THE GARDEN THEATER

by Paul Batterson - March 17, 2024

Broadway Musicals are often fantasies, musical representations about things that could not possibly happen. The saddest thing about Short North Stage’s production of THE PROM, which runs from March 14 through April 7 at the Garden Theater, is that it is based partly in truth....

by Paul Batterson - January 26, 2024

A show about domestic violence and oppression doesn’t sound like a cheery night at the theater. Here’s what makes the show work: the music and lyrics, especially in the opening three numbers, are about as uplifting as one can get in a show and secondly, there are opportunities for redemption for eve...

by Paul Batterson - September 01, 2023

What did our critic think of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at The Garden Theater? As she gets ready to perform in SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, Stephanie Amber admits presenting Stephen Sondheim’s works leaves her stomach, as well as her tongue, in knots....

by Paul Batterson - May 15, 2023

What did our critic think of REVIEW: THE WILD PARTY at Garden Theater?...

by Paul Batterson - May 09, 2023

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by Paul Batterson - March 09, 2023

After reciting the 'The Witch's Entrance' for 19 shows in Short North Stage's production of INTO THE WOODS, Diana DeGarmo may never look at a salad the same way again....

by Paul Batterson - December 19, 2022

I will proudly admit it. I don't like Christmas shows. I once videotaped HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and purposely stopped taping right about the time the Grinch was about to dump the presents off the edge of Mount Crumpet. I empathize with Miles Finch and Mr. Potter more than I do with Buddy the...

by Paul Batterson - October 17, 2022

What did our critic think of RENT at Garden Theater?...

by Paul Batterson - September 12, 2022

What did our critic think of TICK, TICK … BOOM at Garden Theater? Rarely can one sum up the message of an entire musical in three words. However, composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson sums up the message of TICK, TICK ... BOOM! in three words found in the middle of the song, 'Johnny Can't Decide:' c...

by Paul Batterson - September 06, 2022

What did our critic think of TICK, TICK … BOOM at Garden Theater? No actors will be waiting in the wings when the curtain goes up on the Short North Stage's production of TICK, TICK ... BOOM Sept. 9, 10, and 11 at the Garden Theater (1187 North High Street in downtown Columbus)....