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.

Honoring a hometown basketball legend’s history

William “Bill” Leon Garrett was a basketball player, coach, educator, and a college administrator who is best known as the first African American to regularly play on a Big Ten Conference (Indiana University) varsity basketball team. His image, in his college basketball uniform, is proudly displayed on the Shelbyville Cagney’s Pizza King.

2024 mural of Garrett in his Big Ten IU uniform

Mural artist signature and information plaque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelbyville, Indiana, however remembers Bill Garrett as a member of the Golden Bears High School basketball team. That team won the State Basketball Championship in 1947, a feat yet to be repeated.

Details about the life and accomplishments of Bill Garrett

Garrett was drafted by the NBA Boston Celtics after college, but was at the same time drafted by the US Army for a two year stint during the Korean War. After he left the Army he was a Harlem Globetrotter for a while.

Photo of one of Shelbyville’s proudest moments

Garrett also had a highly successful career as the High School b-ball coach at Crispus Attucks in Indianapolis. He later became active in the administration of IUPUI Indianapolis.  Both the Shelbyville HS Field House and the intermural fieldhouse at Indiana University are named after Bill Garett.

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.