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Garbeau's Dinner Theater
Categories: Cinema, Performing Arts [Edit]
12401 Folsom Blvd Ste 111Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 985-6361
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
2 reviews for Garbeau's Dinner Theater
Went here on the spur of the moment to see a show that someone I know had choregraphed. Been hearing about Garbeau's for years, really expecting something kind of hokey, but was pleasantly surprised by professionalism of the stage production. My date and I didn't try the food so can't comment on that, although like the other reviewers I found even the drinks to be pricey although the quality was fine.
Garbeau's is in the same shopping center as the Spaghetti Factory, but upstairs. You walk up and into one huge room with a bar at one end, a stage at the other and tiered levels of tables in between. For some reason it reminded me of a stage on a ship, with railings separating the diners from those just drinkin'. It's all a bit informal, but we were greeted pleasantly although the staff was surprised we didn't have reservations. Even without them there were plenty of tables, and we were given a spot by the bar with a great view of the stage.
The production I saw was terrific, a musical song and dance cabaret-style show choreographed by dancer/businessman Pepper Von who I understand has done several shows with Garbeau's. The show had an impressive cast of local singers and dancers. Maybe they all work at State drudgery jobs during the day, but those performers gave it 110% up there on stage and there were several truly excellent singers and dancers who seem destined for greater things.
The lighting and sound were professional, well-timed and complemented the production, and although the sets were minimal there must have been at least 20 costume changes. And it's amazing what a terrific atmosphere can be created with nothing but lighting, stage smoke (steam not chemical) and good costumes. Audience participation was interwoven throughout, playing nicely on the intimacy of the venue, without being awkward. After the show the performers came and mingled with the audience, all in an unrushed atmosphere.
All-in-all a fun and entertaining evening and community theatre at its best.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
I love watching theater. But what I love more than theater is eating. So why not do both at the same time? It's like watching college football and eating pizza, only sans the lactose-intolerant flatulence that permeates the air. (But not from me, my GI tract isn't hairy with dairy.)
Rancho Cordova is not SF, neither is it Gotham City, so you can't expect broadway quality productions in a place most famous for...well...having a VA hospital? Therefore my rating is adjusted for that. But before I get too ahead of myself...
The food: The menu is small (few choices for appetizers and salads) and is on the pricier side (roughly $11-30) with taste that is comparable to other places that charge the same. (Personally, I liked the prime rib here better than the House of Prime Rib in SF.) It also takes a long time to come out (which may be a good thing otherwise you'll sit for a long time with nothing to do before the show starts), but overall we liked the food we ordered. Drinks will cost you 7 bucks or more each.
The show: It'll depend on which show you catch, but it was a decent production for its scale (bare bones, it is dinner theater, after all) and the fact that it's not off Broadway, but rather off Folsom. The actors seem like this is something they do out of passion and not profession (nothing wrong with that...there is a certain beauty in earnest performances), with voices clearly better than the average joe, but not strikingly powerful or memorable. The acoustics allowed voices to come at you unevenly, depending on your seat. The show I saw wasn't written with a lot of harmony or opposing melodies (like finale b in Rent), which would be a true test of their talent so it's still too early for me to judge.
Tips: If you eat dinner there you get a better seat since you're there earlier. Sitting in the main section in the middle isn't necessarily better, because your chair is perpendicular to the stage. And don't sit too close, otherwise you might catch some flying saliva! For 2 people (with 3 drinks) it ran us $100. And wear your deodorant...you may have to sit within 6 inches of another couple's table.
For a quaint dinner and theater experience that is not 1.5 hours away in Hwy 80, this place gets Franksabunched with 4 stars! As a plus the owner and CEO stuck around to talk to the customers afterwards.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
