Indianapolis

Beef and Boards presents Agatha Christie “The Mousetrap”

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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

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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.

The Pyramids, an Indianapolis landmark since 1972

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Construction began in 1967 on the first of three unique 11 story buildings for the College Life Insurance Company. The architectural firm of Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates was hired to design the Insurance company’s expected need for a headquarters complex. This style of design is often called Brutalist architecture.

Signage plus Landscaping

Facing South

Facing North

Each Pyramid is eleven stories, each with an L-shaped concrete core facing the north and west. The concrete supports each floor. The south and east facing exteriors are covered in reflective glass. The concrete sections contain restrooms and elevators.  The floors themselves are airy, well lit via the two wide walls of windows in each structure.  Ownership has changed hands several times, and as of this writing there is “For Lease” signage displayed.

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

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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.

Sixty foot tall mural of Pacers Reggie Miller

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Reggie Miller played college ball at UCLA and was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1987 in the 1st round (11th pick, 11th overall). Miller only played for the Pacers until he retired in 2005.

Standing at 60-ft tall, this is the tallest of the murals in downtown Indianapolis. Portraying Reggie Miller, one of the Pacers’ most renowned players. This creation by mural artist Pamela Bliss was completed in 2018. Bliss has created several striking murals in Indianapolis.

Reggie is taking one of his favorite shots on the Northeast corner of “The Mich” building address 127 E. Michigan St. The mural faces North Delaware Street. Boom Baby!

An often overlooked monument to Indiana history

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One very busy intersection in Indianapolis is where Southeastern Avenue angles into East Washington Street just east of the I-70  overpass. Chances are good that you’ve never noticed the tall limestone obelisk on a concrete deck next to the sidewalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The obelisk was installed in 1916 to recognize the 100 year anniversary of the State of Indiana’s admission into the Union. This project was taken on and executed by the Cornelius Cole Fairbanks Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.  This Chapter organized in 1907, and remains active today. This is the Chapter’s website.

The Garage, Indy’s unique Food Hall

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The Bottleworks District of Indianapolis is a vibrant area in close proximity to the intersection of I-70 and I-65, once known as the “spaghetti bowl”. Bounded by N. College Ave, 10th Street, Bellefontaine St, and Massachusetts Avenue, this is the home of The Garage Food Hall.

Comfy patio, great for socializing

Beautiful 30’s era architecture

Intimate outside seating

 

 

 

 

 

The Garage Food Hall is a 30,000 square foot food and market hall that occupies two of the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant’s original garage buildings. The Art Deco terracotta facades faithfully protect the 1930s industrial architecture facades. Large roll-up doors allow for a seamless indoor and outdoor experience.

Authentic “British” Fish & Chips

Hard Truth Distillery

Mouth watering Asian Hibachi Grilled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garage  hosts a variety of food and beverage vendors each bringing top culinary creative chefs and drink creators together in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Distilleries, breweries and wineries are represented. Menus from around the world also serve hungry visitors with about any type of cuisine you can think of.

Traditional Mexican cuisine with Asian-fusion taqueria

Gaucho’s Fire: The best of Brazil’s street food

 

 

 

 

 

Per visitindy.com: “Axle’s is the spot for a cold one after work”

In addition to the many food and drink vendors at this unique and historic facility, there are retail and service businesses included in the roster of establishments.  Specialty gifts, clothing, spa services and a full service barber and beauty shop are among the non food vendor offerings.

Fun picture at the electric bicycle shop

Parking is absolutely hassle free at The Garage. Lot 4, adjacent to the building. Open Monday – Friday from 9AM -5 PM parking is only $2.00. Weekdays 11 AM – 3 PM First hour is Free. More details at The Garage website here.

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

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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.

 

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

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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.