Dreams, dance and secrets onstage this week

By Kevin Carr
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

OPENING THIS WEEK
“The Man of Her Dreams” comes to the Ohio Theatre this week with performances on Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This examination of what women look for (and dread) in a man stars Ralph Tresvant, A.J. Johnson, Christopher Williams, Woody Rock and Jackie Clark. Call (614) 431-3600 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
The King Arts Complex will host “What Color Is Trouble” by local playwright Ron Pitts of Ujima Theatre. This original production includes music, song and dance, starring area youth and young adults. The story addresses societal problems such as gangs, addiction, racism and violence. Full performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. An abbreviated matinee is on Friday at 11 a.m. Call (614) 645-KING or visit www.kingartscomplex.com.
Finally, the Phoenix Theatre for Children is opening its new show “The Wind in the Willows.” This production, adapted by Phoenix Artistic Director Steven C. Anderson, can be seen at the Riffe Center through May 9. visit www.thephoenixonline.org.

CONTINUING THIS WEEK
The beat goes on with “Riverdance” at the Palace Theatre. Performances run through Sunday. Call (614) 431-3600 or visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.
CATCO continues “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” and its humorous side to the immortal bard. Performances are at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., and run through Sunday, May 8. Call (614) 469-0939 or visit www.catco.org.
Columbus Children’s Theatre continues its run of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The production runs through Sunday, May 1 with performances at the Davis Discovery Center, 549 Franklin Ave. Call (614) 224-6672 or visit www.colschildrenstheatre.org for more information.
“Vaudeville” is still in full swing at The Ohio State University College of the Arts. This compilation of original works from the acting students runs through Saturday, April 30 at the O.S.U. Roy Bowen Theatre in Drake Union, 1849 Cannon Drive. Call (614) 292-2295 or visit www.arts.ohio-state.edu.
2Co’s Cabaret’s “Love, Laughter and Lies” continues through May 21 with Shadowbox Cabaret’s “Dirty Little Secrets” continuing through Sunday, June 11. For an abbreviated Shadowbox show, visit the cabaret for “The Lunch Box,” a mid-day sampling of sketches and music. Call (614) 265-ROCK or visit www.shadowboxcabaret.com.

A LOOK AT SHADOWBOX CABARET’S “DIRTY
LITTLE SECRETS”
One might think that because Shadowbox Cabaret and 2Co’s Cabaret are run by the same organization that they’d put on pretty much the same show. However, the two cabarets’ styles couldn’t be more different.
The flavor of the Shadowbox show is a little grittier than their sister cabaret. If you don’t like profanity, you’ll want to steer clear of “Dirty Little Secrets.” However, if you aren’t scared off by four letter words and some off-color humor, you’ll get a kick out of Shadowbox.
While the songs were the strength of 2Co’s ensemble, the sketch comedy at Shadowbox is the highlight. “Dirty Little Secrets” revels in the absurd, often launching zingers with bathroom humor and crude jokes.
The music during the show has a deeper funk feel and covers material from Peter Gabriel to Tina Turner, with a solid homage to Tina by Noelle Grandison.
“Secret” high points include “A Public Apology,” written by the wild and crazy Steve Martin and performed by Jimmy Mak. This hilarious monologue takes political scandal to the ludicrous extreme. This is the only piece not written by the Shadowbox gang.
Some nice sketches from the Sha- dowbox pen include “Le Blind Date” about a couple whose accidental gross outs stir up trouble, “Office Inquisition” about hyperactive office mates freaking out over possible lay-offs, and “Monopoly Jail” about an “Oz”-style version of the board game’s jailhouse. (A special shout-out to Mary Arquette as the Wheelbarrow, who made the sketch a lot of fun to watch.)
Helping to break up the show are funny short sketches, including “Shannon’s Movie Reviews” starring Amy Lay as a seven-year-old film critic and “J.B.F. Hair Products.” (You’ll have to catch the show to find out what “J.B.F.” stands for.)