By Samantha Cooney
INDIANAPOLIS — 'Tis the season to celebrate the upcoming holidays at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. My holiday season began very pleasantly by being able to share my love for musicals and theatre at my favorite place here in town: Beef & Boards. I am now in the true Christmas spirit.
The performance of “A Beef & Boards Christmas” was full of dancing, singing, and even a special visit from Santa himself. Topping the evening off was a lighted Christmas tree that changed throughout each performance.
“A Beef & Boards Christmas” 2007 is a journey through six yuletide-themed chapters including such favorites as “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and more.
Among my personal favorites was “I’ll be Home.” The holiday classic performed by Dana Wilson and Kyle Durbin included a touching salute those serving in the military.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 15th annual holiday production also held special meaning for singer LaDonna Burns who was born and raised on the northwest side of town. This was her first show back in Indianapolis since moving to New York City.
“I’m so thrilled to be back home,” Burns exclaimed.
Burns attended Crooked Creek Elementary School and Westlane Middle School.
“Mrs. Barb Keyes, who was my music teacher in elementary and middle school, always encouraged me to sing and go for the best — even though I was a very shy kid,” Burns said.
She has also starred in the Sour Kangaroo in the second national tour of “Seussical the Musical,” was the Seasons of Love soloist in the “Rent” national tour, was in the New York premiere of “Emerald Man,” and has participated in a reading of “Great Googley Moo.”
There are 44 performances of “A Beef & Boards Christmas” 2007 running through Dec. 31. Tickets include dinner and the show, with prices ranging from $32.50 to $52.50. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more and parking is always free.
The final performance of “A Beef & Boards Christmas” 2007 is a special New Year’s Eve celebration that includes the holiday dinner buffet, show, and party favors. The Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Orchestra will perform after the show so patrons can dance before watching the ball drop in Times Square on the theatre’s two big screens at midnight. The celebration continues with more dancing, followed by a breakfast buffet. Tickets range from $72 to $85 for the special event.
Beef & Boards is at 9301 North Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. For tickets, call the box office at 872-9664 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. For more information, visit the website at www.beefandboards.com.
— Samantha L. Cooney is a reporter for the Hendricks County Flyer.
samantha.cooney@flyergroup.com
