Last week I was invited to see Showboat at the Westchester Broadway Theatre at 1 Broadway Plaza in Elmsford, NY. Showboat is showing now through the end of November, then it returns for the month of January.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Theatre, then you’re in for a treat. This is a lovely dinner theatre with staged table seating. There is no bad seat in the house. You’re nearby to the stage no matter where you sit. The dinner is always lovely with a variety of choice. I personally chose the French Onion Soup appetizer and Pretzel Encrusted Chicken. The chef did an excellent job. There is a variety of wines, liquor, and beers available. I find the drinks a bit strong, so I’d recommend the wines or beer.
You typically have about 90 minutes for dinner before the show. The Theatre is extremely good at notifying you when the show will start, how the food and drinks work during the show / intermission, how long the show will be, etc. They also are very sweet about shouting out to guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and whatever other celebrations are taking place that evening.
Showboat, in my mind, has two somewhat independent casts. The main cast, who performed throughout the show, all had beautiful, classically trained voices. There were a lot of musical numbers throughout the show, spanning the range of tempo.
The secondary cast, who came and went throughout the show, were by far my favorite. Their singing, their dancing, their acting, were all fantastic. And when the entire cast was on the floor, my jaw was on the floor. However, it was Michael James Leslie (Joe) that absolutely made the show for me. I was engrossed in every line, every note, every move he made. His tenor voice in Old Man River will ring in my memory for the remainder of my life, I have no doubt. He is an amazing singer, amazing actor, and I enjoyed every single last second of him on the stage. I would seek out shows he’s in just to see him.
Showboat will be on the Mainstage through the end of November and again in January 2016.
Reservations: Call (914)-592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call 592-8730, for private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking. Additional cost, call for details.
Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
WBT Mainstage:
Showboat – September 24th to November 29th 2015 and returns December 30th to January 31st 2016
Tim And Scrooge– December 3rd to December 27th.
Always Patsy Cline – February 4th to February 28.
Man Of La Mancha– March 3rd to May 1st
Happy Days – May 5th to July 17th
All Dancing, All Singing, Irving Berlin In Hollywood –July 21st to September 11th.
Saturday Night Fever – September 15th to November 27th.
