By Todd LaPlace, Columbus Alive

Check out the original review here!

It’s been only a few weeks since the closing of Shadowbox Live’s first family-friendly musical “Scrooge,” but the troupe has already gone back to its bawdy ways.

“Body Language” is Shadowbox’s sex-themed sketch show, and it’s as riotously funny as you might expect a show featuring giant sperm to be.

The sketch in question, “Sperm Dating,” has a lonely egg (Betsy Shortt) working her way through a series of less-than-stellar matches.

Sassy seven-year-old Shannon Bannister (Amy Lay) is back again with another movie review, and she’s not too impressed by “Dirty Dancing.”

Two other highlights showcase the possibilities of love in the car. “Long Way Home” has a woman (Julie Klein) on her way for a late-night visit to an ex when her GPS system (Jimmy Mak) intervenes, and in “Battle Stations” a man (JT Walker III) and woman (Stacie Boord) express their unspoken feelings through songs on the radio.

Jennifer Hahn and Boord deliver a phenomenal rendition of Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” and Brandon Anderson does wonders with the Jimi Hendrix classic “Foxy Lady.”

Perhaps strongest of all, though, is an ensemble performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The song’s quiet power is enhanced by the wide range of vocalists.

“Body Language” has its flaws — a few of the early sketches close on weak jokes — but it will surely rank as one of Shadowbox’s best.