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What reviewers say about Shadowbox Cabaret

Generated with AI from 538 reviews on Trustburn · updated 5 days ago

Customers generally describe the experience as entertaining, fun, and fantastic, with many praising the cool venue and courteous staff. While some reviewers found the food to be pricey or in need of a menu update, the majority report having a great time and recommend the venue as a must-visit Columbus experience.
What does Shadowbox Cabaret do?

Shadowbox Cabaret, also known as Shadowbox Live, is a full-time resident theatre ensemble founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1988. The company produces original, genre-shifting work featuring professionally trained metaperformers and presents shows in a cabaret-style format where performers also serve as staff.

Are there any complaints about Shadowbox Cabaret?

The critical reviewers wrote about issues with slow service, such as long waits for seating and food, and noted that the menu could use updating. They also mentioned that the music was sometimes too loud, there was excessive profanity, and a staff member made an inappropriate comment during a show.

What do people say about Shadowbox Cabaret outside Trustburn?

People outside Trustburn describe the venue as a fun spot in the downtown brewery district offering sketch comedy, music tributes, and cabaret-style shows. They highlight the unique experience of having performers act as servers and recommend the venue for its entertaining atmosphere and full bar and food menu.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Charles Bartholomew
Reviews 1

It was amazing!! Lots of talent there! Thoroughly enjoyed myself. I haven't laughed that much in a very long time... I think since the last time I saw a show at Shadowbox Cabaret. I don't plan on waiting that long again. I highly recommend going to a show... Often!

Wayne Arborcrest
Reviews 1

Tonight we saw "Which one's pink" It was amazing. Our group was diverse. A theater major/actor/stage hand, a Pink Floyd enthusiast/under cover hippie, a pregnant music lover of all genres, and a single father of 2 who had never seen a concert or play before. None of us had ever been to Shadowbox live before, and Everyone loved it! If you like music, music history, theater or some combination of the 3, you will enjoy this show!

Debbie Wakefield
Reviews 1

My positive experience started before I even arrived. I needed to exchange tickets that I'd bought online for the 2pm show to the 7pm show and when I called, it was a painless process to get this exchanged. I was worried this exchange wouldn't even be possible but it was not big deal. What relief. When we arrived, the staff was very knowledgeable and professional in directing us to our seats. Our waiter was very friendly. It's neat how the waitstaff is part of the production. We saw Little Shop of Horrors and it was the best production I've ever seen! The actors and actresses were so engrossed in their characters. Their facial expressions and movements were hilarious. You could tell they were having fun on stage and it just radiated off them. The live band was phenomenal. They have found some of Columbus' most talented musicians and performers. I can't wait to go back to Shadowbox again and I'd strongly recommend seeing a show there.

Brandon Scott
Reviews 1

Shadowbox Live is a live cabaret and cafe, featuring hilarious and creative theater shows, ranging from sketch comedy to rock'n roll tributes, with a myriad of styles and subjects in between. I've attended several Shadowbox Live performances over the years and I've always had a blast. They've all been so good that I can hardly choose a favorite from the Holiday Hoopla, to the Best of Shadowbox, and beyond. Shadowbox tends to push the lines of what the average person may find comfortable. They do not shy away from openness to sexuality, nor do they sugarcoat the subject matter. Shadowbox thrives on the collective range and emotions of the human condition, and if they were to censor even a small part of their performances, they might very well lose the amazing raw, flare that I've come to love so dearly. I am a very open minded person, with a lot of hippie/progressive ideals, and I don't think you can have a true theater without such openness. Because the moment you worry about offending someone, you lose that edge, that fire, that flame that rips you open and makes you think and feel and experience, as we humans were always meant to do. This time around, I checked out Shadowbox's Evolutionaries show, which focused on the life and music of David Bowie and Prince. And oh, boy, was it amazing. Not only was the music fantastic, and very well performed, but the dancing and performing arts that accompanied the musical performances was so powerful and charged that I often felt shivers, and was often completely captivated by the magic and talent of the entertainers. At times, it was political and so powerful, and other times, it was sexual and emotionally charged, and yet, utterly satisfying.

Andy Mendel
Reviews 1

It's a very good theater company staging original musical skits and plays with the live band. It is a dinner theater. They serve pizzas and sandwiches and salads and they serve beer and wine. The menu could use some updating. I I was there last night and saw dreams which is a play about Martin Luther King and other Heroes Freedom movements. It was my first time there and I really enjoyed that play the best of the four.

Alec C
Reviews 1

Honestly, my wife and I did some googling and watching videos of different acts at this place and was kinda iffy on going... We went with our friends and had the night of our life ! Funny comedy, live music and table service that's quicker and friendlier than any other place you could imagine! We went and seen "Down N Dirty". It was awesome!

Jason Romer
Reviews 1

We watched the Holiday Hoopla show and absolutely loved it. The band was amazing and absolutely tore it up along with the awesome singers. The skit were LOL funny, the comedy was clever not cheesy, and the physical antics were hilarious also. If you get easily offended and uncomfortable with sexual innuendos, it is probably not the best show choice for you. That being said, we had a couple in their 70's sitting at our table who really seemed to enjoy it also. I loved the show's format; live band for an extended song, short Saturday Night Live type funny video, 15 minute live skit, repeated a few times. It kept the crowd engaged the entire time. To say the least, it was a very pleasant surprise.

Scott Bolster
Reviews 1

Been to about 15 shows. Everyone has been different with a perfect review. Staff is awesome, talent is better. Price of tickets is the best value in the city for solid artists and entertainment. Steve Guyer is pure genius. Looking forward to Holiday Hoopla once again.

Ms Lady Jones
Reviews 1

Went up to Columbus for my wife birthday. Our plans changed at last minute and my girlfriend and I needed to think quick. We found Shadow Box has lunch shows and the price was within reason. I took my wife a few years ago and she liked it then as well. It was my girlfriends 1st time and she really liked it. She loved the art on the walls. Nice stop for lunch.

Lana Yates
Reviews 1

Visited last night for the first time and we had a blast. I have to give it up to the performers who are also pretty much running the place, serving and working the gift shop. So much energy from each of the talented performers that it makes you really get into the show and step out of your comfort zone just enough. The songs were great, the food was good as well (the special drink was tasty but could use more booze haha), and the skits were hilarious. One of the male performers gave me a Kramer from Seinfeld vibe - and I completely mean that in the most complimentary way...his whole body was a part of the comedy. Hard to decide what my favorite part was, but definitely bravo to the amazing house band - the guitarist I would love to see playing alongside Derek Trucks or Eric Clapton. We will be back for sure, since we got tickets!

Andrae Millner
Reviews 1

This is quite possibly one of the most AMAZING entertainment venues in Columbus, OH! With original musicals (written in house), and accompanied by original scores, written and performed by the house band, I remain nothing less than in awe of the extraordinary range of talent displayed by the cast and crew! I've never seen anything like it, and am proud to have Shadowbox Live here in Columbus!

R. Urban Horrocks
Reviews 1

Very enjoyable experience with friends. All of the actors also serve as food servers. Fun show, really good music with talented singers. These people work really hard to provide a great experience for all. Not much parking and ridiculously slow and cumbersome pay station for parking. Allow an extra 10 minutes to stand in line to pay for parking and you better know your license plate number.

Tod Bowen
Reviews 1

I was here for dinner, drinks, and an Improv show. The whole experience was a lot of fun. The show was very good, the food (and the drinks) were good - and all reasonably priced. Most importantly, everyone from our server to the performers and everyone else we interacted with (including the other patrons) were helpful and friendly and were clearly having a good time and wanting to make sure you were also having a good time.

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About Shadowbox Cabaret

Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1988, Shadowbox Live is the nation's largest full-time resident theatre ensemble, featuring professionally trained metaperformers. Shadowbox Live produces a diverse body of bold, genre-shifting original work that seeks to challenge audiences through the shared joy of live performing art.

Shadowbox Cabaret: A Unique Blend of Live Performing Arts

Shadowbox Cabaret is a renowned theatre ensemble that has been entertaining audiences since its inception in 1988. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Shadowbox Live is the largest full-time resident theatre ensemble in the United States. The company features professionally trained metaperformers who produce a diverse body of bold, genre-shifting original work that seeks to challenge audiences through the shared joy of live performing art.

The Shadowbox Cabaret experience is unlike any other. The company's unique blend of music, comedy, and drama creates an immersive and unforgettable experience for audiences. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with your significant other, Shadowbox Cabaret has something for everyone.

One of the things that sets Shadowbox Cabaret apart from other theatre companies is its commitment to producing original work. The company's metaperformers are not only talented actors but also skilled writers and musicians who collaborate to create new works that push the boundaries of traditional theatre.

In addition to its original productions, Shadowbox Cabaret also offers a variety of special events throughout the year. From holiday shows to themed performances like "The Rocky Horror Show," there's always something exciting happening at Shadowbox Cabaret.

But what really makes Shadowbox Cabaret stand out is its dedication to community outreach and education. The company offers workshops and classes for aspiring performers of all ages and skill levels. These programs provide students with hands-on training in acting, singing, dancing, writing, and more.

Shadowbox Cabaret also partners with local schools and organizations to bring live performing arts into underserved communities. Through these partnerships, the company helps inspire young people to pursue their passions while fostering an appreciation for live performance art.

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that combines music, comedy, drama,and community outreach then look no further than Shadowbox Cabaret! With its talented metaperformers producing original works that challenge audiences while providing joy through live performing arts experiences,you won't find anything else quite like it anywhere else!

Address
503 south front street
Categories
Entertainment