Beef & Boards has toned down the razzle dazzle in this year’s Christmas show. The quieter production is hugely improved by sweet Christmas carols and a heavy reliance on the talented Holidaires instead of flying reindeer or goofy elves. The quartet is made up of three Smoke on the Mountain veterans and Jillian Wallach, a new addition to B&B.
Jayson Elliott, Sarah Hund and John Vessels have proved their talent in a dozen shows over the past couple years and this performance is no exception. The production is at its best when it allows its performers to relax into roles they excel at. Vessels has a wonderful voice and a unique ability to pull off the silliest bits. He never fails to delight audiences.
Elliott and Hund, in addition to being able to sing, can each play multiple instruments. Their talent is showcased wonderfully as they playfully duel on banjoes, fiddles, guitars and harmonicas. Each of the singers held their own, but newcomer Wallach shone the brightest. She took the reins of O Holy Night, the first female to do so in recent years. Her powerful performance in that song, along with others through out the night, raised the bar for the vocals.
Terry Woods and the BBC orchestra perform live on the stage providing an added level of talent to the variety-style show. B&B always includes a tribute to our men and women in service, which should never be forgotten. They also make a point of highlighting the true meaning of Christmas. Look past the tap dancing Santas and cute kids and you’ll find a quiet manger scene. So whether you’re a regular every year or looking for a new option for the family, Beef & Boards will help you get into the Christmas spirit.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until Dec. 23. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 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 $36 to $59 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet. This production offers discounts; call the box office for more details.
Don’t forget to check out the other shows around town. The Indiana Repertory Theatre has A Christmas Carol, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre has Willy Wonka and the Phoenix Theatre has Our Goose is Cooked.
Photos Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Comments
Sincerely, Sally Henzie