Alice

Yesterday, I got to see the Cleveland Ballet's commissioned show, Alice.  This was truly a delight!   Clever staging, excellent combination of live and recorded music, and the plot was easy to follow.   I loved everything about it, but particularly liked the Tweedles, the Cheshire Cat, and the Caterpillar.  Also, the climax using the cards and Offenbach's Can Can from Orpheus in the Underworld. 

This was the end of their third season.   I wish I had known about them sooner.   Can't wait to see what's next.

The Royale

I went to see the Royale last Saturday performed by Cleveland Playhouse.   It is a historical fiction about boxing during the Jim Crow era.   Our protagonist is the black heavyweight champ and he wants to fight the white champ.  This is agreed to, but at a great financial cost which causes bodily fear and incidents in the black community.

The fighting was accomplished via dance moves, specifically krumping.   Timed claps, stomps, and inner monologue are able to produce an amazing fight.  Go see this.

Disney's Aladdin the Musical

Las Saturday, I got to see Disney's Aladdin musical on tour at Playhouse Square.   That was truly fun and I loved it more than the movie.    Abu is gone, and is replaced by Aladdin's 3 friends.  Iago is still there, but he's now a human.  The show was expanded by Alan Menkin originally for non-professional companies (high schools).   But it was so excellent that it was made part of the Disney stage family.

The magic carpet is an amazing illusion.  Also, the Genie steals the show.  4th wall breaking, pop culture referencing, and massively fun.   He's worth the price of the ticket.   Go see this show if you have the chance.