Wondrousland [REVIEW]

PerformanceTulsa Ballet: “Alice in Wonderland” by Kenneth TindallPlaceTulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK, February 28, 2025WordsSteve Sucato With each dance season’s new ballets, some become memorable with audiences and critics for their artistry and emotional connection, fewer reveal themselves as hits, and even fewer have the potential to become box office record breakers. Tulsa Ballet’s new “Alice in Wonderland” is the rare gem that does … Continue reading Wondrousland [REVIEW]

‘Diamond Jubilee’ Tour is Legendary Choreographer Twyla Tharp at her Tharpiest [REVIEW] 

Twyla Tharp Dance – Diamond Jubilee TourKeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OHMarch 8, 2025By Steve Sucato The 21st performance of Twyla Tharp Dance’s coast-to-coast Diamond Jubilee Tour, Saturday night’s performance at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre, was the first by the eponymous company in Cleveland in 23 years and one to cherish as it quite possibly could be its last.  One of our greatest … Continue reading ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Tour is Legendary Choreographer Twyla Tharp at her Tharpiest [REVIEW] 

Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

BalletMet, CAPA, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus – West Side StoryOhio TheatreColumbus, OhioFebruary 13-16, 2025By Steve Sucato Columbus, Ohio, is home to an unusually collaborative performing arts community. The city’s major arts organizations, including its professional symphony, opera company, and ballet company, frequently join together to create magical productions for area audiences. It’s a level of participation that most cities its size don’t come close … Continue reading Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

‘The Drama’ Shines a Revealing Spotlight on the Life of a Star Dancer [REVIEW]

Lloyd Knight – The DramaWestfield Insurance Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OHSunday, February 16, 2025 By Steve Sucato For his autobiographical solo dance theater piece, The Drama, Martha Graham Dance Company principal dancer Lloyd Knight created a love letter to the art form and the two most influential women in his life, his mother Yvonne and Martha Graham. While Knight shares a birthday with the latter, … Continue reading ‘The Drama’ Shines a Revealing Spotlight on the Life of a Star Dancer [REVIEW]

Namesake Ballet Shines Brightest in Bodiography’s ‘Evensong’ [DIGITAL REVIEW]

Maria Caruso’s Bodiography – EvensongRecorded at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater Pittsburgh, PANovember  15-17, 2024By Steve Sucato Bodiography founder Maria Caruso may now live some 2400 miles away in Los Angeles, but Pittsburgh remains home. The birthplace of Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, and Caruso, the internationally known and celebrated solo dance artist, choreographer, and budding TV and film actress regularly returns to Pittsburgh to work with and … Continue reading Namesake Ballet Shines Brightest in Bodiography’s ‘Evensong’ [DIGITAL REVIEW]

Cleveland Performances of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater an area Homecoming for Akron’s Kali Marie Oliver [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato  Cleveland favorite Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Playhouse Square this weekend to kick off its coast-to-coast 2025 nationwide tour celebrating the life and legacy of late company star and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison (1943-2024). Presented by Playhouse Square and DANCECleveland, Ailey’s performances will also be an area homecoming for first-year company dancer Kali Marie Oliver of Akron. The daughter … Continue reading Cleveland Performances of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater an area Homecoming for Akron’s Kali Marie Oliver [PREVIEW]

Cleveland Ballet’s New Nutcracker Triumphs as a Holiday Treat for the Senses [REVIEW]

By Steve Sucato A proper The Nutcracker ballet is the best way to describe Cleveland Ballet’s new production that opened last Friday and runs through December 22 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. With gorgeous sets, lush Victorian-era costumes, and marvelous classical dancing, the production took its place among Ohio’s best Nutcrackers, offering up a magical holiday treat for all ages.  In a time when there … Continue reading Cleveland Ballet’s New Nutcracker Triumphs as a Holiday Treat for the Senses [REVIEW]

Cleveland Ballet Debuts a New ‘The Nutcracker’ Production Rich in Tradition [PREVIEW]

Cleveland Ballet The NutcrackerConnor Palace – Playhouse SquareDecember 13-22, 2024 By Steve Sucato This holiday season, Cleveland Ballet is giving area audiences something it has not seen in decades: A The Nutcracker production steeped in ballet’s tradition. This Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 22, at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, the company will debut artistic director Timour Bourtasenkov’s new The Nutcracker production. The 2-act ballet is … Continue reading Cleveland Ballet Debuts a New ‘The Nutcracker’ Production Rich in Tradition [PREVIEW]

Documentary Shines New Light on a Dance and Visual Effects Pioneer  [REVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Even the brightest of us can disappear from humanity’s collective memory over time. Such was the case for Löie Fuller, a woman made famous for her dances manipulating fabric and her pioneering use of light, color, and shadow in her dance works of the late 19th and early 20th century. A transformative figure in the arts and artist rights, her remarkable contributions … Continue reading Documentary Shines New Light on a Dance and Visual Effects Pioneer  [REVIEW]

Hélène Simoneau Danse Captivates with Mathematical Beauty in Cleveland Debut [REVIEW]

Hélène Simoneau DanseMimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OhioNovember 9, 2024By Steve Sucato Power dynamics served as a throughline in two meticulously crafted dance works presented by Hélène Simoneau Danse Saturday night at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre.  Co-presented by DanceCleveland and Tri-C Performing Arts, the Cleveland debut of the Montréal, Canada, project-based dance company opened with French-Canadian choreographer/director Hélène Simoneau’s new work-in-progress “Late Bloomer.” … Continue reading Hélène Simoneau Danse Captivates with Mathematical Beauty in Cleveland Debut [REVIEW]