Roy Berko - Page 19

The history of American musical theater is laced with firsts and trend setters. Rogers and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma' introduced the well-made book musical in which a story was told, with music, lyrics and dance all integrated and setting the pattern of the first act ending with a conflict that would be solved in the second act.

Lots of today's science news concerns controlled drug studies done by pharmaceutical companies, as well as government agencies, to insure the safety and identify side-effects of the compounds.

Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the music and lyrics for 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,' which is now in production at Blank Canvas, is noted as a brilliant lyricist. Interestingly, that is not the way he sees himself. He is well-trained as a musical composer, having, from a young age, been the prodigy of Oscar Hammerstein II. Yes, the composer of such mega hits as 'Oklahoma,' 'South Pacific' and 'Sound of Music.'

When Great Lakes Theater Festival announced in June, 2009, that it's Associate Artistic Director, Andrew May, was no longer going to be part of the company, many CLE theatre-goers were shocked.

Sometimes theater is high drama. At other times it's for learning about history or philosophy. 'Sassy Mamas,' now on stage at Karamu, is on stage for one purpose only...to create outlandish laughter.

Mention the name 'Riverdance' and the general thought of many is Michael Flatley. Yes, Flatley, the Irish dance champion and the theatrical show consisting of mainly Irish music and dance, are synonymous.

The South Side of Chicago is noted for its gritty streets, drug dealers, drive by shootings and pressure for Black men and boys to not only protect their turf, but be 'prideful' and not allow themselves to be slave to the ways of the 'massa' (the white bosses).

Truth can often be stranger and more compelling than fiction. Such is the case of David (Bruce) Reimer and his identical twin brother, Brian, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In December, 1968, about 50 Lorain County Community College students flew to New York. Some in the clean-scrubbed conservative group, coming from a campus void of political turmoil, had never traveled as far-a-field as downtown Cleveland.

What happens when you present a charming script and add two of Cleveland's most beloved actors? You get five sold out houses and calls with attempted bribes to get in the door.

Verb Ballets chose to highlight two young Black choreographers for its 'Celebrating Black History' recent program at the Breen Center before a near sold-out performance.

Capsule judgment: It may have been a flop on Broadway, but ""Merrily We Roll Along" is a hit at Lakeland Civic Theatre. It's definitely a must see!!!

When Sister Rosetta Tharpe's name appeared on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ballot, there were many who thought, Sister who? Little did those not familiar with the history of the genre, know that 'she was wailing on the guitar before Chuck Berry, shouting call and response before Little Richard, and swaying rhythmically to the music long before Elvis shook his hips.' In fact, Elvis may have learned his slim hip swiveling from the Sister Rosetta's pelvis thrusts.

Grounded is the kind of script and staging on which Dobama fulfills its goal of presenting the best contemporary plays in a professional production of the high quality.

Lucky you. It is unnecessary to go to New York to see a production of this epic. It is now running at Ensemble Theatre as part of their 'We The People' 2017-2018 season. The first segment, subtitled 'Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches,' is running until January 28. In April, 'Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika,' will be staged at the theatre.

Say the words 'magician' or 'illusionist' and the names usually conjured are David Copperfield, Harry Houdini, Uri Geller, Doug Henning, David Blaine, and The Amazing Johnathan. These are entertainers noted for tricks and actions shrouded in secrecy and mystery.

Greater Cleveland is blessed with a vital theater scene. It the purpose of BROADWAY WORLD.COM-CLEVELAND PROFESSIONAL THEATER TRIBUTES (BWW-CLE Theater Tributes), to recognize theatrical experiences that, in the subjective view of this reviewer, were excellent and deserve recognition.

Yes, Holly (Beth Wood) and Jolly (Liz Conway) are back again. This time in Cleveland Public Theatre's world premiere of' The Loush Sisters Get Hard for the Holidays.'