A Beef and Boards Christmas celebrates the season

Rudolph really can fly!

Rudolph really can fly!

One of the favorite holiday shows in Indiana is back on stage at Beef & Boards on Indy’s northwest side. This beloved variety show, celebrating a 24 year run, is known for its consistent quality. I think the 2016 version of the show actually raised the bar for the overall quality of the production.

Once again the show is hosted by Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard. This will be the last time you will be able to enjoy the heartwarming performance of this marvelous duo as Deb will soon be relocating with her family out-of-state.

The extremely talented principal singers this year is a quartet including Peter Scharbrough, Kyle Durbin, Betsy Norton and Cara Statham. Returning as the featured vocalist for the show is Kendra Lynn Lucas. Kendra brings an amazingly strong voice to all of her many songs. Music director Kristy Templet leads the B&B Orchestra, placed center stage. Several numbers feature just the orchestra which is a real treat.

Fancy costumes, great dancing and exciting song!

Fancy costumes, great dancing and exciting song!

You will be immersed in the spirit of the season during the show. The costumes are, well, stunning. I am still in awe of the number of costume changes! (Hats off to costume designer Jill Kelly Howe) Director/Choreographer Ron Morgan has put together a fabulous production. The action is nonstop and exciting.

Kendra Lynn Lucas center stage singing "O Holy Night"

Kendra Lynn Lucas center stage singing “O Holy Night”

My favorite numbers? I have to say I loved them all. OK, I loved the Grinch, Alvin and the Chipmunks and flying Rudolph. Each year I cherish Kendra Lynn Lucas belting out “O Holy Night”. Her passion flows out and envelopes the entire house with the Spirit of Christmas.

A Beef & Boards Christmas runs through December 23rd. Chef Odell Ward’s holiday buffet is a true culinary delight and is a great way to start your fun filled and joyous evening at indy’s beloved dinner theatre. For reservations you can call the box office at 317.872.9664 or visit the Beef & Boards website.

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

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.