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Musicals

Buck Creek Players proudly presents THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

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A Musical Within A Comedy!

Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar

June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 8 p.m.
June 3, 10 & 17 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances at Buck Creek Playhouse | 11150 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46259

Directed & Choreographed by D. SCOTT ROBINSON
Vocal Directed by MATTHEW KONRAD TIPPEL

To chase his blues away, a modern-day musical theater addict known simply as “Man in Chair” drops the needle on his favorite LP — the 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his hi-fi, the uproariously funny musical magically bursts to life around him in his apartment, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her tipsy chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover, and a pair of gangsters disguised as pastry chefs. Man in Chair’s infectious love of The Drowsy Chaperone speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by the magic of live theater.

Tickets can be reserved online at http://www.buckcreekplayers.com or by phone at 317.862.2270.

 

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

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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

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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.

Cinderella at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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INDIANAPOLIS – It’s the delightful story that has entertained families for generations and proved any girl can be a princess. This spring, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “Cinderella” as the Family Show of its 38th Season. Offering special discounts for kids ages 3-15, this magical musical opens May 12 with performances running through July 1.

Anything is possible in the wonderfully imaginative world of fairy tales. Pumpkins become carriages, the most beautiful ball gown appears with the wave of a wand, and it takes just one dance to fall in love. Cinderella discovers all this and more in this enchanting tale, perfectly paired with the musical styling of Rodgers & Hammerstein. The incomparable duo originally wrote their version for television in 1957, with Julie Andrews as Cinderella. It was recreated in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren, and again for a new generation in 1997, starring Brandy as Cinderella with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.

Lindsay Sutton debuts at Beef & Boards in the endearing title role. Aaron Young returns for his second production of “Cinderella,” but this time as her Prince Charming. Adding a particularly fun twist, this production features Beef & Boards favorites Jeff Stockberger and Doug King in the roles of the ugly stepsisters, Portia and Joy, complete with custom-made gowns!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has 54 performances scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $36 to $59, with a $10 discount for kids ages 3-15. Tickets include Chef Odell Ward’s family-friendly dinner buffet, 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. For more information, including show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

“Cinderella” is sponsored in part by Radio Disney and Indianapolis Woman magazine.

Annie Get Your Gun at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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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

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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.

A Christmas Carol at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the timeless Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, in a special one-hour music-filled production of this classic on stage from Dec. 4-20.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from both his workplace and his boss. Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit’s young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge’s heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.

Scrooge’s inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who visits him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises him to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession – reminding him of what was, pointing out what is, and showing him what will be should he continue on his present path. Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.

Jeff Stockberger stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this story of forgiveness and second chances. WRTV6’s Trisha Shepherd returns to the Beef & Boards stage to reprise her role as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The other ghosts are played by Jonah D. Winston (Christmas Present) and Jonathan Jensen (Christmas Yet To Come). Darrin Murrell plays Bob Cratchit, and Bobbi Bates plays Mrs. Cratchit. Playing their children are Walker Lasbury as Tiny Tim, Brielle Boynton as Belinda Cratchit and Joseph Mervis as Peter Cratchit, with Emily Miller returning as Martha Cratchit. Collin Poynter plays the storyteller. Jacob Marley is played by Michael Davis, and Theresa Koleszar and Carrie S. Neal round out the cast.

The show is directed by Elizabeth Stark. Ron Morgan is the choreographer and music is arranged by Michael Hoagland. Jill Kelly is the costume coordinator.

There are 10 performances of this special one-hour version of A Christmas Carol scheduled in the intimate atmosphere of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $19 to $32, including Chef Odell Ward’s tasty holiday buffet – complete with carved turkey and all the trimmings – and the show. Parking is always free.

For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Discounts are available for groups and children ages 3-15.

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

White Christmas at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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A bonus of holiday cheer arrives early this year at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre! From American’s master of melody comes Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the musical. The heartwarming story and beloved song come to life on stage for the first time at Beef & Boards from Oct. 14 through Nov. 21.

Based on the favorite Paramount Pictures film, White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and, in the process, find their perfect mates. Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family.

From the first musical number to the last snowfall, this delightful stage show will have audiences dreaming of a White Christmas.

The show is directed by Eddie Curry, with musical direction by Kristy Templet and choreography by Ron Morgan. Costumes are by Brian Horton.

There are 47 performances of White Christmas 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.

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

The Buck Creek Players present I LOVE YOU BECAUSE

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Buck Creek Players opened their 2010-2011 season, “From Page to Stage”, this weekend with Salzman & Cunningham’s I Love You Because.  This modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, marks the Indiana premiere of this contemporary musical.

The musical tells the story of conservative greeting card writer, Austin (played by David Michael Cress) who discovers that his longtime girlfriend is cheating on him and then feels edgy about re-entering the dating scene.  Austin’s dunce of a brother, Jeff (Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson), persuades Austin to go on a double date where the brothers meet free-spirited Marcy (Angela Manlove) and the structured Diana (Jennifer Poynter).  The couples; Austin and Marcy and Jeff and Diana fall into unexpected relationships where they deal with complications, exes, and being “just friends…with benefits!”  The score and dialogue are offbeat, quirky, and the show is great fun to watch.  The musical enlightens the audience to love others BECAUSE of their differences, rather than in spite of them.

Checkmarks to Angela Manlove for an excellent performance of “Just Not Now”, bringing a very clear and touching end to the first act. Also, checkmarks to Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson and David Michael Cress for top-notch comedic moments throughout the show – Superman underwear, anyone?  Standout musical numbers included the opening “Another Saturday Night in New York” and “What Do We Do It For?”.  Finally, the fabulous (and versatile) set design: a park, office, two different apartments, a bar, and a coffee shop – conceived by Aaron B. Bailey, is definitely worth noting.

I Love You Because continues during weekends at Buck Creek Playhouse, 11150 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis – through October 17th.  More information can be found online at: http://www.buckcreekplayers.com


(PHOTO: From left – Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson, Jennifer Poynter, Angela Manlove, and David Michael Cress. Courtesy of Buck Creek Players.)

Camelot at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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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.