One might assume that an 81-year-old musical couldn’t pack a punch for audiences in our current society, but visitors to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre are sure to find out differently. “Show Boat,” which was first released in 1927 is onstage now at Beef &. It is a delightful show which is able to delve deeper into the lives of its characters than many musicals, because it spans 40 years in their lives. I begins in 1883 and ends in 1927.
I was expecting something lighter, fluffier, something along the lines of “Okalahoma.” What I got instead was a plot which didn’t shy away from issues of racism, gambling, alcoholism and the difficult task of raising a child.
Elisabeth Broadhurst’s role as Julie is particularly good. One of her numbers, “Bill,” is a silly love song, but with her rich voice she turns it into a heartbreaking ballad.
The show is not without humor though. There is a play within the play, which is campy and fun with overacting hilarious embraced. The comedy duo Frank and Ellie also provide laughs and Douglas E.Stark, owner of Beef & Boards, gives a wonderful turn as Cap’n Andy.
The production also featured the amazingly talented Gerald Atkins as Joe. Atkins has demonstrated his vocal abilities in the past at Beef & Boards annual Christmas show. His goose bump inducing version of “Of Holy Night” is now rivaled by his “Ol’ Man River.”
The show is often called the first modern American musical. Whether you are a fan of all musicals or just hoping to get your feet wet, it’s a great show to see.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until May 11. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The buffet is served at 6:30 and the show begins at 8 p.m. One Sundays the buffet is served at 5:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m.
For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show
begins at 1 p.m. For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $33 to $55 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet.
*Photo Courtesy of Beef & Board Dinner Theatre
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