At the Play House:
Daddy Long Legs
Cleveland Play House continues its inaugural season in the Allen Theatre with a musical love story in the tradition of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. Created by John Caird (Les Miserables) and Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre) — and based on a 1912 best-seller by Jean Webster that remains beloved in Japan — the play made its 2009 debut at the Rubicon in Ventura, California. So far, it has been sticking to regional theaters, although rumors of a Broadway run are never far behind. In true Austen fashion, the play tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, an orphan who benefits from the attentions of an anonymous benefactor. That her benefactor is not as anonymous as she presumes — and that romance triumphs in the end — is a foregone but charming conclusion. Performances continue through Nov. 13 at 1407 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $41 to $69 at 216-241-6000 or clevelandplayhouse.com. — Elaine T. Cicora
A Little Night Music: Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory continues its tribute to Sondheim with this witty, urbane musical that explores the universal subject of love. Opens Oct. 27 and continues through Nov. 13. Tickets are $14 to $25 at 440-338-3171 or fairmountcenter.tix.com.
The Boys in the Band: Convergence-Continuum revives a seminal 1968 piece of off-Broadway theater that explores love and despair among a group of gay friends. Even with some glitches, this play spews attitude like few others. (Howey) Through October 29 at the Liminus, 2438 Scranton Rd. Tickets are $10 to $15 at 216-687-0074 or convergence-continuum.org.
Cabaret: Great Lakes Theater presents this Tony Award-winning musical through October 30 at the Hanna Theatre, 2067 East 14th St. at Playhouse Square. Tickets are $15 to $70, available by calling 216-241-6000 or at greatlakestheater.org.
The Monster Play: Presented in partnership with Theater Ninjas, CPT's devised performance features some captivating movement, lots of disconnected words, and spooky lighting effects in an attempt to address issues surrounding fear, torment, and salvation. But the words often run in circles and the collision of ideas frustrates more than it intrigues. (Howey). Through Oct. 29 at 6415 Detroit Ave. Tickets are $10 to $25 at 216-631-2727 or cptonline.org.
The Shadow Box: Three patients diagnosed with terminal illness confront the ultimate human challenge as they struggle with their mortality and its effect on their loved ones. Opens Oct. 28 with performances through Nov. 20 in Karamu's Arena Theatre, 2355 East 89th St. Tickets are $10 to $25 at 216-795-7070 or karamuhouse.org.
Tigers Be Still: A dark comedy from playwright Kim Rosenstock, Tigers makes its regional premiere at Dobama. Through Nov. 13 at 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts. Tickets are $10 to $26 at 216-932-3396 or dobama.org.
