Naptown Buzz

Your source for all things Indy™

Broadway

Elf the Musical

by

Elf TourDiscover Your Inner Elf!

Elf the Musical will be spreading warmth to foster families in Indianapolis this holiday season!

Broadway in Indianapolis announces ELF THE MUSICAL’s “Spreading Warmth” donation drive from November 17-December 20. In a partnership with Indy’s Child Magazine and Old National Bank, donations for The Villages of Indiana, Indiana’s largest not-for-profit child and family services agency, will be accepted to keep a foster child warm this winter. Donations of new items such as winter hats, scarves, gloves and even socks can be made at any of the 27 Greater Indianapolis Old National Bank branches, at the Old National Centre (502 N New Jersey Street) and at the Broadway in Indianapolis office (342 Massachusetts Avenue).

Wednesday, December 17 is Indy’s Child Night at the Theatre. Join Indy’s Child Magazine, and our other local family-friendly partners, for fun and festivities in the lobby from 6:30-7:30 pm. Indy’s Child will host a photo shoot where kids can get their very own Indy’s Child mock cover!

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy- making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to bring the Broadway musical, ELF, to the Old National Centre in Indianapolis from December 16 to 20. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $28, and available in person at the Broadway in Indianapolis Box Office downtown at 342 Massachusetts Avenue, The Old National Centre Ticket Office, Clowes Memorial Hall, online at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Groups of 10 or more can book now by calling 317-632-7469 x103.

Additional information about ELF is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com. 

Civic Theatre Welcomes “Golda’s Balcony”

by

14597515686_8e368dd3b8Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre presents Broadway’s longest running one-woman show, “Golda’s Balcony” as this season’s second production. The show will run from Friday, October 24 through Saturday, November 8. 

Indianapolis actress, Miki Mathioudakis, will take the stage as Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, for the second time in her stage career.

“From my prior experience, I hope to bring a well-rounded understanding of Jewish traditions and the situation in the Middle East to the role,” said Mathioudakis. “Being an ordained minister in the Christian Church, I have observed similarities in the Jewish faith that are helping me relate to Golda Meir and her religion.”

William Gibson’s “Golda’s Balcony,” follows the life of Golda Meir from her impoverished childhood in Russia to her time as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. The play examines Meir’s personal and public life and provides intimate insight into the power, strength and idealism which caused many to regard her as a legendary world leader during a time of great conflict.

“In relation to recent events in Israel, this story is a reminder that war is without end,” said Mathioudakis. “’Golda’s Balcony’ shows that war is not a one-sided story, and it strengthens the notion that everybody, regardless of their nationality, just wants a place to call their own.”

This production offers full-length school matinee performances that provide high school students with a unique educational theatre experience. Specifically, “Golda’s Balcony” examines topics such as leadership, breaking gender roles and the on-going conflict in Israel.

“Golda’s Balcony” will run from October 24 through November 8. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 8 at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Matinee performances are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit CivicTheatre.org or call (317) 843-3800.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Now Playing at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

by

As someone who usually tries to steer clear of “classical” musicals, I was excited to have the opportunity to check out the national tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF that is taking the stage at the Old National Centre.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, written by Broadway legends Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiorello!, The Apple Tree, She Loves Me), tells the story of Tevye and his family in a Tsarist Russia in the early part of the 1900’s. Audience members experience a gamut of emotions through Tevye’s experience in his small (mostly) Jewish village.

Even though the musical was written in 1964 and is considered “dated” by many, one can still find many relevant moments throughout the piece. Though set in a very specific time and place in history, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is an absolute must-see for anyone who calls themselves a lover of the theatre.

This touring production left me with many positive things to say, so I’ll be brief. As FIDDLER ON THE ROOF tells the story of Tevye AND a community, a large cast is necessary. This cast of more than thirty performers left me awestruck with their huge ensemble numbers. The vocal quality I was hearing was so rich, full, and beautiful. As a performer myself, obviously the vocal direction for this show gets two thumbs up from me. I was also very impressed by the sound of the three sisters. Normally, when I hear someone singing music from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, they sing it as classically as possible. Not these three ladies. The three sisters (played by Brooke Hills, Sarah Sesler, and Chelsey LeBel), brought a more modern color and “ping” to their famous trio, “Matchmaker.” My favorite musical number in the whole show, “The Dream,” definitely does not disappoint. I will not give it all away, but when dead relatives (Fruma Sarah and Grandma Tzeitel) come back in a musical number, you know it is worth watching. And last but not least, I was definitely impressed with the fluidity of this set. The set seamlessly went from home to tailor shop, etc. and back again.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF plays at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre through March 11, 2012. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indianapolis.broadway.com.

 

Legally Blonde at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

by

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is tickled pink to present its premiere production of “Legally Blonde, The Musical” opening Feb. 17 and on stage through April 6. Based on the hit MGM movie, “Legally Blonde” was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and has all the fun of the famous film.

Sorority president Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu sorority sister has gone before: Harvard Law. Elle has a rocky start as a new legal student, but this determined blonde makes some friends, finds she has more legal savvy than she realized and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Maggie Taylor stars as Elle Woods, a blonde on a mission to get the man she wants. Chad Brosky stars as that man, Warner Huntington III. Performing as the friends she makes along the way are Dominic Sheahan-Stahl as Emmett Forrest, Annie Edgerton as Paulette Bonafonté, and Erin Wegner Brooks as Vivienne Kensington. Mark Goetzinger is the manipulative Professor Callahan, and Deb Wims stars as the famous fitness guru on trial for murder, Brooke Wyndam.

“Legally Blonde, The Musical” has 57 performances scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $37 to $60 and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee and tea. Parking is free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

For more information, including show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Singin’ In The Rain at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

by

INDIANAPOLIS – There is rain coming down this fall at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. But not on the roof – it’s on the stage!
The refreshing, romantic comedy “Singin’ In The Rain” – the stage version of one of MGM’s most celebrated films – has poured onto the Beef & Boards stage with performances continuing through Oct. 9.

Set in 1920s Hollywood, this classic is the story of Don Lockwood, a famous actor in silent films. His success is shared by his co-star, Lina Lamont, but – at least for Don — their romance is only for the screen. When they star in their first talking movie, Lina’s grating voice causes studio executives to arrange for the voice of the beautiful young actress, Kathy Selden, to be used instead. When Lina finds out, she is furious. While Don has eyes for the lovely Kathy, Lina isn’t about to be pushed aside – on screen, or off.

Timothy Ford returns to Beef & Boards to reprise his 2006 role as Don Lockwood, while Sara Brophy plays his love interest, Kathy Selden. Beef & Boards favorites Sarah Hund and Doug King play the roles of Lina Lamont and Cosmo Brown (Don Lockwood’s zany friend and sidekick).

There are 47 performances of “Singin’ In The Rain” scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $36 to $59, and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee, tea and lemonade. Discounts are available for children and groups of 20 or more. Parking is free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

“Singin’ In The Rain” is sponsored in part by the National Bank of Indianapolis. For more information, including complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Annie Get Your Gun at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

by

This spring, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 38th Season is right on target as it continues with the sassy classic Annie Get Your Gun. The fiery show opens March 31 with performances running through May 8.

Annie Get Your Gun is the tale of the feisty and skilled shooter Annie Oakley, who aims to be the star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. There’s a catch: She’ll need to outshine its main attraction, Frank Butler – and it doesn’t help matters when she falls in love with him! But there’s no business like show business, and she proves to Frank: “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.” When he signs up with a rival show, Annie must decide what she wants to win: their final shootout, or his heart. She already knows: “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun.”

Loosely based on the true story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley (born Phoebe Ann Mosey) and Frank Butler, Annie Get Your Gun features music and lyrics by the American icon Irving Berlin. The Beef & Boards production stars Tiana Checchia as the irrepressible Annie Oakley – a role played by such famous stars as Bernadette Peters (who won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a revival of the show), Reba McIntire (whose portrayal of Annie won Drama Desk and Theatre World awards), and the incomparable original: Ethel Merman.

There are 42 performances of Annie Get Your Gun in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $36 to $59, and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee, tea and lemonade. Parking is always free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Hairspray at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

by

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the big fat Broadway blockbuster “Hairspray” for the first time in February. This fun and fabulous eight-time Tony Award-winning show is on stage for eight big weeks – Feb. 3 through March 27.

Welcome to 1960s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad has big hair, a big heart and a big desire to dance on the Corny Collins Show. When she wins a spot on the local TV dance program and is quickly transformed into a teen celebrity, Tracy sets out to vanquish the show’s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and racially integrate the television program – all without denting her ‘do!

“Hairspray” won eight Tony Awards out of 13 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Songs include “Good Morning Baltimore,” “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Big, Blonde and Beautiful,” and “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”

Jill Sullivan, a newcomer to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, plays the role of Tracy, while Sam Weber (Camelot, High School Musical, Joseph…) plays teen heartthrob Link Larkin. Dan Dowling Jr. also makes his debut at Beef & Boards in the role of Edna Turnblad, with John Vessels (Smoke on the Mountain series, White Christmas, Hello, Dolly!) as Wilbur Turnblad, Carol Worcell as Velma Von Tussle and Julia Harkey as Amber Von Tussle. Jarvis B. Manning Jr. plays the role of Seaweed with local talent Lindsay Porter (Annie, The Wizard of Oz) as his sister, Little Inez. Marty McNamee stars as Corny Collins.

There are 57 performances of “Hairspray” in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, where you’re never more than six rows from the stage. Each performance includes Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee, tea and lemonade. Tickets range from $36 to $59, and parking is free. For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Camelot at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

by

INDIANAPOLIS – There will be many knights to remember this fall when Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates the 50th anniversary of Broadway’s classic Camelot. This magical musical with a stirring score is live on stage Sept. 7 through Oct. 10.

Based on the T.H. White Arthurian fantasy novel “The Once and Future King,” Camelot tells the famous tale of King Arthur, his queen Guenevere, Merlyn the magician, Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur has an idealistic vision of harmony and justice in his enchanted Camelot, but it is destroyed by the misplaced passion, greed and jealousy of those in his kingdom. Ultimately he is forced to choose: fight or forgive.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s own Douglas E. Stark stars as the legendary King Arthur, while Krista Severeid plays Queen Guenevere with Tony Lawson in the role of Lancelot and Jeff Stockberger as Merlyn. The show is directed by Eddie Curry, with musical direction by Terry Woods and choreography by Doug King.

Book and lyrics are by Alan Jay Lerner, with music by Frederick Loewe.

There are 39 performances of Camelot scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet, with a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee, tea and lemonade. Parking is free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

Camelot is sponsored in part by the National Bank of Indianapolis.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Always… Patsy Cline

by

The life, friendships and music of legendary country singer Patsy Cline are celebrated as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents a new show to its stage this season. Always… Patsy Cline opens for the first time at Beef & Boards on May 6, with performances continuing live through June 6.

Always… Patsy Cline is based on the actual friendship the singer had with a fan named Louise Seger. After a chance meeting before Patsy Cline performed at a Houston honky tonk, the two became fast friends and pen pals. Patsy ended each of her letters to Louise by signing “Always… Patsy Cline.” These letters are the foundation of this storytelling musical – a tribute to the enduring legacy of Patsy Cline.

New York actress Christine Mild stars in the title role, which she has performed to high acclaim at theatres across the country. She also serves as director for the Beef & Boards production, assisted by Jeff Stockberger. Erin Parker plays the role of Louise Seger. Accompanying the actors are: Terry Woods (piano), Tim Kelly (drums), Michael Clark (guitar/steel guitar), Jayson Elliott (upright bass), Sarah Hund (fiddle) and Marc Imboden (guitar).

There are 36 performances of Always… Patsy Cline scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet, with a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee, tea and lemonade. Parking is free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

Always… Patsy Cline is sponsored in part by WFMS 95.5, The Country Station.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Hello, Dolly! at Beef & Boards

by

Love is in the air this spring as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the famous matchmaking musical Hello, Dolly! The beloved Broadway show, which won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is live on stage March 25 through May 2.

Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder, Hello, Dolly! is the story of Dolly Levi, who is filled with personality and an agenda. A turn-of-the-century matchmaker, Dolly is supposed to be arranging a match for the wealthy Horace Vandergelder – but she’d much prefer to keep him to herself. Horace has his sights set on a pretty young widow, but Dolly doesn’t give up on getting her man.
Award-winning composer Jerry Herman’s score includes such great songs as “It Takes A Woman,” “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “So Long Dearie,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “It Only Takes A Moment,” and of course, “Hello, Dolly!”

Renowned Chicago actress Iris Lieberman makes her Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre debut as the meddling title character, while Mark Goetzinger of Indianapolis reprises the role of half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder.

There are 44 performances of Hello, Dolly! scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet, including a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee and tea. Ample free parking is available.

For reservations, call the Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.
Hello, Dolly! is sponsored in part by Indianapolis Woman magazine.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.