Beef & Boards Announces 45th Anniversary Season

It's a season of excitement at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary in 2018 with four new shows to its stage. These productions will take audiences from a Greek island, to Memphis, Tenn., the Spanish city of Seville, and finally, the North Pole. And in-between there's sun, rain, and seven couples who tie the knot.

It all kicks off on Dec. 28, 2017 with a show set in Texas. Greater Tuna is a sidesplitting comedy about the Lone Star State's third-smallest town. All 20 of its wacky residents are played by just two actors: Beef & Boards' own comic duo of Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger. This hilarious send-up of small town morals and mores is on stage through Jan. 28, 2018.

On stage for the first time at Beef & Boards and the headliner of the 2018 Season, Mamma Mia!, opens Feb. 1 for performances through April 8. Nominated for five Tony Awards and set on a Greek island paradise, ABBA's greatest hits tell the hilarious story of a bride's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale includes the songs "Honey, Honey," "Dancing Queen," "Take A Chance on Me" and the incredible title tune.

It may get a bit cloudy starting April 12, but that signals time for some splashy singing and dancing with the beloved classic, Singin' in the Rain. An MGM movie classic-turned-musical, this show is a romantic romp through Hollywood's golden age. Its downpour of unforgettable songs include: "Make 'Em Laugh," "Moses Supposes," "Good Morning," and the show's fun title song. Singin' In The Rain is on stage through May 26.

Then the sun comes out with the delightful and rambunctious redheaded orphan, Annie, opening May 31. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this musical tells the story of little orphan Annie, who charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. The featured Family Show of Beef & Boards' 2018 Season, Annie features $10 discounts off tickets for all kids ages 3-15. Famous songs include "Tomorrow," "Hard Knock Life," and "Maybe."

New to the Beef & Boards stage in 2018 and opening July 19 is a musical based on the true story of one incredible night where four stars aligned in Memphis, Tennessee. Million Dollar Quartet takes place on Dec. 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records, for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. This Tony Award winning musical is on stage through Aug. 26.

Aug. 30 is the start of the rollicking adventure that won the Tony Award for Best Musical: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Set in in 1850, it tells the story of Millie, a young bride living in the Oregon wilderness. Her plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides. Great songs include "Bless Your Beautiful Hide," "Goin' Courtin'," "Sobbin' Women," and "Wonderful, Wonderful Day." On stage through Oct. 7.

The third new production of the season is inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th Century masterpiece Don Quixote. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Man Of La Mancha is one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history. Powerful, hilarious, and heartbreaking, Man of La Mancha celebrates the perseverance of a dying old man who refuses to relinquish his ideals or his passion. The celebrated score includes "I, Don Quixote," "Dulcinea," and "The Impossible Dream." Man of La Mancha is on stage through Nov. 18.

Beef & Boards' 45th Anniversary Season wraps up with a new show for the holidays: Elf, The Musical, opening Nov. 23. Filled with Christmas cheer and based on the beloved film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Also new to the Beef & Boards stage in 2018, Elf, The Musical has performances continuing through New Year's Eve.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

The Pyramid Players also announce their 2018 Live Theatre for Kids series. Designed to entertain children of any age, these shows are a great way to introduce preschoolers to live theatre. Youngsters also have the opportunity to meet the cast after the show for pictures and autographs.

First on stage for the Pyramid Players is Cinderella. This musical version of the famous fairy tale brings the story's magic to the stage. On stage Feb. 17 through March 17.

The childhood favorite Rapunzel is the fall production, on stage Oct. 20 through Nov. 17. Love reaches new heights in this story originally by The Brothers Grimm, about a girl whose long hair is legendary.

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.

MEMBERSHIP & TICKET AVAILABILITY

VIP Memberships for the 2018 Season go on sale to the public starting Sept. 1, 2017. Individual show tickets go on sale to the general public starting Oct. 1, 2017. Visit beefandboards.com for complete details.

Photo credit: Main State Music Theatre

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