled down considerably, focusing on the more intimate scenes. That's certainly not the case here. The MUNY's spectacular production gives us the full breadth and scope of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's thoughtful and heart warming take on themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a particularly strong cast and top notch staging this, is quite simply, perfection!

Footage of opening night of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's, Fiddler on the Roof, at The Muny in St. Louis, MO, featuring a previously unheard song by the show's composers!

The Muny just announced that its production of Fiddler on the Roof will feature the world stage premiere of a new song.

The Muny presents The Wizard of Oz, running now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Scroll down for a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew during the June 16th performance of the show!

The Colorado Theatre Guild's 11th Annual Henry Awards will take place Monday, July 18, 2016 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue in Parker, Colorado. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and the awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m., followed by an after-party. Tickets are $23 for CTG members (limit 2 per person online with the code Henry2016), $30 non-members or $50 VIP. Tickets go on sale June 20 through the PACE Center website, parkerarts.org, or by calling the box office at 303-805-6800. 

THE WIZARD OF OZ opens The MUNY's 98th season this year, and it's a lively and colorful production that provides an enjoyable experience for kids of all ages. This is an excellent presentation of one of The MUNY's most beloved shows, filled with fine performances and enough action to keep even the tiniest of tykes fully engaged. Yes, I know the unseasonably hot weather we're currently experiencing is a consideration for a lot of patrons, but with the fans running at full blast, you'll find it's a lot more comfortable than you would expect. My son and I had a blast, and this is the fourth production of the musical he's seen, and as he said, easily the best. It's a perfect show to take the family to, and one I know that you'll have an absolutely wonderful time seeing. It's also a larger than life spectacle that fits the expansive MUNY stage like a glove.

The Muny is currently presenting its season opener, The Wizard of Oz, now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Go inside opening night with the cast below!

The Muny presents The Wizard of Oz now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Check out a first look at the cast onstage below!

The Muny announced today the complete cast for its production of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Alex Sanchez and music directed by Brad Haak.

Dorothy's visit to The Land of Oz will kick off the summer season on June 13th.

Yes, A CHRISTMAS STORY is again lighting up the stage at the Cleveland Play House. It's a new production, which incites new comments, but the history and my unexpected involvement in the tale is still the same!