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Thomas Mulready, Cleveland Free Times
"(NWT's directors) foster an atmosphere of love- and perfectionism." Melissa Heltzel, Northern Ohio Live
"..the May production of Sweeney Todd...is probably the finest from the standpoint of direction, singing, and overall production values. Sweeney Todd was a superlative production." Virginia Jones, The Plain Press
"..Near West Theatre, possibly the Cleveland area's premier amateur and youth theater group..." Dave Plata, West Side Sun News
"The result is spectacular visual display. The choreography...is top-rate and is propelled by the youthful exuberance of the cast...The cast is exceptional. Collectively, the cast is passionate and forceful. The actors and actresses function as a coherent unit and they really seem to enjoy what they're doing...So many things happen on one stage at one time in this production as every performer acts as if they are the lead and the audience is solely focused on them rather than just being part of the scenery. I think I could attend every show and see something new each night." Zachary Dzurick, published in Happenings, a WestLIFE publication, review of Jesus Christ Superstar
"...34 kids in the cast talked about issues such as, 'Where does power lie?' and 'How do we use our power?' The reality is that 'Hercules vs. Godzilla' beats the heck out of reality TV. Literally." Heide Aungst, Cleveland Magazine, on NWT's Hercules vs. Godzilla original production
"In what may be their finest production yet, the Near West Theatre family of theatre professionals, neighborhood kids, and community collaborators showed why they won the Governor's Award for the Arts this year. A stunning set and brilliant costumes did nothing to take away from the intensity of the intergenerational, interracial cast of 55(!). But it's NWT's insistence on "embracing conflict and celebrating differences" that puts them head and shoulders above all others. International diplomacy, polygamy, womens' roles in society. The issues tumble out when presented in a context of honesty and truth. Thank goodness they allow the audience to witness the miracles they produce on stage, backstage, in rehearsals and at the end of the long "intentional process of inclusion" that culminates in a theatre piece." Thomas Mulready, Cool Cleveland
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