Toby’s Dinner Theatre
5900 Symphony Woods Way
Columbia, MD 21044
What a fun night out! We went to see High School Musical and took some friends and family—and our 5 year old grandson, Parker. As soon as Parker was seated, a cute little girl named Savannah ran across the stage area, climbed up the steps, pushed past two tables of people to give Parker a great big hug and placed her head right on his shoulder! Savannah is Parker’s classmate in kindergarten in Essex, so that tells you how far and wide people come to enjoy a fun evening out with the family. Of course, our little stud-muffin enjoyed the attention but, being male, tried to act like he didn’t!
There were announcements made prior to the performance of birthdays being celebrated, anniversaries, straight A’s on report cards—many different occasions which were cause for folks to come out and have a good time.
The doors open at 6 p.m. and a buffet is served on the stage in the middle of the room. The buffet consisted of a salad bar, fresh fruits, vegetables, potatoes and freshly carved beef, turkey and ham. In the front foyer an ice cream bar was set up with many different kinds of toppings. Our little one just likes his plain, but give any kid, young or old, ice cream and it makes everyone happy.
Our waiters, who were also the cast, did a perfect job of being attentive and making sure everyone had everything they needed. They were upbeat and fun which added to the overall atmosphere.
The buffet breaks down around 7:30, the stage is cleared and props are then brought out. The show begins at 8:00 p.m.
During the show, which we all felt was done well, Parker was mesmerized. We’ve never seen him sit that still for such a long time! We were also thoroughly enjoying watching these three girls, who looked to us like they ranged in age from 8 to 10, who were singing and dancing and mimicking the cast’s gestures and body language to every number.
Toby’s is truly a good time! For those who have not tried theater or dinner theater, this form of live entertainment leaves you happier or more enthused or more engaged than, say, going to the movies, because of the energy generated from the performers and the production. Seeing real people right in front of you doing creative, interesting and entertaining things very skillfully and enthusiastically—and just for you—is inspiring, humbling and quite special. And, luckily, our area has much theater to offer. So, instead of the movies, try one of our local theaters (Toby’s, Rep Stage, Olney Theater, Centerstage) and make the night out a special one for friends or family. Who knows, you may even see someone you know onstage.
On another note, owner, entrepreneur and arts activist, Toby Orenstein, has given a lot back to Columbia and Howard County, and for that, we all should be grateful. Your erstwhile bloggers applaud her for all she does, both for the arts and for the community!
--The Nagles
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