Articles Tagged With: Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia

White Christmas at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews November 12, 2021 Amanda N. Gunther

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep— blessings like the return of live, in-person theatre. Blessings like Christmas time together with family and friends again. Blessings like Toby’s Dinner Theatre bringing Irving Berlin’s White Christmas back to their stage after a decade of waiting for all that snow, Snow, SNOW!! The perfect way to kick off the holiday season, whatever joyous holiday you happen to celebrate this November and December,

Godspell at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews September 4, 2021 Amanda N. Gunther

The light of the world is lighting up all of Columbia as Toby’s Dinner Theatre brings Godspell to the stage this autumn season. Co-Directed by David James and Mark Minnick, with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, and Choreography by Mark Minnick, this uplifting, joyous Stephen Schwartz musical is a dazzling night of live theatre, waiting to fill audiences’ hearts with happiness. Hope and glee are omnipresent in this production and it is one show you won’t want to miss this season.

DeCarlo Raspberry (left) as Lola and Matt Hirsh (right) as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Photo: Jeri Tidwell Photography

The Sex Is In The Heel! Talking Some Kinky Boots with Kinky Boots Stars and Helen Hayes Award Winners Matt Hirsh and DeCarlo Raspberry

Interviews February 12, 2020 Amanda N. Gunther

PINK is for playthings.

YELLOW’s for warnings.

PURPLE for princes.

BLACK for wannabes.

GREEN is for pickles.

But RED… RED IS FOR SEX!!!

Serving up all the sex, the sauce, the sassiness, and the
serious heart and soul, Kinky Boots is all the rage at Toby’s Dinner
Theatre of Columbia. Marking the regional premiere of the production, whose
successful run on Broadway sent it touring around the country before it finally
landed in Columbia,

DeCarlo Raspberry (center in blue) as Lola and The Angels in Kinky Boots. Photo: Jeri Tidwell Photography

Kinky Boots at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews January 26, 2020 Amanda N. Gunther

The sex is in the heel! And the heels are all over that
stage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia as they are serving up a big old
helping of Kinky Boots for dinner this winter. Marking the regional
premiere of Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s Broadway sensation, Kinky
Boots has a world of joy to offer. Under the superb direction of Mark Minnick,
with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings,

A Christmas Story at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews November 21, 2019 Amanda N. Gunther

It’s almost nearly getting close to counting down to Christmas!
It’s almost time to see the show light up the stage for Christmas! It’s really
only just 34* days away! It’s almost nearly getting close to counting down to
Christmas Day! And what better way to spend your festive holiday? Then by
seeing A Christmas Story at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia! Directed
by Shawn Kettering with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings and Choreography
by Mark Minnick &

The Bodyguard at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews September 25, 2019 Amanda N. Gunther

I hope life treats you kind. And I hope you have all you’ve
dreamed of. And I wish to you joy and happiness— but above all this, I wish you—
to go and see the stellar regional premiere production of The Bodyguard at
Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia. Directed by Mark Minnick and Toby Orenstein
with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings and Choreography by Shalyce
Hemby, the iconic 90’s film turned stage musical finds its footing with a true
focus on the story in the well-seasoned hands of Mark Minnick,

Grease at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia

Reviews June 6, 2019 Amanda N. Gunther

I got chills! They’re multiplying! And I’m telling you to go—
‘cause the show that they’re supplying— it’s electrifying! Why, it’s more than electrifying,
it’s Grease lightning! You’re gonna
need to meditate in Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia’s direction for some real
summer lovin’ this 2019 summer season because Grease is the word and Toby’s production is the one that you want.
Directed and Choreographed by Mark Minnick with Musical Direction by Ross Scott
Rawlings,

Jessica Bennett (left) as Esmerelda and Sam Kobren (right) as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jeri Tidwell Photography)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews April 10, 2019 Amanda N. Gunther

Here it is— the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here it is—
you know exactly what’s in store! A story like you’ve never seen or heard
before! Now’s the time to head to Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia to see the
DC-regional premiere of The Hunchback of
Notre Dame. Directed by Toby Orenstein & Mark Minnick, with Musical
Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, this musical masterpiece inspired by the
Victor Hugo novel with musical selections from the Disney animated feature film
presents a hauntingly beautiful tale with striking,

Gypsy at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews February 2, 2019 Amanda N. Gunther

Amanda N. Gunther | TheatreBloom

Everything’s coming up Toby’s! Everything’s coming up— TOBY’S!
Let them entertain you with their stunning, thrilling, exciting, and magical
production of Gypsy. Directed by Mark
Minnick and Toby Orenstein with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, the
truth of a brilliant story is told in earnest, with the heart of that gripping
tale at the forefront of the show creating honest theatrical magic for everyone
who comes to the table and lets the cast and crew of Gypsy entertain them.

The Little Mermaid at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews December 5, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther

Watch and you’ll see— you too can be— part of their world! If you book your tickets quickly, that is, you too can be a part of the irresistible holiday magic happening at Toby’s Dinner Theatre this Christmas. Presenting Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Directed and Choreographed by Mark Minnick with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, this epic adventure will bring you under the sea and into the fully animated world of Disney’s cherished coming-of-age tale about a little mermaid and her dreams to be part of the human world.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews September 21, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther

Are you ready to get the join jumpin’? Because Ross Scott Rawlings and his seven piece orchestra are ready to wail away and tickles those ivories all night long over at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia. Jumpin’ to the stage after a sold-out summer of Abba, comes the music of Fats Waller by way of the show Ain’t Misbehavin’. Directed by Monique Midgette with Choreography by Shalyce Hemby and Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings,

Mamma Mia at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews July 7, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther

They can dance! They can jive! They’re having the time of their life! And you will too when you come to see Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia present the professional regional premiere of the world famous production Mamma Mia! Available for the first time since the infamous Abba-based production ended its seemingly endless tour, Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia has all your favorite Abba songs, all of the flashy costumes and marvelous dancing,

Newsies at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews March 23, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther 1 Comment

Toby’s Carries Banner! Makes Newsies Smash Success!

Toby’s on a mission! Kills competition with stellar new musical production!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Newsies makes area premiere at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia! Directed by Mark Minnick & Toby Orenstein with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings and Choreography by Ilona Kessell, this moving and inspirationally sensational Disney musical inspired by the 1992 Disney film is a regular prize-winning affair.

Together Again For The First Time: An Interview with David James and Jeffrey Shankle on Toby’s Young Frankenstein

Interviews February 11, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther

Like Laurel and Hardy, like Coke and Bacardi, like Romeo and Juliet, ebb and flow, to and fro! Together again for the first time! They’ve only met in a— wait— when did they meet? Two of Washington DC’s most seasoned musical theatre actors, Helen Hayes-nominated and winning performers Jeffrey Shankle and David James are together again for perhaps the millionth time on the stage, but in a rare setup where they’re playing leading opposites! In a TheatreBloom exclusive interview,

Young Frankenstein at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews January 26, 2018 Amanda N. Gunther

If you’re blue— and don’t know where to go— why don’t you go where theatre’s fine?

See Young Frankenstein!

Different songs to really please the ear— dancing feet to watch and you’ll cheer— it’s sublime!

See Young Frankenstein!

Dressed up like a million-dollar trooper! Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper— it’s SUPERDUPER!

You won’t get to see a better show— and Columbia is the place to go— take their word and mine!

Dreamgirls at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews September 8, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

And I’m telling you— you ARE going to Toby’s Dinner Theatre this autumn to see Dreamgirls. It’s more than just a dream— it’s a fantasy come true with sparkle, energy, enthusiasm, and raw talent that will blow you away. Dreamgirls, appearing live on the Toby’s stage as the fall musical of the 2017 season, is filled with the heart and soul of the 60’s and 70’s,

Go! Go! Go! See MaryKate Brouillet as The Narrator in Joseph at Toby’s

Reviews August 16, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

A Narrator’s story…a narrator’s story…strange as it seems, it’s been a summer full of dreams, for this quintet of narrating women for this Joseph run…and it has been fun! Pulling into the final leg of the summer-long production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and rounding out the last of the rotating carousel of narrators, MaryKate Brouillet steps up into the role and brings the story home for the final two weeks of the show.

Wood Van Meter (left) as Joseph and Cathy Mundy (right) as The Narrator

Go! Go! Go! See Cathy Mundy as The Narrator in Joseph at Toby’s

Reviews August 6, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Guess what? In their heads— two co-directors had a crazy dream! Five narrators all summer long, was the dream of Mark Minnick and Toby Orenstein! No one knew exactly what that would mean! What to do— it was such a crazy dream! And strange as it seemed— that crazy, crazy dream, brought five women who interpret musical theatre with astonishing brilliance to the stage for the summertime run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Go! Go! Go! See Coby Kay Callahan As The Narrator In Joseph At Toby’s

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Strange as it seems, there’s been a run of crazy dreams— the dream of playing The Narrator in this 2017 summer production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. And a woman who can interpret the way Miss Coby Kay Callahan does will go far— in fact? She’ll become a star! Taking her place as the third narrator in this rotating series of leading ladies, Callahan presents a convivial and honest narrative character right from the get-go.

Review: A Christmas Carol at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews December 2, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong! Christmas bells are ringing! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons, Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia is proud to present their stellar production of the musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Directed by David James with Musical Direction by Pamela Wilt, this iconic classic brings the true meaning of Christmas to kids from ages one to 92 and beyond and everywhere in-between.

Little Sisters of Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Inside the Cloister of Sister Act with MaryKate Brouillet, Erica Clare, and Rachel Kemp

Interviews October 12, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

When you’ve got a song worth hearin’ there’s just one thing to do— and these sisters of Toby’s Dinner Theatre most definitely have a song worth hearing! In the second installment of The Little Sisters of Toby’s Dinner Theatre series, we’re sitting down with nunsemble members MaryKate Brouillet, Erica Clare, and Rachel Kemp, to find out what it’s like to be a nun in Sister Act.

Thank you ladies for sitting with us!

Review: Sister Act at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews September 17, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

Spread the news! It’s time to rock the pews! Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia has caught Sunday morning fever! And it’s burning wild with happiness as Sister Act, the five-time Tony Award-Nominated musical, flocks with glory into the intimate theatre-in-the-round space under the Direction of Lawrence B. Munsey. With Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings and spectacular Choreography by Helen Hayes Award-Winner Mark Minnick, this soulful feel-good musical will lift your spirits straight up to heaven and create an excitingly memorable theatrical experience for everyone in attendance.

You Can’t Stop the Beat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Meet the Nicest Kids in Town- Justin Calhoun and Christie Graham

Interviews August 24, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

You can’t stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above— you can try to stop the paradise they’re dreaming of— but you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay! You can’t stop the final installment of the You Can’t Stop the Beat interview series, featuring Christie Graham and Justin Calhoun as Tracy Turnblad and Link Larkin! Read on, readers! Because they’re going to shake and shimmy it and have some fun today!

You Can’t Stop the Beat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Meet the Nicest Kids in Town- Heather Marie Beck and Gabriella DeLuca

Interviews July 25, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

Come on, you Von Tussle’s, go and shake your fanny muscles! Yes they can, yes they can! And they can’t stop the beat as Part 3 of the TheatreBloom interview series “You Can’t Stop the Beat” rolls along to meet Heather Marie Beck and Gabriella DeLuca, playing Velma and Amber Von Tussle.

Thank you, ladies, for having a sit with us! If you’ll give us a quick introduction and background, we’ll get going!

You Can’t Stop the Beat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Meet the Nicest Kids in Town- Coby Kay Callahan & Darren McDonnell

Interviews June 6, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

You can’t stop an avalanche as it races down a hill! And this summer, Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia is racing down the hill of amazing theatrical experiences as they bring the heart of Baltimore to their stage with Hairspray. In the TheatreBloom exclusive interview series, “You Can’t Stop the Beat: Meet the Nicest Kids in Town” we’ll be chatting over the course of the production’s run with everyone from the character man and woman right up to Miss Hairspray herself,

Review: Peter Pan at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews April 15, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

There’s no happier thought than magic and wonder and enchantment, especially not when it comes to the theatre! A place beholden of wondrous talent, magical moments, and enchanted evenings, Toby’s the Dinner Theatre of Columbia is now proudly presenting a timeless family classic with their production of Peter Pan. Directed by Toby Orenstein and Mark Minnick, with Musical Direction by Brandon Fullenkamp, this lively time-honored treasure will spark fond memories of childhood for the young and young at heart.

Gutenberg! The Musical! Coming to Epic Productions Inc. May 2016

News April 3, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

Musical theatre these days, boy I tells ya! Might as well go to hell for what’s passing on the boards as good entertainment! But you’re in luck! Has Epic Productions Inc. got the show for you! It’s gutsy! It’s spoofy! It’s a two-handler— finally a side-splittingly funny musical about Gutenberg! It’s just what the Baltimore theatre scene needs and it’s just what Epic Productions Inc. is serving up and dishing out with their upcoming production of— you guessed it— Gutenberg!

Review: South Pacific at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Reviews January 29, 2016 Amanda N. Gunther

Dites-moi pourquoi la vie est belle. Dites-moi pourquoi la vie est gai. Life is beautiful and life is gay because the Rogers and Hammerstein classic South Pacific has set a course for Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia and finally landed this 2016. Directed and Choreographed by Mark Minnick, with Musical Direction by Reenie Codelka, this heartwarming, feel-good musical is just the remedy to chase away the winter blues. With stunning talent, beautiful aesthetics,

It’s a Wonderful Interview: Getting Wings with David James

Interviews December 8, 2015 Amanda N. Gunther

If you’re gonna fly then you just gotta have wings! And the only way for Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, to earn his wings is by helping George Bailey hang onto God’s greatest gift! Acting veteran David James, well-known for his three decades of stage work in and around the Washington and Baltimore area, has returned to Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia once more, a performance venue he’s proud to call home for the holidays,

The cast in its entirety of 1776 at Toby's Dinner Theatre

Vote Yes: Inside Independence Hall with Scott Harrison and Andrew Horn

Interviews May 31, 2015 Amanda N. Gunther

Crossing the line from nay to yea in the vote for independence is more than just having Congressional Custodian Andrew McNair slide a tally marker from one side of the board to the other. Continuing on in the interview series Vote Yes: Inside Independence Hall, TheatreBloom investigates the fence-sitting, decision-making members of congress— Samuel Chase of Maryland and Judge James Wilson of Pennsylvania— as played by Toby’s veteran performer Andrew Horn and Toby’s newcomer Scott Harrison,