Indianapolis attractions

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.

Legally Blonde The Musical now playing at Beef & Boards

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Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre brings “blonde” to the stage this summer with Legally Blonde The Musical. Based on the hit MGM movie, Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and gives fans all the fun from the film in this energetic musical.

Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, is not prepared to answer the question from Professor Callahan (Jeff Stockberger), far right, in his class at Harvard Law

Sorority president Elle Woods is shocked when instead of proposing, her boyfriend dumps her and states he is off the Harvard Law School. Elle won’t give up, and she soon finds herself enrolled in Harvard Law as well. Then the fun begins.

Emmett Forrest (Jacob Butler), right, encourages Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, to really work toward a law career instead of chasing her ex-boyfriend

This dynamic and vibrant production is filled with exciting characters. Local talent Olivia Broadwater, a graduate of Ball State University and Zionsville Community High School, makes her Beef & Boards debut as Elle Woods, who snaps stereotypes as she sets out to prove herself to the world. Griffin Cole also makes his Beef & Boards debut as Warner Huntington III, who she follows to Harvard after being dumped by him.

Hair stylist Paulette Bonafonte (Meagan Lewis-Michelson), left, sings about her love for “Ireland” to Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater)

Starring as the friends she meets along the way are Jacob Butler as Emmett Forrest, Logan Moore as Kyle the UPS guy,  Jaddy Ciucci as Enid Hoopes, Logan Hill as Serena, Maya Mays as Margo, and Holly Wilder as Kate.

Paulette Bonafonte (Meagan Lewis-Michelson), center, is stunned by UPS delivery man Kyle (Logan Moore), right, as Elle Woods (Olivia Broadwater), left, watches

B&B favorites Deb Wims plays Fitness Queen Brook Wyndham, and Jeff Stockberger stars as the successful, but pompus and manipulative, Professor Callahan. And also featured are two wonderful canines, Daisy the toy poodle and Pugsley, a 10 year old English bulldog.

Fitness queen Brooke Wyndham (Deb Wims), top center, leads a workout at the Boston Women’s Correctional Facility

The action of music, song and dance is nearly non stop during both Act I and Act II. The story line of the girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School develops both in plot and character development. The choreography is exciting and very well executed.

Elle’s sorority sisters appear as a Greek Chorus after a “tragedy” befalls her at Harvard

The production we attended was a complete sell out. A staff member told us that tickets are selling fast for all shows. Avoid disappointment, don’t wait to order your tickets. Legally Blonde The Musical is on stage through Aug. 25. The complete performance schedule is on  Beef & Boards Website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

Legally Blonde The Musical coming to Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

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OMG you guys, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is bringing Legally Blonde The Musical to Indianapolis this July. Based on the hit MGM movie, Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and gives fans all the fun from the film in an energetic musical. It runs from July 11th to August 25th.

Several cast members are making their B&B debut in this production. Olivia Broadwater makes her Beef & Boards debut as Elle Woods. Also making their Beef & Boards debuts are Griffin Cole as Warner Huntington III, Dani Kucera as Vivienne Kinsington, and Meagan Lewis-Michelson as Paulette Bonafonté. Jacob Butler is Emmett Forrest, and Jeff Stockberger is the manipulative Professor Callahan.


Legally Blonde The Musical is on stage for 50 performances through Aug. 25 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. (Children under age 3 not admitted.) To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

Public art displayed between two museums in Indianapolis

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Downtown Indianapolis is home to several attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art and the Indiana State Museum featuring natural and civilization history.  On display between the two is a striking piece by a native Hoosier artist.

“Rhino Arch” by Jerald Jacquard


This area is part of the White River State Park, named for the large river flowing through the city heading south. Indy has successfully planned and finished trails, parks and other examples of public art throughout the metropolitan area.

Indy’s eclectic Fountain Square districts

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Yes, there is a fountain!

VisitIndy.com says it best:   Just southeast of downtown, this funky Indianapolis neighborhood has vintage and antique shops, a world of restaurants, working artists and a vibrant arts scene, live music and performance, and one-of-a-kind stores that sell comics, musical instruments, home decor, fresh flowers, and so much more. Visit Fountain Square any time of the day or night, and find out why our neighborhood is anything but…square!

Fancy marque lighting

The Fountain Square Theatre Building opened in 1928 as a place for entertainment, shopping and professional offices. The structure is located at the intersection of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect Streets. It is but one of the many historic buildings that add character to this interesting piece of Indianapolis.

Trails closed by flood waters on central Indiana’s White River

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Discover White River Rewards Pass is a delightful  program that allows you to explore 37 different parks along White River in central Indiana. We went to 3 of the parks yesterday, following the directions on the sie.

Closed to hikers

Two of the parks were suffering from the current flood stage waters. Town Run Park on 96h Street had open gates to the parking, shelter and trail heads. However, all of trail head gates were closed off to hikers.

Unique playground

Shelter, river in background

Walkway is a bit damp for use

River Heritage Park on the edge of Carmel’s White River is a wonderful park complete with all the latest playground equipment. Several of the concrete walkways were under water due to the flooding of White River.

White River flooding

Similar to the Indy Craft Pass for local breweries, distilleries and wineries, the Discover White River Pass offers exclusive real-world rewards like stickers, shirts, and on-water experiences by visiting dozens of parks and attractions.

 

 

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Beef and Boards takes a new look at “The King and I”

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Opening on April 4th Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein on its stage for the first time in over 20 years. This Tony Award-winner for Best Musical is based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. In 1862 a British widow and her son are retained by the king of Siam to provide tutoring for his many wives and children. Two  distinct cultures meet and struggle for understanding.

From a March 2024 B&B Press Release: Brian Jose, director, is prioritizing authentic details in the Beef & Boards production – including acknowledging that the real Anna Leonowens was of Anglo-Indian descent. “That slight shift makes all the difference,” Jose pointed out. “Instead of a story that can easily be seen as a white savior/colonialism story, we get a more complex story about a woman who has had to suppress her culture in order to advance in society to provide for her children as a single mother.” Jose added, “In a time when political wars have eliminated a middle ground and religious wars have fueled so much destruction and hatred, a show about exploring our differences and attempts to understand each other seems like just what we need.”

The King and I is filled with powerful emotions, beautiful costumes, and unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein songs including “Getting To Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” and the iconic “Shall We Dance.”
The King and I is on stage for 50 performances through May 19 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

Cirque Italia comes to Greenwood and Indianapolis

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An Italian circus was set up in the Greenwood Park Mall parking lot this past weekend. A huge tent complex was home to a remarkable performance of “Water Circus Gold”.

Massive tent complex

The name comes from the unique 35,000 gallon water show that is part of the excitement of the many acts in this circus. The two hour show is filled with incredible acts of aerial acrobats, jugglers, archers and trapeze artists.

Aerial artist

Balancing act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Wheel of Death”

In addition to the many acts of the talented performers, one has to acknowledge the role of the “clown”. Providing a muliude of skits, mimes and hilarity, he keeps the crowd laughing. His “Elvis” is a real treat.

Suitable for people of all ages, this exciting activity will delight the kids and grandkids in your family. There are no bad seats, and full concessions are available. Currently the circus is moving to the Castleton Square Mall for the April 4-7 run. Click here for ticket information.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical now at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Bet that you know these songs very well: “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman.” These are some of the genius compositions of Carol King and are being performed at the current Beef & Boards show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Upon realizing that she can write music, Gerry Goffin (Elliott Litherland) hands the lyrics he wrote to Carole King (Devon Perry) (Photo by Indy Ghost Light)

Don Kirshner (Don Farrell), center, introduces Cynthia Weil (Devan Mathias) to Barry Mann (Kyle Southern) (Photo by Indy Ghost Light)

Devon Perry, making her B&B debut, has the role of Carole King. The story of King’s developing her life as a composer and singer is chronicled as an integral part of the production. It traces her interaction with her writing partner and husband, Gerry Goffin (played by Elliot Litherland), her best friend Cynthia Weil (Devan Mathias) and Barry Mann (Kyle Southern) Cythia’s songwriter-boyfriend.

Janelle Woods (Tiffany Gilliam), in front, sings “One Fine Day” with her backup singers for a television music special (Photo by Renzulli Photography)

The Drifters (Jonathan Studdard, front, and from left Grant Evan, Ray Gleaves, and Simeon Rawls), sing “Some Kind of Wonderful” (Photo by Indy Ghost Light)

The Righteous Brothers (Jacob Butler and Justin Tepper) sings “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” (Photo by Indy Ghost Light)

Devon’s portrayal  of Carole King is remarkable. She plays the piano on stage accompanying herself on several numbers. Devon brings the Carole King drive, creativity and energy to her performance.

Little Eva (Ebony Deloney), front, sings “The Locomotion” (Photo by Renzulli Photography)

Several numbers feature the cast portrayals of some of the period groups or singers. Neil Sedaka, The Drifters, The Shirells, Little Eva and The Righteous Brothers all showed up on stage presenting Carole’s songs. You can’t help but smile when you recognize the next Carole King song after you hear the first few notes. This production is filled with music memories.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical headlines Beef & Boards’ 2024 Season and is on stage through March 30 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).