36 hours in Columbus … if you are in tune with live music and theater

By Margot McCrillis

Since its founding – and to today – the city is a destination for high-quality entertainment. The Springer Opera House, Georgia’s state theater, was a stop for actors and singers in the 1800s. And, it produces musicals, comedies and dramas today. Faculty and staff of Columbus State University’s nationally recognized Schwob School of Music populate music performances across the city, be it symphonies, ensembles or individual performances in classical, pop or jazz – often free. There are road shows in the RiverCenter and big-name concerts in the Civic Center, as well as intimate spots for music and comedy in bars and clubs downtown. Then, for a spiritual lift, lend an ear to the church choirs on Sunday.

Here are 11 ideas if you are in tune with live music and theater during 36 hours in Columbus

#1 – Springer Opera House offers something for every taste

The Springer Opera House is a lavish, 145-year-old National Historic Landmark theater that produces Broadway-style musicals, comedies and dramas, world premieres of new plays, children’s theater and challenging studio productions. There is something for every taste, producing artistic director Paul Pierce might say. Shows tend to be popular classics, as these draw big audiences. Box office successes allow the theater to premier original shows as well. All shows are locally produced, cast, and designed – thus, a unique Columbus experience. The Springer is a 135,000 square foot, two-stage facility in downtown. Performances for each show are in the evenings during the three-week production period, and there are matinee shows on the weekend.

Maps and directions: Springer Opera House

#2 – RiverCenter attracts live performances from around the world

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts hosts live theater, music, and comedy in its 245,000 square foot, three-theater facility. Since its opening in 2002, acts such as Yo Yo Ma, Jerry Seinfeld, and the Broadway show Chicago have appeared there. The RiverCenter also is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, which performs in the 2,000 seat Bill Heard Theater.  Legacy Hall, a 430-seat theater, houses the visually striking Jordan Concert Organ. Faculty and students in Columbus State University’s nationally recognized Schwob School of Music rehearse and perform there, often for free.

Maps and directions: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

#3 – The Civic Center is for large-scale concerts, other events

Columbus Civic Center is the city’s largest entertainment venue. Ten thousand seats and, according to marketing manager Robin Wallace, “there isn’t a bad seat in the house.” The Civic Center has hosted musical performers from all genres – from Elton John to R. Kelly. The Civic Center also hosts the circus and the rodeo.

Maps and directions: Civic Center

#4 – Several venues for children’s theater

There are several venues for children’s theater in Columbus. These include shows in the Springer’s McClure Theater, Columbus State University’s Family Series in Riverside Theatre, and the Family Theater. Springer shows often feature performances by students enrolled in the Springer Theatre Academy, now in its third decade. CSU’s Family Series is the children-oriented series produced by CSU’s Department of Theatre. Family Theater is a community playhouse founded in 1997, which often showcases original scripts by local authors, intended for adults and children. Families are invited to bring dinner for before the show. Students enrolled in its Summer Theater Camp produce three shows appealing to children and teens.

Maps and directions: Springer’s McClure Theater, Riverside Theatre, Family Theater

#5 – For a look at the next generation of theater, music performers

Attend one of the Columbus State University’s shows at the Riverside Theatre in downtown. The season consists of three series: Mainstage, Summer, and Family shows directed by CSU faculty and starring its students. Shows range from Sister Act to Moliere’s Tartuffe and showcase the talents of local college students enrolled in the theatre program. Becky Becker, a theater department professor and director of several shows at CSU, says there are no bad seats in the theater because it is very small, and the audience is always in close proximity to what is happening onstage.

CSU’s Schwob School of Music has a thriving program with many performances throughout the year in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. These range from solo performances by guitarist and professor Andrew Zohn to contemporary performances by Paul Vaillancourt’s percussion ensemble and the very popular jazz ensemble. Many of these are free recitals by students, but the other shows are moderately priced.

Maps and directions: Riverside Theatre, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

#6 – If you have a taste for an interactive, dinner theater experience

Check out the Sherlock’s Mystery Dinner Theatre, which recently relocated to the Columbus Marriott. Company member Johanna Cabatigan says, “You never know what type of group you’ll have… the energy can be palpable at the start of the show or increase as the show continues.” Many of the staff and company are Columbus State University graduates who have chosen to continue their craft in Columbus. Resident director Cameron Bean says that the audience “can always rely on the cast for an entertaining experience.”

Maps and directions: Columbus Marriott

#7 – Try No Shame Theater for stand up, sketch comedy, and music

No Shame Theater, according to promoter Jim Pharr, is “a good mix of music, poetry, stand-up, audience participation and some improv.” It’s a workshop for musicians to try songs outside their genre, for the comedians to try new material, and for first-time performers in the “virgin slot” to try – well anything. This is the late-night offering of the Springer Opera House. Doors open at 10 p.m. every Friday, and the first five performers to sign in make up the lineup. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and on any given night, visitors might see stand-up, comedy sketches, and music. The doors close at 11 p.m., so be sure to arrive by then. There is a break to visit the bar about halfway through the show, which is usually over by 12:30 a.m.

Also check out Comedy Night at the Loft. Comedy Night is Thursday with shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Each week, the show for those 21 and over features professional local and regional comedians.

Maps and directions: No Shame Theater, Loft

#8 – Live music for every age group – adults in 21-and-over bars to casual, family friendly

There are several venues where visitors can see and hear live music in the downtown area, but call ahead to learn whether there are age restrictions. Every Thursday is open mic night at Fountain City Coffee, and if you visit, you’ll encounter a range of styles in a cozy, laid-back setting. Iron Bank Coffee Co. has regular evening performances usually on Friday and Saturday nights that you can enjoy with one of their seasonal lattes. The Loft features shows three nights a week, Thursday through Saturday. If you are a jazz enthusiast, this might be the place for you. Friday is Jazz Night, from 7 to 9 p.m. Manager Matt Kirkey says these performances are, “very laid back, but the vibe is different each night.” Another destination for live late night music is Scruffy Murphy’s, also downtown, which features live music each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday features in-house musician Ryan Clifford who came to Columbus from New York after touring with the Dave Matthews Tribute Band and plays hits by bands from Guns ‘n Roses to The Beatles.

Maps and directions: Fountain City Coffee, Iron Bank Coffee, Loft, Scruffy Murphy’s

#9 – Choirs and pipe organs herald fine, choral music performances

Many churches in Columbus offer quality choral performances at Sunday services. Four in the downtown — First Presbyterian, St. Luke United Methodist, First Baptist and Trinity Episcopal — feature pipe organs. St. Thomas Episcopal in midtown has a “thriving music program” under the direction of Rick McKnight, according to William Bullock, former choral director at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. The choir at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the Liberty District was home to Ma Rainey, mother of the blues, when she returned to Columbus in retirement. There she sang “not the blues, but hymns, anthems, spirituals and patriotic songs,” a friend recalls. The tradition continues. The choir at the Rock Evangelical Presbyterian Church in midtown sings mournful, Scottish hymns — in Korean. All of these churches are open to visitors, and many use musicians and vocalists from Schwob.

Maps and directions: First Presbyterian, St. Luke United Methodist, First Baptist, Trinity Episcopal, St. Thomas Episcopal, Friendship Missionary Baptist, Rock Evangelical Presbyterian 

#10 – Tours of Springer Opera House offer a history of theater in Columbus

The Springer Opera House tour is packed with interesting tidbits, insights, and the amazing story of the theater’s remarkable evolution. You’ll learn the origins of the table in the lobby (left by a visiting performer featured in a portrait there), the hotel which once existed on the third floor, and the renovations of 1901 and 1998. You can sit on Edwin Booth’s travelling bench, which he used to display props. You’ll walk down the Hall of Legends lined with examples of famous visitors and performers to the Springer throughout history. You’ll be able to see the hand painted wallpaper in the Emily Woodruff Hall up close from what was once the segregated seating. The Springer’s main tour guide, Aileen Fowles, knows the theater, its mission, and its history. Scheduled tours at 3:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. If you are not able to attend one of the scheduled tours, call ahead to the box office, as a special tour can often be arranged.

Maps and directions: Springer Opera House

#11 – Creatively Yours offers a rare, insider’s view of costumes

Schedule a visit to Creatively Yours, a costume design and rental shop run by Sandy Dawson, located in the St. Elmo shopping center in midtown. Dawson designs costumes for local theaters as well as renting and creating costumes for other clients. Her hours are by appointment, 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday most of the year. Peruse the shop, but only design or rental customers are permitted to try on items. Dawson says she doesn’t design anything “too scary or risqué.” The pieces are organized roughly by period, and with every turn you will see costume pieces, hats, and hand props of all kinds. Avoid food or drink. Dawson also creates hats for the local Steeplechase event at Callaway Gardens, which you can see as well.

Maps and directions: Creatively Yours