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Beef and Boards Pretty Woman is near perfection

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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

 

Our sequence of the snow

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We made it through the snowstorm without any calamities. Central Indiana had tons of snow but avoided any freezing rain or sleet.

5 PM on Friday the 23 rd: Calm before the storm

Noon on Saturday: some flakes are starting to fall

4PM Saturday Snow beginning to really come do0wn

5 PM Saturday afternoon, Starting to accumulate.

7 PM Saturday, starting to add up quickly

1 AM Sunday the 25th, Cold snowy night!

7:30 AM Sunday Morning, still snowing fast and furious

11:30 Sunday morning.

Sunday 2 PM, Snow fall continuous, very fine small flakes


4 PM Snow rate slowing down, the end is in sight

The snow finally stopped, now we are looking forward to 7 days without any snow, but with single digit and sub-zero temperatures. The snow is over for now, but winter is still affecting Indiana.

Beef and Boards presents Agatha Christie “The Mousetrap”

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Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit, The Mousetrap, is now on stage at Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through February 15th. This stage production of the classic murder mystery continues to keep theater patrons guessing as it has for over 70 years. The Mousetrap holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running play, having run continuously since its debut in 1952 with over 30,000 performances.

Mollie Ralston (Malia Munley) screams as she discovers the body of Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark)

Isolated country house Monkswell Manor is filling up with guests as a full blown snowstorm isolates the property. Fear grows as the guests and innkeepers realize that among them lurks a killer. Just as Act I comes to a close a blood curdling scream announces the discovery of another murder victim.

Detective Sergeant Trotter (Scot Greenwell), center, arrives on skis outside Monkswell Manor during a snowstorm.

The cast is packed with colorful characters including a pair of newlywed innkeepers, Mollie (Malia Munley) and Giles (Jae Woo) Ralston, a peculiar spinster Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark), a quirky architect Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), the imposing retired Major Metcalf (Jeff Stockberger), an unexpected traveler Mr. Paravicini (Adam
Du Plesis), a sharp-tongued jurist Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree), and a police investigator Det. Sgt. Trotter (Scot Greenwell).

Christopher Wren (Jonathan Cobrda), left, reaches to grab the paper from Miss Casewell (Hannah Embree) after she tells him there’s an article about a murder

Put on your thinking cap. Try to identity the killer. Plot twists and turns, surprise revelations, uniquely animated and weird personalities all blend within scenes of humor, sadness, and chaotic actions. You will be invited to solve this whodunit, but warned to never reveal the ending so all future patrons will have the thrill of the solution.

The characters are all suspicious in Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, “The Mousetrap”,

The Mousetrap is on stage through Feb. 15, and marks the start of Beef & Boards’ exciting 2026 season. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Tickets are available exclusively through Beef & Boards box office at B&B’s website or by calling the
box office at 317.872.9664.

Government shutdown stops union election at Indiana casino

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The Addison Times and The Indianapolis Business Journal has reported that a scheduled union election at Caesar’s Horseshoe Casino, located about 30 miles southeast of Indianapolis, was indefinitely delayed by The National Labor Relations Board, due to the federal government shutdown.

More than 200 Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino workers plan to strike today. Teamsters Local 135 said the workers, dealers and floor supervisors are seeking union recognition. They proposed using a neutral third party to conduct the vote on the original Oct. 17 date. Teamsters President Dustin Roach said the strike aims to pressure Caesars to agree to the alternate election plan.

Horseshoe Indianapolis, now owned by Caesars Entertainment, employs around 1,400 people and was Indiana’s 2024 second-highest grossing casino with $336 million in revenue.

 

Spooky house decorations for Halloween 2025

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The weather was nice enough for a drive to a neighboring town for a couple of errands. We always enjoy seeing how others decorate for Halloween.

Relaxing on the front lawn

The bones band

The 90’s live (?) on today

A cluster of ghosts and goblins

A scary porch Wraith

Franklin, Indiana is south of Indianapolis, has interesting history and is a typical Central Indiana small town.  There are a couple of sites in town that have alleged paranormal activity, which fits for the season.

It is that time again for Creepy Clowns

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Some trees are starting to turn. The calendar still says it is September, but October is right around the corner. Past years have shown the trend to go wild with Halloween decorations.

This court jester is an evil trickster

Not the porch greeting you want to see…

Horrific clown’s archery range

These scary figures are not far from where we live! How about your town? Are folks going all out with the Halloween decorations? In some of the towns in our area the Halloween decorations are actually giving the Christmas lights and associated trimmings a run for the best displays.

 

Baker Park in New Castle Indiana

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Baker Park in New Castle, Indiana started with 10 acres. Shortly thereafter a 40 acre grove of land  was acquired.  This beautiful plot was the  last remaining natural woodlands within the city limits. Another 30 acres was given to the city by the Chrysler Corporation.

The Main Entrance to Baker Park

Park 50 Year Dedication

Mayors love their names on Plaques

 

 

 

 

 

The formal dedication of Baker Park was held on June 20, 1937 and was named in honor of Sidney E. Baker, mayor of New Castle for twelve years.  Mayor Baker is now recognized as the driving force behind the development of the park.

Large Skate Park

Lovely wooded park land

 

 

 

 

 

Current facilities at the park provide recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors to the Baker Park. Large and small shelters, restrooms and a stage is available. The swimming pool, kid’s fun park and Frisbee Golf add to the activities. There are also skate parks and horse shoe pits.

Richmond Indiana Uranus Fudge Factory and T-Rex

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Richmond Indiana is on the Ohio border and the junction of I-70 and  Historic National Road, i.e. US 40. Fitting that this is the location of the relatively new true roadside attraction. The Uranus Fudge Factory and associated dinosaur park is a fun stop for kids of all ages.

Outside the entrance

Maj couldn’t resist the chance to be an alien…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy Uranus Fudge Factory

The Uranus Fudge Factory is a unique novelty store featuring funny phrases on t-shirts and hoodies and other gifts. In addition there are tons of different kinds of fudge as well as ice cream treats.  Stuff that the kids will love is everywhere. Even an arcade for defeating the aliens is there for your pleasure. Keep in mind that some of the sayings can be considered a bit off color.

 

As you approach Exit 156 on I-70 you’ll see a very very large white cross. When you approach take Exit 156B. This is marked for US 40 East, and as soon as you exit you will see the Uranus Fudge Factory on your left. You’ll also see the life sized T-Rex and other dinosaurs. You have arrived.

BIG Candle at Warm Glow Candle Company

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When traveling on Interstate 70 (I-70) between Indianapolis and Richmond, Indiana look for Exit 145. On the south side of the road at the Centerville exit, you’ll see a huge three story tall candle. Yes, a candle.

This is in fact the World’s Largest Candle

This is the home of the Warm Glow Candle Company. According to the Company Website, “Warm Glow is a FAMILY fragrance company that values tradition while delivering some of the most unique scents from some of the best fragrances houses in the world. All of our candles are small batch and handmade in our Indiana production facility which means no two candles are ever the same.”

Entrance to the Candle store

Each one of us got a Chocolate Cake votive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This store is certainly an attention grabber. Wonderful fragrances greet you at the door. The staff is super friendly and more than willing to help. We were there for the East Central Indiana Chocolate Trail, a series of businesses primarily marketing chocolate. How does a candle store fit in? The have a chocolate cake scented candle! Once we checked in, we all received our votive candle, each in its own glass cup.  Keep an eye out on I-70 near Mile Marker 145. A huge candle awaits you!