Beef and Boards brings Johnny Cash Ring of Fire to Indy

Beef & Boards production of Ring of Fire brings the massive volume of Johnny Cash’s iconic songbook to the stage in a different kind of musical. The opening song “Country Boy” is presented by actors who not only sing but also expertly play an unbelievable variety of  instruments. This number sets the stage for the entire show.

The cast opens Ring of Fire with the song “Country Boy.”

B&B’s long time veteran Jeff Stockberger’s direction led the cast to move effortlessly from song to song and to messages that offered distinctly different themes and emotions.

Devin McDuffy plays the accordion in “Daddy Sang Bass”

Devin McDuffy, an Indy area born and raised debuts with an energy, character, vocal and instrumental talent that just shines with every thing he does. What a delight of a performance to view!

Luke Darnell (left) and Tyler Breeding perform “Folsom Prison Blues”

Both of these men are also making their first showing at Beef & Boards. Both have long and impressive resumes and bring that talent to Ring of Fire. Whether singing or playing the guitar their on stage ability shines through with great clarity. Feel the energy with each note played.

Mary Catherine Fahrenbacher plays the guitar as she sings “All Over Again”

Mary Catherin Fehrenbacher comes to B&B from New York City. She is an actor, musician and music director. Her credits include an awesome list of world famous productions. Her clear voice and instrumental talents make her portrayal of June Carter Cash a memorable part of this offering of Ring of Fire.

Sarah Hund appears as Minnie Pearl to perform “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart”

This is Sarah Hund’s 33rd show at B&B! I can’t say I’ve seen them all, but for sure have seen the lion’s share of her wonderful performances. In this show she is also assistant director and associate music director. Perhaps younger audience members will not remember Minnie Pearl on Grand Ole Opry, but Sarah’s portrayal is just perfect. Yes that is a price tag on a string hanging from the hat. Ring of Fire showcases her remarkable talent across all genres and atmosphere in the songs she sings.

As I said at the beginning, this is a different kind of musical. Don’t expect a lot of narration of storylines nor long scenes of actors interacting with their lines. Just sit back and enjoy the wide variety of Johnny Cash’s inspired music pieces.

Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at Beef & Boards Website or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Ring of Fire runs through Oct. 4.

Johnny Cash’s life at Indy’s Beef & Boards “Ring of Fire”

Opening August 27th at Indy’s beloved Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will be a celebration of the legend that is Johnny Cash. For this show Beef & Boards welcomes six new talented performers and a few veterans to its stage for Ring of Fire. Johnny Cash’s remarkable story is told through his music, featuring more than two dozen of his hits, from “I Walk the Line,” to “A Boy Named Sue,” to “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the famous title tune.  This show celebrates but never impersonates the
Man in Black.

The talented cast

Ring of Fire burns for 48 performances through Oct. 4. Beef & Boards’ freshly-prepared dinner buffet, is included, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Don’t be disappointed, get your tickets soon.

 

The Play That Goes Wrong will keep you in stiches at Beef & Boards

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s new summer play is an off beat story in a story about a hapless  university drama societies’ presentation of a 1920’s style whodunit with lots of mystery and mayhem. The Play That Goes Wrong has a title that tells it all. A B&B news release comments: “Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award-winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s leaving audiences aching with laughter!” Well said…

Max (Joey Boos) falls to the stage after breaking through a stuck stage door with the help of Robert (Topher Embrey), Annie (Nathalie Cruz), crew members (Jaddy Ciucci and Hannah Elizabeth Boswell), and Dennis (Cynthia Collins)

Crew member Annie (Nathalie Cruz), front, is thrown in a costume, handed a script, and shoved on stage by crew members (Jaddy Ciucci and Hannah Elizabeth Boswell), and Jonathan (Jesse Bhamrah)

The premise is clear. This troupe turns a murder mystery into a blend of Three Stooges slapstick and John Cleese Faulty Towers non stop ridiculous hilarity. This comedy really does keep you in stiches through both Acts. Sets collapse, props go missing, leading lady knocked out, cues for lines are missed and, well, just name it and watch it go wrong.

In an attempt to excuse their compromising position, Florence (Logan Hill) tells her brother Thomas (Topher Embrey) that Cecil (Joey Boos) was cooling her brow

After reacting to a mishap while he’s supposed to be playing a murder victim, Jonathan (Jesse Bhamrah) is pushed back down onto the chaise by Sanrda (Logan Hill) and Robert (Topher Embrey)

This is one show that is most assuredly worthy of your consideration. We would love to share this performance with our adult children who live scattered around the country. It is a great opportunity for an outing for a group of family or friends. And frankly with the world situations as they currently are we can all use a bit of comedy these days.  The Play That Goes Wrong provides plenty of well needed laughs!

Forced into the ever-changing role of Florence, crew member Trevor (Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton) does his best to have an “episode” — an recurring character trait — as Chris (Nic Nichtingale) and Dennis (Cynthia Collins) watch in a mix of fear and confusion

Furious that Annie (Nathali Cruz) won’t let her continue in her role as Florence, Sandra (Logan Hill) lunges to attack her as Chris (Nic Nightingale), Jonathan (JesseBhamrah), Robert (Topher Embrey), and Max (Joey Boos) try to stop the fight

The Play That Goes Wrong makes you laugh during performances through Aug. 23. Regardless of the shenanigans on stage, Beef & Boards’ tasty dinner buffet is always included complete with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Parking is always free!

The Play That Goes Wrong opens at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre this weekend

Yes, Friday July 17th is opening night for the B&B premier of The Play That Goes Wrong. This award winning comedy has been cracking up theater patrons all over the globe. Like comedy? This play has you covered. Plan to get your tickets soon. Once word gets out about how funny this play is tickets will be flying out of the box office!

Photo courtesy B&B media

Get ready for a raucous non-stop comedy. Problems with sets, lighting, crazy ad libs and a loving semi continuous dose of Three Stooges style slapstick will have you literally in stiches. If you can think of an on stage issue plaguing the production, well, get ready. It will show up during this murder mystery!

The Play That Goes Wrong will be on stage through  August 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. And remember, parking is always free!

 

Beef and Boards Pretty Woman is near perfection

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is offering a chance to be absolutely amazed with the quality of the production of Pretty Woman: The Musical now on stage. Two veterans  from the national tour add to the talented and vibrant cast of this, the first musical of the B&B 2026 season. Dani Kucera and Charlie Fusari headline the production as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis, respectively.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) sings “Anywhere But Here”

Happy Man (Darius-Anthony Robinson) tells Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdees) to “Never Give Up on a Dream”

So many moments during the production very easily rate and could be considered as highlights of the show. The entire show will capture your attention and pull you into the storylines. The interactions between Vivian and Edward cross many boundaries and “celebrates transformation, connection, and the power of taking chances
on love.” Some of the interactions are PG-13 rated, not suitable for youngsters.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera), right, suggests to the hotel manager Mr. Thompson (Darius-Anthony Robinson) that she is Edward Lewis’ niece i

Vivan Ward (Dani Kucera), right, looks at Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), left, as Giulio (Joey Boos) takes them in the elevator up to the penthouse

That being said, know that mixed in the songs and dance there are moments of raucous and hilarious humor. Darious-Anthongy Robinson shines as Mr. Thompson, Happy Man and an orchestra conductor. Joey Boos shines as Giulio. Watch for Mr. Thompson and Guilio’s dance number. You’ll laugh till it hurts.

Sad that her friend is leaving, Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), left, asks Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) when her bus is leaving in

Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), right, shows Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) a jeweled necklace to wear to the opera

Making her B&B debut is Ariana Valdes playing the part of Vivian’s friend Kit De Luca. Ariana’s powerful voice is highlighted in each number she belts out, and her character is an integral part of the story between Vivian and Edward. Kit De Luca leads several  dance and song numbers.

Darius-Anthony Robinson is Happy Man in Pretty Woman: The Musical

Giulio (Joey Boos) dances with a mop

It is always easy to praise the quality of the  entertainment offered by any production.  This show is best described as marvelous, energetic, exciting, professional, and just about any other term for quality stage productions. It was so good that we did not want the show to end.

Yes an opera: Alfredo (Ryan Hurley) and Violetta (Jameelah Leaundra) perform in “La Traviata”

Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), center, and the ensemble sing “Welcome to Hollywood”

Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Pretty Woman: The Musical is on stage through April 4. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase

 

Beef and Boards presents Agatha Christie “The Mousetrap”

Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit, The Mousetrap, is now on stage at Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through February 15th. This stage production of the classic murder mystery continues to keep theater patrons guessing as it has for over 70 years. The Mousetrap holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running play, having run continuously since its debut in 1952 with over 30,000 performances.

Mollie Ralston (Malia Munley) screams as she discovers the body of Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark)

Isolated country house Monkswell Manor is filling up with guests as a full blown snowstorm isolates the property. Fear grows as the guests and innkeepers realize that among them lurks a killer. Just as Act I comes to a close a blood curdling scream announces the discovery of another murder victim.

Detective Sergeant Trotter (Scot Greenwell), center, arrives on skis outside Monkswell Manor during a snowstorm.

The cast is packed with colorful characters including a pair of newlywed innkeepers, Mollie (Malia Munley) and Giles (Jae Woo) Ralston, a peculiar spinster Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark), a quirky architect Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), the imposing retired Major Metcalf (Jeff Stockberger), an unexpected traveler Mr. Paravicini (Adam
Du Plesis), a sharp-tongued jurist Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree), and a police investigator Det. Sgt. Trotter (Scot Greenwell).

Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), left, reaches to grab the paper from Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree) after she tells him there’s an article about a murder

Put on your thinking cap. Try to identity the killer. Plot twists and turns, surprise revelations, uniquely animated and weird personalities all blend within scenes of humor, sadness, and chaotic actions. You will be invited to solve this whodunit, but warned to never reveal the ending so all future patrons will have the thrill of the solution.

The characters are all suspicious in Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, “The Mousetrap”,

The Mousetrap is on stage through Feb. 15, and marks the start of Beef & Boards’ exciting 2026 season. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Tickets are available exclusively through Beef & Boards box office at B&B’s website or by calling the
box office at 317.872.9664.

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

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

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

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

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.