Entertainment

Awesome best describes Beef & Boards “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

/ Roadtirementvintage / 3 Comments

The hilarious and heartwarming telling of the Biblical story of Joseph sent into slavery in ancient Egypt breaks out in sight and sound at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre now on stage through November 19th. The classic Andrew LLoyd Webber/Tim Rice production last played at Indy’s beloved dinner theater in 2017, and the current run features TJ Wessel repeating his starring role.

Joseph, center, and the Narrator, front, sing about his multicolored coat

Where do you begin when discussing such a marvelous, talent packed show? The set  and lighting execution is striking, and does “set” the mood for each number. Watch for very clever and not so subtle references to a nearby local landmark on the set. Costuming for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is near perfect eye candy for the audience, and covers not only “Biblical and Egyptian” attire, but also some modern looks, namely Go-Go Disco in the “Go Go Joseph” number.

The cast sings “Go, Go, Go, Joseph”

TJ Wessel does a fine job carrying the production in the lead role. You have to admire the passion that he demonstrates in his love of the role, which by the way dates back to his days as a nine year old glued to the TV watching a VHS tape of the show! With a powerful voice, TJ is an accomplished actor as well as a dynamic vocalist.

Joseph (TJ Wessel) sings “Any Dream Will Do” with the Children’s Choir

Bridgette Ludlow is the narrator, a simple term for a complex role. She not only fills in the story, this role also shows her singing and acting talent. She also interacts with the Children’s Choir, a group of talented young folks who serve several roles throughout the production.  (There are three different kids choirs, each has its own run time. Our show featured the Sheep Choir!)

Joseph’s brothers plot to sell him

Jeff as Potiphar

Beef & Boards favorite Jeff Stockberger has a couple of roles. One is that of Potiphar, an Egyptian businessman whose wife tries to seduce Joseph. The main role Jeff plays is that of Jacob, the patriarch of the family and Joseph’s father. He once again delights the audience with his marvelous character portrayals.

 

Jeff as Jacob, center

One show stopping number featured the talents of Logan Moore who played one of the brothers and the role of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Suffice it to say that for this performance the Pharaoh looked and acted surprisingly, and accurately, very much like Elvis. (Yes, Elvis) The Pharaoh’s number asking for Joseph’s interpretation  of his seven cows dream sounded and looked like a Las Vegas stage show. This was one of those numbers that brought down the house. Logan even slipped into a Vegas performer character at the end of the piece!

Pharaoh (Logan Moore), center, sings à la Elvis to Joseph about his mysterious dream

You cannot sing enough praise about the cast of this performance. Whether singing or dancing or both simultaneously all bring eye popping songs and dance to the stage. the depth of talent represented in the cast is, yes, awesome. Even at the end, the whole cast was all in white and were given the chance before curtain call to again display their prowess on stage.

Joseph feigns fury at Benjamin for “stealing” his golden cup

The cast and crew then received a well deserved standing ovation. Don’t miss this show, folks. Don’t miss it!

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef & Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” comes to Beef & Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment
This recent press release from Beef & Boards was great news for musical theater fans everywhere: “With a crash of drums and a flash of light, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre starting Oct. 5. The Bible-based Broadway sensation was the first collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to be staged, and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.”

Joseph and His Brothers

This is not the first time patrons have enjoyed this production. Back in 2017 TJ Wessel had the title role of Joseph and he reprises it once again. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from rock and
country to pop and calypso. Songs include “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Close Every Door,” “Jacob and Sons” and “Any Dream Will Do.”

We’re looking forward to seeing this wonderful show this weekend! You need to plan your ticket purchases soon, as many performances are already close to sellouts.
To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef & Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

Grumpy Old Men brings hilarious comedy to Beef & Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Accident prone Harry (Jaddy Ciucci) reacts in pain after a mishap

Long time Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre professional actors and directors Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger take the stage by storm in the currently running production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical. Set in the cold climes of Wabasha, Minnesota, the story joins the decades long running feud between John Gustafson (Curry) and Max Goldman (Stockberger) that is ramped up when Ariel Truax, an alluring lady (played by another B&B favorite Sarah Hund) moves in across the street from from John and Max.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), center, fuels the feud between John Gustafson (Eddie Curry), left, and Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), right

Max and John both want Ariel, as it has been years since they lost their wives. Throw in John’s daughter (Logan Hill) and Max’s son (Jacob A Butler) and their love interest adds yet another layer to the plots and hilarity of the interactions of the people of Wabasha.

John (Eddie Curry) hooks a boot while ice fishing with (from left) Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), Chuck Barrels (Ty Stover), and his father, “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark)

Among the characters in the town are General Store owner Chuck Barrels (Ty Stoyer) and his just arrived cousin Punky Barrels (Karen Pappas), an ornery and vindictive IRS agent Sandra Snyder (Devan Mathias) and Grandpa Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark).

Ariel (Sarah Hund) gives Max (Jeff Stockberger) a cup of tea as he struggles to maintain his balance in one of the funniest interactions of the performance.

Curry and Stockberger once again shine with their performances playing off of each other. The constant banter between the two characters is filled with hard hitting one liners. Their expressions are priceless and both fit the “Grumpy Old Men” label perfectly. Curry and Stockberger reset the bar high for Grumpy Old Men.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), top, celebrates her arrival to Wabasha, Minnesota

No review of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical would be complete without mention of Douglas E. Stark’s portrayal of Grandpa Gustafson’s highly animated monologs that give son John very explicit instructions on how to carry on with Ariel. Let’s just say that the multiple double entendre uttered combined with, ah, explicit gestures leaves nothing that Grandpa is saying to imagination.

His lascivious father “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark), left, gives John (Eddie Curry) some encouragement and life advice by singing “Life Is All About Livin'”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, is now on stage through Oct. 1. This is the Indianapolis premiere for the show, which is rated PG-13 for adult language and content. Visit The B&B website for pricing and availability, or call the box office at 317.872.9664.

Grumpy Old Men are coming to Beef & Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments
The latest press release from Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre:
The comedy duo of Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger take the stage in the regional
premiere of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Based on the popular 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margaret, the stage adaptation opens for the first time at Beef & Boards on Aug. 24.

Jeff Stockberger

Eddie Curry

Sarah Hund

Curry and Stockberger have entertained patrons of Beef & Boards for years, both separately and, at their best, when paired on stage. (Remember The Odd Couple?) Can’t wait to see them as two legs of a love triangle with Sarah Hund, another favorite of ours, fulfilling the role of the alluring new neighbor from across the street.
Grumpy Old Men is on stage for 46 performances through Oct 1st. Get your tickets at Beef & Boards soon This show will sell out quickly. You can also call the box office at
at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

Beef & Boards unique tribute to Duke Ellington

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is currently presenting a unique performance titled Sophisticated Ladies. This stylish and dynamic collection of Duke Ellington’s musical legacy is a rapid fire presentation of his musical genius.

Tenéh B. C. Karimu leads the Beef & Boards Orchestra in the Overture

Gigi Huang (center) performs “Dancers In Love” with Jonny Rouse (left) and Darius-Anthony Robinson, right

 

 

 

 

 

There is no real “story” to this production. Rather, you are treated to one number after another after another with literally no time in between. With dance and song the cast and orchestra brings a delightful “mini-story” into every number, some with the song lyrics and some with mime style dance and expressions during instrumental pieces.

Kelliann DeCarlo sings “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce”

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making their first appearance at Beef & Boards are Darius-Anthony Robinson, Yvette Monique Clark, Kelliann DeCarlo, Zachary Dyer, Arika Lynn Casey, and Gigi Huang. Back again at the Beef & Boards stage are Tiffany Gilliam, Joseph Perkins Jr. , Sean Blake , and Jonny Rouse. Musical direction is by Tenéh B. C. Karimu and Kenney M. Green-Tilford is director and choreographer.

From left: Joseph Perkins Jr., Jonny Rouse, Darius-Anthony Robinson, and Zachary Dyer perform “Drop Me Off In Harlem”

Yvette Monique Clark sings “In A Sentimental Mood”

 

 

 

 

 

The talent on stage for Sophisticated Ladies is eye popping. The songs are belted out with style, power and beauty that would have made The Duke proud. The energy of the dance makes you ask yourself how the performers are keeping up with the non-stop pace of the show. How they make their many costume changes so quickly is also incredible. Vintage black and white photos of 1930’s Harlem night clubs like the Savoy and the Apollo as backdrops added to the experience.

Sean Blake (center) performs “Ko-Ko (The Card Game)” with (from left) Zachary Dyer, Darius-Anthony Robinson, Jonny Rouse, and Joseph Perkins Jr.

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “Music Is A Woman”

The company performs “It Don’t Mean A Thing” during the finale

The entire show is one thrilling number after another. I had to tap my foot to the music during each song. I sat there during the whole show with a grin on my face thinking “This is real music.”  The orchestra was superb, larger than normal and presented Duke Ellington’s music in a way that took you back to the hey-days of this musical era.

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef and Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

 

Duke Ellington’s music celebrated on stage at Beef and Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Starting Friday, July 14th, Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present “Sophisticated Ladies” spotlighting the music of Duke Ellington.

This is part of the latest B&B’s Press Release:
This summer, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates 100 years since legendary jazz
pianist and composer Duke Ellington moved to New York City to perform in Broadway nightclubs with Sophisticated Ladies, a stylish and brassy retrospective of The Duke’s musical legacy now on stage. After moving to New York City in 1923 to perform in such legendary venues as the Exclusive Club in Harlem and the Hollywood Club, Ellington would go on to have extended residencies at the Cotton Club in Harlem. It is this period that is celebrated in Act I, with songs including “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “’A’ Train,” and “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce.”

Sophisticated Ladies celebrates the music of legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington with more than two dozen songs taking audiences through his decades of contributions to American music.

Act II explores the private man as captured in his music, featuring “I’m Beginning To See The Light,” “Satin Doll,” I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good,” and “Sophisticated Lady.” Ellington recorded with such talents as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus. Sophisticated Ladies is a high-stepping salute inspired by the glamorous nightlife and sensuous highlife of Ellington, who would go on to tour Europe, Asia, West Africa, and South America, in addition to North America.

Get your tickets at the Beef & Boards website. We’re really looking forward to this performance, as it is hard to beat Duke Ellington’s genius when it comes to music. We’re going this weekend and we’ll let you know what we thought, probably Monday. Have a good weekend!

Ever get so full you bring half your food home?

/ Roadtirementvintage / 24 Comments

That happened to us this afternoon. We went to Bargersville, Indiana to try out a new brewery and restaurant we just recently discovered on our way to another attraction. Here’s what we found:

Outside the entrance and the patio seating

View of the bar, lots of taps here!

 

 

 

 

 

Posing with the Taxman

Three professional tax accountants, while working in Belgium, became enamored with Belgian beer styles. Thus began the story of Taxman Brewing Company located in Bargersville, Indiana.  From the Taxman website “We selected the Town of Bargersville for the home of our brewery because it reminded us of the small brewery towns we visited in Europe.”

A flight of four to sample

Delicious warm pretzels and dipping sauces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crispy Brussel sprouts with feta, chilis, crushed almonds

Loaded smashburger, with good trimmings and double fried frites

A flight of four ales. Good stuff…

The Bargersville location is a comfortable place with outdoor patio seating and inside dining as well. The restaurant is family friendly, and has a large menu of farm to table choices. And of course you’ll have nearly 50 styles of beer from which to sample or buy. We had so much food that we ended up with 3 containers for our take home. Everything was absolutely scrumptious.  Service is near perfect and you really feel at home and welcome at this fun gastropub.

Current brews on tap and for sale.

A peek at the brewing tanks

 

 

 

 

 

The brewery has a capacity of 6000 barrels each year. Taxman self-distributes its brews across Indiana as well as offering them in the Bargersville’s restaurant and two other restaurants in Indy and Fortville. They brew a wide range of Belgian inspired ales, American farmhouse ales, Midwest saisons and has an extensive cellar program producing wine and spirit aged beers as well as sour, wild and funky ales.

Grain elevator turned restaurant

/ Roadtirementvintage / 7 Comments

The Depot grain elevator building was first built in 1906 adjacent to the Pennsylvania RR tracks about a block south of the National Road. Throughout the decades the site changed hands, sat empty, and was finally bought by a group of Greenfield business men in order to stop impending destruction.

Hand hewed beams used in remodeling

Old conveyor belt bins from the elevator

Bar made from section of old grain bin

The reconstruction of the exterior and interior repurposed as much of the original building as possible. Look around, you will see marvelous examples of early 1900’s architectural details including hand hewed beams, wood planking and material handling conveyors and screens.

Main bar and beverage station

Looking at the basement machinery

1940’s CO-OP sign

Outdoor patio seating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today The Depot is a full service family restaurant with an adjacent “bar seating” area. The menu is quite extensive, and offers many types of cuisine and drink options. In addition there is a second floor seating area and bar suitable for special events. There is, on the main floor, a glass floor observation deck exposing some original machinery in the basement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sher enjoyed the Vegetarian Flat Bread and I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak with a side of Tater Tots. Both were most delicious with farm fresh ingredients. The iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened was more tasty than most teas you find. All in all, this was a fun experience. The service was great, all the staff made you feel welcomed. The food and drinks were exceptional. The mantra of Food. Drinks. History. is perfect for the Depot.

Home town café

/ Roadtirementvintage / 10 Comments

You always hear that the local, non-chain eateries are the best. The Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana proves that theory is correct! Located a couple of blocks from the downtown square, this landmark is known for its all day breakfast and “the best breaded tenderloin” around.

Local history in photos

A sincere personal welcome

Bigger than your head!

You barely see the bun peeking out

Cut in half, still too big for the bun!

I had a wonderful lunch Friday. I met one of my sons there, and as a bonus he had my 2 year old grandson with him. A special treat for this PaPaw! I had wanted to visit the Chaperral for quite sometime as their breaded tenderloin has become legendary. (Breaded tenderloins are a Hoosier favorite!) Well, this sandwich absolutely exceeded my expectations. The tenderloin was just the right thickness, the breading was not overpowering and the “crunch” was perfect! I cut mine in half, ate part in the bun, the other with knife and fork. Gonna have to go back and try biscuits and gravy sometime soon!