Indianapolis Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre famous buffet

One of the many enjoyable aspects of an evening out at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is partaking of their famed buffet! Each show has its own buffet menu, thus you have a new culinary experience at each different show. Once you arrive at the theater and are seated at your table a staff member will get your drinks and direct you to the buffet lines.

View of the two serving lines set up in front of the stage.

The Buffet lines open at 5:30. As a true buffet, you are invited to get seconds. Often there will be an item on the menu that I will consider worthy of more of that particular delicacy. Each different menu also has a variety of items marked Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and vegan to meet most dietary desires. Executive Chef Larry Stoops orchestrates feeding over 400 people each show.

Baked Tilapia, Famous Roast Beef , Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Peas and Wild Rice

Salad plate , melons, Cottage Cheese, Potato salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will be very pleased with the quality of the B&B waiter staff. They keep your drinks filled, including the very tasty coffee. Dessert is available but extra. We always order our dessert during the intermission but you can of course get it right after you eat. The dessert menu has many items from which to choose. All in all, the Beef and Boards Dinner Buffet is a most enjoyable and a large part of your evening at the theater. This is the Beef and Boards Website.

 

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.

We went to Irvington’s Spooky Organ Concert

Irvington is an historic neighborhood on the near eastside of Indianapolis. As part of it’s famed annual Halloween Festival, Our Lady of Lourdes Church was the site of a “Spooky Organ Concert” last night.

Our Lady of Lourdes main entrance

 

 

 

 

 

 

The free concert began at 6:00 PM, with the church sanctuary filled to capacity. Bach’s Fugue in G Minor opened the program played, of course, on the church organ. Very talented local musicians performed a variety of numbers including movie scores, Broadway hits and other spooky themes.  We really enjoyed this delightful musical celebration of the Halloween season.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Tootsie” now on stage through Nov. 23

What an awesome  show we saw last night! Tootsie the Musical is now on stage at Indy’s beloved Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and wow what a show it is. Based on the famous Dustin Hoffman1982 film, the musical Tootsie brings several new modern twists to a tale of the lengths one pursues for success.

Attempting to start a legitimate relationship with her, Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda) talks with a relutant Julie Nichols (Renée Jackson)

The chaotic story of  a male actor who hides his identity as a women to get work provides an exciting, funny, talent filled musical with a marvelous cast, great choreography, music, sets and costumes. You’ll laugh, smile and tap your feet throughout the show.

Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda) doesn’t understand why he can’t get an acting job and wonders “Whatddya Do” in this situation

Backed into a corner by his own actions, Michael Dorsey (Jonathan Cobrda), dressed as Dorothy Michaels, appeals to her to help him by singing “Talk to Me Dorothy”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Cobrda makes his Beef & Boards debut in the starring role of Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. His skill on stage is emphasized as he effortlessly moves from the two distinct characters of Michael and Dorothy. Opposite Cobrda is Renee Jackson, in the role of Michael’s love interest, Julie Nichols. Oh the twists that come from this relationship!

Ron Carlisle (Don Farrell) demonstrates the choreography to the cast of “Juliet’s Curse”

Payton Reilly is cast as Michael’s ex-girlfriend Sandy Lester, and Don Farrell fills the role of the show’s director, Ron Carlisle. B&B veteran Jeff Stockberger plays Michaels’ agent. Tyler Belo is Michael’s roommate Jeff Slater, and Matthew Rella as the self-centered actor Max Van Horn. Rella had the same role previously in the 1st National Broadway Tour of Tootsie.

Dorothy Michaels (Jonathan Cobrda), center, is overwhelmed by the number “I’m Alive” in the musical “Juliet’s Curse”

Tootsie is on stage through Nov. 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. Tootsie is rated R for adult themes, strong profane language, and mature content.

ALL PHOTOS BY INDY GHOST LIGHT

 

Government shutdown stops union election at Indiana casino

The Addison Times and The Indianapolis Business Journal has reported that a scheduled union election at Caesar’s Horseshoe Casino, located about 30 miles southeast of Indianapolis, was indefinitely delayed by The National Labor Relations Board, due to the federal government shutdown.

More than 200 Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino workers plan to strike today. Teamsters Local 135 said the workers, dealers and floor supervisors are seeking union recognition. They proposed using a neutral third party to conduct the vote on the original Oct. 17 date. Teamsters President Dustin Roach said the strike aims to pressure Caesars to agree to the alternate election plan.

Horseshoe Indianapolis, now owned by Caesars Entertainment, employs around 1,400 people and was Indiana’s 2024 second-highest grossing casino with $336 million in revenue.

 

“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.