A Taste of Broadway?
by Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer
When it comes to food, entertainment, and housing, Springboro is a fine place to be. Springboro offers many social outings and a family friendly environment.
One attraction seems to be LaComedia. For thirty-three years, LaComedia Dinner Theatre has provided superior entertainment for the community of Springboro. “A Taste of Broadway”. Or so they claim.
They perform 6 shows a year, and last autumn I was able to attend Beauty and the Beast. Now, I have been to more than my fair share of musicals and plays on all levels, so I went into the show with a bit of skepticism. They begin the evening with serving their house signature salad and then opening up the buffet. The food was truly something to rave about: Steamy sweet potato soufflé, chef-carved meats, and—my favorite—gourmet macaroni and cheese! So far, so good. If the show turned out to be a faux pas , then at least I could leave with a satisfied appetite.
As the curtain parted, my sixth sense of hypercriticism turned on. I was no longer another member of the 600 seated audience. I was a judge. A critic.
And so it began. The tale of the cursed prince in the castle was told. Belle entered the stage skippingand singing through the little town. A shot from stage left rang out, and Gaston boasted loudly about his kill of the day. Every character played the role to a tee. I sat in my front row seat, feeling like a little girl with my mouth agape, and eyes wide with fascination and amazement. Even the difficult portrayal of wolves in the forest and the unforgettable transformation of the beast into man proved to be phenomenal. No longer was I evaluating as a critic; no--I was enjoying this show just as a child would.
Truly, LaComediahas captured a beautiful snapshot of Broadway productions. And to think that it lies so close to home!
Currently (from May 7th – July 5th) High School Musical is showing. Click on the following link to find out more information on this and other upcoming productions:
http://www.lacomedia.com/playbill.htm
I think I may be seeing another production before this year is out. But this time not as a critic—as a little kid.