Shadowbox Live Celebrates Women of Rock in 'Leather and Lace'

The Columbus theater's latest production features a powerful lineup of female-fronted rock anthems from across the decades.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Shadowbox Live's latest production, 'Leather and Lace: A Music Tribute to the Women of Rock,' is a 20-song, two-act performance that celebrates the trailblazing female artists who have shaped rock music over the past six decades. Backed by a searing live band, the show features powerful vocal performances and video clips highlighting the challenges these women faced in a male-dominated industry.

Why it matters

The show aims to shine a light on the inequality and sexism that female rock musicians have historically faced, with the message driven home through powerful song performances and personal testimonials from artists like Heart's Nancy Wilson. By highlighting these pioneering women, 'Leather and Lace' celebrates their resilience and artistic contributions to the genre.

The details

The production features a diverse lineup of rock anthems from the 1960s to the 2020s, with at least one representative song from each decade. Standout moments include Stacie Boord's blistering rendition of Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock N' Roll,' Mary Randle channeling Chrissie Hynde's snarl on The Pretenders' 'Middle of the Road,' and Niki Diaz shining on Heart's 'Magic Man.' The show also features emotionally charged performances of songs by Pink, The Pretty Reckless, Amy Winehouse, and Evanescence.

  • The production runs from February 1 to May 2, 2026 at Shadowbox Live's theater in downtown Columbus.
  • The show features nine new songs and a collection of different artists compared to previous 'Leather and Lace' productions.

The players

Shadowbox Live

A Columbus-based theater company that is producing the 'Leather and Lace' tribute show.

Julie Klein

The director of the 'Leather and Lace' production at Shadowbox Live.

Nancy Wilson

The guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the rock band Heart, who is featured in a video clip discussing the sexism she faced in the industry.

Joan Jett

The iconic rock singer-songwriter whose song 'I Love Rock N' Roll' opens the Shadowbox Live production.

Chrissie Hynde

The lead singer of the rock band The Pretenders, whose song 'Middle of the Road' is performed in the show.

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What they’re saying

“People would say these backhand compliments, 'Wow, you play guitar pretty good for a girl. Is that thing plugged in? Or is it just a prop?' That kind of stuff seems small now, but when you're just starting out and there was no precedent of respect for women in rock, it was really hurtful.”

— Nancy Wilson (broadwayworld.com)

The takeaway

By celebrating the trailblazing female artists who have shaped rock music over the past six decades, 'Leather and Lace' shines a light on the inequality and sexism these pioneering women have faced, while also honoring their resilience and artistic contributions to the genre.