Reviews of THE LYONS
“…“The Lyons” is hilarious… Think “Seinfeld” with everyone a Costanza… Director Nathan Motta’s genius is most evident in his casting choices (and in the lively pace of this production), for he has found performers capable of delivering all this dark, corrosive comedy without flinching at the toxic fumes. As Ben, Dudley Swetland’s veteran physicality and comic timing are put to grand use… Jeanne Task is wonderful as Rita… Anjanette Hall is a pleasure to watch all the time, but particularly when Lisa’s façade fades under attack and she regresses to the vulnerable little girl her parents and brother still see her as being… Christopher M. Bohan’s Curtis is so thoroughly uncomfortable in his own skin that he seems to be channeling the young George McFly from the film “Back to the Future” all flailing limbs, awkward imbalance, and stammering speech when on the defensive… It works beautifully. …disappointing is the fact that “The Lyons” ends at all.”
-Bob Abelman, NEWS-HERALD, CHAGRIN VALLEY TIMES,
SOLON TIMES, GEAUGA TIMES COURIER
“The first act smashes all four of these flawed, neurotic people together into a small hospital room and the comedy sparks fly in all directions. …if you like to wallow in another family’s comical turmoil, and who doesn’t, The Lyons is your hilarious cup of acidic tea.”
-Christine Howey, CLEVELAND SCENE, RAVE & PAN.
“Under the direction of Dobama Theatre’s new artistic director, Nathan Motta, the production lives up to the pitiless comedy of the script. It has to move fast for the brutal humor to work — no time for hugging, learning or wallowing — and for the most part, it does. The cast… meshes well, with a few standouts… Imagine Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer trapped in a tiny hospital room, and you get the picture… Ever the matchmaker, Rita encourages her daughter to flirt with a terminal case down the hall, a suggestion that horrifies her son. “He’s dying!” Curtis yelps. “Nobody’s perfect, Curtis,” Rita says. And we can thank the gods of black comedy that the Lyons aren’t even close.”
-Andrea Simakis, PLAIN DEALER
“If you are a fan of dark comedy, then this is the play you have been waiting for all season. The dialog is exceptionally well written. It is sharp, fresh and right on the mark. The actors are perfectly suited and comfortable in their parts and the comedic timing is perfect. The only negative I could find in the entire evening was that at times the laughter was so loud and long that the next few words of their lines were lost in the noise… The premiere was sold out and I expect that by word of mouth, the rest of the run will be also. I would suggest getting your tickets early to avoid missing out… Well worth the price of the ticket. I suggest that everyone should get a chance to hear “The Lyons” roar!”
-Mark Horning, EXAMINER.COM
Reviews for
SONS OF THE PROPHET
http://raveandpan.blogspot.com/2013/02/sons-of-prophet-dobama-theatre.html
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2013/02/27/life/doc512bbcdaf1395974717568.txt
Reviews for
A BRIGHT NEW BOISE 
“When the dust clears, one thing is very apparent: the superb acting and spot-on direction carries this thought-provoking play and makes everything about it engrossing.” Bob Abelman, News-Herald.
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/10/30/life/doc508ee22243afa725890140.txt
“Dobama’s production, under the focused direction of Nathan Motta, is compelling. The cast is universally strong, the show well paced, and holds the audience’s attention. Dobama’s A BRIGHT NEW BOISE, featuring superb acting and focused directing, is a production well worth seeing!” – Roy Berko
http://royberko.info/
“The cast of “A Bright New Boise” rises to the occasion and delivers a thoroughly engrossing, thought-provoking and funny evening of theater.”- Marjorie Preston
http://www.marjoriepreston.com/
“Samuel D. Hunter’s 2011 Obie-winning play resonates now more than ever, and the Dobama Theatre production wrings both tragedy and comedy from the quiet desperation of clock punchers. It’s well worth seeing.” – Andrea Simakis, Plan Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/10/dobama_theatres_a_bright_new_b.html
