At Porthouse Theatre:
The Sound of Music
Porthouse Theatre wraps up its 2012 season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's unlikely classic about a family of singing Austrians set against the backdrop of World War II. Helmed by Porthouse's artistic director Terri Kent and choreographed by assistant artistic director MaryAnn Black, the family friendly proceedings serve up such iconic earworms as "My Favorite Things," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and the unforgettable "Sound of Music." Perfomances continue through August 12 at Porthouse Theatre, 1145 West Steels Corners Rd. in Cuyahoga Falls. Tickets are $17 to $33 at 330-672-3884 or porthousetheatre.com. — Elaine T. Cicora
As You Like It/The Famous History of the Life of King Henry VIII: Cleveland Shakespeare Festival marks its 15th season of free outdoor theater with these two classic pieces playing in repertory on Saturdays and Sundays through August 5. See cleveshakes.org for venues and schedules.
The Cradle Will Rock: Oberlin Summer Theater Festival serves up its first-ever musical with 1937's agit-prop piece, The Cradle Will Rock. House critic Christine Howey calls it "thumping," and "delicious...and you won't need an instruction sheet to find parallels to the political discussions being waged today." (See Howey's full review in this issue.) It's free, but reservations are required at 440-775- 8169 or [email protected].
Legally Blonde The Musical: Despite some solid performances, Beck Center's production of this bubbly musical mostly falls flat. "Instead of being a frothy lark," advises critic Howey, "Legally Blonde seems an overly long exercise in trying to have fun." Performances continue through August 12. Tickets are $10 to $28 at 216-521-2540 or through beckcenter.org. Find them at 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood.
Neverland: Cleveland Public Theatre's celebrated Student Theatre Enrichment Program culminates its 2012 season with an original play inspired by J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. Free and family friendly, performances are set for venues throughout the city July 26 through August 5. For schedules and more information, visit cptonline.org or call 216-631-2727.
One Night With Janis Joplin: Presented by Cleveland Play House, this regional premiere is both concert experience and reflection on the famous singer's musical roots. (See this week's "Get Out" for more information.) Performances are set for July 27 through August 19 at Playhouse Square's Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $35 to $65 at 216-241-6000 or clevelandplayhouse.com.
