“Sex at the Box” offers an evening filled with unique comedy and music.
The show, which takes place at the Shadowbox Cabaret in Easton, consisted of comedic skits and songs with sexual undertones.
The line, ” Remember, we are a theater that serves drinks, not a bar that happens to have actors,” from the opening monologue summed up the purpose of the Shadowbox Cabaret.
The show began with the band BillWho? performing a cover of the song “Let’s Get it On.” Singer Jennifer Tarry performed vocals in this and several other songs. Her powerful voice seemed to grab the attention of the audience and set the mood for the rest of the night.
The crowd was pulled into the show by Kori Billiat’s performance of the cabaret’s theme song, during which audience participation of hand waving was highly encouraged. It was evident from then on that the audience was in for a night of fun and laughter.
A wide variety of songs, including “Get Off” and “Satisfy Me,” were performed to keep the flow between skits . All the songs were greatly complemented by unique costumes and simple choreography.
The ongoing comedic element of the show was especially present in the BillWho? cover of “Give it Away Now.” Band members stripped down to their boxer shorts and played with energy equal to that of the original artists, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The show had a good amount of lighthearted comedy. It became funnier as more skits were performed.
The show got off to a slow start with “I’ll Show You Mine” starring David Whitehouse and Pam Callahan. The skit had a few funny moments, but it seemed too long and began to drag a little.
The second half of the show was hilarious. The whole audience often burst out in waves of laughter and sometimes in shock.
The skits covered a large range of topics. One skit entitled “Nice Tie” dealt with the uneasiness of trying to meet people in bars.
Gabe Guyer and Katy Psenicka were especially funny when their show “Gardening with Gary and Galinda” mistakenly gave out gardening advice that was loaded with sexual double-meanings.
“Recess Court,” was one of the most humorous skits because it was about kids, kisses and “cooties.” The skits were fast paced and drew upon the sexual stigma that surrounds daily life in society. They had just the right amount of comedy to make them funny but not offensive.
The staff was highly enthusiastic and welcoming. They focused on getting the audience excited and ready for the unique show.
The performers were involved in multiple aspects of the show. Before the performance, they worked the box-office, seated patrons and even served. Once the lights went down and the show began, they transformed into singers, dancers and actors. The actors not only participated in the skits, but often sang vocals or played instruments with the band between each small skit.
During intermission, the performers rushed out to wait tables before they had to go on stage again. It was very impressive to see them perform so many tasks with such efficiency and still put on such a good show.
The musical performances were the best part of the show. BillWho? did flawless covers of familiar songs that kept the crowd entertained and enthusiastic. The vocal talents of the performers were also very impressive. All of the singers were extremely talented and fully engrossed in the songs that they were performing.
The Shadowbox Cabaret was set up with cabaret style seating. The audience was tightly packed so that everyone was relatively close to the stage.
The theater offered a small menu of appetizers ranging from pizza to artichoke dip. Beer, wine and mixed drinks were also available before the show and during intermission.
The show runs Wednesdays through Sundays until March 23 at the Shadowbox Cabaret in Easton Town Center. For more information, call 614-265-ROCK.