Toby's Dinner Theatre facts for kids

Toby's Dinner Theatre is a special place in Columbia, Maryland. It is a dinner theater, which means you can enjoy a tasty meal while watching a live play or musical! It's a fun way to experience both food and entertainment at the same time.

The Story of Toby's Dinner Theatre

How It All Began

Toby Orenstein, a talented artist, wanted to open her own theater. This was after she helped start the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA). In 1979, she talked to James Rouse, a businessman who helped with CCTA. He agreed to help her start her dream theater.

Soon after, a restaurant group offered to partner with Toby. On December 4, 1979, Toby's Dinner Theatre officially opened. Their very first show was a musical called Godspell.

Toby's Big Step

Starting the theater was a big step for Toby. She was a bit nervous about running a business. Her husband, Harold Orenstein, encouraged her a lot. They used all their savings to make the theater happen. Toby worked very hard to make her dream a reality.

A Second Location

Toby's Dinner Theatre opened a second location in Baltimore on March 10, 2006. They started with the musical Beauty and the Beast. However, this Baltimore location is now closed.

What You'll Find at Toby's

The Columbia Location

Toby's Dinner Theatre is located in downtown Columbia, Maryland. It's close to the Merriweather Post Pavilion and Lake Kittamaqundi. The theater can seat 300 people inside.

Dining and Entertainment

When you visit Toby's, you get a full experience. They offer a buffet-style dinner with American food. There's also a full bar and live music. The theater is designed to be easy for everyone to access.

A New Arts Center

In April 2025, construction began on a new performing arts center. This new center is being built where Toby's Dinner Theatre is now. It will have a 340-seat dinner theater, two smaller theaters, an art gallery, and dance studios. This means even more exciting performances are coming!

Amazing Shows at Toby's

Toby's Dinner Theatre has put on many popular shows. Some recent musicals include Dreamgirls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, and Show Boat. They have also performed A Christmas Carol, Sister Act, Hairspray, and Peter Pan. Other shows include Into the Woods, South Pacific, and Newsies.

Awards and Recognition

Toby's Dinner Theatre has received many honors. They have been nominated for and won Helen Hayes Awards. These awards celebrate excellent theater in the Washington, D.C. area.

• Helen Hayes Awards
  • 2013 Outstanding Resident Musical Nomination - The Color Purple
  • 2015 Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical Nomination - Memphis, The Musical
  • 2015 Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical Nomination - Spamalot
  • 2016 Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical Nomination - Ragtime
  • 2016 Outstanding Musical - Ragtime

See also

• Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts
• Young Columbians
• Helen Hayes Award
• Theater in Washington, D.C.
• Greater Baltimore Theater Awards