Radio-Active Theater: Coffee & Culture in Osage Beach

By Vicki Wood

Photo byKyle HeadonUnsplash

Radio-Active Theater Continues with Baristago Coffee Company. Live entertainment with a fine cup of coffee takes place once a month place at Baristago Coffee in Osage Beach, Missouri.

The packed house enjoys an eclectic performance of the local Radio-Active Players, a talented troupe with as much depth as professional performance artists. It begins at 7p.m., with doors opening at 6p.m.

Live theater with an edge, the players present several scripts, including “Tales from The Dark Library” for the last show attended. Did I mention the cast of ten adults are talented? Different voices performing characters ring out through the coffee house to the delight of java sippers. It’s a laid back, elegant setting. Customers at theater night wore dressy or casual wear, but the players were well dressed, not exactly in costumes, but some jazzy sometimes period clothing. It is performance art for literary lovers, with one player reading prose highlighted by digital sound effects and background music. Coffee shop theater offers a little local culture, but not in a stuffy way.

Photo byAlex WolowieckionUnsplash

Pure entertainment in a sometimes improv style, meaning that sometimes players get tickled and go off script (my favorite part); all the while accented by a computerized fart noise. Just for effect, mind you. Ribald humor was in the act, the performance is PG-13.

Baristago Coffee Company took over Great Stone Coffee Company’s service in December 2022 on Hwy KK in Osage Beach. Serving locally roasted Firefly Valley Farms Coffee from Camdenton, Baristago will continue to offer the popular Radio-Active Theater monthly. Added to the events are Susie’s Sip and Paint and live music.

Photo byAneta VoborilovaonUnsplash

It’s a laid-back immersive art experience, with gallery quality art adorning the walls for purchase. The menu is healthy and light, with sweets in the bakery display. At Radio-Active Theater Bruschetta Bites drizzled with balsamic vinegar glaze, Pizza Cups with house made crust, and Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers fresh off the grill were on the menu. If that was not enough, Bless This Burger Food Truck was parked in the parking lot for the evening. Many have declared Bless This Burger the best burger at the lake with 9 different choices of gourmet loaded burgers.

The coffee roasted fresh from just down the road makes a difference. With over 22 regular flavors and 10 sugar free flavors, the frappe, cappucino, latte, or drip flavors combinations are endless. Hot tea, and fruity smoothies are also on the drink menu. During special events, wine and beer are available.

Photo byTyler NixonUnsplash

Owners Ashley Hays and Alyssa Hays have mastered the art of the barista.

Ashly has been on the road for two years, offering on site beverage service out of a very small, but brightly embellished drink service trailer; hitting every fair and festival and serving the customers of Ozarks Amphitheater. Hays also developed the bi-annual Lake of the Ozarks Food Truck Festival. She knows food trucks, as she also administrates the Lake of the Ozarks Food Truck Group network on Facebook and the Lake of the Ozarks Food Truck Coalition.