May 2017 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

Review of "North Pool" at Ensemble Theatre
by Bob Abelman via NEohioPAL 16 May '17

16 May '17

Ensemble’s ‘The North Pool’ offers interesting, not intriguing bait and switch Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics As has been noted in these pages on a number of occasions, playwright Rajiv Joseph has a remarkable proclivity for examining big-ticket issues by way of small-scale stories. In his “Mr. Wolf,” the infinite possibilities of the universe are explored by way of a parent whose child has been abducted by an astronomer and the infinitesimal odds of finding her alive. In his 2010 Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” Man’s inhumanity to Man is examined through a running narrative supplied by a tiger trapped in a cage that is surrounded by the Gulf war. And in his one-act “The North Pool,” which premiered Off-Off Broadway in 2013 and is currently on stage at Ensemble Theatre, Joseph breaks down the nature of ethnic, racial and religious prejudice by placing two people – a public high school vice principal and a transfer student – in a room. While the small confines of the vice principal’s office (realistically rendered by set designer Walter Boswell) makes for an intense evening of theater, it can also be argued that Joseph has set his sights so small as to keep this interesting play from becoming particularly intriguing. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.

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MAY 23rd and MAY 24th AUDITIONS for the play "Neighbors" at Convergence Continuum
by Phillia Thomas via NEohioPAL 16 May '17

16 May '17

Auditions for the dangerous "Neighbors"" by Obie Winner/MacArthur Genius Brandon Jacob-Jenkins at Convergence-Continuum on May 23rd & 24th. NEIGHBORS by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Terrence Spivey July 7 - July 29 NEIGHBORS by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins (An Octoroon, Appropriate) is in parts minstrel show, family drama and tragic farce as it takes racial rage head-on in our supposedly "post-racial" world with shocking, savage humor. This outrageously provocative and controversial play will be directed by Terrence Spivey (dir. of last year's con-con production of Bootycandy) Audition Dates: Tuesday, May 23rd 7pm-9:30pm/Wednesday, May 24th 7pm-9:30pm Rehearsal Start Date: May 30th (5 to 6 days a week). Please prepare a two minute monologue, an upbeat song and be ready to improvise and move. Please Research Before Coming To Audition. Location: The Liminis, 2438 Scranton Road Characters Breakdown Richard, thirty-nine, father, black Jean, thirty-nine, mother, white Melody, fifteen, daughter, biracial Mammy, mother, in blackface Zip Coon, uncle, in blackface Sambo, oldest, in blackface Jim, middle, in blackface Topsy, youngest, in blackface Setting: a distorted present. Note: the ethnicity and/or gender of the actors playing the Crows is not specified. "…audacious, fitfully stunning…Jacobs-Jenkins invents a theatrical conceit sure to baffle and enrage…it's exciting to hear a new voice that is by turns silly and profound." —Time Out NY. "Mr. Jacobs-Jenkins has talent…effective comic writing…daring conceit." —NY Times. "Part deconstructed minstrel show, part family drama and a sharp retelling of Euripides' Iphigenia at Aulis, Jacobs-Jenkins' tragic farce has more energy and ideas than half a dozen anodyne 'issue' plays…Jacobs-Jenkins knows that rage plays best as savage humor, and he takes us to excruciatingly awkward places—and then leaves us to fend for ourselves…Messy, bold, desperately funny, and deeply felt: NEIGHBORS is worth getting to know." —LA Times. If you have questions please Call 216- 687-0774 <(216)%20687-0774> Email info(a)convergence-continuum.org

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Pericles@BWU
by Brooke Kaitlyn Turner via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

Baldwin Wallace University’s Department of Theatre and Dance Presents: Pericles: Prince of Tyre Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Adam Heffernan Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at 7:30pm John Patrick Theatre in The Kleist Center for Art and Drama Baldwin Wallace is proud to present this rarely performed Shakespearean play for our May Term performance. This production is the culmination of a month’s worth of work from 18 “Acting Shakespeare Seminar” students, all taking part in production elements-- from designing their own sets to making their own sound plot. Come out to a night of adventure featuring pirates, stage combat, stormy seas, and outrageous plot twists. (free) Tickets available now! https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=67640

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The Brecksville Theatre Inaugural Season 2017/2018
by via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

The Brecksville Theatre Inaugural Season 2017/2018. Chicago Nov 3-18, 2017 Love Letters/The Vagina Monologues (Rotating Rep) Feb1-25 Death of A Salesman March 2-18 Green Day's American Idiot April 27-May 13 How I Became A Pirate Education Series Tour/May 18 & 19 Waiting for Godot August 24- September 9 Sweeney Todd September 28- October 14 How To Eat Like A Child November 2-18 Follow us on Facebook! https://m.facebook.com/thebrecksvilletheatre/ Sent from my iPhone

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REVIEW: Disney's The Little Mermaid, at Canton Players Guild Theatre
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

A Seeworthy Vessel of Enchantment By Tom Wachunas Translating aclassic cartoon into a live stage production, such as Disney’s The Little Mermaid, can be aparticularly daunting endeavor for any director, if only due to certain (inviolable?)expectations on the part of the audience. Understandably enough, we might lookto be immersed in all the splashy special effects presumed to be necessary forevoking the experience of pure enchantment remembered from watching theanimated film. In this case,however, director Jonathan Tisevich and his production team (including scenicdesign by Joshua Erichsen, lighting and sound by Scott Sutton, and costumes byStephen Ostertag) have opted for a relatively more reductive approach. Call itan understated if not raw abstraction of a fantasy water world. An aestheticgamble to be sure, the ocean kingdom is largely symbolized by wooden sculptures- curved ramp-like structures that sweepvertically upwards to subtly suggest both big waves and sailing ships. Yet forthe most part, the gamble pays off. Including the use of simple, unimposingmechanical hand puppets for some of the characters (designed and created byKevin Anderson) rather than elaborate full-body costumes to imitate the film, theoverall minimization of expected dazzling visuals becomes a curiously specialframing effect in itself. It’s a directorial decision that maximizes our focuson the story and the flesh-and-blood characters as played out by the castmembers, all thoroughly captivating and indeed delightfully real in their ownright. With a deftlysoaring voice that cuts to the heart, Kaelin Curran is mesmerizing in her roleAriel, the mermaid who yearns to be human. Her singing is an intense, whollybelievable embodiment of longing to be with the man, Eric. As Eric, thecharming earthly prince who feels out of place in the royal trappings of hisown world, Zach Stark turns in an equally compelling performance. Late in ActII, for the song “If Only,” Curran and Stark are joined by the marvelouslysonorous Mark Dillard (playing Ariel’s father, King Triton) and MatthewHorning, who holds his authentic Jamaican accent very well throughout theevening as he plays Sebastian, the lovable crab who’s as skittish as he iswatchful. The quartet’s stirring emotive harmonies take on a particularlyspiritual dimensionality. Meanwhile, StanleyNiekamp is notably endearing as he brings delicious flavor to the youthfulFlounder, who clearly has a schoolboy crush on Ariel. As the frenetic seagull, Scuttle, BobbySeverns is a jubilant purveyor of goofy malapropisms, declaring a salvaged forkto be a “dinglehopper” for combing Ariel’s tresses, and a tobacco pipe a“banded, bulbous snarfblatt,” to be blown as a horn. And gut-splitting hilarityensues when cleaver-wielding Tyler Ferrebee, as Chef Louis, cavorts about thestage during “Les Poissons,” singing his praises of all the seafood he’spreparing (including a nearly boiled-alive Sebastian) for a royal dinner. Especiallymemorable is Loralee Myers in her role of the diabolical Ursula - a large,electrifying presence in every way. With her snaky, sycophantic attendants(Flotsam and Jetsam, played by Matti-Lynn Chrisman and Justin James Ollis) inconstant tow, she’s a tentacled, luminous wonder whose every word, giggle, andguffaw is delivered with show-stopping bravura. Her powerful renditions of“Daddy’s Little Angel” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” are gripping moments,infused with equal parts dark sarcasm and palpable menace. The live orchestraunder the direction of Steve Parsons is consistently excellent in navigatingthe score’s sparkling mélange of musical genres. Similarly, the choreography byMichael Lawrence Akers is performed with infectious abandon, including theensemble tap dancing choreographed by Molly Weidig for “Positoovity,” a giddynumber led by Scuttle. When not dancing, ensemble members still often convey asense of moving through water via the gentle, waving motions of their hands andarms as they traverse the stage. After all wassaid, sung, danced, and done on opening night, I looked to my wife and ouraccompanying grandchildren. Standing in ovation, we smiled at each other andnodded our agreement that this evening was positoovely enthrallimizing. Disney's The Little Mermaid / Players Guild Theatre Mainstage, CulturalCenter for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton, Ohio / through May 28 / Shows at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m.Sunday TICKETS: $27 adults, $19 ages 17 and younger, $24 seniors, at www.playersguildtheatre.com and 330-453-7617. For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the arts in the greater Canton area, pleasevisit his blog, ARTWACH, at www.artwach.blogspot.com

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Need a Director for 48 Hour Film Project
by Dan Edwards via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

The Cleveland Screenwriters are looking for a director to partner with for the upcoming 48 Hour Film Project ( July 14-16 ). Person must have experience in production and post production to help us put together a 5-7minute film in 48 hours. Prior experience in the 48 HFP a plus but not mandatory. We are a highly energetic and fun group, so if you want to have an incredible weekend, please email me at screenwritercle(a)gmail.com Dan

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Inlet Dance Theatre @ CPT's DanceWorks
by Elizabeth Pollert via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

*Inlet Dance Theatre* May 18 - 20 7:00pm, Thu/Fri/Sat, James Levin Theatre Tickets: $12-30 *Springing Forth with New Life* Inlet Dance Theatre features three new works and, for the first time, presents a company member’s autobiographical piece. This concert includes a collaboration with the residents of Judson Manor senior living community, a duet focusing on the need for male mentoring relationships in our society and a group work examining the ancient practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes. Created by Inlet Company Members and Executive/Artistic Director Bill Wade Every year, Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes the opportunity to showcase Northeast Ohio’s contemporary dance companies as they premiere new work and revive celebrated performances. Nine dance companies including guest artists take the stage in this acclaimed series. The newly-renovated James Levin Theatre is ADA fully compliant featuring a patron elevator and an all gender, wheelchair accessible restroom. #DanceWorks17 <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/danceworks17> http://www.cptonline.org/performances/seasons/2016-2017/ week-3-inlet-dance-theatre/ Elizabeth Pollert Inflow Education Coordinator/Company Member Inlet Dance Theatre c/o The Music Settlement 11125 Magnolia Dr. Cleveland, OH 44106 216.721.8580

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Play Club reads Cat On a Hot Tin Roof Tomorrow at French Creek Theatre
by fctheatre via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

French Creek Theatre's Play Club! Read aloud and discuss a different play each month. ANY AND ALL WELCOME!!! Tuesday, May 16 6:30PM-9:00PM Scripts and light refreshments provided. This month: Cat On a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of Big Daddy, as they sentimentally dub him. The mood is somber, despite the festivities, because a number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past and desperate, clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds. Maggie, Big Daddy's daughter-in-law, wants to give him the news that she's finally become pregnant by Big Daddy's favorite son, Brick, but Brick won't cooperate in Maggie's plans and prefers to stay in a mild alcoholic haze the entire length of his visit. Maggie has her own interests at heart in wanting to become pregnant, of course, but she also wants to make amends to Brick for an error in judgment that nearly cost her her marriage. Swarming around Maggie and Brick are their intrusive, conniving relatives, all eager to see Maggie put in her place and Brick tumbled from his position of most-beloved son. By evening's end, Maggie's ingenuity, fortitude and passion will set things right, and Brick's love for his father, never before expressed, will retrieve him from his path of destruction and return him, helplessly, to Maggie's loving arms. For more information call (440) 949-5200 Ext. 226 French Creek Theatre<http://metroparks.cc/theatre.php> is located within the French Creek Nature & Arts Center / 4530 Colorado Ave / Sheffield Village / 44054

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KIDS FILMMAKING SUMMER CAMP - MAKE A MOVIE, SEE IT IN A MOVIE THEATER!
by Lakewood Young Filmmakers Academy via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

*NOW ENROLLING KIDS AGES 12-17* YOUNG FILMMAKERS SUMMER CAMP MAKE A REAL MOVIE, SEE IT IN A REAL MOVIE THEATRE! SPACES IS LIMITED! The Lakewood Young Filmmakers Academy Summer Camp is a two week filmmaking camp June 19-30 at THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON - LAKEWOOD, in which students, ages 12-17, will write, shoot and edit a real film from start to finish with the help of award winning industry professionals serving as instructors and counselors. *UPDATE! WWE Legend Johnny Paradise will be at the camp to teach stunt work to the camp, don't miss this exciting addition to the activities!* The camp culminates in a red carpet premiere of their film at THE CAPITOL THEATRE on July 6 where their movie will be seen by an audience of filmmakers, media, fans, friends and family. For more information or to enroll your child in this unique program visit WWW.LAKEWOODYFA.COM -- Hortencia Swinderman Lakewood Young Filmmakers Academy www.lakewoodyfa.com 440.789.6472

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Great Lakes Theater Launches CAMP THEATER!
by David Hansen via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2017 Great Lakes Theater Launches CAMP THEATER! A Summer Theater Camp for Students Ages 4-18. CLEVELAND, OH - Great Lakes Theater will present CAMP THEATER! – a summer drama camp held at Berea-Midpark High School for students ages 4-18. Students can sign up for one or both weeks of camp, which will run June 12 – 16, and June 19 - 23, 2017. Immersing students in interactive and educational theater-based activities, CAMP THEATER! is a unique opportunity for students to work with and learn from Great Lakes Theater’s professional teaching artists in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Daily classes will be held at Berea-Midpark High School in one-week sessions from Monday through Friday. Students may enroll in one or both weeklong sessions as different material will be covered each week. The program is designed for students of all levels of experience and ability. There is no audition required. Classes will be divided by students’ respective ages. The drama camp features classes in acting, Shakespeare, movement, improvisation, stage combat, mask making and much more! For complete information including downloadable registration forms, visit http://www.greatlakestheater.org/education/camp-theater [1] and click on the links or contact Great Lakes Theater’s director of educational services, Kelly Schaffer Florian, at (216) 453-4443 or via email at kflorian(a)greatlakestheater.org. # # # MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Schaffer Florian Director of Educational Services (216) 453-4443 kflorian(a)greatlakestheater.org Links: ------ [1] http://www.greatlakestheater.org/education/camp-theater

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