Entertainment

Renaissance Faire in Central Indiana

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This weekend was the first of two weekends when several acres of the Johnson County Park, Nineveh, Indiana transformed into a setting right out of Renaissance Europe. Scores of tents, wagons and other structures have sprung up on the grassy fields.

Some of the vendor tents

The Indiana Renaissance Faire is one of several similar events during the year. With the same basic theme, vendors and entertainers from all over come to peddle their wares and entertain the crowds of all ages that enjoy these Faires.

Vendor “wagon” plus tent

Watch out for the pirates (but buy their mead)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anything and everything you would need to dress in period costume is available at the vendor displays in the tents. Musical instruments, belts, bags, tunics, even correct footware.

Every faire needs a dragon

Yes that is a real sword shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of costumes, it seemed like more than half of the people in attendance were is some kind of costuming. We saw elves, wizards, fairies, warlocks, pirates, knights, tradesmen and many others.

Knight at the ready

Lance ready for the joust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment was everywhere. We got there in time to catch the 12 noon Jousting demonstration. Two knights in armor on horse back showed their skill in the use of the long joust. Foot soldiers in support of the knights demonstrated small arm weaponry.

Holding RedTail Hawk

Two birds waiting their turn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another unique and fascinating offering presentation was by a chap who brought hawks and falcons to show and explain. A most fascinating  demonstration.

The Renaissance Faire will be open next weekend, June 20 – 21st for two more days of revelry, music, food and fun. Huzzah!

 

He-Man and Masters of the Universe showing in theaters now

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I saw a trailer on TV for a new movie, Masters of the Universe featuring He-Man. I immediately decided that I wanted to see this film.  My son noticed an ad for $5 movie tickets on Tuesday.  Yes. I said, of course I want to go see He-Man. In 1982 the Masters of the Universe franchise was first introduced by Mattel as an action figure toy line. Since then there have been successful tv animated series and a 1987 live action film.

Theatrical release poster, courtesy MGM

Masters of the Universe is now showing in theaters with a fresh new story. It is a complete live-action film that gives  the legend of He-Man. If you know some  of the players in this genre you will be pleased with the portrayals of He-Man, Skeletor, Man-At-Arms and Cringer, aka Battle Cat and others. The scene when Prince Adam first wields the Sword of Power brought back memories of our kids watching the tv series and playing with the action figures.

Castle GraySkull (screen shot)

Prince Adam as a young boy (screen shot)

 

 

 

 

 

The story line bounces back and forth between Eternia and Earth, allowing for good character development and plot explanations. It traces the life of Prince Adam/He-Man from a child to his true persona. The action scenes are filled with intense air battles with the wild bizarre aircraft. The land battles are exciting with conventional swordplay as well as sorcery.

Cinema 10, currently showing He-Man

Tuesday movie bargain priced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, the film combines references from multiple versions of the franchise. The story follows Adam discovering his home realm of Eternia destroyed and under Skeletor’s rule. Castle Grayskull is Skeletor’s  target and the center of the plot line.

Both of us really enjoyed the two hours of He-Man fun. For me it was a nostalgic event, as I remembered our boys playing with the action figures and watching the cartoons. It is not a movie for everyone, but if you like a good sci-fic action adventure or have memories of He-Man, give it a try.

 

 

Woven Co Candles for a fun DIY project

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Sometimes a simple adventure is as enjoyable as a intricately planned and complicated multi faceted one. A couple of weeks ago one of our sons and one granddaughter came over on a day trip. Sher and I found a simple adventure for us all in a nearby town.

On the front porch of Woven Candle Co

Our three creations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Woven Co Candles is located in downtown Franklin, Indiana in an older two story house. We saw the listing for Do-it-yourself candle making. It sounded like fun so we headed to Franklin. The store has several tables for candle making. One wall is covered with shelves full of different liquid scents.

Finished candle ready for a light.

Metallic “sprinkles” reflect the candle flame for a neat effect

 

 

 

 

 

The process is interesting. You pick out the jar you want. Each of those are already set with a wick in the center of the jar. When you decide what scents you want they are poured into the bottom of the jar. Hot wax is then poured onto the scents, and stirred until it turns cloudy. After a couple of hours your candle is ready to take home. We had a great time and would recommend a DIY candle creation at Wove Co Candles.

Beef and Boards Pretty Woman is near perfection

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Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is offering a chance to be absolutely amazed with the quality of the production of Pretty Woman: The Musical now on stage. Two veterans  from the national tour add to the talented and vibrant cast of this, the first musical of the B&B 2026 season. Dani Kucera and Charlie Fusari headline the production as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis, respectively.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) sings “Anywhere But Here”

Happy Man (Darius-Anthony Robinson) tells Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdees) to “Never Give Up on a Dream”

So many moments during the production very easily rate and could be considered as highlights of the show. The entire show will capture your attention and pull you into the storylines. The interactions between Vivian and Edward cross many boundaries and “celebrates transformation, connection, and the power of taking chances
on love.” Some of the interactions are PG-13 rated, not suitable for youngsters.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera), right, suggests to the hotel manager Mr. Thompson (Darius-Anthony Robinson) that she is Edward Lewis’ niece i

Vivan Ward (Dani Kucera), right, looks at Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), left, as Giulio (Joey Boos) takes them in the elevator up to the penthouse

That being said, know that mixed in the songs and dance there are moments of raucous and hilarious humor. Darious-Anthongy Robinson shines as Mr. Thompson, Happy Man and an orchestra conductor. Joey Boos shines as Giulio. Watch for Mr. Thompson and Guilio’s dance number. You’ll laugh till it hurts.

Sad that her friend is leaving, Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), left, asks Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) when her bus is leaving in

Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), right, shows Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) a jeweled necklace to wear to the opera

Making her B&B debut is Ariana Valdes playing the part of Vivian’s friend Kit De Luca. Ariana’s powerful voice is highlighted in each number she belts out, and her character is an integral part of the story between Vivian and Edward. Kit De Luca leads several  dance and song numbers.

Darius-Anthony Robinson is Happy Man in Pretty Woman: The Musical

Giulio (Joey Boos) dances with a mop

It is always easy to praise the quality of the  entertainment offered by any production.  This show is best described as marvelous, energetic, exciting, professional, and just about any other term for quality stage productions. It was so good that we did not want the show to end.

Yes an opera: Alfredo (Ryan Hurley) and Violetta (Jameelah Leaundra) perform in “La Traviata”

Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), center, and the ensemble sing “Welcome to Hollywood”

Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Pretty Woman: The Musical is on stage through April 4. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase

 

Beef and Boards presents Agatha Christie “The Mousetrap”

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.