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Mastroianni Theater Reviews
Berea group captures spirit of "1776" The Berea Summer Theater couldn't have picked a better show with which
to open the new art and drama center of Baldwin-Wallace College than
"1776"... July 21, 1972
New "Hamlet" is a puzzle Charles Marowitz' version Of "Hamlet" opened at the Great Lakes
Shakespeare Festival last night and it is a game of who said what and
when and what happened next....August 10 1972
To be or not to be in Lakewood? Marowitz is there
What has come to be known as "The Marowitz Hamlet' is Shakespeare's
"Hamlet" cut up in little pieces a n d pasted back together. Speeches
appear out of order or are spoken by different characters... July 28 1972
PSA still fights to save the past When the Playhouse Square Assn.came into being it announced plans to
save four empty downtown theaters at an estimated cost of $4,000,000 to
$5,000,000...JULY 21, 1972
Festival presents a new "Richard III" What has been billed as a different interpretation o f Shakespeare's
"Richard III" opened last night at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival.
It was to be different in that Richard was to be less a deformed,
crippled monster and more of an exciting, fascinating man...July 27, 1972
Cast enhances rock musical "Merry Wives"
"The Merry Wives"opened at the Berea Summer Theater last night. This is
a folk-rock musical version of Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of
Windsor." ...August 18, 1972
"Coco"-Hepburn is unforgettable "Coco" which opened last night at the Music Hall, is a Katharine Hepburn
special. It pretends to be a musical, but we know better, we fans of the great
Miss Hepburn....January 12, 1971
Dobama triple header is first class theater Dobama Theater is Cleveland's off-Broadway theater in the best sense of
the term. The group proved it again last night by doing what a dedicated
and skillful theater group is expected to do-to try something new,
inject into its own personality and do it all with skill...January, 15, 1971
Polite exit by Partington may calm the Play House Rex Partington, who resigned as managing director of the Play House, is making his exit like a gentleman. Those are stormy seas out there around
the theater but Partington -- in spite of his shock announcement -- is
seemingly doing his bit to calm the waves....January 19, 1971
"New Leaf" is silly...and that's good "A New Leaf" is a silly movie and I mean that as a compliment. It is
silly as in fun and escape and lotsa laughs and as in "people go to the
movies to be entertained"-and why not? ... April 1, 1971
"Little Murders" is pretty deadly "Little Murders" is playing at the Fox Cedar-Center and Detroit.
Comedy-drama; adults, older teens. In the cast are Elliott Gould, Marcia
Rodd, Donald Sutherland, Alan Arkin. Running time: 110 minutes....April 2, 1971
Tired "Blood and Lace" features Gloria Grahame Gloria Grahame has come out of retirement for a movie called "Blood and
Lace." The picture is so bloody awful it can't do very much to further
her new career... March 27, 1971
Angry Osborne play still hits hard today John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger" opened at the Play House Drury
Theater last night and although the program is filled with references to
remind you that this is a 1956 play there is nothing terribly dated
about it....December 22, 1973
"End of Road" too verbose
Dobama Theater this week began its presentation of "End of the Road," a
new play by Daniel Morris adapted from the novel by John Barth.
...April 3, 1971
"Godspell" wins critic's blessing......"Godspell" full of parables, joy
Blessed are the joyous en.tertainers for they shall have fun, profit and
applause. Blessed is "Godspell" for il will fill Lakewood Civic Hall to
over flowing. Blessed is John Michael Tebelak for making the gospel
according to St. Matthew as catchy as it must have been almost 2000
years ago....August 12, 1971
Katharine Hepburn - Chanel No.1
Katharine Hepburn will be in Cleveland for two weeks beginning Jan. 11
at the Music Hall in the musical "Coco." In it it she plays Gabrielle
'COCO' Chanel, the most famous of French designers....January 1, 1971
"...a play in which just about everyone is murdered and which improves
in direct proportion to the number of victims." "Mystery Play," which opened last night at Dobama Theater, is by Jean Claude van Italie who wrote "America, Hurrah!" Both are absurdist drama but beyond that have little in common.
"Morgan Yard" registers a success as one-woman show
"The Morgan Yard" has a cast of six but it is the nearest thing to a
one-woman show the Play House has offered. The one woman is Evie McElroy and the play could have been written as a vehicle just for her.
"Devil's Disciple" makes a funny, pleasant evening 'The Devil's Disciple" has been revived at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater, and while the revival is not all it should be, it is nonetheless an extremely pleasant evening's entertainment. Indeed, it is a great deal of fun and the audience response is one of much glee and laughter.
"1776" captures colonial capers "1776" is a wonderful show; a pleasant, satisfying and superb production that leaves you sorry it is over. The musical play opened at the Hanna last night where it will remain for three weeks. I wonder if the cast realized how unusual it is to take a curtain call with most of the Hanna audience still seated. Maybe others also shared the feel-successful as the show has ended because they stayed on and applauded rather than rushing for the exits.
"Virginia Woolf" at Karamu is a powerful production Edward Albee's 1962 play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" has been revived at Karamu's Arena Theater. The language that shocked theater goers then is common place now. Therefore what power the play has can be observed in a new light, and the fact remains that the work is as lacerating as ever.
Feiffer play is collection of short sketches If you like your humor offbeat, satirical and a trifle black, then "The White House Murder Case," which opened at the Play House Drury Theater last night, is perfect for your taste.
What to do for an encore? Nothing "Alex in Wonderland" is playing at the Fox Cedar Center. Comedy; adults. In the cast are Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn. Running time: 109 minutes.
This past season at the Play House is undoubtedly one that everyone
would rather forget-actors, audiences and reviewers alike. This past season at the Play House is undoubtedly one that everyone would rather forget-actors, audiences and reviewers alike. Which is all the more reason to consider next year's season. No doubt this is the chief behind-the-scenes activity at the Play House right now.
"Hair" at Hanna -- a four letter show "Hair" - the most overrated and over-amplified show in the history of musicals-opened at the Hanna last night. Nothing I say here will have any affect, the show also being oversold well before its opening.
Only echoes in old theaters There is a hollow echo to your footsteps as you walk through old Loew's State Theater. The echo in the Ohio next door has a faster reverberation, probably because of the lower ceiling in the lobby.
“Rothschilds” is enjoyable but it’s not a good musical NEW YORK— The “Rothschilds” is the kind of musical you can enjoy even though you are constantly aware that lit is not a good musical.The show t is based on Henry Morton's book about the rise of the European banking family. The book went from 1772 to the present. The musical manages to get from 1772 to 1818 and it's a tight squeeze all the way. Too big and sprawling to be encompassed into this format the result is an uneven, episodic and truncated story.
Last downtown movie theater---Hippodrome bids farewell to glory Nostalgia just took another kick in the pants. Nostalgia doesn't meet expenses. The Hippodrome Theater is going to close— this time definitely. No maybes. This is the end for the last downtown movie house.
Shakespeare opening borders on comedy "Othello" opened the 10th season of the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival last night in a production that offered great acting acting moments but which more often smacked of melodrama than tragedy.
Hail the “Fiddler” -- deserving champ The thing about "Fiddler on the Roof" setting a record is that it couldn't happen to a nicer show. "Fiddler" will become the longest running musical on Broadway next Wednesday with its 2845th performance. It will top "Hello, Dolly!"—a show that set a record through a combination of smart showmanship, sharp publicity and the willingness of producer David Merrick to keep it going
even when it had to play at cut rate ticket prices.
Mrs. Silver to re-stage “Letters Home in N.Y. Entertainment notes from all over . . . Dorothy Silver, Jewish Community Center cultural arts director, will return to New York City in September to re-stage the play she did there in a workshop production in May.
Shaw play is flimsy -- but fun The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival moved from Shakespeare to Shaw last
night and from serious matters to high comedy.
The season’s second production is “You Never Can Tell,” George Bernard
Shaw's comedy about love.
Lewis, audience love each other Last night at a sauna bath otherwise known as Musicarnival Jerry Lewis and Helen O'Connel perspired for the people. Lewis, moving around as though he were committed to setting some kind of track record, couldn't have had more moisture streaming off of his face if he had been caught in a cloudburst.
“Sleuth”: Enjoy. But don’t talk about it “Sleuth” is a humdinger, a perfect melodrama, a suspense play that keeps you guessing right up to the end. There is a dearth of good mystery plays, and to have one at all is cause for cheering, but to have one as good as this is beyond belief.
Characters star in O’Casey play The title characters in Sean O'Casey's "Juno and the Paycock" are by
now, immortal roles. And in the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival
production of the play which opened last night they get the kind of
performances that immortal roles deserve.
Namath’s no picnic in role, but Kenley crowd didn’t care Joe Namath made his stage debut with the Kenley Players in Akron last
night in "Picnic." The former first string football player is strictly second string as an
actor. He wasn't bad, but he wasn't good either. On the strength of this performance, Broadway Joe isn't likely to male it to Broadway.
“The Wild Rovers” is contrived simplicity "The Wild Rovers" is playing at local theaters. Western; adults, older teens. In the cast are William Holden, Ryan O'Neal, Karl Malden. Running time: 110 minutes.
Rock Musical tells of big city ghetto "The Me Nobody Knows" was an off Broadway musical. It is a year old and is now on Broadway. It is a rock musical about big city ghetto life, notably among the blacks and Puerto G Ricans.
Zindel’s “Miss Reardon” jabs a lot NEW YORK—Paul Zindel, whose play "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" went from the Cleveland Play house to off-Broadway success, has another play — this one on Broadway.
“Plaza Suite” is loaded with laughs The Play House will be closing its season on a happy and presumably successful note this year. The reason is "Plaza Suite," a piece of sure-fire entertainment that opened in the Euclid 77th Theater last
night.
In Stratford there’s much ado about Shakespeare Ont.—This is not exactly a town that the Stratford Shakespeare Festival built. But the festival has clearly contributed to its prosperity ($8 million a year exclusive of theater admissions) and
has been a factor in attracting a number of industries to the city.
Ruby and company make “Nanette” a gem "No, No, Nanette" is a yes-yes. Even in a good musical comedy season,which this is not, this show would
deserve to be a success. The revival of the 1925 musical has been done with elegance, style and an abundance of talent.
Director says regional theater is best Patrons of the arts are fickle and support for the arts can and should
come from the community as a whole. Jon Jory, the man with that philosophy, is not an outsider looking in and criticizing but an insider explaining the way things should be. Jory
is artistic director of the Actors Theater of Louisville, Ky.
“Summer Wishes” falls short "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams" is playing here. Drama; adults, older
teens. In the cast are Joanne Woodward, Martin Balsam, Sylvia Sydney. Running time: 88 minutes.
Sex-linked violence batters emotions of Play House goers A man is handcuffed to the doorknob of his own apartment. Systematically
an oafish policeman drives a fist into his stomach, gives him a kidney punch, smashes a knee into his groin.
Karamu at 50: the gold and black--To be old, gifted and black Aside from the Cleveland Play House, a professional theater, no
Cleveland theater is so well known outside of the city as Karamu, a non~professional theater.
Sex-linked violence batters emotions of Play House goers A man is handcuffed to the doorknob of his own apartment. Systematically
an oafish policeman drives a fist into his stomach, gives him a kidney punch, smashes a knee into his groin.
Karamu at 50: the gold and black--To be old, gifted and black Aside from the Cleveland Play House, a professional theater, no Cleveland theater is so well known outside of the city as Karamu, a non~professional theater.
“Prisoner” finds humor in life Neil Simon's "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" opened last night at the Hanna and it is another in Simon's growing number of comedies based on
serious situations.
“Front Page” is still a merry scoop Get over to the Play House Euclid-77th theater and take a look at the sort of farce-melodrama the late. Iate show can only suggest but never deliver.
Porter tunes at Palace are easy to love The show is zippy, effervescent, campy, novel and it bears the gosh-awful title of 'Ben Bagley's Decline and Fall of the Entire World
as seen Through the Eyes of Cole Porter." It opened at the 51-year~old Palace Theater last night and it just could keep that theater aglow through the holidays and beyond.
Joel Grey came back and they’re glad he did So identified is he with the satanic master of ceremonies in "Cabaret" and the strutting hero of "George M" that some persons may have
forgotten the real Joel Grey who brought life to those roles.
Joel Grey came back and they’re glad he did So identified is he with the satanic master of ceremonies in "Cabaret" and the strutting hero of "George M" that some persons may have forgotten the real Joel Grey who brought life to those roles.
Meditative play earn praise Robert Anderson's "Silent Night, Lonely Night" opened last night at Dobama, thus getting its Cleveland premiere almost 20 years to the day after its opening night (Dec. 3, 1959) on Broadway.
“Guys, Dolls” isn’t well-rounded "Guys and Dolls" is one of the best musical comedies of all time. It is so good it even survives scaled-down indifferently directed productions. It is one of these that opened last night at the Front Row Theater. And yet I enjoyed it. You can't help enjoying Frank Loesser's words and music, Abe Burrows' play based on a couple of Damon Runyan stories and all those Runyan characters.
“Black Comedy” Brightens Hanna "Black Comedy," a wildly slapstick affair imported from England, opened at the Hanna last night and proved to be as much an assault on the ear drums as it was an appeal to laughter.
Best of Sondheim, end to end I've seen "Side By Side By Sondheim" twice before, but never in a livelier staging than it received last night at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater. It's a good show to begin with, almost foolproof. The added touch that
imaginative staging gives it makes it excellent.
Vintage Camp? Not “Gentlemen” "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is playing at Western Reserve University's Eldred Theater through Saturday night. In the cast are Roberta Hingson, Nancy Smith, Don Ilko and James Badal. Capsule comment: An interesting
and sometimes funny example at what people laughed at 40 years ago.
Miss Gaynor gains again -- brings fans to feet The Mitzi Gaynor show opened at Musicarnival last night and the lovely, enchanting Miss Gaynor wore 13 different costumes. That’s what I counted -- 13.
Cinerama GREATER CLEVELAND'S only Cinerama theater— for the time being anyway— opened last night. The Great Northern Theater opened to the public with
the premiere of “Battle of the Bulge.”
Hello, Dolly! -- Old Favorite Is Better This Time at the Hanna You keep telling yourself that there is no logical reason why "Hello,
Dolly!" should be the major hit that it is; that there are better musicals enjoying far less success.
Cast Mops Up Soggy Spots in “Water” What "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water’s Running" is all about is sex, that's what it's all about. And a lesser playwright than Robert Anderson and a lesser company than the one that opened at the Hanna last night would have turned it into a nightmare.
Acting Saves “Impossible Years” A series of brief jokes punctuated by the expressive eyebrows of Sam Levene, opened at the Hanna last night. The jokes have been strung together into something called "The Impossible Years." It passes for a
play but more closely resembles a television situation comedy minus the commercials.
“Othello” with no holes, Bard The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival has saved the best until last with its production of "Othello," the finest staging of the play in this area that I can recall.
Play House Cast Proves Old Comedy Revives Well Aware that there is an audience over 25 as well as under, the Play House last night revived Paul Osborne's "Morning's At Seven," a warm and touching comedy about that other generation, the older one.
Play House Receives an “A” for “Strong Are Lonely” "The Strong Are Lonely" opened last night at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater and the unfamiliar play proves to be a sturdy one with both emotional and intellectual appeal.
Scenic Side Best in “Point Blank” “Point Blank" opened last night at the Center-Mayfield, Cinema, Fairview, Homestead, Lake and Yorktown and at the Canal Rd. and East Side drive-ins. Gangster melodrama; adults. In the cast are Lee Marvin,
Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, John Vernon, Sharon Acker. Running time: 92 minutes.
Pinter’s “Homecoming” Is Frankly Just Pinter The playwright who is very much "in" right now is Harold Pinter. Admiration for him verges on cultism. It is a cult to which I do not belong. Be that as it may, Pinter's most famous work, "The Homecoming," opened at the Hanna last night and the theatrically adventurous have a week in
which to sample two hours of Pinterisms.
“Luv” Leaves ‘Em Laughing "Luv," Murray Schisgal's antic farce in which he holds an amusement park mirror up to life, opened at the Play House Drury Theater last night and the Play House in this, its second production, may have a show that will
satisfy its customers.
Karamu Revives Rodgers-Hart Opus Of the more than two dozen Rodgers and Hart shows that filled the American musical theater in the period between two world wars there is hardly one that did not contribute one or more enduring songs.
Gogol Play Misinterpreted The Play House Season opened last night with Gogol's "The Inspector General." The play is a superb satire but unfortunately it is being done like a comic opera.
Wooing 'Cyrano' Wows Lakewood The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival abandoned the Bard last night to present Edmond Rostand's ever durable, ever romantic "Cyrano de Bergerac." The production undoubtedly will be the box office hit of the
season.
"Snow White" Remains a Delight Our nine-year-old, having read the original by the Brothers Grimm, noted that Disney's "Snow White" was pretty good even though it had added "a lot of phony stuff."
“Merry Wives” Steal the Show STRATFORD, Ont.—"The Merry Wives of Windsor" may be Falstaff's play as written, but actress Zoe Caldwell as one of the wives took possession of it last night as the Stratford Festival opened its third work of the
season.
“Any Wednesday” Given New Twist "Any Wednesday" opened last night at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater.
In the cast are Susan Sullivan, William Paterson, Susan Sadler, David
Snell. Directed by -Raphael Kelly. Final curtain: 10:40 p.m.
Lakewood Players Superb in “Becket” "Becket" opened at Lakewood Little Theater last night. Among those in
the cast are Paul Orgill, Griff Davies, Earl Keyes and Ned Eckhardt.
Capsule judgment: Best production of the season, and perhaps many
seasons, for Lakewood Little Theater.
Dailey and Kenley Players Tops in “Guys and Dolls” The Kenley Players' production of "Guys and Dolls" opened last night at Warren's Packard Music Hall. In the cast are Dan Dailey, Sherry O'Neil, Sid Stone, Carolyn Maye and Jack DeLon. Capsule judgment: Big, brash musical comedy by an all-round perfect company.
A straw hat and a merry chase “An Italian Straw Hat" by Eugene Labiche may be an outstanding example of 19th Century French farce, but it is hardly a play to be approached
with reverence.
Cruise a Bit Long for "Show Boat" "Show Boat" opened last night at Musicarnival. Among those in the cast are Mace Barrett, Judith McCauley, Alfred Dennis, Lynn Osborne, Dick Latessa, William C. Smith and Cynthia Latham. Capsule judgment: Like
ole' man river, this hardy musical rolls right along. The cruise, a lengthy one at the tent theater, is helped along by an excellent cast.
STRATFORD, ONTARIO: The Stratford Festival began its 15th season this week and for a theatrical idea that started in a tent in a town of less
than 20,000 people it has gone a long way.
Lakewood's "Yum Yum Tree" Leaves Audience Laughing "Under the Yum Yum Tree" opened last night at Lakewood Little Theater.
In the cast are Paul Singer, Valerie London, Kaey MacMurdo and Tom
Slowey. Capsule judgment: Not a terribly good play to begin with, "Yum
Yum Tree" is even less good in a little theater production in spite of
the best efforts of a hardworking cast.
Lakewood "Mouse" Amuses. "The Mouse That Roared" opened last night at Lakewood Little Theater. Among those in the cast are Cleve Dunn, Richard Overmyer, Angela Kochera, Tom Slowey, James Anderson and Art Tupa. Capsule judgment: The story of the tiny country that declared war on the U.S., and won it with bows and arrows, is still amusing but is ill-suited to little theater production.
Kenley Offers Uneven “Gigi” "Gigi" is being presented by the Kenley Players in Warren's Packard Music Hall. In the cast are Imelda De Martin, Anna Russell, George Hamilton and Jan McArt. Capsule review: The Anita Loos play has been turned into a diverting but uneven pseudo-musical by taking bits and pieces of operatic melodies and inserting them here and there with Iyrics.
“Oliver” Given Snappy Performance at Musicarnival "Oliver" opened at Musicarnival last night Among those in the cast are John Astin, Darel Glaser, Yin Sun, Danny Sewell, George Priolo and Clifford Steere. Capsule comment: A snappy, sparkling production of this musical comedy version of the Dickens' classic.
Hans Conried Superb in Carroll Play "The Absence of a Cello" played for two performances at John Carroll University yesterday. In the cast were Hans Conried, Ruth McDevitt, Michaele Myers, Florida Friebus, Donald Buka, Eldon Quick an d Nancy
Priddy. Capsule comment: A witty attack on the organization man splendidly played.
Hanna’s “Funny Girl” Is Big, Bright and Brassy "Funny Girl" opened at the Hanna last night for a three-week run. In the cast are Marilyn Michaels, Anthony George, Danny Carroll and Lillian Roth. CapsuIe comment: Big, bright, brassy and entertaining—a production that is better than its material.
“Romeo and Juliet” Young and Zesty "Romeo and Juliet," the second Production in the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, opened last night at Lakewood Civic Auditorium. Among those in the cast are DeVeren Bookwalter, Brita Brown, Edward Grover, David Ford, Ruby Holbrook, Emery Battis and Anne Murray. Capsule judgment: This is a "Romeo and Juliet" that is youthful in its spirit and tumultuous—though sometimes overly so.
Baldwin’s “Mister Charlie” Is Smothered in Protest "Blues for Mister Charlie" opened last night in Karamu's Proscenium Theater. Among those in the cast are Horace Rickerson, Ed Dean, Herbert Kerr Jr., Nick
Brodella, Ciril Robbins, Gloria Parker and Nolan Bell. Directed by Dorothy
Silver. Capsule comment: a protest play that is more protest than play; a
production more theatrical than its material.
Play House's"Dylan" Is Spotty "Dylan" opened last night at the Play House Drury Theater. Among those in the cast are Richard Oberlin, Patricia Elliott, Larry Tarrant, Robert Allman and Judith Adams. Capsule comment: A dramatic but often episodic account of the last days of the poet Dylan Thomas.
Play House Romps Through “Toreadors” "The Waltz of the Toreadors" by Jean Anouilh opened last night at the Play
House Drury Theater. In the cast are William Paterson, Sally Noble, Rhoda
Koret, Frank T. Wells, Larry Tarrant. Capsule judgment: A romp for the Play
House company, a personal triumph for William Paterson.
Godfrey & Co. Wow ‘em at Warren The Kenley Players' presentation this week is "Never Too Late," which opened
last week at Warren's Packard Music Hall. In the cast are Maureen O'Sullivan,
Arthur Godfrey, Richard Mulligan and Bette Lieb. Capsule review: Hilarious
treatment of the popular play about a middle-aged couple about to become
parents again.
Ethel Merman -- All-Brass Voice, All-Gold Talent On stage Ethel Merman has a voice that could drown out a brass band—well, a small brass band. But sitting relaxed in her hotel suite, she speaks quietly and the loudest thing out of her is her hearty laugh, which comes frequently. Does she mind the way people describe her voice as brassy and big?
Margaret Hamilton Sparks “Spirit” Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" opened last night at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater. In the cast are Margaret Hamilton, Richard Halverson, Judith Adams, Jeanne Vanderbilt, Mary Shelley. Final curtain is at 11:10 p.m.
Lakewood Cast Great in Shaw Play The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival played George Bernard Shaw last night. The audience won. The play is Shaw's “Misalliance,” more dialog than plot, more debate than play. But such dialog! This is wit and sophistication at its best, thoughtful phrases sugar-coated with fun. And between moments of erudition, Shaw tossed off enough one-line gags to keep a comic in business for an entire season.
Play House Sets Out in New Directions English theatrical director Peter Coe, best known for his staging of the musical "Oliver!" in both London and New York, will be a guest director at the Play House this season.
"Virginia Woolf" Projects Horrors of Empty Lives “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” opened last night at the Play House Drury
Theater. In the cast are Jo Ann Finnell, William Paterson, Larry Tarrant and
Catherine Heiser. Capsule Comment: A disturbing and terrifying portrait of
people bent on self -destruction.
“Mary, Mary” Is Very, Very Merry "Mary, Mary" opened last night at the Play House Euclid-77th Theater. In the
cast are Judith Adams, Robert Allman, Richard Oberlin, Suzanne Sullivan and
George Vafiadis. Capsule judgment: The modern theater's most popular comedy is
deftly done by this Play House cast.
“Volpone” Done Well by Chagrin Cast "Volpone" opened last night at Chagrin Valley Little Theater. Among those in
the cast are John Price, Pauline Homi, Nat Kaufman, Anne Temple, Rollin
BeVere, Jim Albrecht. Capsule comment: Generally entertaining presentation of
Ben Jonson's mocking comedy presented in a mixture of styles.
"The Hostage" opened last night at the Play House Drury Theater. Off-beat
comedy in three acts. Among those in the cast are Robert Allman, June Gibbons,
Edith Owen, Bob Moak, Susan McArthur, Robert Snook, Vaughn McBride. Final
curtain 11:15 p.m.
“Barefoot” Draws Laughs at Drury "Barefoot In the Park" opened last night at the Play House Drury Theater. In the cast are Dorothy Paxton, William Howey, Richard Oberlin, Sandra Kane, Vaughn McBride and L.Bramer Carlson. Final curtain: 10:45 p.m.
Play House Cast Romps in "Father" "Life With Father" opened last night at the Play House Drury Theater. Among those in the cast are William Paterson, Mary Hopkins, David Heppard, Catherine
Heiser and Dorothy, Martin, Douglas and Richard Quinn Jr. Capsule comment: A
rollicking good play that recalls the days when the father ruled his family
with an iron hand. Now there, sir,was a man!
10th Season -- Musicarnival The setting seemed rustic enough at the time for a summer theater. It wasn't as far out in the country as some, to be sure, and you didn't pass a dozen farms to get to it. Still, there was plenty of land around.
Hanna’s “Dark” on Chilling Side "Wait Until Dark" opened last night at the Hanna for a one-week run. Mystery-melodrama in two acts. Among those in the cast are Shirley Jones, Jack Cassidy, Harris Yulin, Val Bisoglio. Curtain down at 10:55 p. m.
“Detective Story” Is a Drag "Detective Story" opened last night in the Karamu Proscenium Theater. In the
cast are J. Herbert Kerr Jr., Paul M. Fredrix, Bob Washnitzer, David L.
Coleman, Jim Wilcher, Gloria Parker. Guest directed by Don Bianchi. Capsule
comment: Strong melodrama loses some of Its strength through a too slow production.
Festival Offers Full “Measure” The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival presented "Measure for Measure" last
night at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. Among those in the cast are Donald
Moffat, Anne Murray, Edward Grover, Edward Zang, Emery Battis and David Ford.
Capsule judgment: Staging and acting make you almost forget the creaking
machinery in this play.
Eerie “Marat” at the Hanna Deeply Moving Experience "Marat/Sade" opened last night at the Hanna. Among those in the cast are William Roerick, Robert Fields, Mary Nettum, Igors Gavon. Final curtain: 10:55
p. m.
“Philadelphia” a Play of Filial Devotion "Philadelphia, Here I Come" opened last night at the Hanna. Comedy-drama.
Among those in the cast are Donal Donnelly, Patrick Bedford, Mairin D.
O'Sullivan and Eamon Kelly. Final curtain: 11:10 p.m.
Festival Offers Full “Measure” The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival presented "Measure for Measure" last
night at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. Among those in the cast are Donald
Moffat, Anne Murray, Edward Grover, Edward Zang, Emery Battis and David Ford.
Capsule judgment: Staging and acting make you almost forget the creaking
machinery in this play.
Show’s Title at Karamu Is Biggest Laugh "The Death and Life of Sneaky Fitch" opened last night at Karamu's Arena
Theater. In the cast are Nolan Bell, Harold Taylor, Ed Dean, Harry Spencer,
Alan Fodor, Jack Crail and Mary Holt. Capsule comment: Nolan Bell proves again
that he can milk laughs from just about anything.
Puppetry at Hanna Is Great "Pinocchio," a musical fantasy with puppets, opened last night at the Hanna.
Conceived and directed by Bobby Clark and featuring 102 marionettes. Capsule
comment: Loaded with enchantment. If puppetry is a lost art this should bring
it back.
“You Never Can Tell” Is Fun and Well Done "You Never Can Tell," by George Bernard Shaw, opened last night in the Play
House Drury Theater. Among those in the cast are Robert Allman, Charles
Keating, Edith Owen, Michael Horgan, Margaret Victor, Susan Stirling and Peter
Bartlett. Capsule comment: Bright and witty; an evening of pure fun.
“Carnival” Stirs Musicarnival Fans "Carnival" opened the 10th season of Musicarnivai last night. Among those in
the cast are Marcia King, Robert Brooks, Joan Kibrig, Richard Tone and Jerry
Rice. Capsule judgment: Staging "Carnival" in that big tent couldn't be more
appropriate. It is as though the show had been written for Musicarnival.
“Enter Laughing” Has Lakewood Amused "Enter Laughing" opened last night at Lakewood Little Theater. Among those in
the cast are David Stewart, Ton Hoty, James Anderson, Barbara-Anne Swearingen,
Jan Bruggeman, Daniel Ensel and James Wilcox. Capsule judgment: Engaging and
mirthful, just right for the advent of warm weather.
Lakewood’s Henry VI Just Right "Henry Vl" opened last night at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival. Adapted,
edited and directed by Mario Siletti. Among those in the cast are Siletti,
Emery Battis, Larry Linville, Gregory Abels, Clarence Felder, Ruby Holbrook
and Ann Gee Byrd. Capsule review: Shakespearean historical drama for people
who don't like Shakespearean historical drama.
Stirring Lincoln-Douglas Debates Brought to Life by Play House Trio "The Rivalry" by Norman Corwin opened last night at the Play House Brooks
Theater. In the cast are Beth Oaks, Robert Snook and George Vafiadis. Capsule
judgment: Acting that carefully delineates characters makes this non-play an
enjoyable, often stirring evening of theater.
Play House Cast Dissects Doctors George Bernard Shaw's "The Doctor's Dilemma" began a four-week run at the Play House Drury Theater last night. Among those in the cast are William Paterson, Robert Allman, Margaret Victor and Charles Keating. Capsule judgment: Dr. Ben Casey wouldn't like it, but just about everyone else will.
Stirring “Wall” at Jewish Center "The Wall" is being presented at the Jewish Community Center. It will receive
six more performances during the next two weekends. Among those in the cast
are Arnold Palmer, Phyllis Ross, Chaim Rosenberg and Catherine Popovic.
Capsule judgment: an ambitious and successful production of a stirring drama.
CBS Buys Show; No One Cries "Foul" One big difference between Broadway and the American League—and there must be
many—is that Broadway isn't clamoring for an investigation of the Columbia
Broadcasting System.
Non-Shakespeare Plays at Festival Really Spirited Chekhov's "The Marriage Proposal" and Moliere's "The School for Wives" were presented last night by the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival. In "Proposal"
are Arthur Lithgow, Ralph Drischell. Anne Gee Byrd. "School" features Mario
Siletti, Charlotte Glenn, James Tripp and Kate Geer. Capsule review: Two
comedies about the battle of the sexes are done with exhausting energy all of
the time and with style most of the time. The Chekhov is presented as low
comedy, the Moliere as broad farce.
Chagrin Getting New Little Theater The Chagrin Valley Little Theater is one that has had its ups and downs over the years. Many theatergoers can remember those summers during the '50's when Chagrin Falls was a regular stop for Broadway performers making the summer stock circuit. Martyn Green, when he was at the Hanna a few weeks ago with his Gilbert and Sullivan company, recalled playing there in "Visit to a Small Planet."
“Deadly Game” Is Unique Mystery "The Deadly Game" opened at Lakewood Little Theater last night. Among those in
the cast are Joe Judson, Earl Keyes, Cliff Donley, William Snider, Cleve Dunn.
Guest director is Griff Davies. Capsule judgment: A mystery melodrama that
strains credulity but is engaging none the less.
Dick Button Enthusiastic, Busy Over World’s Fair
Dick Button is best known As a skater. But he's also a lawyer, producer, actor
and businessman. And he was in Cleveland a couple of days ago as a salesman. But get him talking and almost all you will hear about is the upcoming New York World's Fair. His comments are a mixture of worry and enthusiasm.
Bergman Tries Color and Comedy "All These Women" opened last night at the Heights Art and Westwood. Swedish film with English subtitles, written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. In the cast are Jarl Kulle, Harriet Andersson and Bibi Andersson. Running time: 80 minutes. Capsule judgment: Bawdy Bergman— the Swedish master of murky movies
switches to color and comedy.
“Pickwick” Pleases Like the Dickens "Pickwick" opened last night at the Hanna, will play through Aug. 7. In the
cast are Harry Secombe, David Jones, Charlotte Rae, Anton Rodgers, Julian
Orchard, John Call and Oscar Quitak. Capsule review: Musical comedy version of
the Dickens work is visually opulent, well performed and pleasantly tuneful.
“Baker Street” Has the Holmes Touch NEW YORK—The Sherlock Holmes buff is bound to approach "Baker Street," a musical comedy about the great detective, with some trepidation. I did. But I remained to be captivated by what goes on on the stage of the Broadway Theater where the show is now playing.
“Greasepaint” Has Dab for Everyone "The Roar of the Greasepaint — The Smell of the Crowd" opened at the Hanna
last night for a one week run. In the cast are Anthony Newley, Cyril Ritchard,
Sally Smith, Gilbert Price and Joyce Jillson. Capsule judgment: A musical for
everyone—the high brows, the low brows and the folks who just like to hum a
good tune.
Catch Me If You Can "Catch Me If You Can" is the opening attraction at the Canal Fulton Summer Arena. In the cast are Dennis Weaver, Charles Hudson, Pamela Grey, Dan Hogan, Don Fenwick. Capsule comment: Comedy-murder mystery; a little thin but with a bangup ending.
Modern Caesar Rocks Lakewood Helmeted cops move the crowd along and the sound of rock music seeps across the stage. Julius Caesar wears a business suit and Mark Antony, fresh from running a race, looks like the jogger next door in his sweatsuit.
Excellent Cast Gives Superb Play in Stunning New Dobama Setting Dobama Theater opened last night after more than four years of darkness. It is in its new home in Cleveland Heights, a new arena theater that is solid and
functional and handsome.
Trimmed “Oliver” Is Fair Musical "Oliver" opened last night in Warren, a presentation of the Kenley Players.
Among those in the cast are Walter Slezak, Elizabeth Allen, Michel Thom,
Douglas Norwick. Capsule Comment: A few good songs stand out in this trimmed
down production of a fair musical and a good family show.
Lovely Jane Powell Please in “I Do” at Musicarnival
"I Do! I Do!" which opened at Musicarnival last night, is an ode to married
love that is a mixture of almost equal parts of laughs and songs. It is diminutive Jane Powell, for the moment pregnant, waddling across the stage to John Ericson as her husband who is suffering in bed with labor pains.
Old Vic to Offer a Beatle Angle The phone calls to the box office were decidedly from a new group of customers. Among those who showed up at the box office was a girl in a mod outfit. These were Beatle fans and among them was a stirring of interest in a forthcoming production of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
Gig Young Excellent in "Albatross" "Nobody Loves an Albatross," which opened last night as a Kenley Players' presentation in Warren stars Gig Young as a lovable rat. The play is about a television writer and producer who hasn't written anything
in years. He just puts his name on scripts written by underpaid hacks whom he convinces he is honoring by doing so.
Light Side Shows Best in “Tale” "The Winter's Tale" opened last night at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival.
Among those in the cast are Hugh Alexander, Emery Battis, Norma Joseph, Susan
Willis, Mario Siletti, Margret O'Neill. Capsule comment: Emphasis is on the
comedy in a production that almost keeps the viewer from too close an
examination of a romantic melodrama that just will not stand examination.
“In White America” Is Vital, Moving "In White America" opened last night at Karamu Arena Theater. In the cast are
Jamie Green, Lois McGuire, Done Saine, Harold Taylor, Tedd Burr, Rhoda Payne,
Horace Rickerson and Isaiah D. Ruffin. Capsule comment: Documentary drama put
on by a powerful acting group.
“Gold Cadillac” shines again "This is not business," the government official says. I’ve discovered something in Washington. It's honesty. "Those are lines out of "Solid Gold Cadillac," the 1963 play that is being revived at Caine Park's Alma Theater and which opened last night.
Cuckoo's Nest has thrills, laughs, sobs "You gotta laugh," says the man, "especially when things ain't funny." The speaker is the protagonist in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the play which opened at the Play House Euclid - 77th Theater last night, As a bit of simple philosophy it is either something you instinctively
understand or you feel no explanation is possible.
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