Theater Review: Beef and Boards: The Wizard of Oz

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, brings out classic The Wizard of Oz for its beginning summer fare, playing through July 15. Based on the series of books by L. Frank Baum, the story of a little Kansas farm girl transported to a colorful place, one that is "(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow." The tale was made famous by the 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan.

With several strongly talented crowd favorites in the cast, this live production is sure to be a hit with the family sector as well as anyone looking for a bit of nostalgia. Main character, Dorothy Gale, portrayed by Lisa Bark, joins her trio of friends played by Jeff Stockberger (Tin Man), Doug King (Scarecrow) and Jayson Elliott (Cowardly Lion). Eddie Curry steps onstage to play both the Wizard of Oz and Professor Marvel. Lynne Perkins portrays the Wicked Witch and Miss Gultch
If the show seems to run a little long, it could be the inclusion of the fun "The Jitterbug" dance scene cut from the award-winning movie version.
Two performers step into the Gotta Go Spotlight by standing out with the energy and enthusiasm brought to their roles.

Curry, whose version of Professor Marvel was a little quiet and sedate, delighted the audience with his animated style as the Wizard. Portraying the phony wizard with just the right amount of vulnerability and sweetness, Curry creates a very likable character.

Elliott practically roars upon the stage with his over-the-top Cowardly Lion role. Solos "If I Only Had the Nerve" and "King of the Forest" are easily the best vocal performances of the evening showcasing Elliott's powerful singing ability. A treat for those who are just now learning of his talent for the first time, fans and critics alike who believe one can never get enough of Elliot's multi facted range. Whether in Oklahoma, Smoke on the Mountain series or Always...Patsy Cline, he consistently turns in top notch performances. Elliott's unbridled enthusiasm set the standard in Oz which the others, surprisingly, didn't match until the second act.

I will say there is a confused disappointment for me with Stockberger and King. Both are well known for their talent which leaves this critic scratching her head as to their laid back performances in the first half of the program. The lack of enthusiasm is perplexing. It certainly isn't as if we are not all aware of the fabulous ability each has on the stage.

Particularly with Stockberger whose dramatic and zany sides are both much loved by audiences; who is able to say so much with just a glance or twitch - the expectation was high. A man made out of tin whose moves are limited should be custom made for Stockberger. Fortunately the energy level was somewhat recovered in the second half. I would certainly enjoy knowing that all retrieved all of their normal zest for the remainder of the scheduled performances.

* Special Note & Spoiler Alert * There are several situations occurring throughout the performance which inspires me to mention the best seats for this show are those nearest the aisles. In particular, seats: R34-35; R44-40; L35/45; and along the aisle of L10/20/30 and A9/19.

Bottom Line: Jayson Elliott is absolute perfection and thoroughly delightful as the Cowardly Lion making Beef and Boards' The Wizard of Oz a must-see.

Photo credits: JulieCurryPhotography.com
For tickets, directions, and schedule, click on BeefandBoards.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Infused is published on FoodandDrinkDigital.com. Gotta Go is published on GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: Beef and Boards Christmas 2011

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's annual holiday offering, "A Beef & Boards Christmas" opens this year with 10 new performers, including two pint-size ones: Ethan Halford Holder and Olivia McKenna.

Toning down the show from the flying reindeer of last year, this go round is a quieter holiday sing along and dance rendition of the Indy tradition. The north side venue brought in audience favorites Sarah Hund, John Vessels and Jayson Elliott (Indiana native) from out of town. You'll remember them best from the "Smoke on the Mountain" trilogy. Also on hand to co-host are returning B&B darlings Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims.

Shining brightest are the Holidaires, made up of Vessels, Hund and Elliott in "The Challenge" between Elliott and Hund, with each outdoing the other on numerous stringed instruments and Vessels popping in for his well-loved humorous touches. And, for a little taste of country, Elliott and Hund also team up for "Tennessee Christmas," while Vessels filled the air with the audience's laughter while performing, "All I want for Christmas."


Holder and McKenna also create a memorable moment with their mini version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and act as smaller hosts with Shepard and Wims.
The hosting adult couple performed their "Marshmallow World" Raggedy Ann and Andy dance with usual enthusiasm, always a favorite with the young and old (and this critic).

Bottom Line: "A Beef & Boards Christmas" is a heart-warming holiday show with something for everyone from ages 2 to 92.

For schedule, tickets and details, visit BeefandBoards.com
Photo Credit: JulieCurryPhotography.com


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Beef and Boards: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The stress behind a championship ball game with millions of dollars on the line people understand. But the stress behind a childhood rite of passage such as a spelling bee?

Beef and Boards' Dinner Theatre, 9301 N. Michigan Rd., opens its 2011 season with the Tony-Award-winning hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Bee does more than teach you how to spell superfluous words. It shares the stress-related issues which occur behind any competition, even those which occur before braces are removed.

Add in the angst of maturing bodies, puppy love, emotionally and physically absent parents, and, well, you get the picture. There is a tender age when parental approval is intermixed with the desire to be liked by one's peers and separate from the family identity to create your own. It occurs approximately the same time as the shedding of childhood security blankets and noticing the opposite sex.

All of this is addressed within the scope of the county spelling bee where six overachievers attempt to prove themselves as more than their school's word geek. Students include B&B veterans Jayson Elliott (SOTM), Sarah Hund (SOTM), Tiana Checchia (Peter Pan), Dominic Sheahan-Stahl (Footloose). Kiyo Takami and Seth Tucker make their debuts.

Although the title would make this seem a family friendly show, I recommend leaving the under-13 aged at home unless you want to explain the meaning of an erection.

Sarah Hund

Hund, who is incapable of turning in a less-than-flawless performance, portrays her character (Logainne) with an added ounce of zest, standing out as the caricature stereotype of the perfectionist.

Calling four audience members on stage creates an opportunity for the performers to shine, challenged by the unexpected from the non-pro participation. They are weeded out one at a time, between singing, dancing and spelling by the cast. I was one of the selected. I am not exactly sure how my name got put on the list, but have narrowed it down to two possible culprits. At first, I declined feeling my role as a critic would be compromised. Then it occurred to me this would be an opportunity afforded few critics: a chance to see the talent up close. So, I acquiesced and joined the cast on stage.

Licia Watson and Paul Hansen

This bird's eye view was helpful as I was able to judge interactively. Although I could never claim to be more than a dilettante, one other audience member could barely be separated from the pros. Dustin, a high school student, actor and former spelling bee participant, provides the most chance for Paul Hansen as Vice Principal Panch to show his ad libbing abilities when he has to pull out a dictionary and find an extra-hard word to finally get Dustin off the stage.

I found that a guilty pleasure after being reprimanded by Hansen's Panch at my table when I didn't understand immediately that I was on his clipboard's list of names. His stern look and no nonsense, "You are due on stage, young lady," reminds me of a certain principal back in school. Yep, I'm still getting "the look."

Jayson Elliott

Although all turned in f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c performances, the Gotta Go spotlight shines brightest on a particular body part. No, not that one...

The Foot.

Elliott's character, William Barfee, is the uptight, shirt-untucked, obnoxious know-it-all, who needs the win to prove to himself that he is as brilliant as he proclaims. As with many competitors, Barfee has a 'trick' to help him win. Some write on their arm, or wear a superhero costume, William spells out the word on the floor using his lucky foot. Never missing a beat, Elliott corrects any, and all, who mispronounce his name, even while walking away or seemingly busy with something else. Stroke after stroke, with that lucky foot, Barfee eliminates his opponents, one by one. Until Olive Ostrovsky.

Tiana Checchia

Olive is portrayed by Checchia with a vulnerability, sweetness and virginal innocence that everything can be made right with words, that all the world would be a rosy place if only everyone would befriend their dictionary.

The pairing of Checchia and Elliott may well be the best match I have seen at B&B. Her sweetness gently slips under Barfee's obnoxious skin opening his vulnerable side, allowing that something, or someone, is more or at least as important as winning. His hesitant look toward her before stepping up to spell his last word demonstrates the talent which makes Elliott a favorite of the Indianapolis audience and this critic.

Bottom Line: Beef and Boards' Bee gives Jayson Elliott a chance to share yet one more aspect of his multifaceted talent with Indianapolis audiences.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Beef and Boards: Always...Patsy Cline

When a star passes away it matters to more than just friends and family; fans feel a loss also. You grow accustomed to hearing their voice, seeing their face on small and large screens and magazine covers. What happens when you are not just a fan, but also a friend?

Always...Patsy Cline answers that question. On stage now at Beef and Boards, Indianapolis, the based-on-a-true-story production is told from the viewpoint of a chance encounter between a loyal fan and the legendary country singer.

Born September 8, 1932 as Virginia Patterson Hensley, the down-to-earth personality of Cline is well-documented and is the basis for the friendship she builds with Louise Seger. The women become instant pals when Cline performs at a honky tonk club in Houston, Texas in 1961.

Directed by, and starring, Christine Mild as the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, the backup band of talented musicians includes, Michael Clark, Jayson Elliott, Sarah Hund, Marc Imboden, Tim Kelly and Terry Woods.

Channeling the persona, looks and voice of "The Cline" as she was known to refer to herself, Mild brought the audience to its feet more than once. With more than two dozen songs throughout the show, it was a combination of a behind-the-scenes look at the friendship blended with stage reenactments of various shows on which she performed during her short career, including Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts and Grand Ole Opry.

Quite often a single song, or two, is singled out as the best of the performance. In Always...Patsy Cline, it can't be done. Walkin' After Midnight, She's Got You, I Fall to Pieces...the list goes on and on, including Cline's signature song Crazy. Mild performs each hit flawlessly, her bold, smoky voice conjuring the beloved singer's ghost.

Erin Parker portrays Louise Seger, the lovable country girl who was Cline's friend and biggest fan. Narrating the entire show, Seger scoops the audience up and plunks them down next to her at the kitchen table, or at the bar table next to some beer bottles, and opens up about her lovely friend who just happens to be world-renowned, but likes cooking bacon and eggs just like the rest of us country folk.

Sassy, loud, bossy and loyal, all the qualities one hopes for in a friend, Seger is heartbroken when she hears on the radio the news of Cline's death.

Prior to the plane crash which took her life at 30 years, Cline had had two separate car wrecks, the second almost claiming her life. The country-pop crossover crooner was noted by several people as predicting she would not live much longer. On March 5, 1963, while returning to Tennessee from performing a charity concert benefiting the widow and family of a deceased disc jockey, the plane carrying Cline, among others, crashed leaving no survivors.

The show is not told in a depressing tone, however. The spunky attitude which enabled Cline to become the highest paid female country star and chart-topper was demonstrated by Seger who keeps the audience laughing, clapping along and stomping their imaginary cowboy boots.

Bottom Line: If you are a fan of the Queen of Country, Always...Patsy Cline is a must-see; if you aren't, well...you will be after seeing this show.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, theater critic, and travel writer. You can now follow Elizabeth on facebook or Twitter and catch her Saturday mornings on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, events, theater and films. For comments and questions e-mail her at Elizabeth@gottago.us.

*Photos courtesy of Julie Curry Photography

This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.