Roy Berko - Page 9

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Finegan Kruckemeyer, the author of THIS GIRL LAUGHS, THIS GIRL CRIES, THIS GIRL DOES NOTHING, now on stage at Beck Center for the Arts, was born in Ireland and has lived much of his life in Tasmania, an island state of Australia.

As I was walking into the pavilion at Blossom Music Center, the woman in front of me kept stopping to take pictures on her I-phone. She stopped, turned around smiled and said, 'Sorry, I'm from New Orleans. My husband and I are on a trip to see various outdoor music venues. This is the most beautiful one we've seen.'

Amélie, which is now on stage at Mercury Theatre, is a musical is based on the romantic comedy film of the same name.

Dorothy Silver, the 'grande dame' of Cleveland theatre, noted for her talent, charm, grace and compassion, once said of herself, 'I've been letting myself grow old for years. I'm very confident in my age. Also, it helps me be competitive in getting many stage and film roles, since so many older actresses try to take years off their age.'

The 2021 BorderLight International Theatre + Fringe Festival announces the lineup for the 2021 BorderLight VIRTUAL Fringe Festival, which includes 33 distinct live streamed and on-demand virtual works, interactive and genre-bending online experiences, as well as self-guided audio adventures.

BROOKLYN, THE MUSICAL, now being staged at Porthouse Theatre, on the grounds of Blossom Center, premiered on Broadway in October, 2004 and ran for 284 performances. Though the run wasn't long, and many of the reviews found the script 'trite and non-realistic,' it did accumulate a solid cult following.

Friday, June 26, after a Covid-induced period of Zoom-only dance recitals, Cleveland's 'classical ballet with a dash of American modern dance' company, joined the world of the living with a performance of three pleasing pieces, at the Breen Center.

The weather forecast was for storms, possibly a tornado. The actress scheduled to play the lead role wasn't going to perform. Cars stood at odd angels blocking spaces in the parking lot. But, in reality, none of this mattered. Opening night for Quilters, the first show after a year of theatrical darkness, went off like a charm.

Walking into the Mimi Ohio theatre for The Choir of Men was almost a surreal experience. After receiving my tickets, based on the self-imposed over year-long Covid lockup, my mind was bouncing. Do I wear a mask? How close will others be in the auditorium? Do I greet people by shaking hands, hugging, or by keeping social distance?

Find out what's happening at theaters all across Cleveland!

This and other personal tales are the core of John Cullum: An Accidental Star. Stories about the golden days of the American musical and his friendships with the likes of Richard Burton, Robert Goulet, and Julie Andrews, told in his home-style manner, is interspersed with songs from shows in which he appeared.

In these days of angst, many theaters have attempted to stream various types of entertainment. The formats have been mostly musical reviews, with a few scripted musicals being attempted.

Call Me Elizabeth, which was recently streamed by Youngstown Playhouse, is a solo performance piece about the early life of Elizabeth Taylor. It was written by Kayla Boye and is set in May 1961.

BERKO PREVIEWS:  BWU PRESENTS BARS, PORTHOUSE REOPENS, DOBAMA ADOPTS LOVE AND RESPECT PROGRAM, CHRISTINE HOWEY AT MALTZ, PHSQ SET TO REOPEN

Beck's stream is a total must see!

VERB BALLETS BRIGHTENS THE PANDEMIC WITH AN IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY OF 'GOING SOLO'

Beck Center has a sterling reputation of cultivating talented performers who go on to success in hit Broadway shows and associated tours. Some of the theatre's alums will perform in a virtual engagement which runs March 5 to March 28, 2021, as part of Beck Center for the Arts' 87th Professional Theater Season.

With pop, gospel, and reimagined classics, The First Noel tells the story of a family that must confront the grief of the past in order to reunite and celebrate the joy of the present. Join Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb and CWRU/CPH MFA alum Lelund Durond Thompson for a special behind-the-scenes look of their musical The First Noel. This holiday concert will feature performances of select songs and exclusive interviews with the creative team. A moving and uplifting gift for the entire family!

Colton Ryan, CLE Playreading Group, Cleveland Play House, Near West Theatre, and more!