A Review of the Reviewer: Nicci Cassara, Choreographer

I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. We have never met in person but I have been reading your reviews forever and I believe you have seen some of my work. I just wanted to thank you for all you do. It's not an easy job but you help keep theater alive and thriving in Cleveland. It is much appreciated. Much continued success to you.always,
Nicci Cassara
Choreographer

Reviewer of the Reviewer's Review--Sean Derry

Hi Roy,

I just wanted to personally thank you for your kind words, time travelled, insightful critique, and continued support of none too fragile. Your reviews go a very long way in encouraging attendance among the public. Please know, you are respected and greatly appreciated by Alanna and I. We look forward to seeing you at "Possum Dreams" June 13th.

Sincerely,

Sean [Derry, Artistic Director, none too fragile theater]

Review of the Reviewer's Reviews--Rich Kunath

Roy Berko,

 

        Thank you for a spot-on review of “Joseph”. My wife and I saw it Friday night and agree with all of your observations. I think Ms. DeGarmo was singing outsider her natural range. She appears to be a natural alto that was pressing to sing the high notes required of the part. At our performance, her schreeching singing didn’t abate throughout the entire performance. I read the PD review in which Ms. DeGarmo’s voice was described as “rich and warm”, absolutely the opposite of what it really was. We’ve seen a lot of theater over the years, and we agree with you that neither Ms. DeGarmo’s nor Mr. Young’s performances met the standard expected of a Broadway musical. Thanks for your honesty.

 

Rich Kunath

Berko selected as top midwest editor/reviewer

2/3/2014 BroadwayWorld.com announced:  “BroadwayWorld would be nothing without its team of talented Regional Editors Reviewers who work tirelessly, offering countless opinions, reviews, interviews, special features and more. It truly take a village.

While all 260+ of our Regional Editors have helped make our BroadwayWorld go 'round, this year, we'd like to recognize the Top 10 standouts who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who have been an integral part of the success of BroadwayWorld.

Top Midwest Editor 2013: Roy Berko, Cleveland, OH”

For the whole story go to: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BroadwayWorld-Presents-Top-10-Regional-Editor-Awards-for-Excellence-20140203

Reviewing the reviewer--Betsy Sampliner

I have to tell you that, until last night, I thought that I was a "Porgy and Bess" purist and resisted seeing this production.   However, after reading this review, I dragged Jim to see the play, and we were both overwhelmed.  It was truly magnificent,  Thank you for the impetus in getting us to experience this memorable evening.

Betsy Sampliner

Roy Berko selected as one of the top 10 "BroadwayWorld" Regional Editors

2/3/2014:  “BroadwayWorld would be nothing without its team of talented Regional Editors who work tirelessly, offering countless opinions, reviews, interviews, special features and more. It truly take a village. While all 260+ of our Regional Editors have helped make our BroadwayWorld go 'round, this year, we'd like to recognize the Top 10 standouts who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who have been an integral part of the success of BroadwayWorld.

Top Midwest Editor 2013: Roy Berko, Cleveland, OH”

For the whole story go to: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BroadwayWorld-Presents-Top-10-Regional-Editor-Awards-for-Excellence-20140203

Review of the Reviewer: Elynmarie Kazle

I love this. Bravo to you for writing about this fantastic stage manager [Lynda Lavin].  I will be sharing this with my (33) young students who work as stage managers here at Akron School for the Arts.

Elynmarie Kazle

Review of the Reviewer's review of YENTL:  Joel Arndt

Roy,

I have to agree with you on this one. You summed it up perfectly. We saw the production Saturday night and it was disappointing. Again, no Cleveland standing ovation along with only one curtain call which speaks volumes. My answer to someone who asked me how it was was "our dinner after the performance was more memorable". It's a shame because I feel the overall subject matter has a relevance to what's happening today. I'm just glad the tickets were a gift.

Best regards,

Joel Arndt

Review of the Reviewer--Bill Wade

Hi and happy new year! I was on the fence about seeing this show (again--saw it a few yrs ago), but after reading your review I want to see it again! Congrats on being "upgraded" in your reviewing theatre for the News-Herald.

Bill Wade

Founder and Executive/Artistic Director

Inlet Dance Theatre

Reviewer of the Reviewer's Reviews--James. W. Wood

Roy,

Thank you, sir.

Best write-up on Winsor, yet.
You're a very fast study.

And my inbox proves you have a large readership.

Jim [James M. Wood, author of OUT & ABOUT WITH WINSOR FRENCH]

Review of the Reviewer's Review--Greg Caeser

Roy:

This [Berko:  Fall 2013 theater calendar] looks great!  I'm so pleased someone has
taken this on in a cohesive fashion. 

Best,
Greg [Caeser]

Review of the Reviewers Reviews: Kim Gamble

 Hi Dr. Berko,

My name is Kim Gamble and I just wanted to take a moment and say hi and let you know how much of an impact you made on my life when I was just a wee little girl.  My mother, Ricky Gamble was taking classes at LCCC and she was in a few of your classes.  I was a constant tag-a-long when not in school for her lack of a babysitter. 

You were directing The Godspell at the time my mother was taking a course on Creativity and you saw me sitting out in the hallway and you asked my mother if I could come down and watch the rehearsals.  She said yes and I was so glad for something else to do besides sitting in the hallway with nothing to do.  I was at almost every rehearsal, dress rehearsal and opening night.  One time rehearsal ended early and you even took me home and I had dinner with your family and mother came and got me after her class ended.

You gave me an appreciation for college/community theater and gave me respite (when you didn't even know the world I lived in).  When I was in my Poetry and Drama course in Community College I had a wonderful (and difficult) instructor and it was just when Lion King hit Broadway and they were talking about it on all of the shows like the Sunday Morning show on CBS.  I remember thinking - I want to be there some day, it looks amazing.  Well, almost 20-years later, as a gift for my birthday I got to see Lion King on Broadway and it WAS amazing.

Thank you for being the person you are and for helping that little girl begin to cultivate a love for the arts and find some peace in her world.  It means so much to me today as I look back across my life.

Best Wishes,
Kim Gamble

P.S.  I see Godspell almost every year at a community theater.

Review of Reviewer's Reviews--Connie Swary

 Thanks Dr. Roy...what would we do without your timely news and updates on the theater world?  I've come to look forward to your emails more than most of all my others on any subject!

Connie [Connie Swary]

REVIEW OF THE REVIEWERS REVIEWS--Sam Nalla

Another great review [DEBBIE DOES DALLAS @ Blank Canvas].  Thanks..

Sam Nalla

Review of the Reviewers Reviews--Marilyn Bennett

Roy dear, Murray and I want to thank you for sending us to The Normal Heart....your review was so on the money.....we are still reeling from the  impact of the subject, the acting as you said was not studied but they were the actual human, suffering, neglected beings that we as a whole should be ashamed of ignoring out of stupidity.....Our money is riding with your reviews, you never let us down ....This was the most "realisitic" theater I have ever attended......sincerely

Marilyn

Review of Reviewer's Review--Milford Gottlob

 I really liked and agreed with your review of LOMBARDI [Cleveland Play House]. A 3-pointer out of 6 points is fair and pretty accurate.

Milford

Review of Reviewer's Reviews--Mary Ann Wormser

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Sat. afternoon my friends and I were wondering what we were going to  do in the evening.  I had a few spare minutes and was looking at my e-mail.  I saw your name and a play [THE NORMAL HEART @ Ensemble Theatre]  I had never heard of.  Something prompted me to open it rather than wait until later.  I always read your capsule judgement first.  That prompted me to read the rest today and not wait until tomorrow.  I called my friends, suggested we go.  As usual, you were 100% correct.  It was excellent.  There was a very small crowd (they told us there was a very large crowd last night).  I hope they have a full house every night from now on.  Thank you for getting us to that excellent play.

Mary Ann Wormser

Review of Reviewer's reviews--Elynmarie

Hi Roy,

I am so glad to see you reviewing Weathervane productions now. [Referring to the review of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY]

Also as I often do, I concur with much of what you have written. I saw the show tech weekend with my son (we had seen it together in NYC, my friend Brian Kerwin played the role that Richard [Worswick] played in Akron) and it hung together pretty well.

I too liked the set but I hope that the actors had an easier time negotiating the steps opening night as when we saw it they seemed a little high for stage.

I enjoyed reading your comments and insights as always.

Elynmarie

Review of Reviewer's reviews--Ken Allan

Your reviews are great. Glad we have someone like you.

All the best,

Ken Allan

Review of Reviewer's reviews--Barbara Stuckey

Roy

You may remember from a past conversation that I always admire and enjoy your writing and can hardly wait to see what you say after an opening.

To me, Martin's (Martin Cepedes) genius takes many unexpected turns now, always solid, and astonishingly surprising.

Your take moves me further, both back to your knowledge of the theater and forward to thoughts which would have occurred to me. Thank you for that.

Best and warm wishes,
Barbara Stuckey