Roy Berko - Page 10

Separated by a pane of plastic to protect themselves from spreading Covid, the Loush sisters referred to their sexual antics and skills, referred to the political and social world around them, sang with vitality, and tried to take their viewers on an escape from reality. Part of it worked, part didn’t, but the duo can’t be accused of holding back.

In this pandemic era, where the best we can hope for are performances in Brady family-like shadow boxes, it is exciting to find arts companies going beyond the norm to bring about entertainment while still following the Covid protocols.

In 2012, when Baldwin Wallace's number one nationally ranked musical theater program, in conjunction with Beck Center for the Arts, produced SPRING AWAKENING, my capsule judgement read: 'SPRING AWAKENING is an emotionally stirring, relevant, and well-staged production.'

Becky Mode, the co-creator of Fully Committed, the one-person play which was selected by Time Magazine as one of the top plays of 2000, is a producer, actor and playwright. The play's co-creator, Mark Setlock, is a native Clevelander and graduate of Kent State, who won the 2000 Outer Critics Circle Award for his solo performance in the off-Broadway production of their script.

In this age of Black Lives Matter movement and other civil rights unrest, a performance piece such as, ...OR DOES IT EXPLODE?, is both relevant and fulfills the obligation of the arts to produce works that reflect that era from which is comes.

It is with great shock and sadness that Cleveland Play House shared the news of the passing of Managing Director Kevin Moore. On Saturday, October 24th, Kevin tragically died possibly due to a pulmonary embolism or heart attack. He was 59 years old.

Nathan Motta, the Artistic Director of Cleveland's Dobama Theater states, 'Needless to say, the 20/21 season is going to look different. However, while the Dobama stage will be dark, there are many opportunities for extraordinary engagement. First, we will be collaborating with Resident Filmmaker Brian Devers and Endeavors Productions to create high-quality, filmed theatre performances that will reach a broad online audience. Second, we are leaning in to our mission of producing important new scripts through the commission and development of three world premiere plays. Finally, Dobama staff and artists will use this time of suspended in-person productions for expanded engagement with members, supporters, and the larger community through masterclasses, Q&As, happy hours, and more.'

According to Cleveland Critics Circle and Akron AKRON [Ohio]BEACON JOURNALEntertainment writer, Kerry Clawson, 'At the end of last school year, the University of Akron theater program had two full-time faculty members and three staff members. Now it has none.'

Cleveland's Play House Square has announced a buy it now and if something comes up, free ticket exchanges policy for the 2020-2021 season. The shows planned are:

On Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, CVLT will be streaming the archival video of Visiting Mr. Green for a pay-as-you-can admission. For details and advance reservation, visit https://cvlt.org/events/visiting-mr-green

The YouTube channel The Shows Must Go On! continues July 3 with the Celtic Tiger, starring famed Irish dancer-choreographer Michael Flatley.

Artistic Director Laura Kepley chats with Nathan Motta, Artistic Director of Dobama Theatre about music, artistic leadership, and the extraordinary theatre that is made in and for Cleveland.

The PLAYGROUND FESTIVAL OF NEW WORKS is a leading showcase of new plays and new playwrights. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival marks its 25th anniversary, by presenting its offerings on-line. The resulting fest is a 25-event covering 5-weeks, all live-streamed via Zoom, and largely free of charge.

On Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020, the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S., Karamu House will debut Freedom on Juneteenth, a program to feature musicians and vocalists, spoken word artists, and dancers, as they too, respond to the recent murders of Black Americans through their respective art forms. The program, to air at 7PM EST/4 PM PST on local television stations, various streaming platforms, and social media, will also include live dialogue and conversation, with accessible resources in order to create change within our communities.

On Saturday, June 27, from 6:00-9:00 (ET). Cleveland Public Theatre's Staff will (safely and responsibly) broadcast Station Hope, a jubilant community event celebrating Cleveland's social justice history and exploring contemporary struggles for freedom and equity. It is free, family-friendly, and open to all. CPT will publish how to participate online in the weeks to come.