Beef and Boards presents Agatha Christie “The Mousetrap”

Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit, The Mousetrap, is now on stage at Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through February 15th. This stage production of the classic murder mystery continues to keep theater patrons guessing as it has for over 70 years. The Mousetrap holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running play, having run continuously since its debut in 1952 with over 30,000 performances.

Mollie Ralston (Malia Munley) screams as she discovers the body of Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark)

Isolated country house Monkswell Manor is filling up with guests as a full blown snowstorm isolates the property. Fear grows as the guests and innkeepers realize that among them lurks a killer. Just as Act I comes to a close a blood curdling scream announces the discovery of another murder victim.

Detective Sergeant Trotter (Scot Greenwell), center, arrives on skis outside Monkswell Manor during a snowstorm.

The cast is packed with colorful characters including a pair of newlywed innkeepers, Mollie (Malia Munley) and Giles (Jae Woo) Ralston, a peculiar spinster Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark), a quirky architect Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), the imposing retired Major Metcalf (Jeff Stockberger), an unexpected traveler Mr. Paravicini (Adam
Du Plesis), a sharp-tongued jurist Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree), and a police investigator Det. Sgt. Trotter (Scot Greenwell).

Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), left, reaches to grab the paper from Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree) after she tells him there’s an article about a murder

Put on your thinking cap. Try to identity the killer. Plot twists and turns, surprise revelations, uniquely animated and weird personalities all blend within scenes of humor, sadness, and chaotic actions. You will be invited to solve this whodunit, but warned to never reveal the ending so all future patrons will have the thrill of the solution.

The characters are all suspicious in Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, “The Mousetrap”,

The Mousetrap is on stage through Feb. 15, and marks the start of Beef & Boards’ exciting 2026 season. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Tickets are available exclusively through Beef & Boards box office at B&B’s website or by calling the
box office at 317.872.9664.

Herman’s Hermits

How many of you know what I’m talking about when I say Herman’s Hermits?

I asked our each of our 5 kids and only one of them knew. That’s because he remembered “Henry the Eighth”. One of their popular songs.

They were a popular English rock band formed in 1963. They were my favorite group when I was in high school! I never thought I’d get to see them live on stage! But, I did!

Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone performed at The Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana and we got tickets for the December performance. Peter Noone of the original group is still performing with the group. You can imagine my excitement at seeing him.

This was the week before Christmas 2025
Wonderful show. I loved every second!
Peter Noone even came off stage and walked down the aisles
We had great time

They performed some of their popular hits. Like “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Beautiful Daughter” and “A Kind of Hush”. Some Christmas songs were sung. It was such a great evening. ~Sher

Happy New Year

Wishing all of you a very Happy New year!

This photo was taken before Christmas and our most recent!

We’re spending the night at home watching the celebrations from around the world. We each have a glass of wine and are warm and cozy.

Be safe!!! Some dangerous weather is happening.

We went to Irvington’s Spooky Organ Concert

Irvington is an historic neighborhood on the near eastside of Indianapolis. As part of it’s famed annual Halloween Festival, Our Lady of Lourdes Church was the site of a “Spooky Organ Concert” last night.

Our Lady of Lourdes main entrance

 

 

 

 

 

 

The free concert began at 6:00 PM, with the church sanctuary filled to capacity. Bach’s Fugue in G Minor opened the program played, of course, on the church organ. Very talented local musicians performed a variety of numbers including movie scores, Broadway hits and other spooky themes.  We really enjoyed this delightful musical celebration of the Halloween season.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Tootsie” now on stage through Nov. 23

What an awesome  show we saw last night! Tootsie the Musical is now on stage at Indy’s beloved Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and wow what a show it is. Based on the famous Dustin Hoffman1982 film, the musical Tootsie brings several new modern twists to a tale of the lengths one pursues for success.

Attempting to start a legitimate relationship with her, Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda) talks with a relutant Julie Nichols (Renée Jackson)

The chaotic story of  a male actor who hides his identity as a women to get work provides an exciting, funny, talent filled musical with a marvelous cast, great choreography, music, sets and costumes. You’ll laugh, smile and tap your feet throughout the show.

Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda) doesn’t understand why he can’t get an acting job and wonders “Whatddya Do” in this situation

Backed into a corner by his own actions, Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda), dressed as Dorothy Michaels, appeals to her to help him by singing “Talk to Me Dorothy”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Cobrda makes his Beef & Boards debut in the starring role of Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. His skill on stage is emphasized as he effortlessly moves from the two distinct characters of Michael and Dorothy. Opposite Cobrda is Renee Jackson, in the role of Michael’s love interest, Julie Nichols. Oh the twists that come from this relationship!

Ron Carlisle (Don Farrell) demonstrates the choreography to the cast of “Juliet’s Curse”

Payton Reilly is cast as Michael’s ex-girlfriend Sandy Lester, and Don Farrell fills the role of the show’s director, Ron Carlisle. B&B veteran Jeff Stockberger plays Michaels’ agent. Tyler Belo is Michael’s roommate Jeff Slater, and Matthew Rella as the self-centered actor Max Van Horn. Rella had the same role previously in the 1st National Broadway Tour of Tootsie.

Dorothy Michaels (Jonathan Cobrda), center, is overwhelmed by the number “I’m Alive” in the musical “Juliet’s Curse”

Tootsie is on stage through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. Tickets to Beef & Boards productions are available exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, either online at beefandboards.com, or by contacting the box office at 317.872.9664. Tootsie is rated R for adult themes, strong profane language, and mature content.

ALL PHOTOS BY INDY GHOST LIGHT

 

Government shutdown stops union election at Indiana casino

The Addison Times and The Indianapolis Business Journal has reported that a scheduled union election at Caesar’s Horseshoe Casino, located about 30 miles southeast of Indianapolis, was indefinitely delayed by The National Labor Relations Board, due to the federal government shutdown.

More than 200 Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino workers plan to strike today. Teamsters Local 135 said the workers, dealers and floor supervisors are seeking union recognition. They proposed using a neutral third party to conduct the vote on the original Oct. 17 date. Teamsters President Dustin Roach said the strike aims to pressure Caesars to agree to the alternate election plan.

Horseshoe Indianapolis, now owned by Caesars Entertainment, employs around 1,400 people and was Indiana’s 2024 second-highest grossing casino with $336 million in revenue.

 

Spooky house decorations for Halloween 2025

The weather was nice enough for a drive to a neighboring town for a couple of errands. We always enjoy seeing how others decorate for Halloween.

Relaxing on the front lawn

The bones band

The 90’s live (?) on today

A cluster of ghosts and goblins

A scary porch Wraith

Franklin, Indiana is south of Indianapolis, has interesting history and is a typical Central Indiana small town.  There are a couple of sites in town that have alleged paranormal activity, which fits for the season.

It is that time again for Creepy Clowns

Some trees are starting to turn. The calendar still says it is September, but October is right around the corner. Past years have shown the trend to go wild with Halloween decorations.

This court jester is an evil trickster

Not the porch greeting you want to see…

Horrific clown’s archery range

These scary figures are not far from where we live! How about your town? Are folks going all out with the Halloween decorations? In some of the towns in our area the Halloween decorations are actually giving the Christmas lights and associated trimmings a run for the best displays.

 

Baker Park in New Castle Indiana

Baker Park in New Castle, Indiana started with 10 acres. Shortly thereafter a 40 acre grove of land  was acquired.  This beautiful plot was the  last remaining natural woodlands within the city limits. Another 30 acres was given to the city by the Chrysler Corporation.

The Main Entrance to Baker Park

Park 50 Year Dedication

Mayors love their names on Plaques

 

 

 

 

 

The formal dedication of Baker Park was held on June 20, 1937 and was named in honor of Sidney E. Baker, mayor of New Castle for twelve years.  Mayor Baker is now recognized as the driving force behind the development of the park.

Large Skate Park

Lovely wooded park land

 

 

 

 

 

Current facilities at the park provide recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors to the Baker Park. Large and small shelters, restrooms and a stage is available. The swimming pool, kid’s fun park and Frisbee Golf add to the activities. There are also skate parks and horse shoe pits.

Richmond Indiana Uranus Fudge Factory and T-Rex

Richmond Indiana is on the Ohio border and the junction of I-70 and  Historic National Road, i.e. US 40. Fitting that this is the location of the relatively new true roadside attraction. The Uranus Fudge Factory and associated dinosaur park is a fun stop for kids of all ages.

Outside the entrance

Maj couldn’t resist the chance to be an alien…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy Uranus Fudge Factory

The Uranus Fudge Factory is a unique novelty store featuring funny phrases on t-shirts and hoodies and other gifts. In addition there are tons of different kinds of fudge as well as ice cream treats.  Stuff that the kids will love is everywhere. Even an arcade for defeating the aliens is there for your pleasure. Keep in mind that some of the sayings can be considered a bit off color.

 

As you approach Exit 156 on I-70 you’ll see a very very large white cross. When you approach take Exit 156B. This is marked for US 40 East, and as soon as you exit you will see the Uranus Fudge Factory on your left. You’ll also see the life sized T-Rex and other dinosaurs. You have arrived.