Roy Berko

A juke box musical consists of pre-existing songs which are melded into a script to tell a story.  The songs, in contrast to lyrics and music, which are specifically integrated into a traditional musical’s story, don’t always smoothly transition into the juke box tale. 

In a recent email Cleveland Public Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Raymond Bobgan stated, “At Cleveland Public Theatre, we believe in the power of art to transform, heal, and build community. In these times of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and division, we remain steadfast in our mission to center diverse voices, to celebrate bold and courageous storytelling, and to open space for those who seek refuge in creativity and expression.

What did our critic think of WAITRESS at Beck Center For The Arts?

Mention author J. M. Barrie, and the immediate thought is Peter Pan.  Peter Pan, the tale of a boy who refused to grow up, which has become a cottage industry.   Dolls, movies, a musical play, coloring books, cartoons, Halloween costumes, a non-musical play, and books are all available.   There is even a psychological condition, “The Peter Pan Syndrome,” which puts the spotlight on men who refuse to assume responsibility for their boyish actions.

What did our critic think of THE HOT WING KING at Dobama?

PARADE, which is now on stage at the Palace Theatre as part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown.

At the end of each year, Broadwayworld Cleveland's Critic Roy Berko elects to recognize productions, performers and technicians to be recognized from Cleveland, OH stagings.  The format for these acknowledgments is being altered. 

Yann Martel is noted for his ability to write tales filled with adventure, survival and spirituality.  His novel, LIFE OF PI, sold more than 15 million copies and won numerous awards. The novel has been translated into a film and now a stage play by Lolita Chakrabarti.  It is on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre, as part of the Key Bank Broadway Series.

What did our critic think of PETER/WENDY at Dobama?

What did our critic think of 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE... BY. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL at Key Bank State Theatre?

SOME LIKE IT HOT, the movie was released without approval from the Motion Picture Production Code, became a commercial hit, was nominated for six Academy Awards and was the major cause of the end of the restrictive freedoms for the entire film industry.

The Musical Theatre Project's next live program, 1962 ON STAGE AND SCREEN, is to be presented at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

With that in mind, depending on your place in the pecking order, you may or may not be ready to immerse yourself into MEAN GIRLS, the stage-show with music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and a book by the queen of television comedy, Tina Fey.

What did our critic think of POTUS at Dobama?

What did our critic think of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Connor Palace in the Key Bank Broadway Series?

William Shakespeare is considered by many to be the greatest Western world playwright of all times.  In spite of this, many are reluctant to see a production of his plays.  Why the hesitance?  It is perceived that language he used, the format of the speeches, and the material he writes of, is too abstract or complicated to just “sit back, enjoy and understand.”

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU? Neither Ruby Dee or Ossie Davis ever appeared in a Karamu stage production but both had significant presence and impact in the organization and in the lives of Karamu artists. They often visited for speaking engagements, to instruct master classes, and to support Karamu's mission. The duo met at Karamu.

What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Great Lakes Theater?

What did our critic think of LES MISERABLES at Connor Palace (Cleveland)?

What did our critic think of THE SUNSHINE BOYS at BECK CENTER?