BDT Stage

Now I may be off by one or two years, but I’ve been a patron of the BDT since I was 10… Maybe 12… And I’m currently 34.5 years old). I feel ashamed it’s taken me this long to write a review as a Unilocaler (although anyone whose attended a show knows you are exhausted afterwards from pure engagement and enjoyment).
It IS a commitment. From beginning to end, plan to be there for 4.5 hours (and a little extra for parking). Doors open, you have over an hour for dinner, and then showtime!
Everything about this place is filled with nostalgia. The entrance flooring is a conglomerate of tiny pebbles looking like they were glued together (which echo if you’re wearing heels, so
I tiptoe during bathroom breaks which are timed in order to beat the line… there is always a bathroom line and I’m not ready to give away all my tricks quite yet). The walls are lined with stills of shows past; When I was a wee lass, I recognized much fewer shows than I do now as they continue to update.
So now to the food… The BDT is not known for their menu. THAT IS OK. There’s a certain comfort in that (I’m also the gal that longs for the day of airplane meals), but they got a new chef recently and it completely threw me off guard. You can’t take the cordon bleu off the menu! I still love and fawn over you, BDT, but this is just crazy! A new chef has elevated the menu, which I appreciate the effort, but NO. There’s beauty in your former simplicity. Perhaps have a nightly special and go back to the basics.
The chairs: I’m very torn on this topic. They are SO uncomfortable, but again, have a certain sense of nostalgia.
I want to thank the BDT actors/​team/​geniuses for all of the heart, passion, and hard work they’ve put in over the years. From my first show (Paint Your Wagon), to my most recent (Peter and the Star Catcher), they give it ALL every night. This is not only some of the best regional theatre you can find, but the majority of these actors should be AEA and could be on National tours. Most are triple threats, and I’ve seen many Broadway shows with weaker performers. The shows are clever, modern, and creatively dressed/​designed.
Tip for management: go back to your old menu.
Tip for 1^st timers: go to a show you know.
While there are many many familiar faces on stage, the Beyette’s have been an anchor since my first show. Never leave!

My boyfriend and I saw Peter and the Starcatcher last weekend. We were at a 6 person table with only 1 other couple, which was nice since we didn’t feel cramped. Were told to arrive at 6:15. I ordered a Moscow Mule (which was excellent) and was informed that they would need to hold my ID because it’s a real copper mug… With $ 55 tickets I would think they would trust their customers with the mugs…
Meanwhile, I noticed that my stockings were caught on the bottom of the table, completely ruining them. There were exposed staples and sharp pieces of broken staples on the bottom of the table that had caught them. We informed the waiter and the manager thoroughly apologized, comped my drink, and offered to reimburse me for new ones, which made me feel much better.
The food took a long time to come out, despite being obviously pre-​plated, and was just okay. The first act didn’t begin until around 8, which made for a surprisingly long dinner. The first act was great, the actors were obviously having fun and it was very entertaining.
It wasn’t until almost the end of intermission that our dessert and check arrived. The turtle cheesecake was good. I asked someone about getting my ID back in exchange for the mug and he told me I should take care of it myself at the bar, which came across as pretty rude. Thankfully, Smee (who was serving drinks) came around and brought me my ID back. The second act was even better than the first!
Overall it was a fun but long night, it just seemed disorganized.

Addams Family — took the family last night to see this show. It was really good. We all enjoyed it. I was really impressed with the set design, signing and dance numbers. The cast really took on their rolls and looked the part. Gomez and Fester were our favorites. I love how intimate the theater is. The «moon» looked so real.
The food– the entrees we ordered were all good but on the smaller side. It will defiantly leave room for dessert. The adults had the chicken cordon bleu. It was better than I remember. I really enjoyed it. Our kids had the prime rib and Gorgonzola penne. They loved it but I was glad I had not ordered it. Very few tiny pieces of meat. Mostly penne and white sauce.
We did order 2 glasses of wine and dessert with our meal for an additional $ 59. Apple pie, mud pie, cheesecake, and pumpkin bread pudding. The apple pie and cheesecake were the winners.
All in all it was a great value and an awesome family night out. We hope to come back sooner next time.

Last night we saw the Buddy Holly Show. It was AMAZING!!! The show they put on was great, lots of energy, good acting, and most importantly, good music. My only one compliant is that they used the word «G*d Damn» entirely too much for my taste. We felt the food was good, my husband had the Cod (and he loved it) and I had the overstuffed shells, which were good too! They sure do work those actors hard, as they are your waiters as well, so please tip well, they deserve it 110%!!!

An amazing time that I would recommend to anyone. I’ve gone here multiple times and have always been astounded by the talent. Although the food isn’t exquisite, all is made up by the singing and acting. Just saw the Buddy Holly Story and was nearly jumping out of my seat. They kept playing for a long time too. Great place for families!
Remember the servers are the actors so tip kindly. ;)

Show: Marry Poppins
08÷08÷15
I am a huge fan of community theatre, and this was one of the best shows I’ve seen on a local level. The level of skill and talent brought to the small stage was fabulous, even compared to larger shows I’ve seen and been part of. I’ve seen the traveling version of this show in Atlanta, and this production was equally, if not more, entertaining. There were some small things that could have made it better– but overall I was quite impressed.
Having read reviews before we went my expectations of the food were pretty low. We ordered the guac and chips appetizer. The guac was good, the chips were a bit stale, but eatable. We were three people and all gluten free, so we ended up with one each of the gluten free options: enchiladas, shepherds pie, and coconut cod. Aside from needing some salt and pepper it was quite good. Keeping it on a scale of banquet type food and not comparing it to going to a resteraunt which cooks to order. I’ve definitely had far worse at more expensive places. We also had a couple of drinks, which were well made and not watered down.
Prices were good, the staff was excellent, and the show fabulous. I am excited to go back again and again.

I love BDT stage! My son and I saw Mary Poppins last week shortly after it opened and it was spectacular! For me the food always leaves something to be desired but the show more than makes up for it. Looking forward to seeing The Addams Family later this year and Footloose next year!

Just had a great time with my family tonight thanks to the awesome folk at BDT Stage (aka Boulder Dinner Theater). We had a fairly good dinner; my hubby and mom-​in-​law had the Cordon Bleu, our son (18) had the Pasta Bolognese, and I had the tamales plate. We all agreed we would give the food a 4 out of 5. The performers though were the absolute best part of the night! They served up a beautiful performance of «Fiddler on the Roof». A+

No change in the rating — BDT (they’re changing their name to BDT Stage) is still a place I really enjoy going. However, my previous review was very outdated, so here’s something for 2014…
My friends and I hold season tickets to several theaters in and around Denver, and BDT is one of them.
The best part of the night is the show, so I’ll start with that. BDT has an amazingly talented ensemble. If you become a regular here, you’ll start to recognize the faces pretty quickly — and you won’t be disappointed to see them in the show. The productions are very professional, polished, and fun.
Now, you certainly don’t go here for the food, but that isn’t to say there aren’t some decent options. I had the taco salad this past weekend, which was nice and fresh… but it would have been nice to have some warmth on the chicken, which was served just as cold as the veggies. Several menu options have been updated, and sadly they seem to have removed their great garlic mashed potatoes in favor of some roasted potatoes. When I had these earlier this year, they were terrible. Mushy and cold — just inedible. I’d much rather have the mash back — or even the steamed (formerly frozen) veggies. In the past, I’ve enjoyed the vegan tamales — and the chicken cordon, which they claim is their patron’s favorite dish, seems to be straight off the Schwan’s truck… so if you like ‘em there, you’ll like ‘em here. All in all, the menu is pretty varied so you should definitely be able to find something that satisfies.
Enjoy the show!

Took my parents to see Shrek the Musical. We had such a great time!
Sat at the second row of tables, but I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house. The actors even come out into the audience several times during the show!
The actors were AMAZING — singing, dancing, cracking jokes, AND waiting tables. Whew, they’ve got to be exhausted!
The food was ok — more and fresher options than you’d expect when everyone’s orders need to come out at once. The service was great — it didn’t hurt that Donkey was the one taking our drink orders!
We’ll definitely be back. We live in Boulder and we may even get season tickets!

I will NEVER attend a show here again. Not only did the food remind me of some sub-​standard cafeteria, the show was terrible. I can honestly say that out of the whole cast of Shrek, 3 actors could sing. Also, BDT, to single out one particular religion in your «Freak Flag» number is extremely offensive. Please consider all the Church of Scientology does for the community before you put them on blast for being freaks. This was all around offensive. And to think all those children are now left with the impression that Scientology or studying Scientology makes you some sort of «freak». You should be ashamed.

One of my most favorite places on the planet. The company here is consistent, talented, and hard working — running service and a show is no easy feat.
The live orchestra is such a treat — no pre-​recorded tracks, but live musicians in a tiny space — the acoustics are amazing.
Is the food anything special? Not really. But for what you’re paying, dinner and a show for $ 40 on some nights? I mean, come on. That’s maybe one ticket at DCPA in crummy seats.
Love this place, it’s got my eternal loyalty.

I must admit I LOVE the theatre here.
If you’re in to performing arts, this is a local MUST. It’s also fun that the cast are your servers for the evening (and as someone who was IN theater earlier in life, can’t imagine how taxing it is to serve as the customer service during what SHOULD be your «downtime»!)
However, I do wish there was a cheaper option for those that don’t want the food. You’d honestly get a better meal visiting your grandparents at the nursing home.
I’ve been here 3 times for the theater, and have yet to finish my meal.
Go for the theater, but don’t bring an appetite!

I brought my mom and daughter here for a belated Mothers Day outing and we all had a great time. We’ve been to other dinner theaters and the food here was ten times better! The dessert menu was to-​die-​for! The staff was good– I am always impressed at how hard they work serving, dancing, and acting! Way to go!

We had such a great time here! We purchased tickets to see Shrek the Musical. I thought it might cater to children more but I was cracking up most of the performance. Overall, it was a lot of fun.
The tables are oriented around the stage so I suggests getting seats in the center for the best view. For the Shrek performance, the actors come out into the aisles for some scenes which was fun. What I didn’t realize at first was that the actors are also the servers. So it was entertaining to see dressed up casts members passing out dessert and checks during the intermission. On both the service and acting, they did a great job.
While the performance was great, the dinner portion could use some love. My salmon cost a little extra but was better than what others ordered. In their program they said they were working to improve their menu which is good. I can appreciate that they acknowledge what they need to improve on.
I would definitely come here again for another show.

When I went to «Spamalot,» I didn’t realize the title referenced the quality of the dinner entrees.
Kidding!
…but seriously, don’t order the «beef’ pot pie.» It is literally a mild beef stew with a flaky biscuit on top. How they figured «pot» and/​or «pie» could apply to this dish is anybody’s guess. I thought perhaps they were simply unfamiliar with the concept, and thus had a good laugh when my friend ordered the apple «pie» for dessert. Oh, that poor, sweet fool, did he have any idea what he was getting into? I fully expected them to wheel out a whole apple with a scone alighting its crown at intermission, but they caught me completely by surprise with an actual apple pie. Huh… standard theater knavery, I suppose.
For all my concern with the food, I have to say that I enjoyed the show. The actors were energetic with great singing voices and comedic timing. Being a die-​hard Monty Python fan, however, I couldn’t help but note which scenes they skipped over. I won’t spoil your fun by naming any specifics, and the list of omitted scenes was about as short as it could be, but seeing the musical just made me want to see the movie even more.
There is a certain novelty in being served by your actors, but it seemed that they were all business at intermission. I had half hoped they would stay in character while dishing out dessert; alas, it was not to be.
If they’re putting on a show you’re desperate to see (Spamalot filled the bill for me), it’s certainly worth a visit. If you’re just trying to fill up your night, however, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Really enjoyed the play. Food was just so-​so.
For the money you spend these actors are working hard.
Cons…you sit a long time, so if that’s hard on you think twice.
Pros, Great entertainment. If this was just a restaurant the food quality would not be enough to bring me back but for what is included it is a good value.
Bottom line, it is a good departure from a movie and I would suggest attending to change things up!

I have seen a couple productions here and they are always fantastic. The actors are personable and professional– but when they mess up a line, it’s no big deal– they make it part of the fun.
The food is just meh. Included in your ticket price is a small — and when I say small, I mean 4 pieces of lettuce and a tomato – «salad» and an entrée. The entrée is a decent portion but nothing really stands out. I had vegetable curry and added chicken for $ 1. They have vegetarian and gluten free options available. But you’re not really here for the food, the performance should be distracting you!
You pay extra for any drinks or desserts. The desserts are pretty small but again, they do offer gluten free and even one grain free option! If you’re still hungry, I would definitely order a dessert to yourself.
It is a fun experience and you’re there for quite a while. Great for mothers! All the seats are pretty decent since it’s an intimate setting. We’ll be back again for another show that interests us.

Woooza! Just visited for the first time, what a great experience!
I’ll keep this short, with my impressions.
The service was great — some of the service is provided by those you’ll see on the stage. At intermission, they are even in costume. Fun!
Food and drink is not bad at all, I think it’s highly dependent on what you order. One person at our table said that her dish wasn’t particularly hot — strange, considering that they know when food will be served, within a ~30min window.
The show itself (42^nd St in my case) was absolutely amazing. So close to the stage, you can see the performers’ expressions, costumes. Such a energetic experience, lucky to have this in our little Boulder.
If you like live performance and enjoy random experiences, check it out! Watch for coupons and deals too, you can save a few bucks.

I don’t know if it’s just that I’m not cut out for dinner theater, but the whole experience was just so underwhelming! First of all, is it really a good idea to have a show where people should be paying attention combined with dinner, where people tend to talk? That seems like a bad setup to me — people end up chatting and distracted from paying attention. Or, since the tables are set up sideways, they end up with a stiff neck from having turn one way the entire time.
The food tastes like something from a cafeteria at best. I had some chicken, which was overcooked, oversalted, and altogether not at all exciting. Then the show. When I went (yes, a while ago), it was the Little Shop of Horrors. The singing was OK, and the set was pretty well made, but as far as a well put together show goes, it just didn’t get there. Since the waiters were also the actors, as the evening progressed, the show got worse and worse, as the actors grew more and more tired. Coincidentally, the service got worse and worse too.
Overall, I’m a big proponent of going to a dinner and then a show, not both at the same time. It’s hard enough to put a great show or a great dinner together, so when you go for both, you end up with a kind of sort of version of both. Why bother?