I've been coming to Shadowbox Live for over 20 years, and they truly never cease to amaze and entertain. Every visit feels fresh, energetic, and completely unforgettable. The latest show, Dirty Talk, was absolutely fantastic; funny, bold, and packed with incredible performances. One of my favorite things is seeing the perfect blend of seasoned entertainers alongside new talent. It keeps the shows dynamic and exciting every single time. The music, the comedy, the overall vibe, it all comes together to create such a unique and electric experience. It's one of those places where you can't help but have a great time. We already bought additional tickets and can't wait to go back again soon! read more

See all

Sat front row for Leather and Lace last evening. Once again Shadowbox came thru with a fantastic amazing show. All the performers were great but the ladies absolutely killed it! They brought some of the very best songs by women rockers to life right in front of our eyes. Columbus is so very fortunate to have Shadowbox live! Can't wait for the Ozzy show later this year. read more

We hadn't visited in quite some time and were excited to come back. You choose your table when you buy your tickets so you can pick the best view for you. If you arrive early you can order food which we decided to try. We ordered the veggie sub and the black and blue salad. Both were cooked well and had good flavor. At intermission we ordered hot cookies that were delicious. The show was engaging and fun, definitely worth a visit. read more

See all

The show Sleepy Hollow is so entertaining. The actors who are also the waitstaff did a wonderful job in getting our mela out to us and quickly changing into their costumes. The singing was phenomenal. read more

Shadowbox Live - Sleepy Hollow production - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

We won tickets for this show thanks to @yelp!!!! THANK YOU YELP FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY WE HAD A BLAST!!! Cons- PARKING!!! there is a surface lot but you have to download the parking app to pay and watch where u park because they was towing ppl when we pulled up! It's a small lot behind the building!!! The mics didn't work for some of the performers! I felt like they had to yell for us to hear them in the back where we were sitting! The mics were going in and out! Then the music started off ruff. You have to wait to order until intermission because the waitress are the performers and the words on the screen we couldn't read because it wasn't bright or big enough! Pros- EVERYONE CAN SANG HUNI!! The food was DELICIOUS!!! I enjoyed myself! I never been to something like this so I didn't know what to expect but everyone was nice and I enjoyed myself but it wasn't for me! Bae had a blast and the jokes had him rolling! He wants to come back for another play! Glad I got the chance to experience something new! THANK YOU YELP FOR THE OPPORTUNITY read more

See all

Prepare to laugh if you go see the current event "Behind Closed Doors". Get there early enough to get a tasty cocktail and some dinner. You won't want to be eating because you will be clapping for the performance. The food is great. We had the marinara bread and a pizza. Friends got the hummus and a pizza. All the food was prepared well and came out quick. We had The Freak and The Limelight as cocktails and needed a second one before the performance. They went down verrrrry well. As an actor, staff member and as a person Breanna was great. Personable, helpful and friendly. Then she got on stage and LIT IT UP! Thanks again for such a great night with friends. read more

Shadowbox Live - Great friends, great event! - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We attended you show Sunday afternoon. 12-12-25. We were blown away; it was one the greatest shows We have ever saw. The food was good; the atmosphere was awesome. My girl had been there 15 years ago when she lived in Columbus. We will be back. John & Rachel.. Fort Wayne, In. read more

We always have such a good time here. I bought front row tickets as a birthday gift for my husband for the Holiday Hoopla 2023 show. It's a Columbus tradition! Plus, we are moving in June, so we gotta get our Shadowbox shows in! We ordered the loaded nachos as is our tradition. The drinks are always strong here too fyi. If you've never been to Shadowbox, try it out. The music is always fantastic and the shows are funny. read more

If you have never been to a Shadowbox Live performance you are missing out . Last night I attended Behind Closed Doors which is playing for a few more days. The talent is amazing. The cool thing is that they are all original - written, produced,directed, choreographed, vocals,musicians , and acted by the company. They are even your servers. The venue is cabaret style. Come early and enjoy snacks, lunch or dinner. Reservations are a must. Parking is convenient - a parking lot behind the theater or a parking garage around the corner. read more

See all

What an amazing and fun experience. Shadowbox has been a staple in Columbus for many years. I used to visit with my mom when I was younger at their old location inside the easton mall. But the new location is larger and much more of an experience. They are always friendly, talented and of course hilarious. The staff that assist you are also the performers. Those that don't perform are volunteers to help the company spread love of art and it's so grately appreciated. Also, besides the show inside they have art all over the walls from local artists for you to enjoy or enjoy at home (for a price haha). Also, the food is so good. Usually event venues have basic food. Not Shadowbox, they don't do anything basic. My table ordered the loaded nachos with chicken and yummmmerz. So good. Then we got two pizzas, the meat lovers and a pesto pizza. Both were perfectly crispy and full of flavor. We were all very satisfied and enjoyed every bite. Highly recommend checking out any of the shows they perform. Also every show has live music and they know how to Rock the House. Parking is available for a small fee right behind the building. Go have fun, and enjoy your time!!! read more

See all

I won free tickets from Yelp for Shadowbox Live's "Behind Closed Doors" show. I didn't know what to expect. I like live theater, but the show didn't sound totally up my alley: a comedy/musical medley, bawdy humor, etc. The first song, too, really had me doubting because it sounded a bit like karaoke. But from there, the show really took off and my table had a blast! Both the music and comedy play to lowest common denominator tastes: covers of pop songs, lots of jokes about tv and emojis, etc. Even though I'm a huge high culture snob, I still really enjoyed it and loved the show these guys put on. My table consistently enjoyed the musical numbers more than the comedy bits. Extra fun--the same folks who wait the tables act in the show, which gives it a real "folks next door" feel. One knock: the cocktails were laughably sweet and I would probably not order them again. Everything else was a fun and great! read more

I've been to shadowbox a few times, and tonight I was able to bring a few friends who have never been. We were laughing, singing along, and just having the best time! The band- spectacular. The singing and dancing- fantastic. The acting and comedy is just great. Sketch comedy shows are so funny, and their musical shows are amazing too. We are so lucky to have the shadowbox in Columbus and if tou haven't been you've got to check it out. The servers are the actors so it's great to get to talk to them. Decent food and drinks, but that's not why you're coming. Don't miss out! read more

See all

Saw the Van Halen/Aerosmith show on May 9..AMAZING talent! Everyone sounded amazing and the band was incredible! Loved the little clips in between of the band members in Aerosmith and Van Halen talking... It really added a lot to the show! The outfits were perfect! Kept us rockin' all night! Top notch performance! read more

Awesome time tonight at Holiday Hoopla!! It was an amazing show. And the wait staff and servers were also exceptional!! You need to get their nachos and pizza!! I want to come back for more shows. I love how you get your own table. Great show for the holidays! read more

Shadowbox Live - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Another fantastic show at ShadowboxLive! Body Language closed tonight. Can't wait to see Thunder & Lightning: A Queen and Zeppelin retrospective that's already playing. The Metaperformers are amazingly talented and wonderfully friendly as the greet patrons, wait on tables, serve food, do the show, serve more, do more show and clean it all up all while interacting with audience members with grace and humor. If you haven't been, you need to go. The have great holiday shows coming up too. Treat yourself and your family and friends. #shadowboxlive read more

Shadowbox Live - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

First time here and had a great time. The mix of sketch vs. music was fun, we all enjoyed the vibe and the humor throughout the night. We will definitely attend again in the future. The beer and snack prices are up there which is a little upsetting but you also kind of expect this at any other entertainment venue. Would definitely recommend Hot Stuff and look forward to future events. read more

Haley Keller is amazing. Beautiful voice! The show was funny and the food was great. 10/10 would see them again!

Not So Silent Night- was engaging, funny, moving. I enjoyed the choice of songs chosen for the show. I definitely will return for more shows. Seating setup lends to good viewing of the stage. The food needs to improve. The pepperoni sub had too much dressing. The artichoke dip was fine, served with enough chips. Ordered a side of pita and those were good. Maybe have mini sandwiches- example ham/Swiss, turkey cheese, veggie sandwiches. Something easy to assemble. read more

my son took me to see sleepy hollow today. i was absolutely thrilled. the performance was awesome, and had all the markings of a broadway show. never a dull moment. the band was above and beyond great. i had such a wonderful time, that i will have my son bring me back again, and again. have to get the word out on this treasure. read more

One of the most fun evenings I have spent in Columbus! Great shoe and dinner to beat!

I've been to a number of different shows at Shadowbox Live over the years. You seriously can't go wrong. If you ever heard someone say there isn't anything to do in Columbus, they're wrong. THIS! This is something fun to do! It doesn't matter what show you're catching, you're going to have fun! The talent here is unstoppable. The creativity flows like the grandest of waterfalls. The team that works here really cares about your experience and wants you to have a good time. This is evident in just about every encounter you have with the servers, who yes, also happen to be your entertainers. They run the ticket office, serve all the food and drinks, handle your tabs, and jump on stage to dance and sing their asses off. Wowza! The food and drinks here aren't anything crazy special, but they definitely enhance the experience if you're into that sort of thing. I've nibbled on their nachos, which are enormous by the way. The pizza also always looks good. It's thin crust and comes with whatever toppings you like. The drinks are your typical bar options. I've gone the tequila route as well as the cocktail route. They have just about everything you might need. Don't hesitate when it comes to visiting Shadowbox Live. Make a night out of it! Grab dinner here or nearby, throw back a few drinks, and kick back and enjoy the show. read more

See all

Fantastic opening night ffor The Legends if Liverpool ! I nice balance of background history of the Beatles, live clips, and dancing The band and singers were top notch. I wish I knew ttheir names to list my favorites. The narrator has the perfect voice and delivery for that part. I learned a little bit about the Beatles and enjoyed some favorite songs and a few I did not. It always is great to see how hard everyone works to make the evening a success. So many people have multiple jobs! read more

See all

I don't watch a theater production or film twice, and I should. You might think professional reviewers like me (I'm a film critic for NPR and Shadowbox Live advisory board member) always see productions multiple times. I believe only a few do. After attending the recent SBX sketch comedy and music magic (think Second City, SNL), Behind Closed Doors, I decided it was so good that I'd go back, and I did for the first time ever. I found a show even better than the same one I saw a week ago, better because I could savor such genial sketches as The Ass-Trick, where ancient scholars devise new words with a decidedly butt orientation. Or a sketch where two sports-announcer-like commentators remark on the mental gymnastics a schlub-mate defends himself with against his love's infidelity accusations. And so on, like giving a baleful look at the poor unknown caller on your smart phone, and a most serious-of-all comedy, the End of the World, where the last guy left standing resists the romantic notions of the last woman: uh, oh, it's a bit more than sex on the line! Couple these Mak-Pak creations (Jimmy Mak's writing pack) with first-rate covers from The Killers to The B62's, and you have an evening arguably better than you might find in NYC or Chicago: it's fresh and unadulterated by big-city attitudes and smog. Regardless, director Julie Klein and CEO Stacie Boord have once again brought the big time to Columbus, showing why it is the fastest-growing city in America and one of the top ten cities for young professionals. John De Sando, Ph.D. read more

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING !!! "Sleepy Hollow - An American Ghost Story" at ShadowboxLive is incredible. The music & singing rocked as it always does. The dancing and story telling took it to a whole another level. It was so much fun to watch friends absolutely excel on stage. The dancing of both Riley Mak (Katrina von Tassel) and Nicholas Wilson (Ichabod Crane) was mesmerizing and their chemistry together was a highlight. I always enjoy Emily O'Regan's singing and dancing performances every opportunity that I get (especially this time as one of her parts as the Headless Horseman). I'll make sure to stay on her good side... Jimmy Mak's writing really drew the audience into the story, and his dancing was... well... keep on writing Jimmy. read more

I can't believe it has taken me so long to catch a show here! We had so much fun at Holiday Hoopla - loved the sketch comedy and great music. Pro tip- they start seating an hour and 15 before the show, but you should already have your number beforehand. I recommend coming 1.5-2 hours before and get your #. You can hang out in their bar area and order drinks while you wait to get seated. When you get seated, your server (who is actually an actor, too) will take your food and drink orders. You can take photos/video during the show without flash. The food is nothing to write home about, so come with that expectation. The next time I go, I'll likely eat at home and order drinks there. read more

See all

First Timer I have passed this place for years and never stopped in to see what it's like here. Enter yelp, I received my weekly newsletter which happened to mention a giveaway to Shadowbox Live's 'Dirty Little Secrets' & to my surprise I actually won! The Dirty Little Secrets show is a combination of a live rock and roll concert and a sketch comedy show all rolled into one very cool experience. The wait staff are also the performers, who are also the musical acts and the actors. I came in with no expectations and left pleasantly surprised. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone considering it. Fun times and laughs are sure to be had by all in attendance. read more

Shadowbox Live - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This a fantastic place for a date night! So much laughter and fun times! We have gone multiple times and look forward to each new show! Definitely worth the time to go! read more

This was our first time at the shadow box an it was amazing if your looking for great food an awesome entertainment I highly recommend shadow box read more

Shadowbox Live - White pizza an the nachos - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

My wife and I have been here multiple times over the past 9 years we've lived in the area, so this review is a culmination of the many times I've attended. I've seen many shows of original material of sketch comedy and rock and roll, but I've also seen two specials (American Idiot and Rock of Ages) as well as one one of their original full productions. I'm absolutely fascinated by the fact that their stage actors are also their serving staff. I am not sure how they do it, but their obviously multi-talented and keep very busy each night. You may see your server bring your drink before the show starts and then performing on stage minutes later. This explains why you can not get food or drink during the show. My strategy is ordering two rounds and my food before the show starts, so I don't have to wait for intermission to get more. Their version of American Idiot and Rock of Ages were both super impressive and I was entertained by their original show as well. The individual sketches vary in quality/comedy, but you can usually find something to enjoy there too. The music is always on point though. I appreciate the music more when I know the songs, but that's not always the case. But the talent is always there. I would recommend getting on their email list because sometimes you will be offered discount tickets to shows. I've lucked out a time or two. You can also buy tickets to future shows from your server during intermission or after the show at a discount if you prefer. Another way to enjoy this space is the front lobby, which has it's own bar and events on certain nights of the week, such as improv comedy, karaoke, and more. We have been to the improv show on Wednesday nights, which I really enjoy. It's very reasonably priced as well. When I leave here, I am always surprised by how much stage talent we have here in Columbus! read more

Absolutely Amazing!! The price was reasonable, the staff is Great!! If you haven't been there you're missing out!!

A fun theatre venue, south of downtown, west of German Village. Musical reviews and comedy. Saw the rockumentary "Flower Power," music from the 1960's. The band was great, the singers spectacular. The program mixed original band covers, like the Lovin' Spoonful, with covers-of-covers, like Joe Cocker -- which was a pleasant surprise. The drinks were good as was the food; don't miss the loaded nachos platter. read more

Very fun theater (or theatre) experience. Great performers and fun concept. The dinner experience formula is perfected where the majority of the performers are also your ticket seller, usher, wait staff, cooks, bartenders ... so the fun is integrated from the very beginning. I picked up tickets Sunday morning for a Sunday afternoon show on a whim and took full advantage of the full bar and thoroughly enjoyed the show. I'm scanning the schedule to see when I can return next ... I would highly recommend showing up early and enjoying the ambience of this art center. The historic building, brewery district location, and a fun perk I was not expecting at all - local art work displayed and for sale. (the portrait "Keith" of The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards is haunting me, a full day later) I used "will call" and it was effortless. The process is simple - you wait until your number is called and then advance to be seated in the venue. You are greeted by your performer / server and given some time to take drink orders and/or food orders. You give your card and name for your party (you sit at a larger table with other groups - up to 8 people per table) and settle your tab at the end of the show (or have another round or dessert, I suppose). During intermission, you have a final chance to order a drink for the second act which is a very nice perk but I feel kind of sorry for the performers not getting any break at all - but I get it. Customer coming first and all. Exiting at the end of the show is a breeze and on Sunday - parking is even easier since street metered parking is "free" all day. A very fun experience and great to see such talented performers! read more

Nothing but fantastic things to say about Shadowbox. Everyone there is super talented. I've seen maybe 6 or 7 shows and they've always been good. Skits are hilarious and the house band is great- always playing lots of awesome rock-n-roll. The theater is small enough too that it doesn't matter where you sit- you can't get a bad seat! I will say their food isn't the most impressive, but that's not why I keep going back! Go for the pizza though. Keep in mind that all the staff is in the show so there's no service during the show. There's usually an intermission if the show is long enough and they'll come get any refills and such at that time. Parking isn't too bad either. There's meters around or parking in the back for 3 bucks. Can't recommend them more!! Always a fun experience. read more

The "Not so Silent Night" was an excellent show and our server Haley was wonderful. Got the artichoke dip an nacho chips as an appetizer along with sharing the pepperoni sub with kettle chips. The sub was a little heavy on dressing, but appetizer was shareable for four. The show was the best with great performances and excellent musicians. Song selection and radio show format keep you interested through both acts. read more

I love this place. Every performance I have gone to has been awesome. Daughter and I went to see Leather and Lace, Ladies of Rock N Roll. Every song was so much fun to hear and sing along. Everyone who works here works hard as the servers and the performers. And the band rocks!!! Check this place out for a fun time. read more

Shadowbox Live - Leather and lace - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This is one of those where one size does not fit all, so I am selective in what shows I attend. Being that camp is not my favorite thing, I tend to avoid shows in that range but hear from others how much they appreciate that genre. Bear in mind that I am quite introverted, so I find some of their in-your-face a bit uncomfortable & do my best to avoid it all together. For me their magic lies with their more musical & dance oriented offerings. If you ever have the opportunity to see their tributes to Bowie & Prince (Evolutionaries), Woodstock or The Beatles - take advantage! Pro-tip: be sure to take advantage of their FREE shows every Memorial & Labor day weekends (Sundays)! read more

See all

Had a great time at Shadowbox Live last night. We got a table for 6 near the stage to see "Which One's Pink? If you are a Pink Floyd fan, this is a must see. The show was amazing, and our server Abby took great care of us. The food was good, too. All in all, it made for a great night out! read more

Shadowbox Live - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I have always enjoyed their shows, but I just went to "Who is Pink?", their Pink Floyd tribute show and was blown away by it. The band and singers were spectacular, but this show was more than featuring their music. It was a lesson in appreciating PF music for its significance within a historic context in music and politics. The music was accompanied by compelling and beautifully choreographed performance dance art pieces. A truly awesome sound and visual experience! read more

Shadowbox Live - Performance dance - Performing Arts Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This cast and crew is amazing, and the food and drinks are great, as well! We had a fun time!

This place is awesome and I highly recommend that anyone that likes comedy and rock n roll to check it out. Shows are about 2 hours long and feature alternating skits and songs played by the cast. The whole place is actually run by the cast and volunteers (including the food and drink service). On that topic, the food is excellent and the drinks are on the cheaper end and strong (get a pitcher of Freak). Sign up for their texts. I get discount/free tickets once a month for some of their late evening shows which makes for a great date night or a night out with friends. read more