Shadowbox is gearing up to debut its new, original musical documentary, Woodstock: Back to the Garden, opening Sunday, September 20th at the Easton Town Center.
The show tells the story of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair with original scenes mixed with quotes from key performers and songs from the concert itself.
"This is a story that takes a look behind the scenes of the most famous concert in history," explains Jimmy Mak, scene-writer for the play and Shadowbox's head writer. "But it's still a musical. We still have characters bursting into song and dance ... they just happen to be songs from Woodstock."
Mak has written scenes that use fictional New York Times reporter Rodney Benton as he covers the story for his paper. Benton interacts with real-life concert producers Mike Lang, Artie Kornfield (portrayed by Robbie Nance and Andrew Cioffi), emcee Chip Monck (portrayed by David Whitehouse), activist Abbie Hoffman (portrayed by Brett McCardle), and "Hog Farmer" Hugh Romney a.k.a. Wavy Gravy (portrayed by Andy Ankrom), as well as the producer's fictional assistant "Serena" played by Amy Lay.
"Benton is the through-line in the show," continues Mak. "He's The catalyst for the scenes and songs." Mak based the Benton character on real life report Barnard Collier and stayed true to many documented stories surrounding the famous concert. "The show truly is a behind-the-scenes look at what Woodstock was like."
Songs included in Woodstock: Back to the Garden are:
Woodstock by Joni Mitchell
Sung by Stephanie Shull as a prologue
Spinning Wheel by Blood, Sweat, & Tears
Sung by members of the chorus as concert-goers
Freedom by Richie Havens
Sung by JerRod Roberts as Richie Havens
Darlin' Be Home Soon by John Sebastian
Sung by Amy Lay as fictional production assistant "Serena"
Coming Into Los Angeles by Arlo Guthrie
Sung by JT Walker III as Arlo Guthrie
For Yasgur's Farm by Mountain
Sung by Noelle Grandison as a fictional concert-goer
Joe Hill by Joan Baez
Sung by Stacie Boord as Joan Baez
Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Sung my members of the chorus as concert-goers
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes by Crosby, Stills, & Nash
Sung by members of the chorus as concert-goers
Soul Sacrifice by Santana
Performed by the full ensemble as a look at the activity in the camp grounds near the festival
My Generation by The Who
Sung by members of the chorus as concert-goers
White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane
Sung by Julie Klein as a concert-goer
Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker
Sung by Stacie Boord as a concert-goer
Piece of my Heart by Janis Joplin
Sung by Jennifer Hahn as Janis Joplin
Fish Cheer / Fixin' to Die Rag by Country Joe & the Fish
Sung by Steve Guyer as Country Joe
With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker
Sung by members of the chorus as concert-goers
The Star Spangled Banner by Jimi Hendrix
Performed by Dante Wehe as Jimi Hendrix
Woodstock by Crosby, Stills, & Nash
Sung by members of the ensemble as concert-goers
**Note: the song "Woodstock" (written and performed by Joni Mitchell and covered by CSN) is the only song in the show not from the Woodstock Music and Art Fair.
As with previous Shadowbox musicals the cast and band for Woodstock is made up of members from both Shadowbox locations (Columbus and Cincinnati). Under the direction of Steve Guyer, assisted by Julie Klein, the show will interact with audience members several times.
"We've created an atmosphere that will make the audience feel as if they are at the concert," commented Klein, who doubles as Shadowbox Marketing Director and is a veteran performer with the troupe. "A section of the house will be converted to festival-style seating where patrons will sit on cushions and blankets on the floor or on a special stage extension."
To complete the experience Shadowbox will add a special brownie dessert and electric kookaid that will be added to its regular bistro-style menu. All patrons are encouraged to dress in ‘60s attire. Those who opt for festival seating are required to dress appropriately.
Woodstock: Back to the Garden opens Sunday, September 20th at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) and continues Sundays only at 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM through November 15th. Tickets are $30 / $20 students and seniors. To purchase reservations contact the Shadowbox box office at 614-416-7625 or go online to www.shadowboxcabaret.com.
