BECK CENTER STREAMS MUST SEE CONCERT OF BROADWAY ALUMS

 
Beck Center often coordinates with Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre program to produce some of the area’s best musical theatre.  Not only does the stage often sparkle with BWU students, but thespians from all over the area are cast in some of the Beck shows.
 
Hosted by Kathleen Rooney Faubel, a BWU alum whose talent was showcased at Beck in The Little Mermaid and Evil Dead, The Musical, and her husband, Jarid Faubel, a showcase is being streamed which features performances and interviews with former BC actors and singers who have gone on to Broadway and professional touring company appearances.
 
Rory O’Malley, a St. Ignatius and Carnegie Mellon grad, who appeared on Broadway in The Book Of Mormon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Hamilton, opened the program with a well-interpreted “A Good Thing Going,” which is from Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along.

 
Some of the members of the cast of Beck’s Dog Fight (for my review of the original production go to https://royberkinfo.blogspot.com/2015/02/dogfight-fails-to-live-up-to-beck.html, did a medley from the show.  Included was Colton Ryan, BW grad, who not only sang in that number, but did a charming personal interview.  Ryan made his Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hanson, and went on to appear in the new Bob Dylan musical The Girl from the North Country. Other performers were Zack Adkins, Gabe Brown, Mike Cefalo, Nick Drake, Andrew Kotzen and Stephan Stubbins.

 
Keri Rene Fuller, showcased in Beck Center’s Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson and Dogfight brought her talents to Broadway in Waitress and did the latest national tour of Cats.  She sang a plaintive version of “Before It’s Over.”
 
Corey Mach, who performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream
Coat at Beck Center prior to becoming a BW student and taking his talents to Broadway, appeared on the Great White Way in Kinky Boots, Hands on a Hardbody and Godspell.  He toured in Wicked, Flashdance: The Musical and Rent.  In this program he did a delightful rendition of “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton.
 
The Faubels not only did a walking tour of some of the Broadway theatres, but interrupted their hosting to perform an engaging rendition of “It’s De-Lovely.”
 
Rebecca Pitcher, performed at Beck in Sweeney Todd and She Loves Me, and is noted for her long run as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.  She also appeared in Carousel on the Great White Way and toured in The Sound of Music.  She not only sang “How Could I Ever Know” from The Secret Garden, but told the tale of how she accidentally caught on fire while performing in “Phantom.”
 
Cassie Okenka, another BW alum, performed at BC in Moby Dick the Musical before rocking her way to Broadway in School of Rock and Bonnie and Clyde.  For the reunion concert she sang, “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.”

Cincinnati Conservatory of Music alum, Max Chernin, who sang “Sailing” from A New Brain, was seen on the Beck Center boards in Aida and The History Boys.  He performed in Bright Star and Sunday in the Park with George in NYC.

The concert ended with Libby Servais, who was in Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked, also performed there in Lysistrata Jones.  She was accompanied by and sang “‘Till There Was You” from The Music Man, with her husband.

Capsule judgment:  For anyone who loves musical theatre and talented Broadway performers, Beck’s stream is a total must see!  For free tickets to this engagement, which runs March 5 to March 28, 2021, go to ShowTix4U.com.  Also consider making a contribution to keep Beck as a thank you for the show and as a boost for their viability as a performing arts center.

VERB BALLETS BRIGHTENS THE PANDEMIC WITH A DISPLAY OF GOING SOLO

 

 

According to Artistic Director Margaret Carlson, the purpose of Cleveland’s Verb Ballet’s recent streamed Going Solo, was to allow the audience to see the entire company through a series of dance sequences, mainly dancers in solo performances.  

 

Danced with pandemic appropriate masks, the dancers performed traditional, modern and folk compositions, accompanied by recorded music.  

 

The program included Paquita, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, and staged in the Verb program by Robert Carter.  

 

The six variations, with music by Ludwig Minkus, displayed classical movement, featuring dancers on pointe.  The performers, Elizabeth Schaeffer, Kelly Korfhage, Lieneke Matte, Julie Russel, Kate Webb and Emily Dietz, were clad in white tutus.  

 

The result was a lovely, often lively display.

 

Sometimes, Always, choreographed by associate artistic director, Richard Dickinson, was danced to music composed by Samuel Barber, who is noted with the tribute that "Probably no other American composer has ever enjoyed such early, such persistent and such long-lasting acclaim."

 

The first segment of this newly conceived dance was performed to the modern classical sounds by Sikhumbuzo Hlanhleni, Hunter Hoffman, Antonio Morillo and Benjamin Shepard.  Costumed in white, the quarter displayed strong muscular lifts, poses and spins.  

 

Part two found Morillo and Shepard displaying powerful athleticism, while featuring strong coupling.

 

Part three found the all-male quartet bringing the number to its climax.

 

Dances For Isadora (Five Evocations of Isadora Duncan) is choreographer José Limón’s tribute to the brilliant, but tragic Duncan, considered to be the mother of modern dance.  She encouraged a free form to the art form, incorporating skipping, running, jumping, leaping and tossing.  

 

The five segments were:  Primavera (performed by Lieneke Matte), Maenad (danced by the captivating Emani Drake), Niobe (executed by Emily Dietz), La Patrie (featuring the stunning Noe Iwamatsu) and Scarf Dance (spotlighting Kate Webb).  

 

Le Corsaire, the men’s variation from the Grand Pas de Deux, was a very brief interlude, proficiently danced by international cultural exchange artist, Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni.

 

The early 1700’s, Jota, a sample of Aragonese folklore dance, was performed with joie-de-vivre by the company’s male dancers.  It was followed by Ukrainian Dance, set to a medley of traditional music and featured the entire company in a joyous conclusion.

 

Capsule judgment:  Verb Ballet, in contrast to many local theatrical and dance companies, had continued, as evidenced by Going Solo, to hone its skills during the pandemic.  They, and audiences, should look to a time, hopefully, in the near future, to be performing before live audiences.  

ROY BERKO--HERE AND THERE IN CLEVELAND ENTERTAINMENT: BECK, VERB BALLETS, DOBAMA THEATRE, BLANK CANVAS, INTERPLAY AND MORE…

BECK BROADWAY ALUMS IN CONCERT

Beck Center has a sterling reputation of cultivating talented performers who go on to success in hit Broadway shows and associated tours.  Some of the theatre’s alums will perform in a virtual engagement which runs March 5 to March 28^, 2021, as part of Beck Center for the Arts’ 87th Professional Theater Season.

Performers include Kathleen Rooney Faubel, Rory O'Malley, Max Chernin,  
Colton Ryan, Cassie Okenka, Rebecca Pitcher, Corey, Keri Rene' Fuller and Libby Servais.
 
For information visit beckcenter.org.  
Reservations are required. For complimentary tickets (contributions are encouraged) go to https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/bbalums and click on “purchase tickets.”
 
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VERB BALLET PERFORMS ON-LINE
 
Verb Ballets, Going Solo performance premiering on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 7:00pm ET. An encore recording of the performance will be available for 48 hours after the premiere.
 
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DOBAMA PRODUCES SHORT FILMS
 
Over the course of the season Dobama Theatre will release professionally produced short films featuring memorable monologues from Dobama productions and notable contemporary playwrights. These videos are initially exclusively available to 20/21 Members free of charge during the first weeks of each short film’s debut. Films are then released for general viewing with a Pay-What-You-Can donation. Featuring some of your favorite Cleveland actors. 



ON THE GRILL (starring Dorothy Silver)
GOODNIGHT, TYLER (starring Lisa Louise Langford)
GROUNDED (by George Brant, performed by Anjanette Hal)
THE LAND OF OZ (based on the book by L. Frank Baum book and lyrics
     by George Grant, music by Nathan Motta, performed by Calista Zajac)
SIGNIFICANT OTHER (PERFOMRED BY DAN HENDROCK)
 
https://www.dobama.org/soliloquy
 
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BLANK CANVAS TO PERFORM LIVE!
 
Blank Canvas Theatre presents MAKE THEM HEAR YOU:  A Celebration of Black Artistry in Musical Theatre--A LIVE Multimedia, Drive-in Theatre Experience
 
 TWO NIGHTS ONLY!, FEBRUARY 26 & 27, Friday & Saturday at 8pm
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 60 mins (no intermission)

The safety of both our audience and actors has been and will always be our number one priority, so we invite you to join us for a no-contact, socially responsible, multimedia performance in the 78th Street Studios parking lot.

Our show will include Blank Canvas actors singing some of the most influential music created by or performed by Black artists. This drive-in show will feature a full live band, some of your favorite BCT performers, and the lighting and projection design that you have come to love. As well as our friends at NINJA CITY selling food and drinks!  What better way to celebrate and honor Black History Month? Our last two shows sold out fast. So, get your tickets, drive in, experience something new, and help support LIVE theatre!    
 
$40 per vehicle*
Advance sale only, so get your tickets NOW!
 
All parking is first-come, first-served.
Parking lot opens at 7:15 for the 8pm show.
 
To purchase tickets for this show CLICK HERE
 
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FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON

(patrons will be required to wear masks and encouraged to social distance)

“Ordinary Days” music by Adam Gown
June 4th, 5th, & 6th @ Lakeview Park – FREE show

Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. 

“A Year With Frog & Toad”
July 30th, 31st, & August 1st @ Miller Nature Preserve-Ticketed Event

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]”
August 20th, 21st, & 22nd @ Carlisle Reservation – Ticketed Event

Featured are all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three actors. Fast paced, witty, and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.

“Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe”
September 17th, 18th, & 19th @ Vermilion River Reservation Bacon Woods Amphitheatre

Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself-and us- that he’s not mad. Enter the world of Poe and Check your heartbeat at the door.
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BORDERLIGHT INTERNATIONAL THEATRE + FRINGE FESTIVAL
 
The BorderLight International Theatre + Fringe Festival announces a call for performing artists, street and circus performers, multimedia creators and more for the 2021 event, which will feature a fully outdoor program with virtual options, in downtown Cleveland on July 22 through 24, 2021. 
 
The "fringe" is the open submission part of the festival—application is free, deadline is March 5. As one of 100s of fringe festivals worldwide, the BorderLight Festival Fringe serves as a platform for independent artists and companies to showcase their work and engage new audiences as part of a vibrant festival environment. The festival is a paid opportunity; BorderLight provides venue and operations support, and artists are compensated through a box office split, with 70% of box office proceeds going back to artists.  
 
The festival seeks performances that are suitable for outdoor and open-air venues, as well as street theatre, buskers, and virtual productions from a wide variety of genres. These include (but are not limited to): Theatre, Physical Theatre, Dance Theatre, Circus, Cabaret, Children’s Theatre, Solo Performance, Performance Art, Puppetry, Immersive Experiences, Musicals, Multimedia work, Spoken Word, Roaming Performance, Stand Up Comedy, Streamed or live-streamed digital ­­work, Audio Plays, Site-Specific performances, and more! 
Application deadline is March 5. 
 
Learn more and apply at: borderlightcle.org/fringe-apply-2021 
 
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OHIO SHAKES FESTIVAL’S LADY MOLLY:  THE MURDER AT MATHIS CAFE

LADY MOLLY: THE MURDER AT MATHIS CAFE by Julia Fisher Adapted from the 1910 story by Baroness Emma Orczy Live on Facebook tomorrow, February 20, 7pm EST  A man poisoned by hot chocolate. An unidentified woman in a large hat. A judgmental rich aunt. Two gossiping servants. A stunning foreign woman with a not-so-secret grudge. All ingredients for a mystery that only Lady Molly and Mary Granard can solve.

Click here for the Ohio Shakes Facebook Page

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INTERPLAY THEATER AND MALTZ MUSEUM PRESENTS IN SCRIPT CLUB

In Script Club, we examine three plays that touch on the themes of the Maltz Museum exhibition THE NOTORIOUS RBG. Participants will need advance copies of each script, to prepare for group (Zoom) discussion on the first Thursday of March-May. Sessions, moderated by Faye Sholiton, will begin at 1:00 p.m., running approximately 75 minutes. For Maltz Museum members, there is no charge. For non-members, registration is $5.00 per session.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 1:00 p.m.: PHOTOGRAPH 51, by Anna Ziegler
Most people credit Watson and Crick for discovering the double helix in 1953. But it was British chemist Rosalind Franklin who years earlier illuminated their path.. Award-winning playwright Anna Ziegler pulls back the curtain to repair a long-ignored injustice. Scripts available on Amazon.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 1:00 p.m.:  THE GREEN BOOK, by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Ramsey's thoughtful and thoroughly engaging play takes us to a troubled Jefferson City, MO, 1953, where the blows of race hatred meet the power of basic human decency. Scripts will be available through the Museum.

THURSDAY, MAY 6 1:00 p.m.: GLORIA – A LIFE, by Emily Mann
Gloria Steinem's life has been an open book for more than five decades. It began with her magazine feature as an undercover Playboy Bunny, ran through her advocacy in Ms. Magazine and continues with her ongoing activism in the women's movement. Scripts available on Amazon.com

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BWU and Beck Center streams 5 X 15, five musicals of fifteen minutes each with mixed results

BWU and Beck Center streams 5 X 15, five musicals of fifteen minutes each with mixed results

Last November Baldwin Wallace University’s nationally ranked musical theater program produced SPRING AWAKENING on-line.   My capsule judgement of that production read: “Victoria Bussert and her BWU crew and cast avoided, as one of the songs from “SPRING AWAKENING states, being ‘Totally Fucked’ and took on the Covid-19 challenge, developing a thought-provoking production which turned out to be the first collegiate pandemic production of the script and further recognition of the college’s program.  Bravo!”

 

BWU, now in coordination with Beck Center for the Arts, a partnership that has existed for ten years, is streaming the world premieres of five fifteen-minute brand-new musicals, in a program entitled 5 X 15. 

 

The program is part of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s challenge “to celebrate the power of musical theatre and encourage continued creation of new music theatre pieces during the pandemic.” 

 

The five shows presented by BWU/Beck were all winners of the NAMT challenge.

 

The program opened with Monster on the Lawn in which we find Ricky, a six-year-old, playing on his front lawn.  When an incoming hurricane threatens to separate Ricky from his family and his home, he seeks comfort in the presence of a strange and seemingly-quiet monster. Obed De La Cruz wrote book, Latino-centric music, and lyrics.  

 

Mateus Cardoso was charming as the youngster.  He has a youthful presence, expressive eyes and a fine singing voice.

 

It was directed by Jon Martinez, the artistic director of Firebrand Theatre.

 

The second playlet was Holo.  Set in 2189, in a holograph museum, the curator (Bryanna Cuthill) and holographic Kyle (Mackenzie Meyh) have entered into a unique relationship which recounts the pandemic year 2020 and the happenings when the museum directors decide to close down the exhibit, thus erasing Kyle’s existence.

 

Both Meyh and Cuthill display strong pop music voices and were believable in their fantasy roles. 

 

The book, music, and lyrics are by Nico Juber, with BW grad and Broadway leading lady Ciara Renée (FROZEN, BIG FISH, PIPPIN) directing.

 

WHITE MAN’S BURDEN, also billed as “AN INFORMERCIAL:  A COON’S LIFE,” takes place in the world of sideshow “freaks” who have been killed because of the color of their skin.  Led by an emcee, the cast relates the tales that laid the foundation for the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements. 

 

The cast, Dar’jon Bentley (James Byrd Jr.), Jack Hale (Andrew Goodman), Binden Harvey (James Chaney), Godia Hayes (Mikey Mike), Makay Johnson (Yusseff Hawkins), Will Lamb (Michael Schwerner), Zach Mackiewicz (Player), Charles Mayhew Miller (Emmett Till) and JT Snow (Player) create strong visual pictures.

 

Eric Jones wrote the book and lyrics with music by Joshua Davis.  Nathan Henry directs, with musical linguist, Edward Ridley, Jr., serving as musical director.

 

According to Dale Sampson, the writer and co-lyrists of RODEO CLOWNS, during these unusual times, he wanted to conceive a place the audience would be excited to return to every day.  The hope, of course, is that Rodeo Clowns could be a fun escape.

 

I wish his goal had been reached.  As is, in spite of a valiant effort by the cast (Nick Cortazzo--Butch, Danny Bó--Dill, Lee Price--Travis), the script and production make for a long fifteen-minutes.  The script and presentation well illustrate the theatrical concept, “Farce is hard to write and even harder to perform.”

 

Sara Brunner directs.

 

The highlight of the evening was the closing selection, PERPETUAL SUNSHINE & THE GHOST GIRLS, with music by Lynne Shankel, words by Sara Cooper, direction by Victoria Bussert and musical direction by Matthew Webb.

 

In the program notes Lynne Shankel writes: “Sara and I had this idea percolating for a while: a musical about the women who worked at United States Radium Corporation in the 1920’s. They worked with radium paint and were slowly being poisoned by it. When the company realized it was in fact the radium that was making them sick, they covered up their findings.” She goes on to say, “The central theme of the piece is that death is not noble. Workers shouldn’t have to put their bodies at risk for the economy. This piece will eventually be an 80-90-minute one act musical.”

 

The segment which was presented consisted mainly of one very well-written and performed song, “Tick, Tick, Lick,” which is a perfect opening for setting the story line.

 

Cast members included:  Katelyn Baughman, Piper Bruce, Colette Caspari, Audrey Hare, Autumn Key, Jessi Kirtley, Alexa Lopez, Eden Mau, Claire Marie Miller, Andie Peterson, Lauren Senden and Bella Serano.  

 

Based on what they have written so far, the longer version may well work as a musical drama, if the duo of writers can solve how to expand on the concept and use some of the newer staging electronics, such as presented in MEAN GIRLS and DEAR EVAN HANSEN.

 

CAPSULE JUDGMENT:  It is always a challenge to perform works in progress.   It is more problematic when they are musicals.  That difficulty is expanded when the staging is restricted by the electronic medium.  The BW/Beck evening of one-act musicals proved to be both a pleasurable and frustrating evening.  It will be interesting to see if any of these efforts grow beyond their present form.

 

The limited virtual engagement runs from February 12 to February 28, 2021. Ticket purchase provides 48-hour access. For more information visit beckcenter.org.  For tickets, priced at $20 for one viewer, and $30 for two or more viewers go to: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/44593”

 

 

ROY BERKO:  VIRTUAL CLEVELAND AREA THEATRE

BWU AND BECK CENTER VIRTUALLY STREAM FIVE FIFTEEN-MINUTES NEW MUSICALS Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program  & Beck Center for the Arts presents the virtual world premieres of five fifteen-minute brand new musicals, chosen by National Alliance for Musical Theatre.  Perpetual Sunshine and the Ghost Girls with music by Lynne Shankel and words by Sara Cooper, is an all-woman+ through-composed music theatre piece about the true story of women who fought United States Radium Corporation in the 1920s for knowingly poisoning them and subsequently changed United States labor laws forever.  Holo, set in 2189 in a holograph museum, the curator and holographic Kyle enter into a unique relationship which recounts the year 2020 and the pandemic that came with it on an ever-repeating loop. Book, music, and lyrics are by Nico Juber, an 18-year survivor of cancer and mother of two children. Rodeo Clowns is a queer, western epic about two eccentric outcasts who save the heart of their disintegrating town. This whip crack comedy act features a colorful musical-country score. Dale Sampson is the book writer and half the brains of “bits,” a street clown duo; Marc Campbell wrote the music. Marc is also known as a member of indie rock band MisterWives, dubbed by MTV as “the golden children of pop.”   Monster on the Lawn centers around Ricky, a six-year-old boy with a growing imagination, wakes up to see a whale-like creature laying on his front lawn. When an incoming hurricane threatens to separate Ricky from his family and his home, he seeks comfort in the presence of this strange and seemingly-quiet monster. Obed De La Cruz wrote book, music, and lyrics.   White Man’s Burden, an irreverently funny and powerful mini-rock musical, takes place inside of the world of sideshow "freaks" who have been killed because of the color of their skin. They are led by an emcee who is part ringmaster/part infomercial host. Eric Jones wrote book and lyrics with music by Joshua S. Davis. This limited virtual engagement runs from February 12 to February 28, 2021.   For more information on this world premiere music theatre project, please visit beckcenter.org. Tickets, priced at $20 for one viewer, and $30 for two or more viewers can be purchased at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/44593.

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KARAMU HOSTS VITRUAL LIVE EVENTS

Beginning February 1, Karamu House and The Musical Theater Project (TMTP) present a multimedia concert of Shuffle Along, a legendary African American production that was the first-ever jazz musical and one of the first-ever Broadway productions to be written and performed by an all-Black cast. 

To read my 2019 review of the show go to:  https://royberkinfo.blogspot.com/2019/01/history-changing-shuffle-along-to-be.html

While free to access, individuals must register on the Karamu website to view the program. 
                                                                                                                     
CLICK HERE TO WATCH "THE IMPACT OF SHUFFLE                   
 

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CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE RE-UPS OR DOES IT EXPLODE?

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is proud to announce additional performances of the Zoom adaptation of …Or Does it Explode?, written and directed by John Dayo-Aliya (CPT 2020/2021 Nord Family Foundation Playwright Fellow), performed by Austin Sasser, De Andre Hairston-Karim, and Dar’Jon Bentley. …Or Does it Explode? will perform live via Zoom at 7:00pm (ET) on February 11 and 12, and at 8:00pm (ET) on February 13.

This theatrical piece uses poetry, dance, and other contemporary theatre forms to explore questions of what it means to be Black, male, and young in the 21st century. …Or Does it Explode?, an unflinching portrayal of profound anger, hurt, and joy, blends stories gathered from men ages 16-35 in Akron, Ohio. Thought-provoking vignettes display social conditions. 

TICKET and SHOW INFORMATION

…Or Does it Explode? will perform live on Zoom at 7:00pm (ET) on February 11 and 12, and at 8:00pm (ET) on February 13. The run time is 60 minutes, and the virtual “house” is limited to 50 “seats”.
Tickets are $1; suggested donation $1 to $99. Patrons must use Zoom to see this work and will receive an email 1-2 hours before showtime with the meeting login information. Please note online sales for each performance will close 2 hours before each performance.

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CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS SIXTEEN SHORT PLAYS
 
Savory Taṇhā (sixteen short plays performed by a rotating ensemble) is a virtual memory play of longing and loss, happiness and hopefulness, and navigating the pathways of human desire. An ensemble of five performers will play different roles from the same text each evening. This will be a LIVE performance via Zoom and will not be available as a recorded video.

Performed by Anne McEvoy, Zyrece Montgomery, Zach Palumbo, Brian Pedaci, & Hillary Wheelock

February 17, 2021 - March 06, 2021

For tickets and information go to:

TICKETS

60 min
The virtual “house” will be limited to 50 “seats”

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ROY BERKO: THEATER HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE—BECK CENTER/BWU, GLT, CVLT, OHIOSHAK and more…

 

 
TENTH COLLABORATION OF BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY MUSIC THEATRE PROGRAM AND BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center for the Arts announces its tenth collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program, in the form of virtual world premieres of five fifteen-minute brand new musicals, chosen by National Alliance for Musical Theatre.

This limited virtual engagement runs February 12 to February 28, 2021 on any device in the comfort of your home. 

For more information on this world premiere musical theater project please visit beckcenter.org. Tickets, priced at $20 for one viewer, and $30 for two or more viewers, and $40 for arts lovers who want to support Beck Center can be purchased at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/44593.

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GREAT LAKES THEATER’S 2021-22 SEASON

 
GLT will commence in the fall with the jazzy musical celebration of Fats Waller, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ presented in repertory with Shakespeare’s sublime battle of wits and wills, Much Ado About Nothing (September 24 – November 7, 2021). The annual production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol (November 26 - December 23, 2021) will bisect the season. The winter/spring of 2022 will feature Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee, a Hercule Poirot thriller, (February 11 – March 6, 2022) followed by Shakespeare’s enchanting romantic comedy, As You Like It (March 25 – April 10, 2022) and Off-Broadway’s effervescent ‘50s jukebox musical, The Marvelous Wonderettes (April 29 – May 22, 2022).   

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CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE WILL PRESENT ELLIOT & ME - A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY - ONLINE IN FEBRUARY

CVLT, in conjunction with Hudson Theatre Works of Weehawken, NJ, will offer a special online presentation of ELLIOT & ME - a new musical comedy by Steven Willensky and Scott Coulter with music by Elliot Willensky.  The musical is filled with humor, colorful personalities, unexpected situations, and uplifting musical moments in a heartfelt story of brotherly love. 

The production will be available to stream for a $20 admission from Thursday, February 18 at 6 PM through midnight on Sunday, February 21 at CVLT.org.

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DR. FAUCI’S BELIEF ABOUT THE THEATRE SEASON

During a virtual conference presented by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals January 9, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci said he believed that theatres could be safe to open for business sometime in the fall, according to The New York Times.
That prediction, however, depends on the rollout of the vaccine and the country reaching herd immunity, vaccinating between 70 and 85 percent of the country.

“If everything goes right, [herd immunity] will occur sometime in the fall of 2021,” Dr. Fauci said, “so that by the time we get to the early to mid-fall, you can have people feeling safe performing onstage as well as people in the audience.”

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OHIO SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS LIVE RADIO PLAY

Lady Molly is perhaps the most brilliant detective mind of her time; but the “lads” of Scotland Yard have a hard time recognizing that. In their very first adventure, she and her Watson-esque partner Mary Granard are called in as a last resort to solve a seemingly unsolvable mystery. Based on the 1910 story by Baroness Emmuska Orczy (who also wrote The Scarlet Pimpernel.)

Click here for the Ohio Shakes Facebook Page

 

Just tune into our Facebook page. Live radio plays appear as the most recent post on the page. Not a Facebook person? You’ll be able to hear it anytime thereafter at this link or listen as a podcast on Soundcloud.

ROY BERKO: HERE AND THERE---BWU, CPH, BLANK CANVAS, KARAMU, and more CPH

 

Baldwin Wallace University revives acclaimed SPRING AWAKENING

If you didn’t have a previous opportunity, check out the profile of BWMT’s SPRING AWAKENING in American Theatre Magazine. 

(To read my review of the show go to:  http://www.royberko.info/ and scroll down to the review.

Thursday – Saturday, December 17-19, 8 p.m. EST
Sunday, December 20, 2 p.m. EST 
Tickets on sale now at conversation.bw.edu/Spring-Awakening

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CPH Presents:  Songs from THE FIRST NOEL

Sunday, Dec. 20 | 7:30 PM EST
 
With pop, gospel, and reimagined classics, The First Noel tells the story of a family that must confront the grief of the past in order to reunite and celebrate the joy of the present. Join Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb and CWRU/CPH MFA alum Lelund Durond Thompson for a special behind-the-scenes look of their musical The First Noel. This holiday concert will feature performances of select songs and exclusive interviews with the creative team. A moving and uplifting gift for the entire family!

Registration is required in advance. Viewing access is $10 per household. This special event will be streamed online through your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
 
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Blank Canvas Theatre presents DRIVE-IN IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
(A LIVE Multimedia, Drive-in Theatre Experience)
 
TWO NIGHTS ONLY!    DECEMBER 19 & 20    Saturday at 6pm & 8pm  Sunday at 6pm 
Rated: G (Bring the whole family)
Run time: 60 mins (no intermission)
  
No-contact, socially responsible, multimedia performance in the 78^th Street Studios parking lot. 
 
Show will include actors dressed as iconic horror characters singing some of your favorite holiday songs. This drive-in show will feature a full live band, some of your favorite BCT performers, and the lighting and projection design that you have come to love. As well as our friends at NINJA CITY selling food and drinks!  What better way to get into the Holiday spirit? 
 $40 per vehicle (Please share a vehicle ONLY with those in your quarantine pod)
Advance sale only, so get your tickets NOW!
 
All audience members will remain in their cars during the performance. In addition to the speakers in our parking lot, the audio for our show will be transmitted directly to your vehicle’s radio. The show will be a one-act concert, allowing you to arrive and leave without ever exiting your car. We'll even be sending you a playbill digitally, as well as a special ticket to put in your windshield. This ensures that you don’t have to come into direct contact with any of our staff during your visit.  While the restroom facilities in the building will be available, please note that if you choose to use the restroom, you do so at your own risk and must wear a mask.
 
All parking is first-come, first-served.
Parking lot opens at 5:15pm for 6pm shows and 7:15 for the 8pm show.
To purchase tickets for this show CLICK HERE

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Karamu House Announces Virtual Holiday Show
 
“Joyful: A Karamu Holiday Celebration,” a virtual performance, is available to watch at home from now until January 9, 2021.  
 
The show, an hour in length, will feature joyful, festive songs from around the world, with dance performances.
 
For tickets, which are $24.99 for 48-hour viewing, go the Karamu website:  karamuhouse.org
 
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Cleveland Play House Theatre Thursday

Theatre Thursday
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
It’s movie night at CPH!  Join for a special screening of three original short films created just for CPH!

The 64 Keys
by Jeff Talbott and Will Van Dyke
A heartwarming tale of a kid, their beloved Christmas gift, and the joy of family and music. Inspired by a true story. Features Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin, award-winning audio book narrator (as well as Broadway actor), Graham Rowat, and their son Colin.

The Christmas House
story by D.M. Pulley, film by Jimmie Woody with illustrations by Sequoia Bostick
On Christmas Eve, a brother and sister take a journey inside and discover the secrets within. This is an entirely Cleveland production, including illustrator Sequoia Bostick, costume designer Melody Walker, actor Tina Stump, composer Obediya Jones-Darrell. 
 
"Home" for the Holidays
by Christopher Gerson and Tarah Flanagan
Facing their first ever holiday together at home, long-time married couple and regional theatre actors Christopher Gerson and Tarah Flanagan reach out to friends and family to hear about their holiday traditions and what “home” means to them. 
 
Important Viewing Details:

• The live viewing begins December 17 @ 7:00 PM and will be recorded.
• In the event you miss the show or are registering late, a recorded version will be made available to you until December 20 @ 5:00 PM.
• Events are streamed through your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone via Zoom.
• Registration is required in advance. Viewing access is $5 per household.
• After registering below, you will receive a Cleveland Play House Receipt. 
• Click here to learn more!

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Roy Berko: Here and there and everywhere…Entertainment in the Pandemic 12.6.2020

 Roy Berko:  Here and there and everywhere…Entertainment in the Pandemic

ONE NIGHT ONLY, THE BEST OF BROADWAY

Tina Fey hosts NBC's One Night Only: The Best of Broadway, a primetime special celebrating the resilient Broadway community and featuring the Great Bright Way's top productions. The special airs Thursday, December 10, at 8 pm Eastern/Pacific. The two-hour show benefits Broadway Cares and features new performances from Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Chicago, Jagged Little Pill, Diana: The Musical, Jersey Boys, Mean Girls and Rent, with an appearance by the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, plus Josh Groban, Jake Gyllenhaal, Billy Porter, Vanessa Williams and dozens more

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BWU grad talks about SPRING AWAKENING

Colton Ryan, who appears in a lead role on television’s “Girl from the North Country”  talks about an ambitious production of Spring Awakening from his alma mater, Baldwin Wallace University.  American Theater magazine just chronicled how the musical theater department pulled it off, masks and all.  (Read my review at www.royberko.info)

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CLE PLAYREADING GROUP

Imagine cozying up by your fireplace (or space heater) with a warm blanket, mug of cocoa or glass of wine on a cold evening, and reading a play with some really cool people. The authors range from William Shakespeare to Caryl Churchill, and topics from murder mystery to musical comedy.
The Cleveland Actors’ Play Date (APD) is a local play reading group that does this once a month. Read the whole story by clicking HERE.

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CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE PRESENTS “THEATRE THURSDAY” 

Theatre Thursday is LIVE interactive virtual program focusing on CPH's core values of artistry, community, and life-long learning, presented on the third Thursday of each month, hosted by CPH Artistic Director Laura Kepley and CPH Artistic Directing Fellow Stori Ayers. Theatre Thursday is a monthly interactive virtual event which will allow audiences to experience the artistry of CPH, connect directly with the makers of our work, and converse with staff and other audience members about the impact of our artistic work in our beloved community. 
 
Registration for Theatre Thursday is required in advance. Viewing access is "Pay What You Can," starting at $5. All events are live streamed via ZOOM and can be viewed on a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. For more information about Theatre Thursday, visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com/theatre-thursday
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NEAR WEST THEATRE PRESENTS All Roads Lead to Home

Near West Theatre (NWT) announced the second show in its most unconventional season thus far: All Roads Lead to Home, a performance showcase of popular music, spoken word, and storytelling by local artists and five decades of NWT alumni.
Performances will be streamed exclusively on demand online from December 18, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Tickets will go on sale on December 18. The theatre employs a pay what you can feature for every performance, with a suggested donation of $15 per streaming. www.nearwesttheatre.org.

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RUBBER CITY THEATRE PRESENTS . . .

Rubber City Theatre will feature several new plays and adaptations of classic favorites in its 2020-21 season. The lineup of performances includes a new take on “A Christmas Carol,” a military couple love story “Love in Reserve,” and a musical version of Dante’s “Inferno” called “Heartbreakers in Hell.” Plus, a very-Akron show is included in the lineup — a rubber factory-themed adaption of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” called “On the Line.” 
 
Though the programming is set, the shows’ formats haven’t been determined. “A Christmas Carol” will be streamed online for ticketholders, but the troupe hasn’t determined if 2021’s shows will take place virtually or in person at the troupe’s playhouse, at 243 Furnace Street. That will depend on CDC recommendations based on the coronavirus pandemic’s spread in 2021
 
Tickets to each show will be available to purchase on Rubber City Theatre’s website for around $20 a show, along with memberships for the whole season. A $30-$40 membership will discount ticket prices to $15 per production, and a flexible traditional membership ($100) includes one ticket to each production, along with readings and other members-only events. Here’s the full lineup, and read more about each play at rubbercitytheatre.com. 
 
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VIRTUAL TOURS OF BROADWAY

Take a virtual tour of Broadway's ruins, learn more about Hamilton on HamilTour, and introducing Broadway's newest Trivia Night at Social Selects!  To find out more, go to:
View Selects!
 
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BAH, HUMBUG

A Christmas Carol: Radio Play by Nancy Cates.  Adapted from the classic tale by Charles Dickens.  Live and free on Facebook each Saturday of December at 7pm, beginning December 5.

Just tune into our Facebook page.   Not a Facebook person? You’ll be able to hear it anytime thereafter at this link or listen as a podcast on Soundcloud.

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