“Church Basement Ladies” gives a light hearted evening of fun

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The cast of Church Basement Ladies

The cast of Church Basement Ladies

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre brings back to the stage the original version of the popular Church Basement Ladies series this summer. Set in the basement of a  rural Minnesota Lutheran church in 1964, four ladies of various ages bring a mix of nostalgia, cooking, planning and hilarity to this fun story.

Beef & Boards favorite Eddie Curry is featured as the hapless pastor of this church. His interaction with the basement ladies rings so true to anyone who has experience in a local church of any denomination. Licia Watson is fabulous as the matriarch of the basement kitchen, Vivian Snustad. Vivian is struggling with changes within the church, including a recent change from black to red hymnals. The unforgettable Mavis Gilmerson is played by Karen Pappas, reprising her original role. Newcomer to B&B is Dawn Trautman (an authentic Minnesota Lutheran) playing Karin Engleson and Lindsay Sutton is featured as Karin’s daughter, Signe.

"Mavis" in a typical wacky scene

“Mavis” in a typical wacky scene

You will laugh 'til you cry

You will laugh ’til you cry

 

 

 

The story follows the problems the ladies face as they prepare for the typical series of events that most church kitchens have: Christmas dinner, a funeral bereavement meal, the Easter celebration and even a wedding. The antics of the ladies as they compare recipes, reduce the possibilities of disasters and keep the pastor in line will have you laughing until you cry.

Don’t miss this funny and poignant production at the popular Indy northside venue. Church Basement Ladies is on stage through August 21st. Tickets include the famous all you care to eat buffet from Chef Odell Ward. Free parking is close and always available. Call the box office at 317-872-9664 for ticket reservations. You may also visit the Beef & Boards website for all details.

“The Lost Colony” brings history to the outdoor stage

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1st contact between Indians and English

1st contact between Indians and English

The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island has been the subject of study by historians for centuries. For the past 79 years the Roanoke Island Historical Association has put on a play that gives the history of the lost settlement and one version of what happened to the missing settlers.

This production is a wonderful play. The costumes and sets are fantastic and the actors are professionals who give great performances. The outdoor theatre is very comfortable and all seats provide good views of the stage. The show has all the elements of a top notch production including a seamless narration given by a “National Park Ranger”.

The story line traces the history of the early English explorations in the New World. The interaction between the Indians and the English is portrayed with drama and in a couple of cases violence. The scenes shift back and forth between Roanoke Island and Queen Elizabeth and the English Royal Court and the docks in London.

Lavish costume for "Queen Elizabeth"

Lavish costume for “Queen Elizabeth” (Emily Asbury)

Actor Christian Muller

Actor Christian Muller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were able to chat with one of the cast members prior to the show. Christian Durand Muller was a delight to talk with and, as part of the Choir, added greatly to the production.

The Waterside Theatre is located within the grounds of the Fort Raleigh National historic Site. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular travel destination. When you visit be sure to get tickets for “The Lost Colony”. Here is the website.

Old Tom (Robert Hooghkirk)

Old Tom (Robert Hooghkirk)

Sure looks like a ship sailing off to the New World!

Sure looks like a ship sailing off to the New World!

Don Bridge portrays NPS Historian (narrator)

Don Bridge portrays NPS Historian (narrator)

Lanier Mansion in Madison

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Madison, Indiana is a charming little town about 100 miles south of Indianapolis. It is located on the Ohio River and there you will find the beautiful Lanier Mansion overlooking the river. The large mansion was built in 1844 by James Lanier.

James Franklin Doughty Lanier was one of Madison’s pioneers. As a result of his activities in banking and railroad development, he became one of the most important and influential figures in Indiana’s history in the first half of the 19th century.

Lanier’s good business decisions allowed him to hire Madison architect Francis Costigan to design and build for him the grandest residence ever imagined in Madison. The home was built on the same riverfront property where Lanier had lived with his family since the 1820s. The Lanier Mansion was completed and occupied in 1844.

The Lanier Mansion is one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country, and today is acknowledged as the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District. The south portico, with its colossal Corinthian columns, overlooks the Ohio River. Other distinctive exterior features include the octagonal cupola, oculus windows and iron balustrades. Below the house, formal gardens developed by Lanier’s son, Alexander, after the Civil War, have been recreated with plant varieties authentic to the period. The interior, with its central hall and elegant spiral staircase, epitomizes the Greek Revival style. In recent years, restoration and redecoration, made possible largely by funding from private contributions,has recaptured the Mansion’s 19th century splendor. The Lanier Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

The Lanier Mansion is open daily. For times and more information, visit Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. This makes a great day trip as you can see the Ohio River while you are there.

Shipshewana, IN

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April showers bring May flowers and thoughts of open flea markets in Indiana. Shipshewana is a small town in northeast Indiana and home to an Amish community. It is, also, home to be the largest flea market in the midwest. The Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market will open the 2016 season on May 3.

The Shipshewana Flea Market will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week from May 3rd through October 1st. At this big flea market you can find almost everything you are looking for. There are hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to antiques and handcrafted furniture at the Shipshewana Flea. . The first week in May this little community comes alive with visitors traveling from all over to experience this, do not miss Hoosier tradition. The atmosphere around the Flea Market is happy, welcoming and fun.

There are plenty of places to eat and you won’t want to leave the area without experiencing home-style Amish cooking at the “Auction Restaurant” on the Flea Market grounds, or at other fine restaurants in the area.

The town of Shipshewana offers lots of activities to keep you busy after you’re finished flea marketing. For more info on activities such as buggy tours visit the official Shipshewana attraction page by clicking here.

Shipshewana is located in LaGrange County about 3 hours from Indianapolis. While it is a little far to take from Indianapolis for a daytrip it would make a wonderful weekend trip into the land of the Amish in northeast Indiana. For more information on the flea market visit the website by clicking here.

Duchess Market Place

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Fishkill, New York is home to a vibrant shopping experience named the Duchess MarketPlace. The main buiding covers 100,000 square feet of indoor spaces occupied by a huge variety of vendors. A typical flea market, this indoor shopping offers just the kind of goods you come to know and love at a flea market. Open year round on Saturdays and Sundays, Duchess is a great place to browse.

During the months of March through December your treasure and bargain hunting is enhanced by the outdoor flea market. The entire south parking lot begins to fill with vendors every Saturday at first light. Some vendors set up tents and canopies while others simply set their wares out on tarps on the ground. Either way the sharp shopper can find all kinds of bargains during the good weather days. The outdoor spaces are filled with everything from new merchandise to what some would call garage sale junk.

The Duchess MarketPlace and outdoor flea market is easy to find. It is located on Route 9 south of I-84 Exit 13. The indooor market is open from 10 until 5 each Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor market opens early those days. Vendors begin setting up at the crack of dawn. Get there early for a chance at the best bargains!. More details are found on the Duchess MarketPlace website.

BJ’s Carolina Cafe was a good stop

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My "catch of the day" with cornbread, hand cut fries and slaw.

My “catch of the day” with cornbread, hand cut fries and slaw.

Sher and I were on our way to Kitty Hawk from Va Beach with our family and hit some very slow traffic. Seems like lots of folks were on their way to the Outer Banks that Saturday. We stopped at a place named BJ’s Carolina Cafe to eat and hopefully the traffic would be cleared when we were done.

BJ’s Carolina Cafe was a great stop for us. This family oriented cafe had a diverse menu that had something for each one of our party. The service was friendly, albeit a bit slow. However we were not in a rush and freshly prepared hot food is always worth a little wait.

BJ’s Carolina Cafe is located in Currituck County, North Carolina on Highway 158. Check their website for details.

Enjoying Virginia Beach and Norfolk

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Sher and I are enjoying our visit to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. We have spent some time with or son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. We have also been out some doing the “tourist” type stuff as well.

We are looking forward to taking a dolphin watching cruise to see these beautiful creatures in the wild. I’ve talked to the folks at Rudee Tours in Virginia Beach and can’t wait to set out on this adventure! I’ll post a full report after our cruise.

Today we drove down to Norfolk and saw the waterfront area. There is a large commercial building under re-construction with completion due in 2017 (according to the signs). When we lived here decades ago we enjoyed a restaurant in this facility. Hopefully it or a similar one will be back when the project is completed.

If you see us driving around in our Four Winds motorhome give us a honk and a wave!

Take the kids to Beef & Boards “Beauty and the Beast”

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Photo courtesy Beef & Boards media

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has the perfect show now running through July 10 for your kids or grandkids. Beauty and the Beast is of course based on the Disney animated film. This remarkable production fully immerses you into the timeless story of a prince condemed to be cursed until he can find true love. The curse has transformed him into a beastly form.

You know the story: beautiful Belle ends up in the castle of the Beast. The servants in the castle are slowly being transformed into various household items. Time is running out as the rose is losing its petals. When all petals fall the curse becomes permanent.

This production sets the bar very high for overall quality. The talented cast shines as characters are developed. Preston Yates is marvelous in his portrayal of the Beast. He brings his character through the imprressive Beast makeup. Belle (Julia Bonnett) shows her loving feelings and emtions for not only her father but eventually for the Beast as well. A special tip of the hat goes to Jon McHatton for his rendition of Gaston, the egotistical cad who can’t understand why Belle won’t fall for him. Gaston is one you love to hate. And wait until you see Sam McKanney’s take on Gaston’s sidekick LeFou. LeFou is bumbling, clueless and laugh out loud hilarious. Enough said.

Photo courtesy Beef & Boards media

Photo courtesy Beef & Boards media

You will be amazed at the costumes in this show. Mrs. Potts, little Chip and of course Lumière all have striking costumes. How they present Chip is clever, fun and a large part of the overall effectof the production.During the classic “Be Our Guest” number you will be treated to an extravaganza of colorful costumes including forks, salt and pepper shakers and beautiful gold ringed white napkins!

The live orchestra fills the theater with the classic music you know and expect from this show. The stage sets are superb and the lighting constantly sets the mood for each and every scene. The quality of this production cannot be emphasized enough. The chldren in your family will truly be thrilled with this show. Chef Odell Ward presents a family friendly buffet that will please kids of all ages.

Beauty and the Beast is Beef & Boards’ 2016 Season Family Show. $10 discounts for are offered kids ages 3-15. For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664. For more information, including show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.

We shared conversation with Alan Cottrill, master sculptor

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Alan Cottrill, left, with Maj inside Alan's Studio and Gallery

Alan Cottrill, left, with Maj inside Alan’s Studio and Gallery

As soon as we had introduced ourselves Alan immediately noticed the small leather medicine bag that I wore around my neck. Understanding proper protocol he did not ask what was carried within. I knew that Sher and I were in for a treat interacting with this gifted and learned sculptor.

Alan graciously shared with me his history that led to his work in the 3D world of sculpture. From an international multi-millionaire businessman at 30 to a starving artist in New York City at 40, he explained how each came about. Alan really lit up when he recounted the “first time” he “touched clay”. Thus the paint brush was put aside and his true genius showed itself.

Small version with photo of final scupture in place

Small version with photo of final scupture in place

Red Cloud study board

Red Cloud study board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was fascinated to learn that Alan spends so much time learning everything he can about the person who will be featured in his work. A bust of George Armstrong Custer is displayed on the first floor of the Gallery. A duplicate is now at West Point. Alan spent a lot of research time on the photos, life and times of Custer. Then I noticed a large board on an easel with mutiple photos and a book about Red Cloud, the famed Ogala Souix War leader. Thus I was able to see the beginings of what will in the future be another fine sculpture by Alan Cottrill.

His Gallery in Zanesville, Ohio is filled with hundreds of his works. His early paintings are also displayed. He shared that his favorite works are the two sarcophagi for his wife and himself. His children’s faces adorn the sides of each, and never will you see a more poignant depiction of love of spouse and family.

A trip to Zanesville is in order for anyone who loves art. This is the Gallery website.

The Cottrill sarcophagi

The Cottrill sarcophagi