Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

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

 

“Heartbreak Hotel” brings the story of Elvis to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Indianapolis Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is excited to bring the official Elvis Presley bio-musical, Heartbreak Hotel, to the stage through October 12, 2025. The show tells the story of Elvis and his rise to fame in a unique way. A young Elvis helps his grown persona cope with his life of fame and fortune through the years.

Kid Elvis (Henry Kirk) appears to guide Elvis Presley (Nicholas Voss), who is in crisis mode

The cast includes Nicholas Voss making his Beef & Boards debut in the role of Elvis Presley. B&B veterans are Sarah Hund as Gladys Presley, Eddie Curry  as Colonel Tom Parker, Benjamin Nurthen as Scotty Moore, and Matt Smolko  as Bill Black.

Elvis Presley, center, performs at the Louisiana Hayride show in 1954

Henry Kirk, also in his B&B debut, is wonderful in his portrayal of Kid Elvis. He is an eight grader in a local Indy school system. His previous experience in national stage productions is evident in the quality of his performance, which is truly a highlight of the Heartbreak Hotel musical.

Heartbreak Hotel  features over 20 Elvis trademark songs including, “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” Couple these classic tunes with chronological events in Presley’s career and you have a fascinating look at the The King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis Presley, center, performs “Viva Las Vegas”

Heartbreak Hotel is on stage through Oct. 12. Tickets to Beef & Boards productions are available exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, either at Beef & Boards website, or by contacting the box office at 317.872.9664. Tickets range from $57 to $85 and include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre announces its 2026 (53rd) season

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is offering a truly awesome season this coming year. The beloved Indianapolis Northwest side  Dinner Theatre will present mystery and mayhem, felines and fairy tales, and fire and rain for its 53rd Season in 2026.

SHOW NAMES AND DATES

The Mousetrap (Jan. 6 – Feb. 15) First time at B&B’s since 1978

Pretty Woman (Feb. 19 – April 4) The Beef & Boards Stage Debut

Singin’ in The Rain (April 9 – May 23) The beloved MGM classic!

“Singin’ in the rain”

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (May 28 – July 12)

The Play That Goes Wrong (July 16 – Aug. 23) Beef & Boards Debut

Ring of Fire returns (Aug. 27 – Oct. 4) Johnny Cash’s iconic playlist

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensation,  CATS (Oct. 8 – Nov. 22)

Cast of “CATS”

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (Nov. 27 – Dec. 31) Beef & Boards Debut

Sales for 2026 VIP Memberships are now open to the public. Individual tickets for all 2026 Season shows are on sale to the general public starting Oct. 1, 2025, and may be purchased by visiting Beef & Boards website, or calling the box office at 317.872.9664 (closed Mondays). Tickets for main stage shows range from $59.50 to $87.50, and include a dinner buffet, full fruit & salad bar, coffee, tea, and lemonade. Note: Discounts are available for groups and kids ages 3-15. Children under age 3 are not admitted to mainstage shows.

Broadway’s “Waitress” comes to Indy’s Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Theater entrance

Laughter and music made for an entertaining evening at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre last night. We saw a delightful stage version of the musical Waitress, featuring the music of Sara Bareilles and inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s movie. Nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Waitress celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the culinary magic of delicious pies.

Jenna, center, pours sugar as she prepares a new pie with Becky, left, and Dawn, right

Jenna is a waitress in a small roadside diner, stuck in an abusive marriage, and dreams of getting away to start her own shop. Jenna’s fellow waitresses include  Becky  and Dawn. All three go through romantic encounters, sharing their singing talents along the way. Please be aware, this show is an adult themed show, not suitable for kids.

Ogie surprises Dawn with flowers at the diner where she works

Keirsten Hodgens makes her Beef & Boards debut in the role of Jenna, along with Chanel Edwards-Frederick in the role of Jenna’s friend, Becky. Grace Atherholt plays another friend, Dawn, with Brett Mutter as Ogie, Logan Moore as Earl, and Douglas E. Stark (He owns the place!) as Joe. Also making their Beef & Boards debuts are Noah Berry as Dr. Pomatter and Adam du Plessis as Cal, the diner owner.

The waitresses wipe off tables as they prepare to open Joe’s Pie Diner

These talented cast members were superb in their singing, line delivery and character development. The degree of professionalism in this production is evident across all Stephanie Torns, who performed in the original Broadway cast of Waitress, is both Director and Choreographer for the show. Kristy Templet is music director of the terrific on stage orchestra. This theatrical production is unique and eclectic with a touch of erotic thrown in. Prepare to laugh and be entertained.

Jenna gives her new doctor, Dr. Pomatter a pie she’d intended for her former doctor

Waitress is on stage through Aug. 31. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. To buy tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664. Waitress is rated PG-13 for mature content including adult language, violence, and adult themes.

Broadway’s “Waitress” brings something sweet, with a touch of spice, to Beef & Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Served up for the first time on its stage starting July 17, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents Waitress, the Broadway hit featuring the music of Sara Bareilles. Nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Waitress celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Keirsten Hodgens as Jenna

Waitress was inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s film and features the music of six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. B & Bs’ production is fortunate to have Stephanie Torns as choreographer and director. She performed in the original Broadway cast of Waitress and brings that experience and skill to this stage.

Waitress is on stage for 48 performances through Aug. 31. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. To buy tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664. Waitress is rated PG-13 for mature content including adult language, violence, and adult themes.

Church Basement Ladies bring smiles and laughter to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

/ Roadtirementvintage / 3 Comments

You probably know a lady who is a Church Basement Lady. You know, one of those unselfish women who give their time to help prepare meals and other chores for a variety of occasions at their church. Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has brought back the iconic musical comedy to share the exploits of four ladies and their Lutheran Pastor back in 1964.

The Church Basement Ladies sing that they’ve got their aprons on, they’re ready to go.

Back from the original production at Beef & Boards are Licia Watson as the matriarch Vivian Snustad, and Karen Pappas as the unforgettable Mavis Gilmerson. Joining them in the church basement kitchen are Carrie Neal as Karin Engelson, and Anya Burke as Karin’s daughter, Signe. John Vessels joins these ladies in the role of Pastor E.L. Gunderson.

The Church Basement Ladies and Pastor Gunderson are ready to hop of to the Hawaiian Easter Holiday Furnace Fundraiser

The cast is small but the story is filled with the hilarious discussions and antics of these ladies and their pastor. Church humor, references to church events (weddings, funerals, fundraising etc) and wonderful songs fill the stage. This comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. I have never laughed so hard.

“Who made that?” Vivian Snustad (Licia Watson) asks in disgust about the vegetarian lasagna brought for a funeral at the church

Church Basement Ladies is rated G and is on stage for through May 18 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. Children under age 3 are not admitted. They are available online at Beef & Boards or by contacting the box office at 317.872.9664. Some showings are nearly sold out, order soon.

 

The Church Basement Ladies return to Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

/ Roadtirementvintage / 1 Comment

Indianapolis Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is serving up laughs with Church Basement Ladies, now on stage through May 18. Prepared with love and peppered with humor, this is the original theatrical treat that got the Church Basement Ladies series cookin’.

Licia Watson and Karen Pappas return to reprise their roles as Vivan and Mavis, respectively. They’re joined by Carrie Neal as Karin, Anya Burke as Signe, and John Vessels as Pastor Gunderson.

Tickets to Beef & Boards productions are available exclusively through Beef & Boards, either online at Beef and Boards, seating charts available. You may also contact the box office at 317.872.9664. Make plans now, then order your tickets ASAP.  This popular show will sell out quickly…

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Presents Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Now on stage at Indy’s beloved Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is the Tony Award winning story of the music and successes of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Those of us who experienced youth in the 1960’s will be treated to a bit of time travel. You will find yourself once again immersed in the tune and lyrics of  “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, among many other hits.

 

The highly energized and very talented cast will keep your attention glued to the stage. Not only are the song offerings superbly performed, but the behind the scenes storylines explain in detail the ins and outs of the history of the group. The good times and the dark times are artfully presented. This story also details the fascinating secret of the group’s maintained 40 years of friendship.

 

 

Jersey Boys is rated PG-13 and is on stage through April 13. The performance we attended was a sell out, and tickets are selling quite quickly. Please see the complete performance schedule as additional showings are likely to be added. To buy tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

Legally Blonde The Musical now playing at Beef & Boards

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre brings “blonde” to the stage this summer with Legally Blonde The Musical. Based on the hit MGM movie, Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and gives fans all the fun from the film in this energetic musical.

Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, is not prepared to answer the question from Professor Callahan (Jeff Stockberger), far right, in his class at Harvard Law

Sorority president Elle Woods is shocked when instead of proposing, her boyfriend dumps her and states he is off the Harvard Law School. Elle won’t give up, and she soon finds herself enrolled in Harvard Law as well. Then the fun begins.

Emmett Forrest (Jacob Butler), right, encourages Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, to really work toward a law career instead of chasing her ex-boyfriend

This dynamic and vibrant production is filled with exciting characters. Local talent Olivia Broadwater, a graduate of Ball State University and Zionsville Community High School, makes her Beef & Boards debut as Elle Woods, who snaps stereotypes as she sets out to prove herself to the world. Griffin Cole also makes his Beef & Boards debut as Warner Huntington III, who she follows to Harvard after being dumped by him.

Hair stylist Paulette Bonafonte (Meagan Lewis-Michelson), left, sings about her love for “Ireland” to Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater)

Starring as the friends she meets along the way are Jacob Butler as Emmett Forrest, Logan Moore as Kyle the UPS guy,  Jaddy Ciucci as Enid Hoopes, Logan Hill as Serena, Maya Mays as Margo, and Holly Wilder as Kate.

Paulette Bonafonte (Meagan Lewis-Michelson), center, is stunned by UPS delivery man Kyle (Logan Moore), right, as Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, watches

B&B favorites Deb Wims plays Fitness Queen Brook Wyndham, and Jeff Stockberger stars as the successful, but pompus and manipulative, Professor Callahan. And also featured are two wonderful canines, Daisy the toy poodle and Pugsley, a 10 year old English bulldog.

Fitness queen Brooke Wyndham (Deb Wims), top center, leads a workout at the Boston Women’s Correctional Facility

The action of music, song and dance is nearly non stop during both Act I and Act II. The story line of the girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School develops both in plot and character development. The choreography is exciting and very well executed.

Elle’s sorority sisters appear as a Greek Chorus after a “tragedy” befalls her at Harvard

The production we attended was a complete sell out. A staff member told us that tickets are selling fast for all shows. Avoid disappointment, don’t wait to order your tickets. Legally Blonde The Musical is on stage through Aug. 25. The complete performance schedule is on  Beef & Boards Website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

Legally Blonde The Musical coming to Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

/ Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

OMG you guys, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is bringing Legally Blonde The Musical to Indianapolis this July. Based on the hit MGM movie, Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and gives fans all the fun from the film in an energetic musical. It runs from July 11th to August 25th.

Several cast members are making their B&B debut in this production. Olivia Broadwater makes her Beef & Boards debut as Elle Woods. Also making their Beef & Boards debuts are Griffin Cole as Warner Huntington III, Dani Kucera as Vivienne Kinsington, and Meagan Lewis-Michelson as Paulette Bonafonté. Jacob Butler is Emmett Forrest, and Jeff Stockberger is the manipulative Professor Callahan.


Legally Blonde The Musical is on stage for 50 performances through Aug. 25 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. (Children under age 3 not admitted.) To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.