Beef and Boards Dinner Theater Harrison Ohio
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre's "Mary Poppins – the Broadway Musical"
May 22, 2022
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
It's difficult to think that it's been eight years since B&B last presented Mary Poppins – the Broadway Music al, let alone that the Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke opened 58 years ago! On top of that, the cast members for the major roles from the 2022 B&B production have all returned! Cara Statham Serber is back as the "practically perfect" Mary Poppins, Buddy Reeder returns as the street-wise Bert, and Eddie Curry and Heather Patterson King again play George and Winifred Banks. It's all so supercalifragilis… well, you know the rest!
Ms. Serber's Mary Poppins is so smoothly done, it's a bit like visiting an old friend, as is Reed's Bert – both are great reminders of the excellent 2022 production. It seemed to me that the Banks roles, as reworked by Curry and Ms. King in this version, were a bit less tragic than before, which works much better, I believe. Ms. King has a strikingly beautiful voice for her role, while Curry offers a balance of comedy and drama as Mr. Banks.
As the Beef's annual family-friendly show, Mary Poppins definitely hits the mark. Filled with magic, zany fun, and so many outstanding songs and dance segments, it's a great kid's show, but still delights people of all ages.
Directed by Eddie Curry, with Ron Morgan's imaginative choreography – the story whirls through the grand events that only happen when "Mary holds your hand." Not only are the lead roles well covered by the aforementioned talented foursome, the many ancillary characters are also very impressively done by both new and returning cast members.
Deb Wims brings the Banks' housekeeper Mrs. Brill to new levels, alongside the returning Doug King as valet Robertson Ay; Devan Mathias sets a sensitive tone for the Bird Woman; and Sarah Hund enlarges both of her characterizations – as Mrs. Corry, the Talking Shop owner, and as Miss Andrew ("The Holy Terror" – Mr. Banks' childhood nanny).
The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are portrayed by Kate Boice and Max Geronimo. Both young performers do steadily fine work. Young Miss Boice has a quality vocal talent in addition to a very good stage presence, and 9-year-old Max G. is actually revisiting the Michael role that he recently did in "Mary Poppins Jr."
A strong group of dancers carry out Ron Morgan's dance combinations and are especially impressive with his "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" patterns. These ensemble members all deserve much praise for the long list of roles they take on in this production.
The set design by Michael Layton is ingenious, and costumes coordinated by Amy Gaton are a spectacle. Terry Woods leads the B&B band through their paces with precision.
Bottomline: If you are going to offer a children's show, you probably can't do much better than Mary Poppins. It's full of fun, great characters and familiar songs. Beef and Boards does a wonderful job presenting it with energetic performances by all. Plus, Chef Larry Stoops offers a very kid-friendly menu which includes chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.
Mary Poppins – the Broadway Musical continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through July 10th. Find show times and reservation info at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
"Hello, Dolly!" at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
April 3, 2022
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre continues it's 49th season with the ever-popular Hello, Dolly! The musical, with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, first appeared on Broadway in 1964 and has been a staple of American theatre ever since. The story is based on Thornton Wilder's 1955 play, The Matchmaker.
Directed by Eddie Curry, and choreographed by Ron Morgan, the production also features musical direction by Kristy Templet and costumes by Amy Gaton. Michael Layton designs the set which is augmented by Ryan Koharchik's light design.
As is usual at this venue, the cast is filled with talented performers. David Schmittou returns to B&B and lights up the stage with his Cornelius Hackl. He is joined by David Buergler as Barnaby Tucker for a busy array of lively songs and slapstick which easily entertains. Grace Morgan takes the role of Cornelius' love interest, milliner Irene Malloy, and uses her stunningly, beautiful voice to great advantage in her portrayal. Shelbi Berry plays her shop assistant, Minnie Fay, with a flair for cuteness and comedy.
Ty Stover brings "half-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder to life with his usual sharp stage presence. And the cadre of supporting dancers and chorus members sparkle in Ms. Gaton's colorful period costuming. Deserving special mention are Jon Rose and Amanda McCarthy, who take the roles of Ambrose Kemper and Ermengarde, and Susan Boilek Smith, who gives her all to her large characterization of Ernestina Money.
Above all, there is Suzanne Stark recreating the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, the entrepreneurial matchmaker. Ms. Stark is absolutely perfect in the role, and presents the enterprising lady with class, wry sophistication and a spectacular vocal talent. She is Dolly all the way!
All these parts combine to give the audience a funny, tuneful, and eye-pleasing show. The first act was a perfect assemblage, and although the second act seemed to lack energy at first, once the high-energy Harmonia Garden waiters took the stage for their wonderfully choreographed turns, everything seemed back in order.
Foodwise, new Executive Chef Larry Stoops' buffet is a delicious offering, especially (for me) the Vegetable Rice Pilaf and the Tuscan Tilapia Fillets. As always, the B&B wait staff is attentive and efficient.
Bottomline: It is a delightful show. Ms. Stark and Mr. Stover lead the top-notch cast with their very solid performances. Every stage performer is impressive and Eddie Curry's direction finds the perfect spots to highlight for fun and for romance.
Hello, Dolly! continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through May 15th. Find show times and reservation info at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
"Kinky Boots" at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
February 27, 2022
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Adam Crowe
Hello again, ASOTA Nation! Indianapolis Theater continues to re-awaken, and while Ken does some healing at home, I'm back to bring you news of the local scene. This time, I bring tidings of musical excellence from a beloved local venue. Better yet, this particular event has only been running for one week, so tickets might actually still be available.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is often home to beloved classics. But until March 27th, it is presenting something new – Kinky Boots – directed and choreographed by Ron Morgan. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music/lyrics by Cyndi Lauper (yes, that Cyndi Lauper), Kinky Boots is another in the tradition of movies to stage adaptations. Like Newsies and Hairspray, Kinky Boots is based on a non-musical film. In this case, a 2005 British film of the same name. The story follows Charlie, who inherits his family's shoe factory, only to realize that cheaper competition is putting it out of business. After a chance encounter with a whirlwind of a drag performer named Lola, Charlie must decide if he'll throw his long-time employees to the winds of unemployment or take a chance on building a new line of specialty shoes – for men who wear "kinky boots".
As in the other movie-to-stage musical examples I mentioned, Kinky Boots is most concerned with how the characters navigate changing times and the need for human beings to be their true selves. Charlie and Lola must forge a relationship that allows them both to get what they need. Given current events across the country, the show's messages of acceptance and truth are as important as they are timely.
The music isn't all the "pop" that one might expect from someone like Lauper, but it is alternatively fun and touching and perfect for explaining who these characters are and for moving their stories along. Feinstein's book is, for me, stronger than his work in Newsies and serves the story well.
Not surprisingly, Beef & Boards has assembled an excellent cast. More of a surprise for the audience might be the Star-making turn of Jonathan Studdard as Lola. Making his B&B debut, Studdard is simply fantastic. In the role originated by Tony and Emmy winner Billy Porter, Studdard's performance is not to be missed. In the equally important, if less showy role of Charlie, Jacob Butler captures the character's dilemma and is heartfelt and funny. Butler delivers a convincing portrayal of a man who must grow up and decide what is most important to him in his life. Sarah Daniels portrays Lauren, a factory employee who helps Charlie figure out his best self – and may win him in the end. Daniels is even more fun than she was in Newsies.
The remaining cast is uniformly excellent and includes lots of local talent. Eddie Curry plays factory Forman George with his usual sparkle. Mark Fishback, Logan Moore, Sally Scarbrough, Amy Owens, Bridgette Ludlow, Samantha Russel Joshua L.K. Patterson, and Ike Wellhausen make for fantastic factory hands, as well as other characters. Ms. Scarborough's Italian fashion show operator is brief, but delightful. Lola's comrades are equally dazzling, brought to life by Tim Hunt, Phillip Crawshaw, Ray Geeaves, and Jaye Jackson. Some personal favorites included Peter Scarborough as factory employee Don, Devan Mathias as Charlie's fiancé Nicola, and young performers Evan Cohen and August Owens, who's brief turns as the younger Charlie and Lola stand up to the more seasoned adults around them just fine.
Beef & Boards' intimate setting adds to the thrill of the story, and new Chef Larry Stoops (and his great staff) really delivers on the dinner buffet. Ticket availability will likely be tight for this production, so don't waste time. Tickets and other details can be found at https://www.beefandboards.com. In the interests of efficiency, you might want to go ahead and look into tickets for Suzanne Stark's return to the role of Dolly Levi inHello Dolly, opening March 31st!
- – photos by Julie Curry
"Shear Madness" at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
December 31, 2021
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre opens their 49th season with a redux production of Marilyn Abrams' and Bruce Jordan's award-winning Shear Madness, which holds the Guinness Record as the longest running play in US history. Directed by Eddie Curry, with a set by Michael Layton and costumes by Amy Gaton, the show features the return of 5 cast members from the 2022 edition at B&B.
Shear Madness is a unique audience participation comic/murder mystery set in a hair salon owned by Tony Whitcomb (effusively played by Daniel Klingler). Included in the action are Tony's salon partner Barbara DeMarco (a winsome Jenny Reber), regular customer Eleanor Shubert (a snobbish Suzanne Stark), mysterious new customer Eddie Lawrence (played with a shoulder chip by Michael Shelton), and undercover cops, Lt. Nick Rosetti and Mikey Thomas (offered by a comic teaming of Jeff Stockberger and David Buerger, the cast's newcomer).
The action is set in Indianapolis with plenty of local references thrown into the mix, including a quick mention of yours truly and the review blog you are currently reading. The mystery concerns the murder of an elderly woman who lives upstairs, with plot devices and red herrings that could possibly point to any of the characters as the guilty party. After things are played out, the real fun begins as Police Lt. Rosetti turns to the audience to review what they saw and help solve the crime.
Director Curry has shaped the stage activity into a tight show but has allowed his cast to have free rein for spontaneity and just to have fun, which they do. The 6 actors and actresses form a wonderful ensemble and seem ready for anything, much to the delight of the audience, which on this evening was very sharp and observant.
Bottomline: B&B's presentation of Shear Madness is a lively, funny, and well-crafted endeavor which is a great way to start the new year and B&B's new season. This unusual theatre piece has been enjoyed by many millions of theatre goers around the world. I invite you to click https://www.shearmadness.com/news-and-reviews and scroll through the amazing list of current and past productions.
Shear Madness continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through February 5th. Find show times and reservation info at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
"A Beef & Boards Christmas" – 2021 Edition
November 28, 2021
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
After seeing Beef & Boards' traditional Christmas offering last evening, Mrs. K and I were so glad we attended. It was surprisingly and pleasingly different from past B&B holiday shows, and it set a nice tone for the beginning of the Christmas holiday season.
Doug Stark and the B&B family have been putting together their annual holiday celebration for many years. The year before Covid struck us all, they made a decision of make a change and offered us Elf – the Musical in 2018. This year the decision was made to go back to tradition, and the 2022 edition of A Beef and Boards Christmas is among the best I've seen, if not the best!
From the festive set design, to the unbelievable number of splendid costumes, to the updated song list – which includes many old favorites as well – plus the mix of new and familiar cast members, it all makes the show a winning arrangement of beautiful vocals, amazing visuals, and some fun visits with Santa – including a delightful "Letters to Santa" section.
Ron Morgan provides the musical staging and choreography for the show, and as is usual in a Ron Morgan production, the flow and originality in the dances are strong points. Michael Layton designed the festively decorated set while Jill Kelly Howe created and assembled a plethora of sparkling costumes. Terry Woods handled the musical director duties and the small orchestra he leads provides great accompaniment and shines in its own featured moments in the show.
Once again, B&B has assembled a very talented cast of performers. They literally spring through the 30 plus numbers on the program with polish and pizzazz. Highlights include Bobbi Bates' rendition of "Tennessee Christmas", Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims' "Christmas Blues", Dan Bob Higgins' military salute with "I'll Be Home for Christmas", and especially Jalynn Steele's "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and MIchael Ray Fisher's "O Holy Night", both of which were enchantingly performed with the full company. Kids will enjoy Peter Scharbrough and the Grinches in "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and the Chipmunks and Santa doing "Christmas Don't Be Late".
There really are moments for everyone in the show – nostalgic moments, funny ones, joyous ones that are uplifting, and sensitive, touching moments that may bring a tear. I applaud B&B for returning to their tradition and for making the alterations and updates that allowed the entire show to came off as new and refreshed.
Bottomline: It is a truly beautiful show to see and hear. Plus, the buffet provided by Chef Odell (now in his 39th year at B&B!) is top-notch – very delicious with a good holiday variety of choices. Mrs. K and I fully enjoyed the entire evening.
A Beef and Boards Christmas continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through December 23rd. Find show times and reservations at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
I would also like to remind everyone that B&B is also offering their traditional one hour "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens on various dates beginning December 3rd. For tickets, show schedule and additional information, visit http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
"Phantom" at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
October 10, 2021
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
Most of us – okay, virtually all of us – have been exposed to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, the Broadway juggernaut that has thrilled millions in theatres both live and big-screened around the world. It's lesser known cousin, Phantom, which opened this week at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, has received far less notice but tells the same familiar story from Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel with a differing perspective – one which I, and the full house crowd at B&B, found entirely enchanting and entertaining.
Arthur Kopit's book for the show relies mainly on telling the story of the Phantom, Erik, as we learn his origins, his struggles, and the overall reasons for why he is who he is. One of the main themes of the show is human sympathy. Christine remains a major character and the object of Erik's passions – both musical and romantic. The goings on at the Paris Opera House, albeit with a much different cast of characters save for Diva Carlotta, are essentially as mysterious as any previous version – but we are put more in touch with Erik's mind and how he perceives his status and his future. He is far more reachable here than in Lloyd Webber's composition, I believe.
The music and lyrics by Maury Yeston are melodious and a touch less operatic than the PotO's, and therefore a bit more familiar sounding, I think. They move the story along with a clear precision and without excess. The two acts provide two very distinct thematic levels – the first act providing a lighter sense centered on discovery and happiness, while the second act is full of despair and deep drama.
Director Eddie Curry, who also appears as outgoing theatre manager Gerard Carriere, is blessed with an extraordinary cast. He, along with choreographer Ron Morgan and musical director Kristy Templet have worked their magic many times before, but on this occasion, I believe they have raised the bar a good bit.
Logan Moore stars as the Phantom and does a masterful job. His baritone voice is striking from the first note and continues flawlessly throughout. The dramatic sense he provides in his characterization is arresting and grand. Christine Daaé is offered by Courtney Cheatham, who wowed us of late as Maria in B&B's West Side Story. Her captivating and innocent portrayal is just right against Moore's fiercer staging, and her beautiful voice is perfect for Yeston's score.
Suzanne Stark is both scoundrel and clown in her role as Carlotta, who has no patience for the talented Christine. Ms. Stark and Bill Book, who plays her theatre manager husband Alain Cholet, are a wonderful team, providing a much-needed humorous side to the proceedings. Other standout performances are by the aforementioned Mr. Curry as the Phantom's friend, Gerard Carriere, Jon Rose as opera patron Count Phillipe, and Sally Scharbrough, who provides many small roles, but is quite lovely in her featured role as the Phantom's mother, Belladova – in a flashback scene.
Ms. Templet's small orchestra plays the multi-aspected score with authority. On the technical side, Jill Kelly Howe's costumes along with wigs by Tim Hunt are lush and beautiful; the intricate set design by Michael Layton solves many complications; and lights and sound by Ryan Koharchik and Daniel Hesselbrock, respectably, fill the bill.
Top everything off with B&B's great kitchen staff (led by Chef Odell Ward) plus the attentive servers, and satisfaction is complete.
Bottomline: A surprisingly satisfying evening (or matinee) awaits those who attend Phantom. This is a true hidden gem in the theatre catalog and I commend Beef & Boards for bringing it to us. I give it high marks all around.
Phantom continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through Novemebr 21st. Find show times and reservations at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
"Newsies" at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
August 22, 2021
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Adam Crowe
Hello to all of the ASOTA Crowd. Thanks be to (insert your diety here), we are still here and able to talk about all things Indianapolis Theater. And as always, thanks to Ken for the chance to share thoughts about what is playing on local stages.
When I last saw Beef and Boards Dinner Theater, it was 2019. Like all of us, the Theater has gone through trials and tribulations since then. On the bright side, they were most recently able to produce a full run of an audience favorite (hint: the Hills were Alive). On August 20th, the B&B opened a first time production – "Newsies", directed by Elizabeth Payne.
Based on the 1992 Disney film of the same name, this Tony Award winner is credited to Harvey Fierstein (Book), Jack Feldman, (Lyrics) and Alan Menken (Music). The musical follows a group of orphaned newsboys, living in a Lower Manhattan lodging house, and their ostensible leader, Jack Kelly. These newsboys lives are upended when ruthless publishers (like Joseph Pulitzer), demand price increases for their newspapers in order to offset declining sales. The "Newsies" respond by calling for a strike.
Both musical and film are based loosley on historical fact, as there was a real life newsboys' strike in 1899 in New York City. Given the complexities of the issues and of the era itself, it is not surprising that Disney distills the story into a somewhat two dimensional tale of good orphans versus evil Titans of Industry – and even manages to throw in a love story with a tiny twist. Still, the energy and talent of this cast pulled the audience in and held them from start to finish.
Led by terrific performances from Joshua J. Schwartz as Jack Kelly, and Sarah Daniels as Katherine, the cast was uniformly strong. The Tony winning music and lyrics were delivered with verve, as was the dancing, choreographed by Ron Morgan. Aside from the two leads and a few other characters, nearly every member of the cast was called upon to portray multiple characters and did so with ease. (Special mentions in this Department go to Mark Fishback, Brett Mutter, Annalee Marcee and Christine Zavakos).
Beef and Boards' design elements served the story well, with costumes designed by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, and Andrew Elliot's wigs being my personal standouts. Terry Woods and the orchestra were in fine form and the entire evening ran as smoothly as I've come to expect from B&B.
Fans of the 1992 film and Disney-philes will find the energy and enthusiasm of "Newsies" infectious. If your household includes members of either group, I suggest you get your tickets soon. "Newsies" runs Tuesdays through Sundays Until October 3rd. Beef and Boards Dinner Theater is located at 9301 Michigan Road, in Indianapolis. Ticket information can be found at http://www.beefandboards.com or by calling (317) 872-9664.
Please note that Beef and Boards Dinner Theater has issued the following advisory – Masks are strongly recommended for all guests but are not required at this time. We respectfully request that unvaccinated guests continue to wear masks when moving throughout the building and during the performance. Beef & Boards reserves the right to adjust these restrictions in the future should there be a need for stricter safety protocols.
- – Photos by Julie Curry
Beef & Boards is back!
April 29, 2021
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Theatre news
At last, a crack in the Covid Curtain – Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has announced its long awaited reopening with Smoke on the Mountain beginning May 4 and running through June 20. Limited-sized audiences will be offered performances at first, but there is hope that the theatre can get back to more normal operation as soon as is possible.
Several common sense restrictions will be put into place for the reopening as per these points from B&B:
| •Seating remains distanced to maintain a minimum of 6′ spacing between parties. •Masks are required at all times unless eating or drinking. •Dinners will be plated and brought to your table. •Arrival times are staggered to avoid crowding in the lobby area. |
| •Individuals will have their temperature checked upon arrival. •Ample hand sanitizer is available throughout the theatre. •Daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place throughout the theatre. •The cast ofSmoke on the Mountainwill be vaccinated by the show's opening. |
| •We are utilizing the services of Enviro-Master, to kill viruses on all surfaces. •We have installed UV lighting in all of our air handlers to kill any viruses in the air. •Our air handlers have been adjusted to provide 25% higher rate of air exchanges per hour than the minimum recommended by the CDC. •The rate of air exchanges includes 2.5 outdoor air changes per hour. |
Following Smoke on the Mountain , Beef and Boards has scheduled these popular shows:
The Sound of Music – June 24 – August 15
Newsies – August 19 – October 3
Phantom – October 7 – November 21
A Beef and Boards Christmas – November 26 – December 23
You may order tickets online for any upcoming shows by going to Home (beefandboards.com) or by calling the box office at 317-872-9664.
Beef and Boards Dinner Theater returns with a modified offering of "Beehive"
July 10, 2020
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
by Ken Klingenmeier
Covid-19 has struck us all hard during these past few months. Among the pandemic's many negative effects is the closings of performing arts companies and locales. Ever so slowly, the complicated process of producing shows for the public (with an eye on health and safety) has started to uncoil itself and a few community theatre companies have either produced a show (i.e. Center Stage Community Theatre in Lebanon IN) or have held (or planned) auditions to do so.
Indianapolis' Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre leads the way for professional theatre's return with their production of Beehive, a musical revue style show celebrating songs from the 60's which is directed and choreographed by Ron Morgan, with musical direction by Terry Woods. Modifications of the normal B&B offering are a part of the popular venue's reemergence.
From B&B's press release:
"After developing a comprehensive responsible reopening plan, Beef & Boards has spent several weeks preparing to welcome audiences back. Those audiences will be smaller in size, and spaced farther apart. In lieu of its traditional buffet, Beef & Boards will offer plated meals from servers in protective gear. Guests' temperatures will be taken as they arrive, and anyone meausring over 100.4 degres Farenheit will not be admitted into the theatre. Guests will be required to wear a mask to enter the theatre, in compliance with Mayor Hogsett's mandate that requires masks in areas where the public gathers indoors."
Furthermore, Mayor Hogsett's latest instruction of July 9th requires that masks be worn at all times except while eating.
Additionally, the Beehive performers, Shelbi Berry, Tiffany Gilliam, Terica Marie, Amy Owens, Samantha Russell, and Christine Zavakos have been outfitted with clear face-covering shields, which offer protection for the audience and the cast during the performance.
Asked about the added protection, cast member Christine Zavakos said this: "I think the face shield's are necessary given the state of the world. B&B is taking tons of precautions to keep everyone safe. It was an adjustment for sure, but I think everyone is on board to keep theatre alive in Indy. The audience forgets you're wearing them after a while."
It all seems like a rather elegant solution to a rather unprecedented problem. The photos tell the tale; it really looks as if they are not any big distraction to the audience.
Beehive continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through August 9th – with their next show, Newsies, opening on August 13 and running through September 27th.
For tickets, call the box office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. For complete show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.
- Photos by Julie Curry
"Saturday Night Fever" at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
February 9, 2020
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, theatre review
reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
Anyone who has ever seen the 1977 movie version of Saturday Night Fever likely recalls the amazing dance sequences with John Travolta, someone we barely knew back then, while forgetting the depth of the story the film told.
Travolta's character, nineteen year old Tony Manero, is a troubled youth stuck in a dead end life in Brooklyn NY – his parents are constantly on his back about his job, his clothes, his hair (and why he isn't more like his brother , a priest); his gang of friends are not much more than fun-loving thugs who delve into petty crimes and a tribal mentality against other ethnic groups; his "girlfriend" is after him to get married. The one thing which lifts him in his life is his Saturday night forays to the dance club where he is king of the dance floor. Only there is he able to set aside all the conflicts of class, gender and generational family differences.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's busy rendering of the 1999 Broadway theatrical production is directed by Jeff Stockberger, with choreography by Ron Morgan, and musical direction by Kristy Templet. All the dramatic aspects of the film are very much a part of this musical version, with plenty of familiar songs, plus new ones, punctuating the action. What is immediately striking to me is how different many of the song stylings and interpretations are from the recorded music in the film. A case in point would be The Bee Gee's "If I Can't Have You", here sung by Annette, Tony's wanna-be girlfriend, after she finds him with another. Soulfully offered by Kyra Leeds, the slower form resonates more fully as a sorrowful reaction than the original disco beat version would and is one of the highlights of the show.
As is usual with B&B's endeavors, the talent level for Saturday Night Fever is sky-high. Jeremy Sartin stars as Tony Manero and has a strong presence onstage. His skillful dancing and nonpareil vocal talents, wrapped in a swoon-inducing physical mien, is perfect for Tony. (okay, I didn't swoon, but I heard the ladies at some of the adjoining tables…) As his comely dance partner – Stephanie Mangano, Amanda Tong brings equal talents to the fore and is also quite striking. These two offer up an interesting boy/girl story arc – their love-story aptly played as flirtations blossoming into a fiery coupling, marked by terrific vocal and dance turns.
The plethora of secondary roles are also well-covered. Standouts include the aforementioned Kyra Leeds as Annette; Megan Flynn, a singing dynamo as club-singer Candy; Peter Scharbrough, also offering pumped up vocals as the bewigged DJ, Monty; Joshua J. Schwartz and Megan Hasse, for their acting skills as Bobby C. and Pauline; as well as Damian Shembel as Tony's gentle and priestly brother, Frank Jr.
Ron Morgan's choreography shows his inventive touch and fills the stage with disco and romantic stylings. Kristy Templet has formed her vocal cadre into an exquisite sounding set of soloists and harmonizers. As good as the dancing is, I personally thought that the vocalizing surpassed it in many ways, a rare thing in a dance heavy Morgan-choreographed piece. Ms. Templet's orchestra covered the upbeat score with ease, and guitarist Christopher Tucker deserves special mention for his work here. Finally, costumes coordinated by Jill Kelly Howe are colorfully era-correct and put the finishing touches on the production.
Bottomline: this surprisingly dark musical (I can only think of Les Misérables as being darker) is nonetheless a pleasing entertainment, full of great performances. Rated PG-13 – for a variety of reasons.
Saturday Night Fever continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through March 29th. Find show times and reservations at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664.
- – photos by Julie Curry
knowlesbetimesely.blogspot.com
Source: https://asota.wordpress.com/category/theatre-review/beef-boards-dinner-theatre/
Post a Comment for "Beef and Boards Dinner Theater Harrison Ohio"