dinner theaters

“Singin in the Rain” will make a splash at Beef and Boards

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In 1952 famed movie company MGM produced a musical directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. “Singin in the Rain” took the industry and movie goers by storm. Indy’s beloved Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre brings the stage version to its intimate facility for 50 performances through May 26th. Sher and I are really looking forward to seeing this production!

Don Lockwood (Timothy Ford), doesn’t mind the downpour as he’s “Singin’ in the Rain” (photo courtesy B&B media)

The title song made Kelly famous for his dancing in the rain. Somehow the B&B technical crew is going to make it rain on stage during that famous number. Can’t wait to see that inside rain storm. We’ll report on what we thought of the show after we’ve seen it. Get ticket info at Beef & Boards website.

 

Mamma Mia! takes down the house at Beef and Boards

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is celebrating its 45th Anniversary Season. Headlining the season is the beloved Indy venue’s premier of Mamma Mia!  Set on a Greek Island, the musical tells the story of Sophie, who wants her father at her upcoming wedding. The rub is she doesn’t know who he is, leading to three potential dads being invited to the event. The chaos you  might expect soon follows.

The Dynamos, Donna (Amy Bodnar), center, Tanya (Jalynn Steele), left, and Rosie (Lanene Charters) sing “Super Trouper” during a party for the bride-to-be Sophie

All of the 20 + numbers are from the famed Swedish group ABBA. You will love enjoying your favorite ABBA songs as they come to life on stage. You will delight when you hear the intro and realize that Donna, Rosie and Tanya are going to perform their version of the adored “Dancing Queen”. Especially of note is Sam and Donna’s rendition of “SOS”, and just wait for the hilarious presentation of “Take a Chance on Me” by Bill and Rosie.

Rosie (Lanene Charters) implores Bill Austin (Jeff Stockberger) to “Take a Chance on Me”

The energy displayed by this performance is remarkable. Each number showcases the exquisite talent, both in voice and dance, of all of the cast. Hats off to Ron Morgan for the choreography (and the Direction). Costumes, sets, lighting and all other support aspects of the production have reached perfection. The B&B orchestra has proven without a doubt that they are one of, if not the best, live theater orchestra.

Pepper (Leonard D. Harris Jr.), center, shows off with his friends (Gideon Chickos, left, and Ike Wellhausen) demonstrate the incredible energy of this show!

Several actors make their B&B debut during Mamma Mia! They include Amy Bodnar as Donna, mother of the bride. Also making their B&B debuts are Rachelle Rose Clark as Sophie, and Mark Epperson as Sam Carmichael, Will Leonard as Sky, and Jalynn Steele as Tanya. Several B&B regulars also star in the show.

Reuniting after many years, the Dynamos (from left) Tanya (Jalynn Steele), Rosie (Lanene Charters), and Donna (Amy Bodnar) sing “Dancing Queen” together using hair implements as microphones

Mamma Mia! is a production that deserves attending more than one time. This is one you have to see. The ABBA tunes will take you back in time or introduce you to a super group if you have not heard them before. Mamma Mia! runs through April 8th. Go to the Beef & Board website for show schedules, ticket pricing and any other information. But by all means go enjoy this fabulous performance.

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

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

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

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.

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

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The cast of Church Basement Ladies

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

“Mavis” in a typical wacky scene

You will laugh 'til you cry

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.

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

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Nathan and Adelaide Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

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

“The Guys” Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

“Guys and Dolls” on stage at Beef & Boards

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Photo courtesy Beef & Boards

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!

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

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Oscar convinces Felix to double date

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

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.