Admittedly, I am not much for Halloween themes, be it movies, stage productions or television (Boyhood love of Bobby “Boris” Picket’s “Monster Mash” not withstanding). But I found Shadowbox’s Bad to the Bone a deliciously funny celebration of fright.

Beginning with “Welcome to Hell” the show really hits the ground running. This is arguably the cleverest, most humorous opening sketch I’ve witnessed at the Box. Mary Randle plays Georgia, the Devil’s receptionist, who literally scares the hell out of (into?) new arrival Craig (Jerrod Roberts). A fiery farce with crisp comic timing, making even the most obvious joke a joy.

Also lifting what could have been all too obvious to a childlike charm and humor is Jimmy Mak’s Vinnie the Gooch. In a series of videos using his macho Mafioso alter ego, Mr. Mak’s evocative Vinnie is an endearingly goofy Godfather. His “services” are more than apparent. Mak’s delivery is both gentle in its violent intent and believably brilliant in its simplicity.

The ensemble piece “Escape from Happy – Tots” is a jailbreak spoof featuring Lydia Tew as teacher Miss Amanda, Nikki Fagin as Frankie’s Mom, and the kids Jimmy Mak as Frankie, Amy Lay, Jerrod Roberts, Tom Cardinal, and Kaleigh Lockhart. This troupe is superlative with skits involving children as characters and “Escape”, with its deadpanned prison clichés is a breakout belly buster.

“Monster Dating Game” is a scream. Of course with Shadowbox veterans J T Walker III as Wolfman, Tom Cardinal playing Dracula, Katy Psenicka as the Bride and Steve Guyer doing a mean Frankenstein, this fan favorite is bound to be a hit with the audience. But this year it’s the casting of Amy Lay as the relatively staid host and Lydia Tew as the lusty, lewd, lascivious Kristen the contestant that makes Shadowbox regulars wantonly wallow in the irony.

Two other sketches are also crowd favorites and well done. In “Cindy and Laverne: Scared Stupid” Mary Randle (Cindy) and Julie Klein (Laverne) deliver high kicking trailer park trash puns with rapid fire, machinegun marksmanship. And the insanity that is “Dr. Mystery Meets Dr. Frankenstein” reprises this surreal puppet/performer/sound effects sketch superbly closing out Bad to the Bone in fine fashion. Jimmy Mak again shines when he breaks a little out of character as hunchback Vigo, leading dancers onstage in a seemingly impromptu choreography of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, only to lose his confidence mid dance to remark “Is it too soon? Too soon?” This moment is remarkable in its not so secret sarcasm, while at the same time remaining a subtly implied tribute.

Jym Ganahl continues his reign as funniest meteorologist on the planet. Only a skit about Andy Rooney falls a little flat. And Shannon’s Movie Reviews: Transformers” is more adorable than funny.

Musically Bad to the Bone is fabulous. From opening 80’s rocker “Heartbreaker” sung by Neolle Grandison to show closer Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” with Steve Guyer handling vocals, house band BillWho? Bandleaders Jennifer (keys) and Matthew (guitar) Hahn guide this collection of musicians through some amazing territory. With a rhythm section consisting of The Beast on drums and Andy Ankrom on bass, as well as newcomer Dante Wehe on guitar how can they miss?

Mary Randle’s take on Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive”, the Eurythmic’s “Would I Lie To You?” (Jennifer Hahn, Nikki Fagin and Amy Lay combining voices), and Tom Cardinal’s command of Phil Collin’s “I Don’t Care Anymore” (along with great choreography stage left) are gems.

Only a rave up of the Blues Brothers falls flat. I know Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi brought the blues to millions of suburban white kids who hadn’t listened to Led Zeppelin or Cream by the mid 70’s. I’ve come to terms with that. And I know the entertainment value of parodying the Blues Brothers. But the guitar break was a rock and roll solo. And the harmonica playing lacked even one “blue note”. “Messin’ With the Kid”, originally a hit for Junior Wells, cries out for cross harp and blues guitar. BillWho? is more than capable of pulling that off.

There is my blues purist sermon. This is a very small flaw in a fabulous presentation.

Bad to the Bone was great opening night. And as I know Shadowbox, small tweaks will make it even better as the show goes on. This troupe ever evolves, getting better and better at everything they initiate. I've been reviewing every Shadowbox show for the past 8 years and Bad to the Bone is the best Halloween theme show I've seen this talented troupe perform.

Shadowbox’s Bad to the Bone runs at Easton town Center in Columbus until November 14th. For more information please go to: www.shadowboxcabaret.com

I have to say, I was a tad skeptical about a documentary musical chronicling the phenomenon…and at times sacred cow…initially called the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. How would a writer maybe too young to have even attended Woodstock 94 sort out fact and mythology? But after seeing opening night of Woodstock: Back to the Garden I believe no one should ever underestimate the skills of Jimmy Mak. His script…especially in light of the fact it needed to be scaled down 1/3 of the movie’s length…spins a great story in a fresh and visceral way without becoming overly nostalgic. Yet at times, dialog is almost sweetly sentimental in its homage.

Mr. Mak uses a mostly fictional New York Times writer named Rodney Benton (played by Mak himself) to move the storyline along. Just like the event itself, the plot moves a bit slowly initially, but quickly picks up to a manic, overwhelming pace. Punctuating all this is David Whitehouse’s amusing Chip Monck, the festival’s announcer and star of the Oscar winning film. Whether this is intentionally metaphorical on Mr. Mak’s part is immaterial. But it does prepare the crowd for the intensity to come.

Shadowbox’s emphasis in Woodstock: Back to the Garden is clearly the music. And if the real Woodstock meant anything about peace and love, music was most certainly the reason…the bond…the metaphysical glue…along with perhaps a little luck. Bandleader Matthew Hahn leads his musical troops to soaring heights. Stephanie Shull begins the show with an almost religiously moving take on Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock”…the only tune in the show not actually played at the festival. Jerrod Roberts dynamically eclipses parody in making his Richie Havens real on “Freedom”. Amy Lay’s rendition of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Darling Be Home Soon” is charmingly sweet. And J T Walker III does a dead-on Arlo Guthrie with “Coming Into Los Angeles”

Incredibly impressive are the ensemble tunes. Surely this in some ways is an admission that no one Shadowbox individual can cover either Stephen Stills’ “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” or Roger Daltrey’s “My Generation” (the Who) vocal range circa 1969. It matters not really. Katy Psenicka’s awesome choreography, Brea Badger’s incredible costuming teams with tight vocal harmonies and some of the best musicians Columbus has to offer, creating textures of sound, sight and excitement that might just trump the best of acid trips. B, S & T’s “Spinnin’ Wheel”, CCR’s “Green River”, and Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends” are all beautifully visual, spectacularly aural and out of control far out man.

Importantly, director Steve Guyer has infused video segments of veteran Columbus actors playing Woodstock attendees. Not all have fond memories. And the inclusion of the downside of recreational drugs and Pete Townshend (Matthew Hahn) bashing Abbie Hoffman (Brett McCardle) with his guitar gives Woodstock: Back to the Garden a necessary sense of perspective.

Again I must go back to the music. Standing ovation great is Julie Klein singing Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”. Dante Wehe’s understated tension on Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” is a fabulously feedbacked tribute. And the ultimate intensity displayed between dance and music on Santana’s “Soul Sacrifice” will make your spirit soar and your pulse race with excitement. But I have to tell you this…Jennifer Hahn as Janis Joplin…well…she took much, much more than just a “Piece of My Heart.”

I’m leaving a lot out in this review. If I wrote praising everything you’d have an official program full of information. I cannot honestly find fault with anything about Woodstock: Back to the Garden. It made me glad to be a baby boomer. It made me look at the event differently, especially in light of the movie I’ve seen countless time. I’ll see this production again. You should see it at least once. Feed your head…indeed.

Woodstock: Back to the Garden runs Sundays at 2:30 and 7 p.m. at Shadowbox’s Easton Town Center location through November 15th. For more information please go to www.shadowboxcabaret.com