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Rabu, 15 Maret 2017

hello MAMMA MIA! @ Connor Palace - hub



March 14-19, 2017
Tickets:  216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org


Roy Berko

“Honey, Honey,” “The Name of the Game,” is “The Winner Takes All” when you go to see what may well be the final tour of “Mamma Mia!.” Yeah, be a “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance on Me” and be a “Winner [who] Takes It All.” 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

 

Rabu, 08 Februari 2017

hello THE KING AND I @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub



Through February 26, 2017
(216) 241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

The remarkable success of the touring ‘The King and I’ is no puzzlement.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.


Kerry Clawson

The national tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s "The King and I" is a breathtakingly gorgeous production that appeals to our most romantic natures.  The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which sailed into Playhouse Square this week, presents an iconic culture clash between two of the most famously strong-willed characters in musical theater history: Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

This “King and I” is hardly a style-over-substance endeavor. Director Bartlett Sher gracefully goes for introspection, not outward theatrics. He culls profundity and even timeliness from what has been dismissed by other directors as a creaky standard-issue musical book.

Mark Horning

This is THE ONE! The single show that you need to put on your must see winter list. With its sparkling grandeur, fabulous costuming, exquisite lighting, delightful dance sequences and crystal clear singing it is the must see show of this season’s Key Bank Broadway Series. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.
Christine Howey

In short, The King and I has all the Broadway zazz you’re looking for, while giving us another perspective on what’s happening in our world today. Hard to ask for anything more.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene


Andrea Simakis

[Director] Bartlett Sher's "The King and I" not only honors the Rodgers and Hammerstain golden age classic--with a muscular pit orchestra giving a rousing performance of its lush, memorable score--but offers us a fresh, 21-st century face."

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Rabu, 11 Januari 2017

hello INTO THE WOODS @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub


Through January 29, 2017
(216) 241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Put Sweeney Todd in lederhosen and brightly colored socks and he is still the demon barber of Fleet Street.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Roy Berko


The Fiasco Theater staging of INTO THE WOODS, part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is not a flashy production filled with special effects.  It is a visionary piece of directing excellence by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, who looked beyond the surface and came up with a concept which gave new life to an oft-produced play.  Will everyone like it?  No.  Those who live for escape, want conflict-free stories, who are tired of seeing yet another production of this script, and those who don’t appreciate Sondheim’s musical genius, may well be turned off.  The rest of us will revel in a magical evening of theatrical creativity.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Fiasco Theater’s Into the Woods is a breath of fresh air,  full of offbeat imagination and crystal-clear storytelling that makes for a stimulating evening with Stephen Sondheim’s most famous musical.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.


Mark Horning

Whether you are a Stephen Sondheim fan or not, you owe it to yourself to see this adult targeted performance simply due to the uniqueness in which it is portrayed. The simplicity in the stage set, costuming and musical numbers allows more room for the story to stand on its own.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey

Into the Woods is all about dreams and the reality of how those dreams often turn out, based on the decisions we make. In that regard, this production is a fine and inventive interpretation of this work. But at almost three hours with one intermission, and placed on a single unchanging set, it takes the resolve of a fairy tale hero to stay focused on these colliding yarns.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

David Ritchey

Once upon a time, a team of actors and stage technicians went into the woods – or maybe just on tour and found themselves in the Connor Palace Theater, Cleveland, Ohio.  Yes, they tour with “Into the Woods.”  But, something went wrong.  Or even worse, several things went wrong.  Those Cleveland audiences known for giving everyone a standing ovation, did not stand for the cast of “Into the Woods” at the curtain-call time.  The audience rushed out of the theater.

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway

Andrea Simakis

Be careful what you wish for, because it might just come true. It's a lesson we'd do well to heed, now and ever after.
Still, it's worth straying from that moral here, because one couldn't wish for a finer iteration of an American masterwork than Fiasco Theater's "Into the Woods."
Don't be afraid of the dark.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Rabu, 02 November 2016

hello FINDING NEVERLAND @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub



Through November 20, 2016
(216) 241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

It may help resuscitate fairies, but no amount of clapping can reconcile what the musical “Finding Neverland” is and the kind of musical it wants to be. More Lost Boy than Pan, the show crows but doesn’t fly.

For more of this review, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Roy Berko


The touring production of FINDING NEVERLAND is a technically impressive and nicely conceived, if somewhat stilted production.  It clearly lays the prequel story of Peter Pan with a strong score and clear story. 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson 

The most beautiful thing about the musical "Finding Neverland" is that every detail of both its story and stage production is created in the service of celebrating the imagination. ...
The national tour of the musical, now playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, features winsome romantic leads and fabulous video projections that sweep audiences up.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here

Howard Gollop

When Barrie goes on an outing one day and comes across a lovely widow and her pack of cheerfully rambunctious boys who become his muses (and no one questions they might be anything more), the location doesn’t seem so much like Kensington Gardens as “Sesame Street.”
Although scenic designer Scott Pask manages fetching etchings of trees, flowers and buildings, and the cast members look period-perfect in their Victorian costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb, everyone smiles too broadly, carries too many balloons, skips too maniacally (thanks to Mia Michaels’ strident choreography) and sings too many indistinguishable pop songs by Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy.

Mark Horning


This is a show that the entire family will appreciate.  With over the top big Broadway numbers, delightful singing and dancing, a good moral theme and a general fun feel that makes time fly by faster than Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle.  This is a great way to share musical theater with your children.  Get your tickets quickly.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey

As for the show, it's produced to the hilt. But it is so much less than it might have been, with a bit more boldness on the part of the creators.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Senin, 02 Mei 2016

hello MATILDA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub



May 3 through 11, 10`6
216-241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring ‘Matilda’ stays true to Dahl’s dark, delightful children’s book. 

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

The touring production of MATILDA,THE MUSICAL follows the production and staging of the London and Broadway productions.  If only the sound system was better, the kids weren’t screeching in high pitched overly accented British pronunciation, and the orchestra didn’t drown out the speeches of the actors, maybe the results would have been better.  As is, MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, now on tour and housed at the State Theatre, is less than a wonderful theatrical experience.  
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is a witty, imaginative, wondrous show for all ages, now playing on national tour at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.
Based on the beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl, it is a brilliantly conceived, boldly painted fairy tale world whose infectious energy and joy have made it a worldwide phenomenon.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review he


Howard Gollop

 "Matilda: The Musical" ... is no sappy Disney show of the Great White Way but an import from the much edgier London West End.   And forget anything like a Leslie ("Willie Wonka") Bricusse score. Songs by Tim Minchin are rooted in a British pop-rock vernacular with a few classical gothic flourishes. His lyrics are sly and witty, like those of cabaret musical satirist -- most likely because he is one.  The biggest surprise is the comedic, singing, dancing and acrobatic talents of the show's true heavy  (in more ways than one) -- David Abeles. He plays the monstrous, allegedly female school principal and former hammer-throwing champion Miss Trunchbull, sporting an outfit  that can only be described as Victorian SS officer schoolmarm.

Mark Horning

For fans of the book, this is a no brainer.  The entire family will love the show.  For those not familiar with the story it is still a well spent evening at the theater.  Tickets may become dear for this particular run.  
    
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.


Christine Howey
When you were growing up, if you ever felt like an alien creature plopped into a foreign land, Matilda the Musical will take you back to that time with plenty of wit and some splashy stage effects. And that's a darn good way to revisit childhood.


To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Senin, 04 April 2016

hello BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub



April 5 through 17, 2016
216-241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

Touring jukebox musical ‘Beautiful’ is aptly named

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.

Roy Berko

BEAUTIFUL THE CAROL KING MUSICAL is a solid script which gets a superior production that should delight local audiences.  Every element of the juke box show, the performances, the visual effects and the musical sounds are appropriately “beautiful!” 
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson


 Music legend Carole King wrote scores of chart-toppers for other artists in the ’60s and produced more than 100 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout her career. But deep down, she was a normal, down-to-earth Brooklyn girl who was devoted to her family.

To see a full review of this show, read read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

Vocally, everyone rises to the occasion, at least achieving the recognition level of a good cover band As the curtain falls, we really don’t learn much more about King than a casual fan might have already known or imagined ...   But sometimes, just spending a couple of hours with a nice Jewish girl and her and her exceptional music is more than enough for a fulfilling evening of theater.

Mark Horning

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” gives a truthful and unblinking look at the musical maturing of one of the greatest composers ever.  Fans of Carole King will love the show with new fans being made as well.  The show is Beautiful, indeed.    
  
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey

The result is a bead-stringing process of covering a whole bunch of hits from the past while injecting some humanity into the proceedings. And even though you can see the show straining to touch all the bases, the music and some interesting performances win the day.


To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

David Ritchey

 “I didn’t know she wrote THAT,” seemed to be the echo heard round the Connor Palace Theatre, in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.   “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” took the stage and filled the Connor Palace Theatre with 26 hit songs by Carole King.  The songs link the life story of Carole King from a 16-year-old girl,  in the mid-1950s, who takes her first songs to an agent and concludes with  her concert in Carnegie Hall after her award winning album, “Tapestry.”

To see a full review of this show, read David's posts at Talkin' Broadway


Selasa, 08 Maret 2016

hello MAMMA MIA @ PLAYHOUSE SQUARE - hub


March 8 through 13, 2016
216-241-6000
Or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

“So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me S.O.S.”  These are more than the lyrics to one of the many songs by Swedish pop group Abba that make up Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical “Mamma Mia!”  They are a desperate cry for help from the national tour, which came through Cleveland in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2012, and is once again on stage – this time in cardiac arrest – at Playhouse Square.


To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Mark Horning

If you’re a fan of ABBA and are looking for a nice evening of escapism you can do no worse than to “Take A Chance” with “Mamma Mia.”  This feel good musical gives you nearly two dozen hits that are all ‘sing along’ strong.  Bring your gal pals for a night out!

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Senin, 02 November 2015

hello GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER@CONNOR PALACE - hub



November 3 through 15, 2015

216-241-6000 


Bob Abelman

Yes, “A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder” – the show that won the 2014 Tony Award for best musical – is on national tour and currently on stage at Playhouse Square.  And, yes, the award is warranted and attendance is wholeheartedly recommended.  But be forewarned: It takes a sophisticated palate to enjoy a show so silly.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.


Kerry Clawson

"A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder" is so witty and has so many deliciously comical surprises, you’ll wish you could see it twice just to take all the mayhem in again.
The celebrated musical, now showing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, is one of the best national tours theatergoers will see all year, with marvelous acting, singing, costumes and production values.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

The audience should also root for the book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and more lyrics by Steven Lutvak. They are new musical-theater talents who uncannily evoke the witty operetta world of Gilbert and Sullivan. 

Matching ingeniousness of the material is the brilliant production design Alexander Dodge. Utilizing standard theatrical set pieces and animated computer graphics, Dodge created a theater-within-a-theater that opens up to Edwardian splendor, albeit rendered in hilariously mocking antiquity.

Mark Horning


Add some British accents, some engaging sparkling musical numbers (one involving dancing on a casket) along with some witty comedic dialog and lyrics and even murder becomes a delight.  For those willing to pay attention, the laughs spill off the stage at an impressive rate as one funny gag after another is revealed to the audience’s delight.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey
The sprightly music enables this serial killer operetta to charm the socks off anyone. 


To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis

"A Gent's Guide" isn't tinged with the tragedy of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," the world's most famous musical about a prolific murder, nor does it boast number sof gorgeous and haunting . . . But the score . . . is terrifically clever its lyrics fast and fun, and written by people who love the dexterity of language.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

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