Indy Theater

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

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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

 

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” 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.

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).

Menopause: the Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Menopause: The Musical, the hilarious and fun celebration of women and “the change,” has returned to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre as the first offering in the beloved Indy theater’s 51st season.

Four new friends who meet at Bloomingdales in New York City and share their struggles with menopause sing “Stayin’ Awake” to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive”

Written by Jeanie Linders, Menopause, The Musical is set in a large multi floor department store, where four women from different backgrounds meet by chance at the lingerie counter. Throughout the show the cast continues to poke fun at their collective hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.

The Earth Mother (Melanie Souza) performs her best rock star moves during “Thank You, Doctor” sung to the tune of “Help Me Rhonda”

The Professional Woman (Enga Davis), center, does her best Tina Turner impression as she sings “What’s Love Got To Do With It”

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the production progresses the gals develop a sisterhood by means of a series of parodies from the music of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. A remarkable and hilarious use of famous, well known songs, new lyrics and marvelous choreography treat the audience to non-stop laughter and smiles.

The Iowa Housewife (Nancy Slusser), who had hoped to improve her sex life, sings “Only You” upon discovering a new pleasure

The Soap Star (Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck) sings “Please Make Me Over” to the tune of “Don’t Make Me Over”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all female cast is making its Beef & Boards debut. It includes Enga Davis as a Professional Woman, Nancy Slusser as a Iowa Housewife,  Melanie Souza as a hippie Earth Mother, and Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck plays a tv Soap Star.

Ultimately four new friends have “A New Attitude” about their changing bodies and lives.

Menopause: The Musical is now on stage through Feb. 4 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. This production is rated PG-13 for some adult content.

 

Beef & Boards unique tribute to Duke Ellington

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is currently presenting a unique performance titled Sophisticated Ladies. This stylish and dynamic collection of Duke Ellington’s musical legacy is a rapid fire presentation of his musical genius.

Tenéh B. C. Karimu leads the Beef & Boards Orchestra in the Overture

Gigi Huang (center) performs “Dancers In Love” with Jonny Rouse (left) and Darius-Anthony Robinson, right

 

 

 

 

 

There is no real “story” to this production. Rather, you are treated to one number after another after another with literally no time in between. With dance and song the cast and orchestra brings a delightful “mini-story” into every number, some with the song lyrics and some with mime style dance and expressions during instrumental pieces.

Kelliann DeCarlo sings “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce”

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making their first appearance at Beef & Boards are Darius-Anthony Robinson, Yvette Monique Clark, Kelliann DeCarlo, Zachary Dyer, Arika Lynn Casey, and Gigi Huang. Back again at the Beef & Boards stage are Tiffany Gilliam, Joseph Perkins Jr. , Sean Blake , and Jonny Rouse. Musical direction is by Tenéh B. C. Karimu and Kenney M. Green-Tilford is director and choreographer.

From left: Joseph Perkins Jr., Jonny Rouse, Darius-Anthony Robinson, and Zachary Dyer perform “Drop Me Off In Harlem”

Yvette Monique Clark sings “In A Sentimental Mood”

 

 

 

 

 

The talent on stage for Sophisticated Ladies is eye popping. The songs are belted out with style, power and beauty that would have made The Duke proud. The energy of the dance makes you ask yourself how the performers are keeping up with the non-stop pace of the show. How they make their many costume changes so quickly is also incredible. Vintage black and white photos of 1930’s Harlem night clubs like the Savoy and the Apollo as backdrops added to the experience.

Sean Blake (center) performs “Ko-Ko (The Card Game)” with (from left) Zachary Dyer, Darius-Anthony Robinson, Jonny Rouse, and Joseph Perkins Jr.

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “Music Is A Woman”

The company performs “It Don’t Mean A Thing” during the finale

The entire show is one thrilling number after another. I had to tap my foot to the music during each song. I sat there during the whole show with a grin on my face thinking “This is real music.”  The orchestra was superb, larger than normal and presented Duke Ellington’s music in a way that took you back to the hey-days of this musical era.

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef and Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).