Beef and Boards brings Johnny Cash Ring of Fire to Indy

Beef & Boards production of Ring of Fire brings the massive volume of Johnny Cash’s iconic songbook to the stage in a different kind of musical. The opening song “Country Boy” is presented by actors who not only sing but also expertly play an unbelievable variety of  instruments. This number sets the stage for the entire show.

The cast opens Ring of Fire with the song “Country Boy.”

B&B’s long time veteran Jeff Stockberger’s direction led the cast to move effortlessly from song to song and to messages that offered distinctly different themes and emotions.

Devin McDuffy plays the accordion in “Daddy Sang Bass”

Devin McDuffy, an Indy area born and raised debuts with an energy, character, vocal and instrumental talent that just shines with every thing he does. What a delight of a performance to view!

Luke Darnell (left) and Tyler Breeding perform “Folsom Prison Blues”

Both of these men are also making their first showing at Beef & Boards. Both have long and impressive resumes and bring that talent to Ring of Fire. Whether singing or playing the guitar their on stage ability shines through with great clarity. Feel the energy with each note played.

Mary Catherine Fahrenbacher plays the guitar as she sings “All Over Again”

Mary Catherin Fehrenbacher comes to B&B from New York City. She is an actor, musician and music director. Her credits include an awesome list of world famous productions. Her clear voice and instrumental talents make her portrayal of June Carter Cash a memorable part of this offering of Ring of Fire.

Sarah Hund appears as Minnie Pearl to perform “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart”

This is Sarah Hund’s 33rd show at B&B! I can’t say I’ve seen them all, but for sure have seen the lion’s share of her wonderful performances. In this show she is also assistant director and associate music director. Perhaps younger audience members will not remember Minnie Pearl on Grand Ole Opry, but Sarah’s portrayal is just perfect. Yes that is a price tag on a string hanging from the hat. Ring of Fire showcases her remarkable talent across all genres and atmosphere in the songs she sings.

As I said at the beginning, this is a different kind of musical. Don’t expect a lot of narration of storylines nor long scenes of actors interacting with their lines. Just sit back and enjoy the wide variety of Johnny Cash’s inspired music pieces.

Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at Beef & Boards Website or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Ring of Fire runs through Oct. 4.

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 & 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

 

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.

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

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

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

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.