Hi all,
I am compelled to share the experience I had at the Shadowbox one week ago. Before I go any further, I should explain that I have been to the Shadowbox numerous times, both in their older downtown and their Easton locations. I've been entertained every time...except this last time.
We arrived last Saturday early enough to get a table close to the band. The group included my wife and close friends of ours. Just minutes before the show was to start, a group of four women were seated at the table to the left of us (right at the front left corner of the theater). It wasn't five minutes into the show that we realized these women had had way too much to drink. They were literally having their own conversation throughout the skits (LOUDLY), singing obnoxiously along with the band, and being an incredible disruption to everyone who sat around them. Finally, I decided to say something. The drunkest one then came over to my table and proceeded to get in my face. She stated that I was rude, which I found amazingly ironic since I was essentially calling out *their* extreme rudeness. I waited until intermission and went to talk to the gentlemen who was working the door. I stated that there were a group of women who were acting rude and disrupting the enjoyment of the show for many people, including me. The guy seemed to take my complaint very seriously, asking precisely where these women were sitting. I pointed it out on a seating chart, and he said he would take care of it.
Second half of the show starts, and I am waiting for justice to arrive. The group of drunks became even more loud, going so far as to take flash photography (which was expressly forbidden at the outset of the program). I watched as two other people around me get up to complain about these women. I even tapped two of them on the shoulder to confirm that they had indeed complained about this group, which by now had ruined everyone's time at the show.
And here's the rub: Shadowbox Live did *nothing* about this, even amidst the numerous complaints they received. I am pretty sure that this group of women were familiar to the cast, as a few of them came up to chit chat with them during the second half.
I approached Steve Guyer personally after the show and told him in stark terms how disappointed I was about Shadowbox's lack of action. There is no doubt that those women should have been thrown out of the show. Instead, Shadowbox Live allowed them to ruin the night for at least 10-15 people, including my own party. Steve *seemed* concerned, so he had one of the Shadowbox performers take my name and number. As of today (one week later), I have received no call from Shadowbox. It doesn't matter anyway - Shadowbox cannot make up for the complete lack of professionalism they exhibited I witnessed on January 15th.
I just thought all of you should know, as I am beyond disgusted by this incident and am still incredulous as to how a professional troupe in Columbus can show such lack of class.
Ryan
Update 1/26/11:
I spoke with Katy today from Shadowbox. First let me state that it appears I did not receive either of Katy's messages. I appreciate that she reached out and believe Shadowbox has adequately addressed my concerns. I still regret that our night was ruined by a bunch of drunk jerks, but I intend to see a Shadowbox show again when they move downtown.
more