Photo Flash: Shadowbox Set To Debut Its New, Original Musical Documentary, WOODSTOCK: BACK TO THE GARDEN, Opening 9/20

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 koolaid 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.

Woodstock: Back to the Garden is presented is association with Revolution Sports and Entertainment and is sponsored by Clear Channel Outdoor, Courtyard Marriott Columbus Airport location, Outlook, QFM, and The Other Paper.

This fall, experience the story of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair with Shadowbox’s new, original musical documentary: Woodstock: Back to the Garden.

With original scenes mixed with quotes from the key performers and songs from the concert itself, Woodstock: Back to the Garden takes you back to the summer of 1969; a turbulent, magical place and time where, for just a moment, half a million people came together in peace, for the love of music.

Shadowbox is sponsored by Coca Cola, Costume Specialists, Courtyard Marriott Columbus Airport location, Crawford Communities, Cup O Joe, Genesis Audio, Jack Fleming Photography, Outlook Magazine, The Team/Revolution, WCBE.

Shadowbox is a non-profit 501C3 performance troupe that self-produces a wide range of shows, as well as runs the company on a day-to-day basis.  The top managers of the company make up the Board of Trustees and operate as the primary creators, producers, and performers for the shows.
 
For 20 years this creative force has produced world-class productions, including original rock operas, traditional musicals, fine art exhibits, contemporary dance, and video / television.  An ensemble company of dedicated performers, Shadowbox is a healthy, vibrant, self-sustaining arts organization.

Photo credit: Jack Fleming / jackfleming.com

Chorus

Nikki Fagin

Andrew Cioffi and Robbie Nance

JerRod Roberts