Theater Review: Beef and Boards: Man from La Mancha

Beef and Boards, Indianapolis, steps out of its goody-two-shoe image to bring the dark comedic production of Man of La Mancha to the north-side stage. Also taking things up a notch the powers that be brought in Disney film talent Richard White. 

White grabs the audience's attention as soon as he steps onto the stage and doesn't let go. Smoothly doubling as both Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quijote de la Mancha, awaiting his fate in the depths of a castle prison, and Alonso Quijano, slipping from the book's pages into the dismal prison. Set during the Spanish Inquisition, Cervantes acts out the story of Quijano, whose greatest desire is to be knighted as Don Quixote, rescue lovely maidens and provide chivalrous services. Unfortunately, he has so become immersed in the life he wishes to lead, his grasp on reality has slipped more than a little. White's soothing baritone brings joy to "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)," providing goosebumps to more than one person, I am certain.

Sidekick and faithful servant, Sancho Panza, is portrayed delightfully by Eddie Curry, bringing comedic relief to the tale. In fact, this story line and character remind me of another Curry role many years ago ~ Shipwrecked ~ (read review here).

Bar wench/prostitute/rape victim Aldonza/Dulcinea is brought to life by Erica Hanrahan-Ball. As Quixote's love interest, Hanrahan-Ball tries too hard in the beginning, seeming to try to outdo her male counterpart, bringing a sharpness and unnecessary volume to early songs.

She shines brightest when she shares a softer side to the character, allowing her vocals and acting chops to complement the others on stage, rather than compete.

Portraying Innkeeper, and reluctant knight-bestower, Chuck Caruso brings a droll humor to the role, drawing the audience into his angst of being forced to play along with the delusions of White's Quixote. The pair were absolutely harmonious with their interactions.

Special Note: Costumes by Jill Kelly and set design by Michael Layton are to be applauded as well as the cast of talented performers.

Bottom Line: Beef and Boards breaks its own barriers with the production style and level of talent in its version of Man of la Mancha ~ well done.

Images: JulieCurryPhotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a fine-living, travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, performing arts, wine and restaurant critic. She also is a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: It's a Wonderful Life

Stockberger and Hopkins

"It's a Wonderful Life" opens Indianapolis' holiday season this week on stage at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. The classic Christmas tale of learning to appreciate and having faith in yourself and others is a favorite with audiences.

The "Gotta Go" spotlight shines strongest on three individuals. Destination Actors, Eddie Curry as Clarence-Angel Second Class, Jeff Stockberger as Pa Bailey and Uncle Billy, and Sean Patrick Hopkins as George Bailey. Curry and Stockberger both have a strong presence on stage and many actors fade when onstage with either.

Hopkins makes his debut on B&B's stage with a performance that, rather noticeably, varies based on which other actor is onstage. His performance actually seems to match theirs. The stronger and more confident the other actor, the stronger and more confident his own performance becomes. An unusual personality quirk to be certain.

Hopkins and DiLellio

Hopkins' time with Betsy DiLellio as Mary Hatch Bailey, seemed to be spent holding back, perhaps not wanting to upstage anyone? Perhaps he felt he should blend in with the others. When George unleashes his feelings for Mary, the audience gets a more true sense of his ability.

Subsequently, when Stockberger's Uncle Billy, the absent-minded and often drunk relative, loses a large sum of money, Hopkins' performance comes alive. It is difficult to share the stage with someone who is larger than you, both with stage presence and true physical size, but it seemed to light the fire needed in Hopkins. The intensity with which he rallies as he loses patience with Billy's ineptitude (portrayed dead-on by Stockberger) is a marvel to watch as Billy cowers in fear and shame.

Curry and Hopkins

Hopkins' portrayal as George in deep despair, anger and desperation while interacting with the strength of Curry's enchanting portrayal of Clarence is the other highlight of the show. The two battling it out verbally while fighting George's internal demons bring out the confidence in the younger actor. The pair pulled the audience into the moment of heated debate while retaining the necessary disbelief of the situation by George.

Bottom Line: Curry, Stockberger and Hopkins create the energy in Beef and Boards' It's a Wonderful Life.

For tickets, schedule and performances, visit BeefandBoards.com
Photo credit: JulieCurryPhotography

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.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: Cinderella

Stockberger (L), Sutton (C) and King (R)

The venue was filled with princesses, of all ages, their tresses curled, tiaras perched and dressed in pink finery for the opening weekend of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis. The timeless fairytale is set to music and contains an injection of humor this go round.

From the first trumpet to the final curtsy, girls are caught up in the magic of fairy godmothers, princes and carriage rides to the royal ball. The well-known story of Cinderella, played sweetly by Lindsay Sutton, takes an unexpected twist of an ugly nature, however. Eddie Curry pulled magic out of his director's black bag by casting two males in the less-than-glamorous roles of the ugly stepsisters Portia, portrayed by destination actor Jeff Stockberger, and Joy, played by Doug King. Taking the big gamble that the audience could handle the over-sized siblings paid off big time for the Indy dinner theater.

Sutton as Cinderella

Parents and grandparents who dutifully arrived with young ones in tow, knowing the plot line like a well-worn record, were treated to a wake-up call when 6-foot, 5-inch Stockberger and 6-foot King adorned in corsets, makeup and wigs stumbled and fumbled their way onto the stage. Stockberger, who stood another 14 inches in height with his wig, and King created a zany, almost animated tone making this a show also for the adults. Little ones may have had fairy dust in their eyes throughout the program but the adults had tears in theirs from laughing so hard.

Hutcheson as Town Crier

Portraying the role of Town Crier is Will Hutcheson who was seemingly in the same mindset as King and Stockberger, drawing the next most amount of laughter and applause from the audience. It felt as if he wanted to go larger with the character but was uncertain how far to push the envelope, but certainly the desire and talent is there. If Hutcheson gained the confidence to follow his instincts a little more, he could (and should) push Town Crier over the top to match the ugly stepsisters' level of stage presence, creating a great balance.

Gift shop

The gift shop was ensconced in pink with castles, tiaras and other princess-worthy items available before the performance and during intermission. The show runs May 12 - July 1, 2011. Tickets are available at the link below or by calling the  box office at 317-872-9664.
Bottom Line: Through the combined talent of Stockberger and King, and under the direction of Curry, Beef and Boards' Cinderella gives a super-sized performance for adults to enjoy as much as kids.


Website: BeefandBoards.com
Photos: Julie Curry Photography
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Beef and Boards: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2010

Santa, Anna and Sydney Miller

Change, not always welcome, can be a good thing. Case in point: Beef and Boards' A Beef and Boards Christmas. As if waking from a slumber, the north side dinner theater revamped, re-choreographed and re-energized its show, serving this holiday dish as a variety show-style production (think Dean Martin, Bob Hope, et al.) complete with a guffaw-a-minute emcee (Eddie Curry) and a flying reindeer. Not to worry, there's only one airborne creature.

Bair, Mild, Vessels and Dickerson

Principal singers include destination actor John Vessels (Smoke on the Mountain), Christine Mild (Always...Patsy Cline), Christopher Dickerson (BBC '09) and newcomer Traci Bair. Popular dance duo Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims return to waltz and tap their way across the stage.

Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard

Most noticeable this year is the lightheartedness of the performers. Curry (Church Basement Ladies) keeps the show racing along with the corniest of jokes told in the most endearing way.

Shepard and Wims absolutely flourish this year, singing and dancing as if they have not a care in the world and drank a gallon of energizing Noni juice for breakfast. A joy to watch, this is truly the best exhibition by the couple witnessed by this critic.

Christine Mild

The exchange of Santa is a great asset as Mark Fishback provides the innocence necessary for the jolly old elf. He further endears himself by interacting with the audience moving from table to table announcing who made the naughty or nice list.

Vivacious Mild once more proves her ability particularly during Santa Tonight with Fishback and her solo Christmas Is. 

Keeping with the variety show style, Terry Woods and the B&B Orchestra enhance the show by performing live on stage throughout the evening.

Although this is clearly the best overall Christmas show I have seen at B&B, there remain some missed opportunities.

Two to be exact: Vessels and Dickerson.

Christopher Dickerson

This critic is uncertain as to the reason behind the decision to bring, once more, from New York City, the man with the smooth-as-cognac voice and then use him only for quartets, a duo and a semi-solo with a chorus. As the bass-voiced opera singer who stopped last year’s show with his rendition of Oh Holy Night, surely it would only enhance the show to have an extra solo from Dickerson. Certainly the fact that he was granted the most applause, thunderous both last and this year, would indicate the audience’s desire for more.

John Vessels

Vessels’ powerful vocals and ability to draw laughter from the audience with every entrance should be enough to grant him more solo stage time, also. Perhaps the decision-makers could sit in my seat and view the audience's reaction when either of these two performs. Whether or not it is understood is not relevant, it just is. We get it and that is all that matters.

I realize it is a variety show and do not mean to imply others are unworthy of their stage time at all, merely to point out an increase of certain performers can enhance the production that much more.

Bottom Line: A Beef and Boards Christmas is a must-see for fans of old-fashioned variety shows, holiday tunes and dancing characters.

Website: beefandboards.com

Photos: juliecurryphotography.com

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.

F.E.V.E.R....with the Fever

It isn't often I get invited to do something I haven't done before...

Oh, who am I kidding? I get invited to go boldly (translation: blindly) into new experiences all the time.

In fact, that's what I'm known for...getting myself into adventures about which I have no clue. Which is another way of spelling T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

In, yet one more Lucille-Ball-meets-Rachel-Ray moment, I agreed to pay a game of F.E.V.E.R. (we know it as H.O.R.S.E.) with one returning Fever player and two basketball players trying out for the WNBA Indiana Fever team.

I am only 5 feet 3 inches tall...

I decided to bring some help; some really tall help.

My thought process was to bring great athletes with me. This would give me a chance to, for once in my life, win at an athletic event.

The problem being that I don't know any athletes, professional or otherwise.

Plan B.

Bring in teammates who could pretend they know how to play basketball. At least for a few minutes until we get whipped by the powerful Fever women.

I made a call.

Patricia Rettig, media and public relations director of Beef and Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, hooked me up with some bodyguards, er, um, I mean teammates.

Enter Stage Left:
Eddie Curry, casting director of Beef and Boards, and an actor, Jeff Stockberger, assistant director of Beef and Boards, and also an actor, and Elizabeth J. Musgrave, writer of the finer things in life...non-athletic.

Okay, actors, acting like they can play basketball, and a writer (me) writing about the event afterward (now) against three really tall, physically fit athletes.

Did I mention I am vertically and athletically challenged?

Enter Stage Right:
Three women, professional athletes, looking fierce. Allie Quigley, Christina Wirth and Shay Murphy. Although all three tried out for the team, Murphy is the athlete who made the team, proving to be an asset early on.

Now, I am not going to say the athletes were scared of us or anything, but I am sure they were worried. You believe that, right?

Well, I bowed out first, then Jeff Stockberger, and, well, you get the idea...it wasn't pretty. Curry lasted the longest with the pros. The winners were gracious and didn't laugh at us. Not too much, anyway.

Bottom Line: I do not feel bad that I was barely beaten by the WNBA Fever team. Not one bit...oh, okay, humiliated was more like it. However, considering they are playing Game 3 of the series in New York tonight, losing to that particular group of athletes makes us members of that large club: teams taken down by The Fever.

Not a bad distinction.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93.1 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Photo Credits: PLR

Links: feverbasketball.com, beefandboards.com

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: Church Basement Ladies

Church Basement Ladies, based on the writings of Janet Letness Martin and Suzann Nelson, is currently playing to sold-out audiences at Beef and Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Road. The setting is a familiar one to most of us: a church basement. The cast of five represents two elderly women, one middle-aged woman, her daughter and the pastor of a Lutheran church. The story begins in 1964, in a small town in Minnesota.

The plot is as old as time, the changing of the guard from one generation to the next. No one probably takes it harder than a woman whose identity is as strongly defined as that of a church basement lady.

Toiling through decades of potlucks, weddings, funerals and holidays, these women, under-appreciated and overworked, become territorial when younger generations want to change things up a bit. Add in the leader of the church with a new wife, one who clearly does not fit in, and the comedy of real life ensues.

The audience was kept entertained by the culture, food and language of our friends from the north, along with the antics of Mavis Gilmerson, portrayed by Karen Pappas who was last seen in High School Musical. With the heaviest Minnesotan accent among the cast, Pappas’ physical comedic abilities kept the performance flowing and the audience laughing.

Playing off Gilmerson’s zaniness were overly judgmental Mrs. Snustad (Licia Watson), mediator Karin Engelson (Katherine Proctor) and rebel college student Signe Engelson (Lisa Bark).

Caught between the upstairs congregation and the downstairs matriarchs was Pastor Gunderson, portrayed by Eddie Curry.

If it sounds a little like a northern version of Steel Magnolias, you’re almost correct. There are no frills, however, in the lower floor of the barely-making-it church with a need for a new furnace, a new maintenance hero and with meals to make on a shoestring budget. However, laughter still proves to be the best medicine.

Teachings of Norwegian foods, lutefisk, dried cod, rommegrot, a pudding, and krumkake, a cookie, are blended with common Minnesota sayings. Life lessons of humility, strength, courage and friendship are learned through laughter, fighting and cooking.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93.1 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us

This column was originally published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter, Fortville-McCordsville Reporter

Photo credit: juliecurryphotography.com
Visit online at beefandboards.com

Beef and Boards: High School Musical

Proving that theater isn't just for adults, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre once again demonstrates its ability to find a way to introduce live arts to the below 21 age group.

Disney's High School Musical, seen everywhere from the television to the ice rinks, is now being performed as a live production. Basketball heroes, cheerleaders, shallow drama queens and science geeks converged on the north side of Indy.

A sweeter, less foul-mouthed storyline similar to The Breakfast Club, (1985) showcases the stereotype teens afraid of asserting their independence against authority figures. Without the hard, and more likely scenarios in the typical high school, these teens don't swear, smoke marijuana or ridicule janitors. They do, however, dance, sing and juggle basketballs in unison.

The message is strikingly familiar...be the person you want to be, regardless of what peers and adults want. With the jocks, the drama kids and the brainiacs, the show attempts to give a good idea of school cliques, both kids and adults.

Basketball hero Troy Bolton (Tim Barsten) and science and math whiz Gabriella Montez (Jessica Ann Murphy) dare to follow their hearts and cross the line by mustering up the courage to tell their friends they want to be in the school drama performance. Murphy's vocals, Start of Something New, were certainly the best of the evening. Bolton in the duet with Murphy, gained confidence as the show went along.

Eddie Curry, director, and Ron Morgan, choreographer, make excellent use of space allotted by a theater, instead of movie, stage. Divvying up the set into thirds executes the science lab, gymnasium and drama room convincingly.

Scenic and lighting designer, Michael Layton creates a dynamic solution to a difficult situation. Back-and-forth moving between the various areas of the school could have been bothersome to the audience and actors alike. However, his design smooths the seams nicely, with extra input from a local Brownsburg teen.

Tim Hills was born with an extra challenge allowing him the edge to solve complex stage settings. With Cerebral Palsy giving him the needed push to focus intently on using his only usable finger, Hills concentrates on one problem at a time. Sending a letter to Layton, the west-side youth explained in detail how best to set up the stage for maximum benefit. Layton met with Hills and solicited him as the show's scenic design associate.

Destination Actor Jeff Stockberger portrays the headstrong head coach and Troy's dad perfectly, mellowing out at the end and giving a little taste of his comedic timing. Bantering with Ms. Darbus the drama coach, played by Karen Pappas, allowed the two to demonstrate their comedic chemistry. Another show with just the two of them would not be out of order, if the amount of audience laughter indicative of success.

Other notables include, J. Tyler Whitmer as Ryan Evans and Shavanna A. Calder as Taylor McKessie.

Bottom Line: This made-for-kids popular show teaches a great and positive lesson in an entertaining way.

For tickets and details visit: www.beefandboards.com
Photo credit: www.juliecurryphotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, theater critic, and travel writer. You can now follow her on facebook and catch her as Indy's Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, festivals, events, theater, and films.

**This column was published in the following newspapers: West Side Community News, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times-Reporter, Fortville-McCordsville Reporter, New Palestine Reporter

Beef and Boards-Footloose

This weekend saw the opening of Footloose at Beef and Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, to a sold out theater (always a good sign).

Based on the true story of small-town teens defying the authority figures in order to legalize…dancing. If you missed the 1984 movie version, this tale moves us, with main character Ren McCormack (Dominic Sheahan-Stahl) from Chicago to the teensy town of Bomont.

Outcast by his modern outlook, McCormack becomes the leader of the battle, finding support and a best friend in town simpleton Willard (Happy Mahaney).

When one portrays a slow-witted person as seamlessly as Mahaney, it is far too easy to overlook the talent required in doing so. Making sure he isn’t underestimated in his debut appearance, Mahaney rocks the house singing lead in one of the show’s top two songs, Mama says (You Can’t Back Down), showing his vocal talents are as genuine as his comedic abilities.

Ariel (Erin P. West) is the misunderstood minister’s daughter, creating havoc while trying to reach her emotionally-closed father, Reverend Shaw Moore (Eddie Curry).

Curry (Shipwrecked, The Producers) reinforces what a multi-talented actor he is with his reprisal of the character he played in 2002. Bringing that point home with the other top song, I Confess, Curry provides the most powerful performance of the cast, thundering away from the pulpit with all the fire and brimstone a pompous, self-righteous, small town minister can muster.

Janet Essenpries, also debuting with this show, was 100 percent believable as the strong and patient Reverend’s wife Vi Moore.
Other B&B newcomers to enjoy are Maxim Gukhman (Chuck) and Darrin Murrell (Principal Clark).

Providing all the right moves for the cast, choreographing the musical, is Anderson University’s dance faculty member Doug King. When not at Beef and Boards, King teaches AU students tap, jazz, musical theater and improve composition.

Bottom Line: The high energy of the cast, music and dancing make Footloose a delightful way to learn a lesson in life’s greatest joys.

If you have a performance or event you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I’ll be right here Holding out for a Hero.
--
This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Beef and Boards: Annie

With reports of the recession filling the newspapers and airwaves with disheartening information, it’s nice to get a shot of optimism. Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 N. Michigan Street, provides just that in the form of Annie. Everyone’s favorite orphan needs no explanation or introduction, unless you have been out of the loop since its conception in the funny pages.

Just in case, a little history. Little Orphan Annie, created by Harold Gray, first appeared in 1924. The character’s name was fashioned after Indiana’s own James Whitcomb Riley’s poem Little Orphant Annie. The Broadway version won seven Tony Awards. The movie version starred Albert Finney, Carol Burnett and Aileen Quinn playing the little redheaded orphan.

Following a contest with the winner being chosen American Idol-style, the title character was portrayed by Kara Oates. Oates put forth a performance of sweetness backed up by two fists of feistiness. The best song performed by this pint-sized lead was Maybe, followed by her performance with the rest of the orphans singing It’s the Hard-Knock Life.
Ty Stover turned in a strong performance as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, with his best time in the spotlight occurring with his interactions with Annie. Last seen in this role in 2002, Stover most recently portrayed Old Deuteronomy in B&B’s Cats. Proving his talents are more than just his soothing baritone voice, Stover bared his gentler, sensitive side in this musical. Nice touch; keeps the audience on its toes in regard to this actor’s untapped abilities. These two vastly different performances of Stover’s garner even more of my respect and creates a wish to see him in more complicated roles in the future.

Miss Hannigan, played well by Cynthia Collins, connects solidly with Jeff Stockberger as Rooster. Easy Street was nicely done, with help from Carol Worcell as Lily St. Regis.

Kenny Shepard once again proved his worth by taking on numerous roles throughout the show, including emcee beforehand. Shepard’s characters were each a complete transformation from the prior, including mannerisms, voice and costume.

Had he spent even one instant longer on stage than he did, John Vessels would have completely snatched the thunder away from every other cast member. Known in Indianapolis for his work as the good Reverend Oglethorpe in the packed-house Smoke on the Mountain saga, Vessels upstages the rest of the cast with his perfectly-timed deadpan style. Setting the bar higher for the rest, while portraying the valued butler Drake, as well as radio announcer Bert Healy, Vessels got the most reaction from audience members and steps into this week’s Gotta Go spotlight’s high beam. The only error made in regard to Vessels is director Eddie Curry not using him onstage far more.
Bottom Line: B&B has put forth the classic, Annie, in such a way that it should become an annual tradition for the entire family.

If you have an event, restaurant or festival you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to commnews@in-motion.net or call 241-7363. Me, I will be right here just thinking about Tomorrow.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, theater critic, and travel writer. You can now follow her on facebook or Twitter and catch her as Indy's Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving her quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, festivals, events, theater and films.

*Send requests to Elizabeth@gottago.us.
*Photos courtesy of www.juliecurryphotography.com
*Visit www.beefandboards.com for tickets, show times, and details.

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