Robbie Nance

The Shadowbox motto is to do to sketch comedy what Second City does for improv. To do that, it uses a simple formula: crisp writing and solid acting produce big laughs.

The hardest working theater troupe in Central Ohio is currently delivering its Stev Guyer-ized version of "Monty Python's Spamalot." The 2005 musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez was "lovingly ripped off" from the motion picture 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and while audience members will appreciate some uniquely Shadowbox additions and a bit of Central Ohio humor (notably, among others, Gym Ganahl as "Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Show"), Python fans will find this version to be of the goofy, flamboyant, and totally inane flavor expected.

Jym Ganahl is looking in all the wrong places to determine what is heating up Columbus lately, as I am pretty sure that Shadowbox Live's latest Stage 2 production, 'Burlesque: Behind the Curtain' is the actual culprit. The sequel to its predecessor, last year's 'Burlesque de Voyage', this world premiere of the show written by Jimmy Mak opened last night to a sell-out crowd, telling the backstage tale of a burlesque troupe. The air conditioning was cranked, the cold drinks were plentiful, but nothing could stop the incredible talent at Shadowbox from creating their steamiest, sexiest, and raciest shows to date. If the standing ovation wasn't enough of an indication, the near constant hooting and hollering of both male and female audience members throughout, gave it away early on that this show was going to be a hit.

Shadowbox Live continues its reputation for having no topic off-limits, with its new sketch comedy and rock n' roll show entitled, "Taboo". The witty sketches poke fun at virtually everyone and everything, to the point that the show is "equal opportunity" offensive, and surprisingly enough, none of its jabs cut too deeply.

With enough of a fan base to generate the nearly $20,000 needed to fully-fund its production in less than two weeks on its Kickstarter.com pledge site, Shadowbox Live's self-created musical, 'Underland' opened to a not-surprisingly sold-out crowd last night. The original script, created by Shadowbox Head Writer, Jimmy Mak, is inspired by 'Alice In Wonderland', but instead tells the tale of Albert Ice (Robbie Nance), a Vietnam veteran who is searching for his lost daughter in the 60's hippie culture of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury District. While it has the feel of Shadowbox's fabulous, 'Back to the Garden' in its opening scenes, this show immediately takes a much darker, mind-bending tone, and it's difficult to tell what is a drug-trip gone wrong, and what is Ice's completely warped post-traumatic stress-induced reality.

Shadowbox Live began the run of it its latest production, "Between the Sheets" last night. In its tried-and-true sketch comedy/rock 'n roll format, "Between the Sheets" focuses on sex, love, and romance- well, mostly on the former. Aimed at heating up the chilly winter season, "Between the Sheets" is a great night of entertainment as a date night with your significant other, or a girls-night out, as many of the sketches poke fun at the Mars vs. Venus communication problems of the two sexes. The sold-out show played well to an audience who seemed in the mood for some post-holiday cheer.

When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than getting under the covers with someone special. Why not take it one step further? Turn up the heat with Between the Sheets, Shadowbox Live's next show opening tonight, January 4th at The Shadowbox Live Building at 503 S. Front Street.

When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than getting under the covers with someone special. Why not take it one step further? Turn up the heat with Between the Sheets, Shadowbox Live's next show opening January 4th at The Shadowbox Live Building at 503 S. Front Street.

Shadowbox Live is back with a new sketch/comedy, rock and roll production in its classic format, themed this time in a ghoulishly delightful Halloween show called 'Full Moon".

It's been a Broadway favorite since it's 1975 opening, and the Academy Award winning 2012 movie version did little to detract from its fame, but if you weren't fascinated with Chicago's musical tale of sex, lies, and corruption before now, Shadowbox Live's stellar cast will definitely give you enough of the ol' "Razzle Dazzle" to make you a fan.

Approaching the 1 year anniversary of moving into their new Brewery District space, it seemed an appropriate time for Shadowbox live to roll out a calm, laidback revue of the past year. However, much like their new edgy warehouse space, the "Best of Shadowbox Live 2012" serves not to relax and reflect, but to accelerate the talent machine that is Shadowbox Live to even higher levels of comedic and musical brilliance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.