CJN Awards for the Best Theater of 2016 Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics Every year, local professional theater companies devote themselves to putting on the best shows possible. Although some companies have deeper pockets, more Actors’ Equity contracts or a grander facility than others, talent makes itself known and creativity always rises to the surface no matter the pay scale and no matter the palace. The CJN wishes to recognize excellent productions and performances from the past year. As reflected in the breadth of this year’s award recipients, it is clear that there is no shortage of either across our many local stages. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.