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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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NEXT WEEKEND: a rigorously physical and richly poetic production with a hypnotic soundscape - Red Ash Mosaic
by Caitlin Lewins via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

Cleveland Public Theatre presents RED ASH MOSAIC<http://www.cptonline.org/performances/seasons/2016-2017/red-ash-mosaic/> Created by Raymond Bobgan & Cleveland Core Ensemble. Directed by Raymond Bobgan. a rigorously physical and richly poetic production with a hypnotic soundscape MAY 25 - JUNE 17 | 7:30pm Red Ash Mosaic is an experiment in theatrical form, with interwoven and contradictory narrative threads, powerful physical action, chanting and poetic texts - designed not to show, but to invoke; not a presentation, but a transmission. Beginning in the daily doldrums of a video game store, Red Ash Mosaic erupts into a fracturing of realities and parallel lives launching into an otherworldly land of dreams, spirits and the awakening of one man as he confronts his own death/life. World Premiere. FEATURING Cleveland Core Ensemble: Dionne Atchison, Raymond Bobgan, Faye Hargate, Adam Seeholzer, Darius Stubbs AND Holly Holsinger, Colleen McCaughey, Sarah Moore CREATIVE PRODUCTION TEAM Benjamin Gantose (Lighting Designer); Holly Holsinger & Irene Mack-Shafer (Co-Costume Designers); Matthew Ryals (Composer/Sound Designer, 2016/2017 Kulas Theatre Composer Fellow); Maura Krause (Dramaturg), Raymond Bobgan (Scenic Designer); Colleen McCaughey (Stage Manager), Marissa Green (Assistant Stage Manager). Tickets are $12 - $30. Students/Seniors receive $3 off on Friday and Saturday nights. All Thursdays and Mondays are $12. Friday/Saturday previews are $20. 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland OH 44102 CPT is located in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District. Tickets available at www.cptonline.org<http://www.cptonline.org> or CPT Box Office (216) 631-2727 ext. 501. (Order early at CPT - no sneaky ticket fees, ever.) **Due to the intimate nature of the performance, there is absolutely NO LATE SEATING. Doors close at show time - please plan accordingly.** The Gordon Square Theatre is ADA compliant featuring a ramped entrance and an all gender, wheelchair accessible restroom. For this production, there is special seating for wheelchairs and patrons who cannot walk steps. Please let us know when making a reservation if special seating is preferred. Caitlin Lewins Interim Director of Audience Engagement & Media Relations Cleveland Public Theatre 6415 Detroit Ave Cleveland OH, 44102 (216) 631-2727 x211

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ATT. ACTORS
by Joseph Bauer via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

The role of Ronnie (white of Asian, believable for age 17, a good reader, responsible and able to bring the menace) is being cast for "Teen Angels," a drama soon to be read at Ensemble Theatre. If this is you, send your headshot and resume by May 18th to Joeybauer1967(a)gmail.com.

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YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK ACTOR NEEDED
by Joseph Bauer via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

The role of Tyrone in the play, Teen Angels, soon to be read at Ensemble Theatre, is open. If you are believable for age 17, a good reader, responsible and able to bring the menace, send your headshot and resume to Joeybauer1967(a)gmail.com by May 19th.

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Mamai's THE TESTAMENT OF MARY Adult Outreach Library Event this Wednesday, May 17 & just 3 more weeks until our debut at Playhouse Square - LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE !
by Christine via NEohioPAL 15 May '17

15 May '17

Join Bernadette Clemens, Executive Artistic Director of Mamaí Theatre Company <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/>, and the director of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY, by Colm Tóibín, *Wednesday*, May 17 at 7 pm for a discussion of and readings from the play. Free and open to the public. Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood Branch <http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Branches/Beachwood.aspx>, 25501 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. Register here <http://cuyahogalibrary.evanced.info/eventsignup.asp?ID=112544&rts=&disptype…> . "Mary stripped bare... A private tête-à-tête with a woman who has an extraordinary story to tell." The New York Times LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the book by Ilene Beckerman Directed by Jacqi Loewy Projection & Sound design by T. Paul Lowry Lighting design by Ben Gantose June 8 & 9, 2017 at 7:30pm The Outcalt Theatre, Playhouse Square ~ Limited Availability! With: Ursula Cataan*, Maryann Elder, Christine McBurney+, Treva Offutt & Kimberly L. Sias Special Guest Delia Ephron <http://deliaephronwriter.com/> June 8th 2:00pm AHA! Festival appearance in Drinko Hall, CSU. Reserve free tickets here <http://ev15.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3APS…> . 7:30pm introduces opening night with Mamai! in Outcalt Theatre, Playhouse Square Pre-Show Lecture June 9th 6:00pm Professor Margaret Stetz, University of Delaware <http://www.english.udel.edu/people/Pages/bio.aspx?i=150> in the Outcalt Theatre, Playhouse Square A collaboration between Mamai Theatre Company, Playhouse Square <http://www.playhousesquare.org/>, and Cleveland State University within the inaugural AHA! Festival <http://www.ahacsu.com/#/home> (Arts & Humanities Alive!), the Ephron sisters' play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covers all of the important subjects—mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black. Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. “Love, Loss and What I Wore” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. THE TESTAMENT OF MARY - Regional Premiere! by Colm Tóibín, with Anne McEvoy Directed by Bernadette Clemens Scenic design by Don McBride Lighting design by Marcus Dana Costume Design by Kristine Davies Sound Design by Richard Ingraham Properties Design by Monica Plunkett July 5 - 23, 2017 Originally produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin Productions. Commissioned by Dublin Theatre Festival and Landmark Productions with the support of Irish Theatre Trust. A DOLL’S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Thornton Wilder Directed by Christine McBurney Scenic design by Don McBride Lighting design by Marcus Dana Costume Design by Kristine Davies Sound Design by Richard Ingraham Properties Design by Monica Plunkett with: Abraham Adams+, Mary Alice Beck, John Busser, Anjanette Hall*, Tim Keo+ & Rachel Lee Kolis+ August 9 - 27, 2017 "Doll's House, A (Wilder)” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC *Member Actors’ Equity Association +Equity Member Candidate Both Shows: Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm, The Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre You can still play a role in Mamai's move to Playhouse Square by becoming a subscriber, donor, or sponsor. Click here <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/tickets-2017> to make an on-line tax-deductible donation! Tickets on sale at 216.241.6000 <(216)%20241-6000> or www.playhousesquare.org Information on youth & adult outreach & more at www.mamaitheatreco.org

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