By Rae Hellard

When Shadowbox first opened their “Back to the Garden” show last October, audiences were delighted with the rock’n’roll blast from the past. Their original musical was created to give viewers a vivid idea of the lights, sounds and styles that were common during the Woodstock era, and on August 1 at 7 p.m., Columbus locals can enjoy an even better appreciation of this historical concert -- for free.

“Back to the Garden,”  (currently in its third run, back by popular demand) conceptualized about two years ago by the company’s creative team, follows the style of a “jukebox musical.” This type of show takes famous songs that already exist and builds a story around them, and in Shadowbox’s collective mind, this means two words held close to their collective heart: Rock Opera.

For the first time at Schiller Park in German Village, the Shadowbox crew will be staging their smash hit musical outdoors. Spanning several blocks in the heart of town, Schiller Park will replace the legendary farmland used to host the concert in 1969. An anticipated two to three thousand-member audience will recreate the righteous masses of Woodstock at this special event.

Using the park’s amphitheatre, which is twice the size of the Shadowbox stage and a different shape, will mean lots of technical and visual modifications for the performers.

For starters, the cast will be beefed up significantly with entertainers that are not usually active in the regular show, all to create a more realistic sound and crowded atmosphere. There are some "reserve performers," associated with the troupe that normally don't perform with Shadowbox, along with the members of the "Shadowbox Boot Camp" internship program for area high school would-be performers, all who will add to the onstage dynamics. Audience members will still be persuaded to participate with the cast, a famed characteristic of the Shadowbox persona.

Blocking and set designs will be drastically altered as well to accommodate the new venue. The application of colored strobes and spotlights will be less obvious in this performance because the amphitheatre’s equipment is not as advanced as Shadowbox's Easton space. In addition, the first hour of the show will be held in daylight, creating a truly believable surrounding for the Woodstock theme. All of these changes will enhance the environment of the show to be both authentic and fun.

“We feel like the show belongs outside – it’s a natural fit. To experience the era of this show in an outdoor setting is going to be great,” says Katy Psenicka, director of Media Relations for Shadowbox.

This rare chance to experience the sensory elements of “Back to the Garden” can only be seen outdoors on August 1. Admission will be free, much like the people of the era, but guests are highly encouraged to make donations to raise money for Actor’s Theatre who usually hold Shakespeare in the Park shows every weekend at the Schiller Amphitheatre.

In Other Shadowbox News...

A high-speed, intensive performance program will be held in July for local high school students who are interested in learning the ins and outs of professional performance. Musicianship, acting, dancing and production are the areas of focus in this Shadowbox Boot Camp, and the company’s talented members will be there to teach kids how to perform in ways they never have before. A group show will wrap up the "boot camp," allowing the fresh talent to demonstrate the things they learned and further build character. CEO Stev Guyer is an avid believer in teaching the kids about all aspects of the business, creating well-rounded and polished young performers.

Teaching the next generation of performers:  

Stacie Boord (foreground, right) and Katy Psenicka (foreground, left) instruct the students in a performance of

Crosby, Stills, and Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Photo by Studio 66 Photography.

For more information about this groovy Columbus event or the Shadowbox Boot Camp, contact Shadowbox at (614) 416-7625, or visit www.shadowboxcabaret.com .

Photos courtesy of Shadowbox