ARSENIC & OLD LACE, LES MIS and More Set for Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's 40th Season

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates its 40th Season with three fabulous new shows to its stage and several popular favorites from its richly entertaining repertoire.

Kicking off the season is the hilarious classic Arsenic & Old Lace. Opening Dec. 28, 2012, this comedy follows the deadly deeds of two charming elderly spinsters who believe they are rescuing their lonely lodgers by poisoning them and burying their bodies in the cellar. Between their special secret and their brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, their nephew is in for quite a surprise when he pays them a visit! On stage through Feb. 3. Book by Joseph Kesselring.

Next on stage is the debut of the high-energy hit 9 to 5: The Musical. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and based on the hit 1980 movie in which she starred, 9 to 5 is the story of three female coworkers who plot to get even with their sexist and egotistical boss – and take over the company while they’re at it! Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business. Book by Patricia Resnick. On stage Feb. 7 through March 24.

Also new to Beef & Boards and the next on its stage is the hilarious celebration of women and the change: Menopause, The Musical. Written by Jeanie Linders and set in a department store, Menopause, The Musical brings four women together who have little in common other than a black lace bra. The ladies make fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges in this production that includes parodies from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. On stage March 27 through May 12.

The Sound of Music, the iconic work of Rodgers and Hammerstein, opens May 16 and continues through June 30. As the 2013 Family Show, the production offers $10 discounts off tickets for kids ages 3-15. Follow the adventures of free-spirited postulant Maria as she is sent from the convent to become a governess for seven children of Captain von Trapp in Austria during World War II. With stories and song, she transforms the home and hearts of this rigid family. Adapted from “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” it was written by Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

Summer brings the return of the hit Smoke on the Mountain, opening July 5. One of the most popular shows in Beef & Boards’ 40-year history, this musical follows the Singing Sanders Family, who is invited to perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church by its new pastor, the Rev. Oglethorpe. Enjoy the “signing” sister June, and all your favorite characters as they perform energetic bluegrass and Gospel tunes and share stories that will touch your heart and leave you laughing. Book by Constance Ray. Conceived by Alan Bailey. Musical arrangements by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick. On stage through Aug. 18.

Ready or not, Stanley Banks is about to be the Father of the Bride, on stage Aug. 22 through Sept. 29. His daughter has announced her engagement and the preparations begin for a “small” wedding. But as the plans and the guest list grow rapidly, so does the debt – and the stress! Mr. Banks is surrounded by caterers, dressmakers, florists and furniture movers, and faces the unthinkable when his daughter calls the whole event off. By Caroline Francke, from the novel by Edward Streeter.

The musical phenomenon Les Misérables makes its Beef & Boards debut Oct. 3 through Nov. 24. Journey with Jean Valjean as he finds redemption against all odds in the corruption and chaos of revolutionary France. An eight-time Tony Award winner, Les Misérables is the struggle, the score and the story that has captivated millions around the globe. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, and lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.

The holiday season is time for the annual celebration A Beef & Boards Christmas, opening Nov. 29. This variety show has been a tradition at Beef & Boards for over 20 years, and makes the most of the season, with beautiful music, energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes and stirring voices. Gather with friends and family for this original production, on stage through Dec. 23.

Plus Beef & Boards brings back its one-hour musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol starting Dec. 6. This classic, enhanced with holiday carols, tells the timeless Charles Dickens story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge whose cold heart warms with the visits of several spirits on Christmas Eve. The production is on stage for select dates through Dec. 21.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Pyramid Players are also announcing their 2013 Live Theatre for Kids series. Designed to entertain children of any age, these shows are a great way to introduce preschoolers to live theatre. Plus, kids have the opportunity to meet the cast after each show for pictures and autographs.

The debut of Pinkalicious kicks off the Live Theatre for Kids season from Feb. 15 through March 16. Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. When her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can find out a way out of this predicament.

Winnie The Pooh, the childhood favorite, takes the stage in the fall, starting Oct. 11. Come to the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh and his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl and Rabbit as they face adventures and create friendships at Beef & Boards through Nov. 17.

Performances take place on select Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Performances last one hour, are presented without intermission, and include juice and a snack.

CONCERTS

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre also offers several concerts throughout the year. These performances always include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet.

Indiana’s Wright Brothers return for their annual Race Day concert on Sunday, May 26.

Additional concerts will be announced throughout the season.

PERFORMANCE TIMES:

Evening Shows (Tuesdays through Saturdays) - Doors open at 6 p.m.; Buffet 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.

Weekday Matinees - Doors open at 11 a.m.; Buffet 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.; Show at 1 p.m.

Sunday (and select Saturday) Matinees - Doors open at noon; Buffet 12:15 to 1 p.m.; Show at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday Evenings - Doors open at 5 p.m.; Buffet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Show at 7 p.m.

Tickets for all 2013 season shows are on sale to the general public starting Oct. 1. They may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays). Tickets for main stage shows range from $37.50 to $62.50, and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, full fruit & salad bar and unlimited coffee, tea and lemonade.

Note: Discounts are available for groups and kids ages 3-15. Children under 3 not admitted except to Pyramid Players shows, for which all tickets are $14. Concert ticket prices vary. See website for details and schedules for all performances. Full show schedules will be posted online after Oct. 1.

MEMBERSHIP & TICKET AVAILABILITY: New VIP memberships for the 2013 Season are on sale starting Sept. 4. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Oct. 1. Visit www.beefandboards.com, for complete details.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is located at 9301 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN.

 

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