Indianapolis theater

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre announces its 2026 (53rd) season

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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.

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.

Broadway’s “Waitress” brings something sweet, with a touch of spice, to Beef & Boards

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Served up for the first time on its stage starting July 17, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents Waitress, the Broadway hit featuring the music of Sara Bareilles. Nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Waitress celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Keirsten Hodgens as Jenna

Waitress was inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s film and features the music of six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. B & Bs’ production is fortunate to have Stephanie Torns as choreographer and director. She performed in the original Broadway cast of Waitress and brings that experience and skill to this stage.

Waitress is on stage for 48 performances 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.

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.

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.

Beef and Boards magnificent presentation of The King and I

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has set the bar very high with its current production run of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. This is the first production of the show at B&B since 2001. You’ll be delighted hearing unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein songs including “Getting To Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” and the iconic “Shall We Dance.”

Toying with King Monkgut (Jae Woo) because he questioned her age, Anna (Hannah Louise Fernandes) tells him she’s 153 as the Kralahome (Ian Cruz), left, watches

This is the story of a British widow hired as the tutor for the many children and wives of the King of Siam. Sparks fly as two very different cultures clash. King Mongkut and Anna Leonowens eventually respect each other’s points of view. The social issues aside, this musical is really a celebration of song, dance, incredibly elaborate costumes, scenery and music.

Little Topsy (Madeline Falco), leaps as she’s introduced during “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet

Testing Anna (Hannah Louise Fernandes), who promised to keeping her head lower than his at all times, King Mongkut (Jae Woo) lays down on the floor

Special mention is a must for the child actors cast here. Doeyun Micah Schwantes-An plays the Prince and heir to the throne. Dj Dancler is the son of Anne and becomes friends with the Prince. The other children also are outstanding with their acting skills and singing in a complicated stage production.

Simon of Legree (Koji Ono) jumps in pursuit of Eliza during “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet

Get ready for a wonderful evening of visual as well as auditory pleasure. Dancing choreography is professional, and Scene 4,  Act 2 includes a complete ballet! There is really something for everyone. You’ll smile, laugh and even shed a tear or two as you enjoy this classic show.

King Mongkut (Jae Woo) tells his son Prince Chulalongkorn (Doeyun Micah Schwantes-An) that when he is king he will know everything

The King and I is on stage  through May 19th 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.

 

 

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.

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).

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical coming to Beef & Boards February 8th

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Beef and Boards 51st season continues with the Tony and Grammy Award-winning show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical opening on February 8, 2024 in Indy’s beloved dinner theater.

Marvelous music coming to B&B!

This production celebrates the life and musical legacy of Carole King, who wrote such unforgettable classics as “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.” This is the inspiring Tony and Grammy Award-winning tale about the woman behind the music!

Beautiful headlines Beef & Boards’ 2024 Season and is on stage for 55 performances through March 30 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. Now is not too early to book your time to see this wonderful show. Tickets will no doubt sell out fast for this production.