One-liners, playful puns, rapid-fire jokes and hoedown music=delightful SHUCKED @ Connor Palace

Cobb County loves its corn. Or, so we are told by the storytellers in SHUCKED, the Tony nominated musical, now on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre, as part of the Key Bank Broadway series.

SHUCKED, with music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and book by Robert Horn, opened on Broadway in April of 2023 and ran through January 14, 2024, popping 327 performances. 

The Great White Way production garnered generally positive reviews and went on to receive nine Tony nominations. 

Reviews tended to praise the show's high energy comedy, acting and the vocal and the choreographic talents of the performers. 

Its music was generally noted as good but not stand-out as there are no songs that will inspire audience members to sing their way out of the theatre. 

After its opening, the show launched a marketing campaign with country singer Reba McEntire as its spokesperson. Since that superstar is one of the show’s producers, her role as spokesperson makes good sense. 

The show was also hailed because cast member Alex Newell became one of the first openly non-binary performers to be nominated for and win a Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical. 

The production starts with a sprightly, foot-stomping opening number, “Corn.” Two tale-tellers relate the tale of Maizy and Beau, a couple who are planning their wedding, but because of the sudden corn crop dying, a sign of bad luck, the marriage is called off. Maizy leaves, hoping to find a cure for the curse on the corn, and seeking a life away from Cobb County. For some unexplainable reason she winds up in Tampa, gets involved with a scammer, and brings him back to Cobb. 

Since this is a fantasy the ending is obvious…the corn crop is saved, Maizy and Beau get hitched and her cousin, Lulu, the town distributor of corn moonshine, and the scammer make woopy! 

Sound like a fantasy? It is. A delightful fantasy that has laughs galore, lots of corny jokes, and wonderful characters. The touring show, under the direction of Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Sarah O’Gleby, is an emotional joy. The singing, dancing, acting, comic timing and preposterous storytelling, all work well. 

Tyler Joseph Ellis and Maya Lagerstam are endearing as the narrators. Danielle Wade has a well-trained singing voice and nicely develops the character of Maizy. Her song, “Holy Shit,” had the audience gasping. 

Jake Odmark is studly right as her beau, Beau. His version of “OK” was more than okay! 

Cecily Dionne Davis, a fill-in for Miki Abraham, who normally plays the over-sexed, Lulu, was “zaftig”-right as Lulu. She has a great flair for comedy. Her “Independently One” was poppin. 

Mike Nappi, as Beau’s eccentric brother, delighted the audience with every stage presence. His was a Tony Best Supporting role performance. The rest of the cast was Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shoppe gourmet popcorn fine! 

CAPSULE JUDGMENT: “Holy Shit,” I “Do Believe” that seeing the fun-filled musical farce, SHUCKED, will make you feel more than “OK!” Get away from the stresses of life. GO! LAUGH! ENJOY! 

SHUCKED is at the Connor Palace through Sunday, May 11th, 2025. Tickets are currently still available for all performances and can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org.

TWELFTH NIGHT (or WHAT YOU WILL) delights many at Great Lakes Theater

In 2023, stating that it “encouraged homosexuality” because of its cross-dressing characters, a New Hampshire school system banned a production of William Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT, sub-titled:  WHAT YOU WILL.

The romantic comedy, which contains the honored lines of the Bard, including ““Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em,” and “Why, this is very midsummer madness,” is a play that, though it contains no references to or scenes of Christmas, was supposedly commissioned for production at the end of that holiday season. 

The play centers on “the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck on the coastline of Illyria.

Viola (disguised as a page named 'Cesario') falls in love with the Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her, thinking she is a man.”

Sounds farcical?  It contains many segments which, as Shakespeare oft did, was filled with humor and melodramatic opportunities. 

“Some modern scholars believe that TWELFTH NIGHT, with the added confusion of male actors and Viola's deception, addresses gender issues "with particular immediacy".  They also accept that its depiction of gender stems from the era's prevalent scientific theory that “females are simply imperfect males.”

Yes, TWELFTH NIGHT does explore gender identity and sexual attraction, having a male actor play Viola enhanced the impression of androgyny and sexual ambiguity.  It also, as was the custom of the day, that the role of young men and boys would be played by males.  Homosexuality?  No, a little cross-dressing, yes!  

“In the comic subplot, several characters conspire to make Olivia's pompous steward, Malvolio, believe that she has fallen for him. This involves Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch; another would-be suitor, the squire Sir Andrew Aguecheek; Olivia's servants Maria and Fabian; and Olivia's fool, Feste. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew engage themselves in drinking and revelry, disrupting the peace of Olivia's household.”
 
GLT’s production, under the direction of Sara Brunner states in her program notes, “Our production illuminates how grief and joy are not opposites but rather are intimately linked.”
 
She accents the dramatic and comic, and throws-in some farcical interludes.  Not as many as is common in other productions of the script, thus cutting down the chance for hysteria.  This restraint may account for the polite, rather than screaming standing ovations that often conclude other stagings.
 
Courtney O’Neill’s curving levels, which create the illusion of continuous water movement, works well.  It is enhanced by Rich Martin’s lighting.  Mieka van der Ploeg’s ageless perky costumes work well.
 
The cast is universally strong.  Grayson Heyl (Viola/Cesario), and Nic Scott Hermick (Sebastian) are believable as the twins.  James Alexander Rankin makes a perfect fool of himself as squire Sir Andrew Aguecheek.  Dar’Jon Marquise Bentley well fits that role of Sir Toby Belch.
 
CAPSULE JUDGMENT: TWELFTH NIGHT gets a pleasing production at GLT.  It could have been enhanced by broader farce and more joyous attitude.  As might be said of the New Hampshire Board of Education that banned the play, “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” (AS YOU LIKE IT)

TWELFTH NIGHT continued at Great Lakes Theater, in performance at the Hanna Theatre through April 6, 2025.

Next up at GLT:  NOISES OFF, the uproarious backstage farce, from April 25-May 18.

For tickets to GLT shows go to greatlakestheater.org or call 216-241-6000.

CVLT’S JERSEY BOYS --” Oh, What a Night”!

 

A juke box musical consists of pre-existing songs which are melded into a script to tell a story.  The songs, in contrast to lyrics and music, which are specifically integrated into a traditional musical’s story, don’t always smoothly transition into the juke box tale.  
 
The songs can be by one specific artist or songwriter, for example MAMMA MIA features songs by ABBA and WE WILL ROCK YOU features tunes by Queen.  On the other hand, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICALfeatures a score primarily composed of the material of many artists. 
 
JERSEY BOYS, which is now on stage at Chagrin Valley Little Theater features songs by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.

There is a special aura about New Jersey, excuse me, “Nu-joisy.”  “De joisy guys” talk different. “Dey” have an “add’e’tude dat” which reeks of testosterone (even the women), and find glee in being “in-ya face.”  They live by “der own ruhls.”  This combination of being and doing flows onto the stage in JERSEY BOYS.  
 
It supposedly is the tale of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the America’s biggest pop music sensations. They supposedly wrote their own songs. They invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty.

You’ll note in the last paragraph I wrote “it supposedly is the story” and they “supposedly wrote their own songs.” There is some controversy over how much the script’s writers, Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice, deviated from the real story. There is also some question about whether Bob Gaudio, in fact, did write all of the songs. 
 
Be that as it may, the show is filled with hummable after hummable song.   As evidenced at intermission, almost everyone was singing, humming or bopping down the aisles. There is no question about the entertainment value and the wise choice of staging of the tale. 

The Broadway version opened in November of 2005. It won four 2006 Tony Awards including Best Musical.  It has become a staple for productions at community and little theatres.  
 
The score features the group’s four early smash hits, “Sherry, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,’” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Oh What a Night.”  After those four are presented, the audience is screaming for more!
 
The biggest difficulty of doing a show about real people, who sing and dance, is the necessity of the cast sounding and looking like the originals.  This production has the vocal sounds down pat, it’s the looking alike that is difficult.  But, if you can overlook that yo’ll have a fine experience.

This production includes Nathan Park as Tommy DeVito, the founder of the group.  DeVito’s ego-centrism and wild way of living, his spending and gambling, caused the quartet problems and eventually was the reason for its break up.  He sings and moves well and is properly obnoxious.

Ian Ward portrays Nick, Tommy’s brother, who was basically along for the ride. Ward fits well his part and sings effectively.

Patrick Jalbert, not only looks like the real Bob Gaudio, but has the right boyish charm. Portraying the “intellect” of the group, wraps himself in the role and is completely believable.

The star of the evening is Eric Mortenson as Frankie Valli.  His falsetto is perfection!  Wow!
 
David W. Coxe and his musicians are excellent.  They are right on key and support rather than drowning out the performers.
 
The boy-band choreo by Jennifer Justice is excellent.
 
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: Go, go, go see ‘JERSEY BOYS.’ You will have one hell of a time and feel like “The Big Man [or Woman] In Town” as you go out of the theatre humming, “My Eyes Adored You.”
 
The show runs through April 6, 2025 at 40 River Street, Chagrin Falls.  Be aware that parking is extremely difficult in the area.  Your best plan is to go very early, go to dinner at a restaurant that has valet parking.  It’s worth the cost.  For tickets to the show 440-247-8955 call or go to www.cvlt.org
 

 CPT’s thought-provoking, SHOWIN’ UP BLACK, focuses on a view of the Black family seldom seen on stage

 

Roy Berko

(Member:  Cleveland Critics Circle and American Theatre Critics Association)

 

In a recent email Cleveland Public Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Raymond Bobgan stated, “At Cleveland Public Theatre, we believe in the power of art to transform, heal, and build community. In these times of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and division, we remain steadfast in our mission to center diverse voices, to celebrate bold and courageous storytelling, and to open space for those who seek refuge in creativity and expression. As we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing compassion and raising consciousness, we believe our collective imaginations can provide comfort in times of darkness and spark the light for ways forward.”

 

The theatre’s present staging, SHOWIN’ UP BLACK, which is getting its world premiere, banners that commitment.

 

“The tale centers on the eve of their daughter's cotillion, the Hopegoodes, an affluent African American family in Cleveland, see their plans for the perfect debutante ball collide with a Black Lives Matter protest. As the protest gets nearer, secrets and competing desires get shaken loose, tearing at the fabric of the family, challenging what, exactly, it is to be Black.” 

In contrast to most of the plays about Blacks which illustrate the moving into white neighborhoods, attending all white schools, fighting to get out of bad neighborhoods, or dealing with gangs, playwright Jeanne Madison places the spotlight on a well-to-do, influential, professional black family, their honor-student daughter and her MIT-attending boyfriend.

Jeanne Madison, a member of the Dramatist Guild, is the 2022-23 Nord Family Foundation Playwright Fellow at Cleveland Public Theater (CPT), which includes a mentorship with prolific Cleveland Heights award-winning playwright, Eric Coble. 

 
Jeanne holds a BA, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. She recently completed Scene Study and Playwrighting Master Classes at The Cleveland Play House. After many years in the corporate, and non-profit sectors, during which she lived in Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC, Jeanne now makes her home in Cleveland where she finds inspiration for her writing.

 

The script is generally well-structured and written, though, at times it has some forced and soap-opera-like scenes.  The language is authentic but in some scenes uses written rather than oral language and leaves the actors sometimes sounding like characters in a book.

 

The CPT production, under the direction of well-respected local director, Jimmie Woody, moves along at a nice pace and has balanced performances.

 

Ashley Aqulla, portraying Claire, the college educated mother, has a nice touch with both drama and humor.  Tamicka Scruggs, is delightful as her side-kick, Marie.  Darryl Tatum, is believable as the lawyer/father who has carved a political-oriented path of influence and wealth.  Highlight performances are given by Makayla Smith as Evie, the daughter who finds herself caught in the world of Black cotillions conflicting with her need and to express her independence as a young adult and Drew Pope (Kwan), her MIT black activist boyfriend.  Both create believable and realistic characters.

 

Capsule judgement:  SHOWIN’ UP BLACK gives a thought-provoking view of a non-traditional Black family.  Though there are times when the script writing seemed forced, the over-all effect is positive.  It is a production worth seeing.

 

SHOWIN’ UP BLACK February 20 through March 8, 2025.  Tickets can be purchased at www.cptonline.org through the theater’s Choose-What-You-Pay option which allows patrons to pay what they’d like with no handling fees.

 

BWU’s WAITRESS delivers a tasty treat at Beck Center for the Arts

 

BWU’s WAITRESS delivers a tasty treat at Beck Center for the Arts   Roy Berko (Member:  Cleveland Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association)   WAITRESS, which features an all-original score of music and lyrics by singer-songwriter-actress Sara Bareilles, which is now on stage at the Beck Center for the arts, in a production by Baldwin Wallace’s Musical Theatre program, is unique in that, when it opened on Broadway in January, 2010, it featured an all-female production team.      Also distinctive was that, in order to immerse audiences, real cinnamon loaded pies were warming in special ovens creating the aroma of a pastry shop.  Slices of pie were sold before the curtain rose and at intermission.     The musical opened to mixed reviews, with much praise for Bareilles score and some questions about Jessie Nelson’s book.  It ran 1,544 performances, was closed by Covid, and reopened for a short run when Broadway once again went live.   Based on the 2007 film of the same name, it tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress, who is in an abusive marriage.  She works with a group of supportive and delightful waitresses and waits on some eccentric customers.     After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she finds that her former female doctor has retired and has been replaced by a young and attractive man.  A relationship develops between Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, her new doctor, unraveling further her already trauma-filled life.    Looking for ways out of her troubles, Jenna learns of a pie baking contest with a large grand prize that could give her the financial means to get out of her marriage.  She is stopped from participating when her daughter is born early and her sleezy husband finds the stash of funds that she has been hiding to finance her trip to the contest.     A surprise knight in shining-armor gives her the needed funds, allowing Jenna, much to the delight of the audience, to kick her husband to the curb, open her own pie shop, and, in tradition of the American musical, live happily ever after.  (Or, so we hope.)   The production, under the focused direction of Victoria Bussert, has the right balance between pathos, humor and angst.  And, as should be expected from students in BW’s much-praised program, the vocals were well-sung and the farce nicely keyed.   In spite of the excellent musical sounds, the audience is not going out of the theatre singing any of the songs.  Though it plays well on stage, this is not a catchy score…no top ten songs here!  And, the rom-com script, as the Broadway reviews clarified, is not epic.  This is definitely not the tales of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, NEXT TO NORMAL, HAMILTON or WEST SIDE STORY.   In spite of those weaknesses, the production is an audience pleaser.  They cheer for the good lady, boo the scum-bag abuser, delight at the farce, and are entranced by the Shirley Temple cutie (Emilia Menotti) who appears briefly as Jeanna’s daughter.   The show is double cast.  I saw the Apple Pie Cast so these comments concern only those performances.   Sophia Edwards, a BW junior, has a strong singing voice and develops a believable put-upon Jenna who doesn’t have the wiles to get out of a dangerous and degrading relationship.  Her “She Used to be Mine” was well conceived.    Jacob Anderson was appealing as Dr. Pomatter.  The Jenna-Pomatter duet, “Bad Idea” was well sung and showcased a nice emotional bond between the performers.    Matthew Wright nicely honed the role of a cantankerous old guy.  His “Take It from an Old Man” was a show highlight.    Aamar-Malik Culbreth, as the ADHD tightly wound Ogie, the love interest of Dawn (Kat Magocsi), the shy waitress, quickly emerged as the audience favorite.  His “Never Getting Rid of Me” stopped the show!  He has a wonderful feel for farce and is Broadway ready to play any nerdy part.  “I Love You Like a Table,” sung with the Magocsi was delightful.  She, too, is ready for the Big Apple.  Anyone who is going to reprise HAIRSPRAY should immediately cast her as Penny.   Kechanté, as Becky, the third of the trio of waitresses, has a strong singing voice and well uses her sassy personality, “attitude” and flashing eyes.  Her scenes with Marc Dalmau (Cal), the cook, were sensually-filled delights.   Matthew Webb’s orchestra nicely underplayed the score, supporting, not drowning out the singers.    Jeff Herrmann’s scenic design generally worked, but the constant dragging of the pie and ingredient racks on and off-stage became tedious after a while.     For those concerned that Bussert and her staff moving from BWU to Oberlin might signal a break of her talented students appearing at Beck, need not fear.  According to Beck’s Artistic Director, “When asked if Beck Center would join them on this journey, we couldn’t help but say yes.”   Capsule judgement:  WAITRESS is the kind of production that audience’s love.  Though the script is shallow, the plot obvious, and there are no memorable songs, it matters little.  In the hands of the talented and well-directed cast, the standing ovation was well-deserved.  Go, see emerging young talent which will soon be featured in Broadway shows, and enjoy yourself!   Tickets for the production, which runs through MARCH 9, 2025, are available and/or via 216-521-2540 or http://www.beckcenter.org (7:30p.m. evenings, 2:30 p.m. matinees).   Upcoming at Beck:  4/4-5/4—UNDER BASEBALL SKY-- From José Cruz González, author of American Mariachi, comes a new play about baseball’s deep roots in the Mexican American community.    5/30-6/29—THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM-- A sense of justice for the average person compels us to seek out Robin Hood type heroes. This fairytale is set to bluegrass music - the perfect soundtrack setting for the intimate Studio Theater.

 Dobama stages the first local production of THE HOT WING KING, the 2021 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama

Roy Berko

(Member:  Cleveland Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association)
 
Since THE ROPE DANCERS, the first play it produced over 60 years ago, Dobama has been known for staging alternative works that would not otherwise be seen in Cleveland. 

Their stages have been lit up by such plays as TRUE WEST, CATCH 22, ROOTS, GOD OF CARNAGE, 4000 MILES, THE FLICK, AN OCTOROON, HAND TO GOD, and the first professional area production of ANGELS IN AMERICA.

Cleveland’s off-Broadway theatre is now presenting the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama THE HOT WING KING.

Though the Katori Hall script received mixed receptions in early stagings, the Pulitzer recognition citation described the play as "a funny, deeply felt consideration of Black masculinity and how it is perceived, filtered through the experiences of a loving gay couple and their extended family.”

When I think of Pulitzer Prize winning plays, such classics as OUR TOWN, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, DEATH OF A SALSESMAN,’night Mother, PROOF and WHAT THE CONSTITUION MEANS TO ME come to mind.  Though it has some poignant moments, THE HOT WING KING is not a script of that quality.

The play follows Cordell (Wesley Allen), his boyfriend, and their friends in Memphis preparing for the annual "Hot Wang Festival.”  Cordell’s kitchen is a flurry of activity as his boyfriend, Dwayne (Corin B. Self), their close friends Isom (Charles Mayhew Miller) and Big Charles (Syrmylin Cartwright), are busy marinating, frying, and carrying on in a bid to make him a winner of the annual hot wing competition. 
 
When Dwayne’s nephew, TJ (Prophet Seay), the son of his sister who died of an overdose, shows up, the subject of Cordell’s marriage to a female and his two sons come-forth, it becomes a recipe for angst.

“I am thrilled to further the conversation around what makes a family in Northeast Ohio, especially in the black queer community,” says Director Sheffia Randall-Nickerson. “Navigating my own blended and chosen family these several years made the story behind THE HOT WING KING especially compelling!”
 
Dobama’s production is basically well-conceived…many performances are on-point.  The emotional levels, especially in the dramatic scenes when Cordell and Dwayne clash over their relationship, and the subject of whether they will allow TJ to move into their house comes up, the play hits its emotional peaks.  
 
Other times there is almost a begging for laughs.  Part of this is the cause of the uneven script, other times overdone flamboyance takes over and takes away from the script’s message. 
 
Cameron Caley Michalak’s realistic whole house set is meticulously designed and executed.  Vanessa Cook did an outstanding job of acquiring the many authentic props.  
 
As is often the case at the extremely long and narrow Dobama acting space, speeches were lost due to the lack of consistent projection.
 
CAPSULE JUDGMENT:  The 135- minute play, with intermission, is filled with many moments of laughs and angst, enough to hold the audience’s attention.  In spite of this, the sometimes soap opera-like script just doesn’t garner the quality to be expected from a Pulitzer Prize winning script.  Go, see, but realize that ANGELS IN AMERICA this is not!  
 
Performances are Thursdays through Sunday from January 24-February 16, 2024. Evening performances are at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm. For a complete performance schedule, ticket prices, and reservations, call the Dobama Theatre box office at 216-932-3396. Ask about the "pay-what-you-can" performances.


Some forthcoming area productions include:  
 
2/14-3/9—Beck Center--WAITRESS-- Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program Collaboration directed by Victoria Bussert.  The story of Jenna, the titular waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage.
 
2/7th-23—Ensemble--HENRIK IBSEN’S ‘ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE’ A RUSTBELT ADAPTATION-- What inspires people to action? Can scientific discovery mobilize outcomes when economic opportunities are at stake and fear is pervasive? Will a scientist sacrifice everything, her job, her friends, her family--for the truth? Or is she just the enemy of the people?

2/7-3/2—Great Lakes Theater--PETER AND THE STARCATCHER— Set sail to explore the Neverland you never knew with this Tony Award-winning prequel that charts a course through Peter’s untold escapades. A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters in this high-flying adventure bursting with imagination and ingenious stagecraft.

2/6-3/2—Ohio Shakespeare Festival--ROMEO & JULIET--Two dignified households, two star-crossed lovers, and one famous balcony.
 
2/4-23—Key Bank Series--PARADE-- The Tony Award-winning musical drama is based on the true story of the trial and lynching, in early 20^th-century Atlanta, of Jewish factory manager, Leo Frank, who was accused of murdering a teenaged factory girl the day of the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade.
 

“Electrifying PARADE pays homage to the pain of prejudice!

 

PARADE, which is now on stage at the Palace Theatre as part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown.   It is a dramatization of the 1913 trial and imprisonment, and 1915 lynching, of Jewish-American Leo Frank. But the story goes well-beyond what appears on stage.  Besides encapsulating the pain of American history, and paying homage to a man convicted and murdered for a crime he did not commit, it lays forth the tale that reinvigorated the Ku Klux Klan and brought about the birth of the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish international non-government organization based on civil rights law and the defense against the defamation of Jewish people. The musical premiered on Broadway in December, 1998, and won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score.   The show was Brown's first Broadway production. The show’s music, has been noted as, "subtle and appealing melodies that draw on a variety of influences, from pop-rock to folk to rhythm and blues and gospel.”  The intriguing sounds and words are one of the most superb story-telling blending of melodies and compositions yet created in the dramatic tales presently being highlighted on theatrical stages.   Like such modern classics as RENT, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, CABARET, A CHORUS LINE, NEXT TO NORMAL, COME FROM AWAY, RAGTIME and HAMILTON, PARADE uses the art form to tell a tale of significant importance.   While other musical dramas take-on mental health, historical events, social causes, and sexual orientation this script confronts the modern-day angst of prejudice. PARADE takes the audience from the events which lead up to, and then through the 1913 trial of Leo Frank, a New York-native who is the superintendent of a pencil factory in Atlanta, who was convicted of the murder of a 13-year-old girl.   With Frank convicted in the first act, the second act takes us through the appeals of the verdict and his ultimate murder.    When, in 1915, Frank's death sentence was commuted to life in prison by the departing Governor of Georgia, John M. Slaton, due to his detailed review of over 10,000 pages of testimony and possible problems with the trial, Leo Frank was transferred to a prison in Milledgeville, Georgia, where a lynching party kidnapped him. Frank was taken to the victim’s hometown of Marietta, Georgia, and hanged from an oak tree.  The musical's story implies that the likely killer was the factory janitor Jim Conley, the key witness against Frank at the trial. The other villains of the piece are the ambitious and corrupt prosecutor Hugh Dorsey (later the governor of Georgia and then a judge) and the rabidly antisemitic publisher Tom Watson (later elected a U.S. senator). The touring company, a follow-up to the show’s recent Broadway revival, is meticulously staged by Tony Award winning director, Michael Arden.   He has taken the rewritten script and added his own interpretation of the staging concept. Shaker Heights native, Max Chernin, is nothing less that astounding as Leo Frank.  He does not portray the character; he inhabits his persona.  His up-tight, hand-wringing, Yankee frustration with Southern tradition, especially the Jewish southern attitudes, is encompassing.  He does not give a copy of Ben Platt, who recently played the role in the 2023 Broadway revival, he presents his own impressive interpretation.  His vocals "How Can I Call This Home?" and "It's Hard to Speak My Heart!" were spell-binding. Though, at times, it seems like Talia Suskauer, who plays Franks wife, Lucille, shows little depth of love for her husband, her powerful “You Don’t Know This Man,” is a show highlight. The rest of cast forms an excellent support for the tale, with strong southern values and loyalties.  The vocalizations are all excellent. Dane Laffrey’s set, which uses every inch of the stage, seems too busy, large and overly decorated for the space, giving an almost a cluttered feeling.  Capsule judgment:  In the present era of rising antisemitism in this country, PARADE stands as a vivid reminder of the past history of such hideous actions.  The touring company, headed by local actor Max Chernin, is a compelling production that deserves respect and accolades by paying homage to the pain of prejudice. PARADE continues through February 23, 2024.  Tickets are currently still available for all performances and can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org

 

Broadwayworld-CLE BRAVO RECOGNITIONS—2024

 

Roy Berko, BW-Cle Reviewer

 

At the end of each year, Broadwayworld-CLE elects to recognize productions, performers and technicians to be recognized from Cleveland, OH stagings.  The format for these acknowledgments is being altered.  Starting with the 2004 production year, attention will be given, in the form of BRAVOS, rather than to specific classifications (e.g., Best Performer, Best Musical).

 

THE 2024 BW-CLE BRAVOS ARE AWARDED TO:

 

·      VICTORIA BUSSERT FOR HER FOCUSED DIRECTION OF INTO THE WOODS (GREAT LAKES THEATER), RIDE THE CYCLONE (BALDWIN WALLACE/BECK CENTER) AND ORDINARY DAYS (BALDWIN WALLACE/PLAY HOUSE SQUARE).

 

·      TERRI KENT, DIRECTOR & MARTIN CÉSPEDES FOR THEIR EXECUTION OF JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY).

 

·      CELESTE COSENTINO FOR HER DIRECTION OF A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (CAIN PARK) AND THE PROSPECT OF EQUALITY (ENSEMBLE THEATER).

 

·      DEIDRU RING, SOMETHING CLEAN, (DOBAMA THEATER), DANNY BÓ, ORDINARY DAYS (BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/PLAY HOUSE SQUARE), MATTHEW GITTINS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (PORTHOUSE/KENT STATE UNIVERSITY), REESE HENRICK, BEAUTIFUL (BECK CENTER), DANIEL PARKER, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (GREAT LAKES THEATER) AND ANJANETTE HALL, A DOLL’S HOUSE-PART II, (BECK CENTER) FOR QUALITY OF PERFORMANCES.

 

·      POTUS (DOBAMA THEATRE) FOR QUALITY OF PRODUCTION AND RELEVANCE TO PRESENT-DAY POLITICS.

 

·      TRAD BURNS FOR THE SCENIC AND LIGHTING DESIGNS FOR RIDE THE CYCLONE (BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY/BECK CENTER).

 

·      RACHEL ZAKE, THE PROSPECT OF EQUALITY (ENSEMBLE THEATRE), LISA LANGFORD, BREAKFAST IN THE BOOKSTORE (KARAMU HOUSE THEATRE) AND TANIA BENITES, ALTER (CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE/ TEATRO PÜBLICO DE CLEVELAND FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY NEW SCRIPTS.

 

·      CHARLES FEE FOR THE LENGTH AND QUALITY OF HIS SERVICE AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF GREAT LAKES THEATER.

Creative, thought-provoking LIFE OF PI captivates at the Connor Palace

Yann Martel is noted for his ability to write tales filled with adventure, survival and spirituality.  His novel, LIFE OF PI, sold more than 15 million copies and won numerous awards. The novel has been translated into a film and now a stage play by Lolita Chakrabarti.  It is on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre, as part of the Key Bank Broadway Series. The play premiered in June, 2019 in Sheffield, England and was transferred to London’s West End in November, 2021.  It went on to win numerous awards.  It came to Broadway in 2023 and had a healthy Big Apple run. The story centers on Piscine (Pi) Patel, a teen boy from India.  His family owns a zoo.  In the 1970s the country was swept with political and economic unrest.  In order to ensure a better life for the children, they sold the zoo.  The parents and their two children, along with some of the more exotic animals, boarded a cargo ship to Canada.    A storm sinks the ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  All are lost except for Pi, who is marooned on a life boat with a Bengal tiger (named Richard Parker), a zebra, a hyena and an orangutan.  Over the next 227 days, the question of existence becomes paramount.  How does one deal with hunger, thirst, and dangerous animals in such a confined environment?    In order to live, Pi has to face conflicts of man versus nature, man versus self, and man versus animal.  An added element is the role of faith and the role of “God.” David Greene, the Senior Vice President of Programming for Playhouse Square, states in the well-crafted show’s program notes, “The immersive sensory experience created left me entranced.”  I totally agree.  I was mesmerized by the quality of the production.   The cast is excellent.  Taha Mandviwala is masterful as Pi.  His physicality, emotional immersion and total believability is awing.      Mandviwala is no stranger to the Cleveland area.  In 2019 he starred in two Great Lakes Theater productions, TAMING OF THE SHREW and WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION.  In addition, his brother is a doctor at University Hospital.    He states of LIFE OF PI, “On the surface it is just a very simple story, about a young boy who is ship-wrecked and just trying not to die.”  He further states, “However, it’s more than a survival story, the production dives into deeper themes about family, nature and faith, challenging audiences to ponder what it means to believe when you have every reason to give up.”    Is the tale one of truth or fiction?  “In the author’s note to the book, Martel states that he met a man named Francis Adrubasamy at a coffee shop.  Francis told Martel he had a story that would make Martel believe in God.  That story ended up being the basis for the book.   Is the story fact or fiction?  Does it matter?  In the hands of a masterful writer, it makes for a wonderful book, movie and theatre production!   The staging by director Max Webster is creative.  He places demands, not only by the actors to create reality, but for technical creativity and expertise that go far beyond the usual performance.   The puppet designs are by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell.  The puppeteers performing as Richard Parker were Austin Wong Harper, Jon Hoche and Betsy Rosen.  They render a master class in puppetry.  The special lighting effects by Tim Lutkin and Tim Deiling, video and animation design of Andrzej Goulding and sound design by Carolyn Downing, help create compelling effects.   Capsule judgment:  It is difficult to watch such a combination of writing, acting and special effects and not be swept up in the wonder of live theatre.  The written story made for a thrilling experience in imagination. The film version added the visual experience.  The stage presentation offers an immersive experience that goes well beyond either of the other formats.  Do yourself a favor and see this production of LIFE OF PI.    LIFE OF PI runs at the Connor Palace through January 26, 2025. Tickets are available for all performances and can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or go online to playhousesquare.org.

And, yet, another examination of Peter Pan at Dobama, but . . .

 

Peter Pan, lovingly known to many as the mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up, is the cultural iconic symbol of never-ending childhood.    Peter’s fictional life on the mythical island of Neverland, which is populated by fairies, pirates, indigenous people and mermaids, was formed in the imagination of J. M. Barrie, a Scottish novelist and playwright.   Though he continued to write other literary works, Peter and his adventures overshadowed Barrie’s other works. Pan has become so important that it has become a cottage industry.  Besides “The Little White Bird (1902, with chapters 13–18 published in Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens in 1906), and the West End stage play Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (1904, which expanded into the 1911 novel Peter and Wendy), the character(s) have been featured in a variety of media and merchandise, both adapting and expanding on Barrie's works. These include numerous films and a television series. Yes, Peter Pan and Wendy and Tinker Bell clothing, figurines, posters, Halloween costumes, and jewelry, as well as books and magazines bannering the images of the beloved characters.  A statue of Peter Pan by the sculptor George Frampton, was erected in Kensington Gardens in 1912 as a surprise to the children of London.  Six other statues have been cast from the original mold and displayed around the world. In 2002, Peter Pan was featured on a series of UK postage stamps issued on the centenary of Barrie's creation of the character.  As an explanation of why Dobama chose to do PETER/WENDY, Jeremy Bloom’s adaptation of the Barrie story, Nathan Motta, the theater’s Artistic Director and director of this production, states in his program notes, “As adults, it can be thought-provoking and rewarding to look back at the world of Neverland and find new meaning in the text.”    In response to those who may think that with all the new, thought-provoking scripts available, why would Dobama use a major segment of its season to produce yet another version of the over-exposed tale, Motta states, “PETER/WENDY is meant to be whimsical, immersive, and joyful for all ages, while lifting up some of the larger ideas for those who are interested in exploring the deeper parts of Neverland.” Bloom’s adaptation is being produced for the first time on a professional stage in Cleveland.   The author describes PETER/WENDY as his “dream project” and explains, “My goal with it is to be most simple and sleek of all and tell the story as purely as it has ever been told, not skewed in any way, not towards an audience of children or with any particularly un-Barrie-ish take.” He elaborates, “It's not some new crazy adaptation, but the story stripped down to its bare elements.”   Other stagings of the script have garnered such critical comments as, “The charming story may well feel, to some, like that nice, warm virtual hug very much needed during this harsh, cold winter,” and “Engagingly explores the questions of innocence, friendship, family and loss that have made the story a classic for more than a century.”   The local staging is blessed with a talented well-rounded gender-blind cast (Peter is played by she/they) Kelsey Angel Baehrens, Wendy by (she/her) Mikaela Ray and Tiger Lily by Diwe Augustin-Glave (they/them).   Other members of the fine assemblage include Charles Mayhew Miller (Lost Boy/Mermaid), Abigail Jarvis (Tinkerbell), Lara Mielcarek (Mrs. Darling/Hook), and Trey Gilpin (Mr. Darling/Smee). Nathan Motta’s creativity can be seen all over the stage.  This is not a conventional staging.  Like the tale, the audience is forced to use their imaginations, clapping when they are asked whether they believe in fairies (in order to save Tinker Bell, who has taken poison in order to stop Peter from ingesting the liquid placed in a vial of “medicine” by evil Captain Hook), to see Peter and Wendy fly, and accept a blue laser as Tinker.   Production Design by Jeremy Paul, Sound Design by Angie Hayes, Costume Design by Angelina Herrin, and Props by Vanessa Cook, all enhance the staging.   Capsule judgment:  Yes, PETER/WENDY is yet another version of the tale of the boy who refuses to grow up, but it adds a creative element that other stagings don’t.  On the intimate Dobama stage, it will involve and entrance you.  It’s well-worth your time to think happy thoughts and let your inner child soar!   Performances are Thursdays through Sunday from December 6-29, 2024.   For tickets go Dobama.org or (216) 932-3396   Next up at Dobama: The Pulitzer Prize winning THE HOT WING KING (January 24-February 16, 2025).