[NEohioPAL] Review of "Marie and Rosetta" at the Cleveland Play House

[Bob Abelman]

CPH’s ‘Marie and Rosetta’ never quite rocks one’s soul



Bob Abelman

Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics



Over the years, the Cleveland Play House has staged its share of bio-musicals – those mini-concerts disguised as historical documentaries masquerading as dramas about the lives and influence of music pioneers.



Mahalia Jackson (“Mahalia: A Gospel Musical”), Bessie Smith (“The Devil’s Music”) Roland Hayes (“Breath and Imagination”) and Ella Fitzgerald (“Ella”) have all been profiled and portrayed with their songs performed, often in one act and during Black History month.



Only a few shows of this ilk actually manage to find that elusive sweet spot where an intriguing and well written personal history tells a great story and riveting musical performance provides great storytelling.



George Brant’s “Marie and Rosetta,” currently on stage at Cleveland Play House, is not one of them.



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