THE GARDEN THEATER

by Paul Batterson - December 02, 2024

What did our critic think of JERSEY BOYS at Garden Theater?...

by Paul Batterson - November 01, 2024

​​​​​​​When Mike Backes found out he was cast as Tommy DeVito in Short North Stage’s upcoming production of JERSEY BOYS, one of the first people he called was someone he had never met before: Adam Marino who will be playing Frankie Valli in the show....

by Paul Batterson - September 09, 2024

The cast adjusts the mood of the show quickly. It seamlessly moves from the bravado of “Fat and Greasy” to a somber reading of “Black and Blue” as images of newspaper coverage of lynchings and hate crimes are projected in the background....

by Paul Batterson - August 26, 2024

Short North Stage hopes to capture the fun as well as an unflinching look of the era as singers Christian McQueen (Ken), Israeljah Reign (Nell), Catara Brae (Charlaine), Isaac Tobbler (Andre), and Sydney Arterbridge (Armelia) lead the audience through a 30-song journey from the dive bars of Lennox A...

by Paul Batterson - July 15, 2024

SNS elevates its presentation with another stellar cast, tight choreography and several minute details and musical director Jonathan Collura helps the cast deliver the show’s snappy, tightly fashioned songs with power. The net result far exceeds the entertainment value of the original non-musical mo...

by Paul Batterson - June 30, 2024

“It has such a great message. It's a very layered show. There’s this kind of ‘Barbie Girl Power’ aspect of it -- women can do anything. People are more than what you just think we are by our looks or all other preconceived notions.” Director Dionysia Williams Velazco...

by Paul Batterson - March 17, 2024

Broadway Musicals are often fantasies, musical representations about things that could not possibly happen. The saddest thing about Short North Stage’s production of THE PROM, which runs from March 14 through April 7 at the Garden Theater, is that it is based partly in truth....

by Paul Batterson - January 26, 2024

A show about domestic violence and oppression doesn’t sound like a cheery night at the theater. Here’s what makes the show work: the music and lyrics, especially in the opening three numbers, are about as uplifting as one can get in a show and secondly, there are opportunities for redemption for eve...

by Paul Batterson - September 01, 2023

What did our critic think of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at The Garden Theater? As she gets ready to perform in SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, Stephanie Amber admits presenting Stephen Sondheim’s works leaves her stomach, as well as her tongue, in knots....

by Paul Batterson - May 15, 2023

What did our critic think of REVIEW: THE WILD PARTY at Garden Theater?...