It's Wonderful: Toby's Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ, A Treat For the Whole Family
by Cybele Pomeroy - Apr 21, 2026
The WIZARD OF OZ is familiar to so many after all this time (and so many versions, including the Disney alternate universe ‘Wicked’ franchise) that one might be forgiven for thinking that no version is capable of any surprises anymore. AND YET. I am delighted to report that in this production lovingly done by Toby’s, there are delightful, unexpected moments, including puppetry and a surprising dance number, plus The Jitterbug.
Rob McClure, National Tours of KIMBERLY AKIMBO and SOME LIKE IT HOT Among 2026 Helen Hayes Award Nominees
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 23, 2026
The 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominations have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievement in Washington-area professional theatre. Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, and dozens of regional companies are represented across performance, direction, design, and production categories. The awards highlight the breadth of theatre work presented throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
Review: Toby’s Throws Down A Throwback with Hit-Filled ROCK OF AGES
by Cybele Pomeroy - Feb 9, 2026
ROCK OF AGES is mostly cheese. It’s a jukebox musical packed with big-hair 80s hits that refuses to take itself seriously. Rachel Cahoon portrays “Sister” Sherrie Christian, a small-town kid with Hollywood dreams, with expressiveness and powerhouse vocals. Noah Mutterperl as Drew Boley, a city kid with guitar dreams, is a strong singer with heart and charisma. Ross Scott Rawlings, Conductor and Keyboardist as well as Musical Director, delivers authentic ‘80s sound from the band and the cast.
Enjoy Your ELF at Toby's in Columbia through January 4, 2026
by Cybele Pomeroy - Nov 29, 2025
Enthusiastic performances, a snappy live band, bright costumes and lively dancing adorn Toby's production of ELF The Musical. This sweet and charming lighthearted family-pleaser will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Director/ Choreographer Mark Minnick delivers engaging group numbers and Musical Director Ross Scott Rawlings creates glorious harmonies in this infectious show. Through January 4, 2026.
A Hot Time: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at Toby's in Columbia, Maryland
by Cybele Pomeroy - Sep 23, 2025
Mark Minnick directs SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at Toby's in Columbia through November 2, 2025. The music is most of the Saturday Night Fever album by the incomparable BeeGees. It’s a terrific immersive experience, filled with color and sound. The band is flawless, the vocals impressive, the choreography inspired, and the cast’s commitment to the performance unrestrained.
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID at Toby’s in Columbia is A Fine Kettle of Fish
by Cybele Pomeroy - Jun 19, 2025
Musicians and vocalists shine in an undersea world that’s full of color and liveliness, longing, love, and a desire for authenticity at Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland. Mark Minnick directs Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, playing through August 17th, 2025.
Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Toby's With Capital T
by Cybele Pomeroy - Apr 17, 2025
Salvation in the form of a children's band? Sure, why not? THE MUSIC MAN has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. Now, the beloved Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland undertakes this winner, through May 18, 2025. It's beautifully done and highly entertaining.
Review: A Lively Time At Toby's 9 TO 5 In Columbia
by Cybele Pomeroy - Feb 12, 2025
9 TO 5 at Toby’s is a treat for all your senses, with color-saturated visuals, harmonious, heartwarming songs created especially for the show and strong characters you’ll adore. It’s just the thing to relieve winter ‘blahs’ and get your toes tapping. Experienced performers have snappy timing, and dramatic lighting fosters swift set changes to retain the rapid pacing. The buffet is ample, the service is speedy and Toby's devotion to a quality experience is unparallelled.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC: Catch A Moonbeam at Toby's This Holiday Season
by Cybele Pomeroy - Dec 22, 2024
An evening at Toby’s Dinner And Show in Columbia, Maryland for THE SOUND OF MUSIC is a clutter-free treat for your loved ones. Toby's presents a classic, now entertaining a fourth generation, that feels lush and rich with detail and meaning, and contemporary relevance. An audience favorite since the dawn of the 1960s, this beloved Rogers & Hammerstein standard runs at Toby's through January 12th, 2025.
Review: Your Family, My Family, THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL At Toby's In Columbia
by Cybele Pomeroy - Sep 19, 2024
Toby’s supports sharing the love of theater with young people. Despite, or perhaps because of, its macabre nature, the embedded message of THE ADDAMS FAMILY is about radical acceptance and inclusion, and always has been, from long before “inclusion” was a buzzword. Every member of your family, weird or not, can enjoy this positively creepy show.
Oh What A Night! My Eyes Adore JERSEY BOYS at Toby's in Columbia
by Cybele Pomeroy - Jul 14, 2024
Toby's in Columbia presents the ‘origin story’ of New Jersey natives who became The Four Seasons. The script of JERSEY BOYS is tight, the pace rapid: this script and these songs - the Four Seasons’ catalog, plus others- form a stellar example of a really GOOD jukebox musical. I recommend you go immediately to see this terrific show.
Review: A CHORUS LINE at Toby's Sings And Dances Its Way Into Your Heart
by Cybele Pomeroy - Feb 4, 2024
A CHORUS LINE at Toby’s in Columbia through March 10th, 2024- Staff are warm and helpful, the atmosphere is welcoming and the production is wonderful. If you’re a fan of musical theater, A CHORUS LINE will resonate. It’s a visual and auditory delight, with complex dance numbers and Marvin Hamlisch’s memorable melodies.
SPAMALOT, SWEPT AWAY And More Nominated for 2024 Helen Hayes Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2024
Tonight, at a celebration honoring outstanding theatre on stages across the Washington area, theatre artists, administrators, patrons, and special guests gathered at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center for Theatre Washington's announcement of nominees for the 40th Helen Hayes Awards.