Broadway comes to Playhouse Square:
Million Dollar QuartetOn December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley in the Sun Records' studio in Memphis. What resulted was an impromptu recording session that has gone down in the annals of history as one of the greatest rock & roll jams of all time. Probably, you weren't there to see it. But here's what promises to be the next-best thing: Broadway's award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, which opens Tuesday, October 11, at Playhouse Square. We've heard there is a plot. Personally, we're more interested in the tunes: a collection that includes gems like "Great Balls of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Matchbox," and "Blue Suede Shoes." Performed by the national touring company, the show continues through October 23 at the Palace Theatre, 1615 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10 to $75 at 216-241-6000 or playhousesquare.org. — Elaine T. Cicora
The Boys in the Band: Convergence-Continuum revives a seminal 1968 piece of off-Broadway theater in this scathing work that explores love and despair among a group of gay friends. Oct. 7 through 29 at the Liminus, 2438 Scranton Rd. Tickets are $10 to $15, available at 216-687-0074 or convergence-continuum.org.
Cabaret: Great Lakes Theater's 50th anniversary season at the Hanna Theatre opens with this Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Victoria Bussert. Through October 30 at 2067 East 14th St. at Playhouse Square. Tickets are $15 to $70, available at 216-241-6000 or greatlakestheater.org.
The Marvelous Wonderettes: Beck Center launches its new season with this musical romp, an off-Broadway hit that revives old faves like "Mr. Sandman," "It's My Party," and "The Shoop Shoop Song." Through October 16 at 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. Tickets are $10 to $28 at 216-521-2540 or online at beckcenter.org.
The Life of Galileo: The venerable Cleveland Play House begins its inaugural season at Playhouse Square with this "witty, elegant, and thought-provoking production" of a play by Bertolt Brecht. (Howey) Through October 9 at the Allen Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $49 to $69 at 216-241-6000 or online at clevelandplayhouse.com.
The Taming of the Shrew: Great Lakes Theater's production of this Shakespearean comedy continues in repertory with Cabaret through Oct. 29 at the Hanna, 2067 East 14th St. See a full review in this issue. Tickets are $15 to $70, available at 216-241-6000 or greatlakestheater.org.
You Got Nerve: It's always good news when an original play by a local writer hits the stage. That's why it's sad to report that this world-premiere musical comedy written by Karamu playwright-in-residence Michael Oatman fails on so many levels. (Howey) Through October 9 at 2355 East 89th St. Tickets are $10 to $25 at 216-795-7070 or online at karamuhouse.org.
