Goldstar

• Rated 2.0
• Written on Sep 26 2009

Timing is everything! The Comedy Zone Revue is probably a much better nighttime diversion when the right combination of people - and the right number of people - are in the audience. My husband and I chose a Friday for our experience, and we enjoyed what each of the acts had to offer: jazz trio, emcee/comic, magician, and headliner comic.

We arrived a bit early, on purpose, and the greeter was very friendly, seating us right next to the stage. He chatted with us about his personal experience with Goldstar, recommending other activities we might try.

The Old Dominion Trio was excellent, a very nice accompaniment to an excellent dinner. We chose the three-course deal, good food for a good price. All three players were very talented, and their music added just the right tone to the meal.

The magician was friendly and competent, though just a bit awkward and disheveled (perhaps part of his professional persona?), starting his act by visiting some of the tables during dinner, then spending about 10 minutes giving a dedicated act during the actual show.

Our emcee told us at the opening of the show that the more we interacted with the performers, the more we would get out of the show. He was right, but unfortunately, the audience on this Friday evening was not generally willing to participate. Every one of the acts had to pull the smallest bits of interaction out of the rather sparse audience, and that makes their work so much harder.

The headliner, a veteran of stand-up who's performed worldwide, tried vainly to joke with the audience, trying friendly banter, some mild heckling, and even explaining his comedy, but with little result. Often, it was only a handful of the audience (my husband and I included) who were chuckling or clapping or offering even mild support for his work. So, even though he had a wide variety of very good material, he just wasn't getting a good response from the audience, essential for a good show.

By the end of the evening, my husband and I agreed that the format and content of this show are good, but it takes cooperation by the people in the audience to make the experience truly fun.

• Rated 4.0
• Written on Jun 15 2009

It is a very nice restaurant over-looking the DC skyline. The food is very good and upscale. Although a bit on the pricier side it is well worth it. The show itself is totally worth the admission fee. Definitely a nice event for a special occasion!

• Rated 3.0
• Written on Jun 29 2009

My husband and I enjoyed a nice evening out. The view was spectacular, the food was good and the entertainment was very entertaining. I would have to agree that the food is upscale and pricey. My husband ordered from the menu and I ordered the 4 course meal and we shared our food. We saved a little money that way and were very full and satisfied.
I would recommend this as a nice romantic night out. Make sure you take a ride up to the Skydome Lounge to the revolving lounge to see the view before 9pm; they charge a $10 cover charge/pp for Friday and Saturday evening dancing and entertainment.
** Correction: As an added benefit from the hotel they have offered our guests for the dinner shows complimentary admission to the Sky Dome on Friday and Saturday after the show. Normally a $10 cover charge to enter, the cover is waived with your dinner receipt, so you can enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the hotel with the revolving floor while enjoying a nightcap or two.