Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat thrills the crowds at Beef & Boards

February 5, 2017July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

The cast sings “Go, Go, Go Joseph” Courtesy B&B Media

Beef & Boards is offering the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as its first musical of the 2017 season. Prepare to put a smile on your face as you enjoy this delightful presentation at Indy’s beloved dinner theatre that runs through March 26th.

Tim Wessel has the title role. Having been the understudy for the character in the recent National Tour, Wessel brings a life long love of the production to his performance. Based on the Old Testament story of Joseph and his life in Egypt, the show was nominated for seven Tony Awards during its Broadway run. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features a wide variety of music including country, rock, pop and even calypso.

All aspects of the production reveal the professionalism and expertise of the Beef & Boards theatre. The costumes designed by Jill Kelly are a visual treat. The stage set is both dynamic and stunning. The orchestra, directed by Kristy Templet, brings an amazing variety of music to the stage. Doug King both directs and choreographs with an eye for an exciting show. The dancing is superb. Hats off to the talented kids in the Children’s Ensembles who show remarkable on stage poise and talent.

Andrea Fleming makes her B&B debut as the Narrator. Douglas E. Stark in his 45th year in the business is delightful in his portrayal of Jacob and Potiphar. Look for hilarious anachronisms that pop up all through the show including Disco, country swing, and of course Elvis.

Andrea Fleming as the Narrator Courtesy B&B Media

Ryan Neal Green is incredible in his number that has Pharaoh turning into an Egyptian version of Elvis, complete with the hair and gyrating hips. Prepare to tap your feet, smile and think “are they really doing this?” Once again the elaborate costumes add to the splendor of the number. Green’s kibitzing with the crowd adds yet another dimension to the scene.

This production has gone to the top of the list for our favorite shows we have enjoyed at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Every aspect of the show is exciting and surprising. The finale of the show has the entire Company in the “Joseph Megamix” featuring a wildly energetic number that acts a a wrap up. You’ll love it. Don’t miss this show.

Check the Beef & Boards website for information. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. Tickets include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, fruit & salad bar, and select beverages. Plenty of free parking is available.

A Beef and Boards Christmas celebrates the season

November 27, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Rudolph really can fly!

One of the favorite holiday shows in Indiana is back on stage at Beef & Boards on Indy’s northwest side. This beloved variety show, celebrating a 24 year run, is known for its consistent quality. I think the 2016 version of the show actually raised the bar for the overall quality of the production.

Once again the show is hosted by Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard. This will be the last time you will be able to enjoy the heartwarming performance of this marvelous duo as Deb will soon be relocating with her family out-of-state.

The extremely talented principal singers this year is a quartet including Peter Scharbrough, Kyle Durbin, Betsy Norton and Cara Statham. Returning as the featured vocalist for the show is Kendra Lynn Lucas. Kendra brings an amazingly strong voice to all of her many songs. Music director Kristy Templet leads the B&B Orchestra, placed center stage. Several numbers feature just the orchestra which is a real treat.

Fancy costumes, great dancing and exciting song!

You will be immersed in the spirit of the season during the show. The costumes are, well, stunning. I am still in awe of the number of costume changes! (Hats off to costume designer Jill Kelly Howe) Director/Choreographer Ron Morgan has put together a fabulous production. The action is nonstop and exciting.

Kendra Lynn Lucas center stage singing “O Holy Night”

My favorite numbers? I have to say I loved them all. OK, I loved the Grinch, Alvin and the Chipmunks and flying Rudolph. Each year I cherish Kendra Lynn Lucas belting out “O Holy Night”. Her passion flows out and envelopes the entire house with the Spirit of Christmas.

A Beef & Boards Christmas runs through December 23rd. Chef Odell Ward’s holiday buffet is a true culinary delight and is a great way to start your fun filled and joyous evening at indy’s beloved dinner theatre. For reservations you can call the box office at 317.872.9664 or visit the Beef & Boards website.

Beef & Boards takes you Into the Woods

October 9, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Little Red Ridinghood (Jaddy Ciucci), right, asks for a loaf of bread from the Baker (Don Farrell), left, and his wife (Meaghan Sands), center, in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Photo courtesy B&B media

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre ventures into new territory this fall with its production of Into the Woods, the Stephen Sondheim musical version of classic Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. This production first hit the Broadway stage in 1987 with multiple Tony Awards to its credit. Disney made a movie of the tale in 2014.

This striking production takes beloved fairy tales through two different stages. The first act brings the familiar story lines to the audience with music and clever comedy. Cinderella wants to attend the “festival”, Little Red Ridinghood is off to Granny’s house with a basket of goodies, Jack (of beanstalk fame) wants his cow to give milk and the baker and his wife want a baby. Rapunzel is also looking for a suitor to save her from her life in the tower. Happily ever after comes at the conclusion of Act 1.

Act 2 explores what occurs after “Happily Ever After”. Decisions have consequences is the theme of the often dark side of the continuation of the story lines. Let me just say that events that occur in Act 2 do not always fit into a “Happily” ever after definition.

The live orchestra brings vibrant music to the many songs performed for this production. The acting is superb with realistic character development. The set design for the woods is moody to fit, including the moving turntable that gives the illusion of the characters covering long distances as they weave in and out through the trees. You’ll feel the impact of the footsteps of the giants as well!

The Wolf (Timothy Ford) encounters Little Red Ridinghood (Jaddy Ciucci) as she journeys to her grandmother’s house. Photo courtesy B&B media

The costumes both set the stage and fit the characters. Of special note is the incredible makeup for the Witch. Her face will bring an unsettling vision to your eyes. Likewise the frightening presentation of the Wolf as he stalks Red Riding Hood will both delight and scare.

Please note that this performance is recommended for audiences age 13 and above.

Into the Woods is on stage through Nov. 20 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $41 to $66 and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet and select beverages. Parking is always free. For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. Go to the Beef & Boards website for complete details.

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

July 17, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

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

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.

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

May 26, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 3 Comments

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

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.

Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Guys and Dolls”

April 3, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 4 Comments

Nathan and Adelaide Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

The musical comedy Guys and Dolls is now running at Beef & Boads Dinner Theatre on the northwest side of Indianapolis. This intimate venue, beloved by Indy theater goers for decades, provides a perfect setting for this sometimes madcap story of two couples attempting to sort out their feelings.

The cast is filled with Beef and Boards favorties. Eddie Curry has the role of pro gambler Nathan Detroit. Nathan is in a race to procure a location for the biggest craps game ever seen. Adding to the frivolity is the local cop, played by Daniel Scharbrough, who is constantly breathing down Nathan’s neck in an effort to bust the game. Enter Sky Masterson who will bet on anything. Nathan sees this as a chance to make a sure bet with Masterson in order to get the cash to rent the place for the craps game.

The bet brings in a sweet, innocent Mission worker named Sarah Brown, played by Betsy Norton. The bet is that Masterson can get Sarah to go to Havana, Cuba with him for dinner. Meanwhile Nathan is still wooing Miss Adelaide, played by Deb Wims. Nahan and Adelaide have been “engaged” for 14 years. Both men have different ideas of romance. Both women also have different ideas about their perfect man.

Things get crazy quickly. The floating craps game ends up in a couple of unlikely places. Sky and Sarah go to Havana and return. Nathan and Adelaide plan more than one wedding time. Other gamblers join in the search for the perfect game. The cop keeps trying to bust the game. Laced throughout the cast sings, dances, laughs and just carries on!

This favorite won a Tony for Best Musical when on Broadway. The Beef and Boards version features all of the famous songs including “Luck Be A Lady Tonight” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat”.

Guys and Dolls runs through May15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. You will really love the buffet that Chef Odell Ward prepares for this production.

Call for reservations at the Beef & Boards box office at 317-872-9664 or visit the Beef & Boards website here.

“The Guys” Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

“Guys and Dolls” on stage at Beef & Boards

April 1, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Photo courtesy Beef & Boards

Sher and I are looking forward to seeing “Guys and Dolls” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indy this weekend. Some of our favorite actors are playing in this fun musical. We’re anticipating great performances from Eddie Curry, Jeff Stockberger and Deb Wims, among others.

I’ll have a full report on the show sometime Sunday.

Here is the Beef & Boards website. Get your tickets now!

Beef & Boards Christmas show once again shines

December 2, 2015July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre on the far northwest side of Indianapolis continues to prove why it is one of the most popular and beloved venues in the area. This year’s version of the Christmas variety show is just marvelous.

Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard continue their tradition of hosts and performers of the show. This team has been leads in this show for years. Wims and Shepard sing and dance as one. Audiences are always enthralled by their performance and stage presence.

The supporting cast is truly one of the best in the musical genre. The choreography, costuming and sets bring the Spirit of the Season to the stage. Special recognition is due to the perfromance of Kendra Lynn Lucas. This talented lady can really belt out a song. Her rendition of “O Holy Night” in Act 2 brought the house to its feet.

The Beef & Boards orchestra is amazing. The quality and depth of the music that a handfull of musicians produce is one of the keys to the excitement of the performance.

Don’t miss the Beef & Boards Christmas 2015. The show runs through December 23rd. Visit the B&B website for all pertainent details.

“Peter Pan” opening at Beef and Boards

May 15, 2015July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Jeff Stockberger and his bumbling pirates. Photo courtesy B&B media

The 2015 Family show at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is the beloved musical “Peter Pan”. The show opened May 14th and will have 58 total performances.

B&B favorite Jeff Srockberger will play the role of that evil Captain Hook. The casting of Peter Pan will be by newcomer to B&B Phobe Taylor. This high flying show should be one of the best family shows yet.

Sher and I are thrilled to be able to take one of our grand-daughters to see the show with us. We’ll report back after we have seen the show.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre also puts on a great family friendly buffet with items that kids will love. Chef Odell Ward knows how to please the kids! Check out the B&B website for details, including discount ticketing prices for kids aged 3 – 15.

Curry and Stockberger bring down the house in ‘The Odd Couple’ at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

December 31, 2014July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Oscar convinces Felix to double date

The 2015 season at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis opened this week with the Neil Simon classic hit The Odd Couple. Starring 25 year friends Eddie Curry as the fastidious Felix Unger and Jeff Stockberger as the slovenly Oscar Madison, this is truly a must see show.

Curry and Stockberger are favorites of B&B patrons and tonight’s production showcased these two talented funnymen at their best. They have worked together for years. Their delivery, timing and facial expressions were frankly some of the best this author has seen in quite a while. Both used this 4 time Tony Award winning script to the max.

There were too many hilarious moments in the play to list, but when you go and enjoy this play be ready for Felix’s bout with neck pain and other physical afflictions. Oscar has a funny time dealing with the curse that Felix put on him.

Oscar flirts with Pigeon sisters

The supporting cast brings a set of characters to the stage that add to the frivolity and humor of the entire situation that face Oscar and Felix. Oscar has a Friday night poker game. Darrin Murrell, Dave Ruark, Michael Davis , and Craig Underwood play Vinnie, Roy, Speed, and Murray respectively. These four keep poppng into scenes with a flair for suppporting roles. Hats off as well to the performances of Carrie Fedor as Cecily and Erin Cohenour as Gwendolyn, the Pigeon sisters from upstairs.

The Odd Couple is celebrating its 50th annivesary this year. The B&B production, directed by Douglas E Stark continues the tradition of a top notch comedy production. This show runs through Feb. 8, 2015 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Don’t miss this show. It is one of the best ever performed at B&B. Here is their website for information.