dinner theaters

Grumpy Old Men are coming to Beef & Boards

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The latest press release from Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre:
The comedy duo of Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger take the stage in the regional
premiere of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Based on the popular 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margaret, the stage adaptation opens for the first time at Beef & Boards on Aug. 24.

Jeff Stockberger

Eddie Curry

Sarah Hund

Curry and Stockberger have entertained patrons of Beef & Boards for years, both separately and, at their best, when paired on stage. (Remember The Odd Couple?) Can’t wait to see them as two legs of a love triangle with Sarah Hund, another favorite of ours, fulfilling the role of the alluring new neighbor from across the street.
Grumpy Old Men is on stage for 46 performances through Oct 1st. Get your tickets at Beef & Boards soon This show will sell out quickly. You can also call the box office at
at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

Beef & Boards unique tribute to Duke Ellington

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is currently presenting a unique performance titled Sophisticated Ladies. This stylish and dynamic collection of Duke Ellington’s musical legacy is a rapid fire presentation of his musical genius.

Tenéh B. C. Karimu leads the Beef & Boards Orchestra in the Overture

Gigi Huang (center) performs “Dancers In Love” with Jonny Rouse (left) and Darius-Anthony Robinson, right

 

 

 

 

 

There is no real “story” to this production. Rather, you are treated to one number after another after another with literally no time in between. With dance and song the cast and orchestra brings a delightful “mini-story” into every number, some with the song lyrics and some with mime style dance and expressions during instrumental pieces.

Kelliann DeCarlo sings “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce”

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making their first appearance at Beef & Boards are Darius-Anthony Robinson, Yvette Monique Clark, Kelliann DeCarlo, Zachary Dyer, Arika Lynn Casey, and Gigi Huang. Back again at the Beef & Boards stage are Tiffany Gilliam, Joseph Perkins Jr. , Sean Blake , and Jonny Rouse. Musical direction is by Tenéh B. C. Karimu and Kenney M. Green-Tilford is director and choreographer.

From left: Joseph Perkins Jr., Jonny Rouse, Darius-Anthony Robinson, and Zachary Dyer perform “Drop Me Off In Harlem”

Yvette Monique Clark sings “In A Sentimental Mood”

 

 

 

 

 

The talent on stage for Sophisticated Ladies is eye popping. The songs are belted out with style, power and beauty that would have made The Duke proud. The energy of the dance makes you ask yourself how the performers are keeping up with the non-stop pace of the show. How they make their many costume changes so quickly is also incredible. Vintage black and white photos of 1930’s Harlem night clubs like the Savoy and the Apollo as backdrops added to the experience.

Sean Blake (center) performs “Ko-Ko (The Card Game)” with (from left) Zachary Dyer, Darius-Anthony Robinson, Jonny Rouse, and Joseph Perkins Jr.

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “Music Is A Woman”

The company performs “It Don’t Mean A Thing” during the finale

The entire show is one thrilling number after another. I had to tap my foot to the music during each song. I sat there during the whole show with a grin on my face thinking “This is real music.”  The orchestra was superb, larger than normal and presented Duke Ellington’s music in a way that took you back to the hey-days of this musical era.

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef and Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

 

Duke Ellington’s music celebrated on stage at Beef and Boards

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Starting Friday, July 14th, Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present “Sophisticated Ladies” spotlighting the music of Duke Ellington.

This is part of the latest B&B’s Press Release:
This summer, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates 100 years since legendary jazz
pianist and composer Duke Ellington moved to New York City to perform in Broadway nightclubs with Sophisticated Ladies, a stylish and brassy retrospective of The Duke’s musical legacy now on stage. After moving to New York City in 1923 to perform in such legendary venues as the Exclusive Club in Harlem and the Hollywood Club, Ellington would go on to have extended residencies at the Cotton Club in Harlem. It is this period that is celebrated in Act I, with songs including “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “’A’ Train,” and “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce.”

Sophisticated Ladies celebrates the music of legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington with more than two dozen songs taking audiences through his decades of contributions to American music.

Act II explores the private man as captured in his music, featuring “I’m Beginning To See The Light,” “Satin Doll,” I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good,” and “Sophisticated Lady.” Ellington recorded with such talents as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus. Sophisticated Ladies is a high-stepping salute inspired by the glamorous nightlife and sensuous highlife of Ellington, who would go on to tour Europe, Asia, West Africa, and South America, in addition to North America.

Get your tickets at the Beef & Boards website. We’re really looking forward to this performance, as it is hard to beat Duke Ellington’s genius when it comes to music. We’re going this weekend and we’ll let you know what we thought, probably Monday. Have a good weekend!

Themed drinks at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is a wonderful venue that not only provides top notch live musicals but also a delightful buffet dinner to start your evening’s entertainment. Doors open at 5:30 and the buffet is available soon after you are seated.

Four lines, hardly any waiting at the buffet!

As part of the available libations from B&B’s full bar are themed cocktails fitting of the production on stage. Custom designed for each show, we always order one to start our evening at the theater.

Appropriate for this show!

“Foot Loose” had both alcoholic and non-alcoholic designer drinks!

For “An American in Paris” we both enjoyed drinks with a Parisian flair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An evening at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is a marvelous way to spend an evening of good food, drink, and professional theater. Check the B&B website for details.

Beef & Boards “An American in Paris” delights with dance

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Do you like dance live on stage? Do you appreciate the brilliance of George and Ira Gershwin’s music compositions? Head out to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre for the currently running production of An American in Paris. Set in Paris immediately after the end of World War II it follows the story of an American GI who decides to stay in Paris and have a go at a career as an artist. Yes, he finds a girl.

An American In Paris Lise and Jerry

One of the first things we noticed when we arrived at the theater was the larger than usual stage area that had been prepared for this show. Every square foot of the stage was utilized by Ron Morgan’s dynamic choreography and direction. This show was filled with dance. The depth of talent in this cast is exceptional and showcased by awesome choreography. The precision displayed during mass numbers is amazing, as are the scenes featuring couples. Cast members even utilized dance moves while placing props during set changes!

Jerry Mulligan (Jon Rose), center, sings “Beginner’s Luck” out of joy to have fallen in love with Lise

Milo Davenport (Sarah Hund), right, asks Jerry (Jon Rose) if she’s enough for him

 

 

 

 

 

The 1951 movie, An American in Paris, won Best Picture that year, and debuted classic music pieces from George and Ira Gershwin. The Gershwin songs in the B&B’s production also include “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “Stairway to Paradise” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “2nd Prelude,” “2nd Rhapsody,” “The Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

Henri Baurel (Ian Black), center, imagines himself to be an authentic “song-and-dance man” while singing “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise”

Our GI, Jerry (Jon Rose), is smitten when he meets Lise (Sophie Aknin), a beautiful Parisian girl. Lise is engaged to Henri (Ian Black), and is also desired by Adam (Austin Glen Jacobs) another American. The convoluted love stories are artfully told by means of the music and dance. The backdrop to the storyline includes references to the hard truth that Paris had just endured several years of Nazi occupation.

Adam Hochberg (Austin Glen Jacobs) center, declares that he, Jerry Mulligan (Jon Rose), left, and Henri Baurel (Ian Black), right became the “Three Musketeers”

Lise (Sophie Aknin) completes the lift at the conclusion of the “Paris Ballet”

 

 

 

 

 

The Gershwin music is just wonderful. The dancing is superb. You’ll say “Wow” after each scene! You’ll marvel at the quality of the ballet and other styles of dance. We really enjoyed the depth of talent that shows in the entire cast.  It may sound like a cliché, but this is one show you don’t want to miss!

Lise (Sophie Aknin) auditions at the Ballet du Chatelet as Jerry (Jon Rose) watches

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of An American in Paris is now on stage through May 14 . Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ buffet and select beverages. Visit Beef & Boards website for pricing and availability, or call the box office at 317.872.9664.

 

 

Explosive musical Footloose on stage at Indy’s Beef & Boards

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Are you ready Indianapolis? The first musical of Indy’s beloved Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 50th Anniversary season is  the dynamic, dramatic and explosive Footloose, now on stage. This show is a marvelous musical entertainment treat.

Ren and his friends dance in the opening number of Footloose

The production opens with a vibrant dance number that sets the stage for premium quality choreography and music throughout. A Beef and Boards press release provides a snapshot of the storyline: “The 1984 movie danced its way into the hearts of millions, and was nominated for two Oscars, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for its powerhouse hits including “Footloose,” “Almost Paradise,” and “Let’s Hear It for The Boy.” The stage musical combines the bestselling score with dynamic new songs in a celebration of the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness.”

Ethel McCormack, Ren’s mother, played by B&B veteran Sarah Hund

Rev. Shaw Moore, played by Eddie Curry, B&B long time actor and director

Rusty (Shelbi Berry Kamohara) sings “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”

Ren, a rebellious teenager from Chicago, who, with his mother, moved from the Windy City to Bomont, a super conservative small rural town. He is shocked when he learns that dancing is illegal, among other culture shocks. The plot follows the drama as he comes to grips as best as he can with his developing feelings for Ariel, the minister’s daughter. Oh yes, the minister, Rev. Shaw Moore, is responsible for maintaining the ban on dancing, founded by a tragic accident that took the lives of four teens, including the minister’s son.

Ariel (Sharaé Moultrie), top, sings “I Need A Hero” with her friends (from left) Urleen (Logan Hill), Rusty (Shelby Berry Kamohara), and Wendy Jo (Maya Mays)

As he tries to take her order, Ariel (Sharaé Moultrie), right, tells Ren (Daniel Dipinto) that what she wants isn’t on the menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you like song and dance, Footloose is for you. There are over a dozen songs performed across the two Acts of this stage play. Not only will you enjoy the songs, but you’ll also be amazed at the high stepping and energetic choreography of the dances. Over the course of the scenes the story of Ren and his quest to fit in are dotted with happiness and sadness. But the overall show is both uplifting and inspiring. Yes it has a happy ending.

At the Dance

Willard leaps at the dance

Making their Beef & Boards debuts are Daniel Alan Dipinto as Ren, and Sharaé Moultrie as the minister’s daughter, Ariel. Shelbi Berry Kamohara (The Addams Family,
Honky Tonk Angels, Hello, Dolly!) is Rusty, while Noah Nehemiah Robinson makes his Beef & Boards debut as Willard. Eddie Curry reprises his role as the uptight town minister, Rev. Shaw Moore. The show is directed by Heather Patterson King, with choreography by Doug King and musical direction by Kristy Templet. Footloose is rated PG-13 for some adult themes and language.

Ren leaps for joy at the dance

Footloose is on stage  through March 26 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner
Theatre. Tickets  include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages.
To purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre 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. Wednesdays.

Before Footloose at Beef and Boards

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We are back at Beef and Boards, just had a great meal. Now we are enjoying a fancy cocktail waiting for the start of the first musical in the 50th anniversary season: Footloose!

Kevin Bacon starred in the 1984 movie which became an instant hit. Tonight’s cast at Beef and Boards includes several talented actors making their debut here.

We’ll have a full review with photos for you tomorrow !

Comedy filled murder mystery dinner show

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We had a fun and different evening for last night’s entertainment. Our son and daughter-in-law from Columbus, Ohio came over to Indianapolis and treated us to an evening at the Indy version of The Dinner Detective murder mystery dinner show.

Where the body was found!

The show was held in a decent sized conference room at the Sheraton Hotel in the Keystone Mall on the north side of Indianapolis. Our party had seven, including three of our adult grandkids. The table sat 10, so another couple was seated, and before the show started another fellow sat down. We all wondered if this fellow was in fact part of the show.

Interaction between cast and audience

All attendees had made up “aliases” for name tags. Sher was Nancy Drew. The crowd was encouraged to question as many other guests as possible, and begin to make a suspect list. Soon after we began eating the murder victim made his appearance with a mortal wound and died on the floor.  Thus the mystery commenced.

The detective hovering over the victim’s body

Two “Police Detectives” soon came out and began the investigation. They interviewed and interacted with many of the audience. There was constant funny patter, including some hilarious one liners and great improvisation. The lack of an obvious script was a bonus.

This was the “Curtain Call” for the cast

Clues were discovered, some under some of the plates on the tables, some from printed pages giving background information for the plot. The flow of the acting was pretty much constant. The two police detectives did a great job keeping the storyline on track. The plot was quite complicated and only one person got all the details correctly.

Vegetarian Farro Risotto

Chicken Marsala

The rich dessert

All of this action took place while we were enjoying the very nice multi course meal. It started with Caesar salad. Entrees offered were Chicken Marsala, Pan Seared Tilapia, and vegetarian Farro Risotto, all topped off with a decadent rich chocolate cake. There was also a full service bar that was open the entire time. The meal was good, however the table service left a lot to be desired. That was really our only disappointment of the evening.

The company logo

We had a great time being immersed in this murder mystery. The Dinner Detective has over 80 locations in cities all over the country. Check to see if there is one near you.

 

Teatro ZinZanni has a great show in Seattle’s Sodo Park

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Coming Home is such a fitting title for the return of the Teatro ZinZanni’s production now being celebrated after its long awaited return to Seattle. The terrible events of 2020/21 that closed the show and the vintage 1910 circus tent had left a real void in the entertainment scene in the Pacific Northwest.

SODO Park, 3200 1st Ave S, Seattle

Now the show is back, this time in an old warehouse in SODO Park on Seattle’s south side. This is a limited edition run, now showing until February 19, 2023. The ZinZanni tradition of love, chaos and of course dinner is alive and well at this vintage venue. No tent, but a full bar is open, and the coat check room is in a huge old walk-in safe.

They make a stiff cocktail!

Curtains open, ready to be seated

Photo of menu items courtesy ZinZanni website

When you are seated, you will find the first course of your four course meal at your table. Tonight it was a wild mushroom tart with thyme-infused Madeira cream sauce. Second course was pumpkin soup with coconut and green chili sambal. The main course was your choice of meat, fish or vegetarian entrée. Chai panna cotta with a  blood orange glaze wraps up your feast for dessert. The four courses are brought to your table throughout the evening, at reasonable intervals, and not disruptive to the show.

The old warehouse becomes home to actors

The band, complete with Grand Piano

Now on with the performance! The setting here is an old warehouse of some kind. The trappings for the “Coming Home” show covered most, but not all of the old warehouse interior. Elaborate lights and sound systems were in place and provided technical support. The band was seated on an actual stage, and my did that small group of musicians put out an amazing variety of sounds.

Not enough can be said about the talented cast! Ben Wendel and Rachel Nehmer make up Duo Madrona, trapeze artist extraordinaire.  What they do is heart stopping!

Rizo is more than a superb vocalist. Her passion flows in every verse she sings, and her ability to hold a note seemingly forever will captivate you.

Vita Radionova defies the laws of physics with her contortion and hula hoop performance. As her act progresses, the number of hoops she uses increase!

Manuela Horn is the 6’2″ tall Yodeling Dominatrix. Yes, that’s what I said. Her antics keep everyone in stiches, and her interaction with one hapless audience member, well, it was interesting.

Elena Gatilova is a former World Champion of rhythmic gymnastics, and you won’t believe what she does on a suspended ring. Plus she is an excellent comedic actor.

Domitil Aillot trained at an internationally renowned Circus School in Paris. What he does with a stack of chairs from floor to ceiling will blow your mind, as will his performance on the Chinese Pole!

Michael Evolution is a world-class basketball freestyle juggler. Never heard of one? You are in for a treat! What this man does with three basketballs defies gravity!

Kevin Kent was a cast member of the original Teatro ZinZanni show in Seattle in 1998. His improvisation skills are unmatched, and his interactions with audience members in many different scenarios will have you surprised and in stiches. Enough said…

The Teatro Zinzanni trademark

Sher and Maj as taken by the Official Photographer

We were so glad when we heard that Teatro Zinzanni was back in business in Seattle. The new location works fine, and the cast, band and crew make for a delightful entertainment event. Learn more about the cast, band, menus and other points of information at the Teatro ZinZanni’s website. Don’t miss a chance to catch this evening of love, chaos and dinner.

The Addams Family at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has published a general invitation to “meet The Addams Family” during October and most of November this year. We took them up on that invitation, and thoroughly enjoyed the performance Saturday night.

(snap snap) When you’re an Addams theme song

A B&B press release sets the stage: “Few things frighten the eerie Addams clan. But Gomez Addams faces a nightmare when his daughter, Wednesday, falls in love. What’s worse, she loves a boy Gomez has never met – who is from a respectable family. To complicate matters even more, Wednesday pleads with him not to tell her mother, Morticia, and Gomez must do something he’s never dared – keep a secret from his wife. Everything changes forever for the famously frightening family when they are put to the test hosting a dinner for the “normal” boyfriend Lucas and his parents.”

The (family) Ancestors and Uncle Fester (Kurt Perry)

That said, it should be noted that all of the cast were on point with the quality of their performances. Eddie Curry and Jill Kelly Howe portray Gomez and Morticia Addams with skills that successfully define their characters. The show begins with Uncle Fester “dancing on the graves” of ghostly Ancestors, who provide dancing choreography throughout the performance.

Jeff Stockberger as Lurch

Amanda Butterbaugh as Grandma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelbi Berry plays Wednesday Addams,  while Ray Gleaves plays her “normal” boyfriend Lucas. John Vessels and Sarah Hund play Mal and Alice Beineke, the ridiculously normal parents of Lucas. Mal and Alice have a hard time adjusting to the Addams macabre way of like, their house in a Park in New York, and just about anything Addams!

The Beinekes and Lurch

Wednesday challenges Lucas with a crossbow and apple on head

Wednesday sings while torturing Pugsley (Eli Neal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The conflicts that arise between the Addams family members, Beineke family members, and each others set the tone for the hilarious interactions seen in Act to Act to Act. Gomez and Morticia clash over his lying about the engagement of Wednesday and Lucas. Mal and Alice had tough time with their marriage. Pugsley was worried about Wednesday leaving him so no more torture.

Gomez reacts to the news of the engagement ring

The humor in this production is constant and hilarious. Some scenes border on slapstick, others are filled with subtle references to current political issues. Uncle Fester is in love with the Moon. Yes, the moon that orbits Earth. His featured Act “The Moon and Me” will have you rolling in the aisle. Lurch greets the Beineke family with the classic “You rang?” line. He later gives a mime explaining his death (yes, Lurch is neither dead or alive) involving a motorcycle and a bunny.

Portrait of Gomez and Morticia Addams

The set, lighting and special effects for The Addams Family are very impressive and set the tone of the production. Costumes reach a level of creepiness that is , frankly, creepy. Eddie Curry’s artistic direction is spot on, and coupled with the music rounds out a delightful production. You will be perfectly and hilariously creeped out when you meet The Addams Family. Reserve your seats early! The theater was sold out when we attended. This is a great Halloween season show.

To purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre 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. Wednesdays. A discount of $6 off per ticket is available to children ages 3-15. The Addams Family is rated PG-13 for some language, innuendo, and dark references.