*DOBAMA PRODUCES SHORT FILMS
Over the course of the season Dobama Theatre will release professionally produced short films featuring memorable monologues from Dobama productions, notable contemporary playwrights and some of Cleveland’s most outstanding actors. These videos are initially exclusively available to 20/21 Members free of charge during the first weeks of each short film’s debut. Films are then released for general viewing with a pay-what-you-can donation.
They include On the Grill starring Dorothy Silver; Goodnight, Tyler starring Lisa Louise Langford; Grounded by George Brant, performed by Anjanette Hall; The Land of Oz, based on the book by L. Frank Baum book and lyrics by George Grant, music by Nathan Motta, performed by Calista Zajac; and Significant Other, performed by Dan Hendrock. Go here for tickets and more info.
*BECK BROADWAY ALUMS IN CONCERT
Beck Center for the Arts has a sterling reputation for cultivating talented performers who go on to success in hit Broadway shows and associated tours. Some of the theater’s alums will perform a virtual engagement, which runs March 5-28, as part of Beck’s 87th professional theater season. Performers include Kathleen Rooney Faubel, Rory O’Malley, Max Chernin, Colton Ryan, Cassie Okenka, Rebecca Pitcher, Corey, Keri Rene’ Fuller and Libby Servais.
Reservations are required. For complimentary tickets (contributions are encouraged) go to beckcenter.org/shows/bbalums and click on “purchase tickets.” For information visit beckcenter.
*FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS 2021 OUTDOOR SEASON
French Creek Theatre, which perform in the Lorain County Metro Parks, has announced its summer season. Patrons will be required to wear masks and encouraged to social distance. Here’s the schedule.
Ordinary Days, with music by Adam Gown
June 4-6 @ Lakeview Park
Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs.
A Year With Frog & Toad
July 30-31, August 1 @ Miller Nature Preserve
Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]
August 20-22 @ Carlisle Reservation
Featured are all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three actors. Fast paced, witty, and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.
Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe
September 17-19 @ Vermilion River Reservation Bacon Woods Amphitheatre
Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself-and us- that he’s not mad. Enter the world of Poe and Check your heartbeat at the door.
Go here for more information.
*INTERPLAY THEATER AND MALTZ MUSEUM PRESENTS IN SCRIPT CLUB
Script Club examines three plays that touch on the themes of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s current exhibition The Notorious RBG. Participants will need advance copies of each script, to prepare for group Zoom discussion on the first Thursday of March-May. Sessions, moderated by Faye Sholiton, will begin at 1pm, running approximately 75 minutes. It’s free for Maltz Museum members, $5 for non-members.
Thu 3/4 @ 1pm: Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler
Most people credit Watson and Crick for discovering the double helix in 1953. But it was British chemist Rosalind Franklin who years earlier illuminated their path. Award-winning playwright Anna Ziegler pulls back the curtain to repair a long-ignored injustice. Scripts available on Amazon.com
Thu 4/1 @ 1pm: The Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Ramsey’s thoughtful and thoroughly engaging play takes us to a troubled Jefferson City, MO, 1953, where the blows of race hatred meet the power of basic human decency. Scripts will be available through the Museum.
Thu 5/6 @ 1PM: Gloria — A Life by Emily Mann
Gloria Steinem’s life has been an open book for more than five decades. It began with her magazine feature as an undercover Playboy Bunny, ran through her advocacy in Ms. Magazine and continues with her ongoing activism in the women’s movement. Scripts available on Amazon.com.
Go here for info.
[Collected by Roy Berko]