Beef & Boards' 2017 Season to Feature Four Shows New to Its Stage

There's more to be seen in 2017 as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents four new shows to its stage for its 44th Season. Plus, a musical theatre classic returns after 20 years, two beloved stories are revisited, and the year is capped off with the silver anniversary of Beef & Boards' own holiday production.

MAIN STAGE

The season starts Dec. 29 with the Beef & Boards debut of the hilarious hair-raising hit: Shear Madness. The longest-running play in American history, this madcap comedy takes place in a not-so-typical hair salon. When the old lady upstairs is mysteriously murdered, the audience combs through the clues, questions the suspects and determines "whodunnit" so the show is different every time it's presented! On stage through Jan. 29, Shear Madness contains some innuendo and adult humor, and appropriate for ages 13 and above. It is sponsored in part by Salon 01.

Starting Feb. 2, the Bible meets Broadway in the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The famous story about the trials and triumphs of Jacob's favorite son is told in a variety of musical genres in this colorful seven-time Tony Award nominee. Songs include "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do." On stage through March 26. It is sponsored in part by Current Publishing.

Returning to the Beef & Boards stage after 20 years is My Fair Lady, Broadway's version of the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. When Professor Higgins wagers he can transform a scruffy cockney flower seller into a respectable lady, he gets more than he bargained for with Eliza Doolittle. Songs include "I could Have Danced All Night" and "Wouldn't It Be Loverly." Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it's on stage through May 14.

The swamp takes the stage for the first time at Beef & Boards on May 18 in Shrek the Musical. Based on the animated Oscar-winning film and a Tony Award winner, Shrek is the featured Family Show of the 2017 Season, offering $10 discounts for kids ages 3-15. An ogre wants to be left alone in his swamp, but when his home is threatened he embarks on a life-changing quest with a wisecracking Donkey to free a feisty princess who resists her rescue. On stage through July 2.

Also making its Beef & Boards debut in 2017 is Ring of Fire, opening July 6. Johnny Cash's iconic songbook inspires a unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family. More than two dozen classic hits, including "I Walk The Line," "A Boy Named Sue" and the title tune, paint a musical portrait of the Man in Black. On stage through Aug. 13.

Then opening on Aug. 17 Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to the streets of New York City in Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's collaboration: West Side Story. Marking its 60th anniversary in 2017, this Tony Award-winning and relevant musical drama follows two young lovers who struggle to survive in a world of hate. Songs include "I Feel Pretty," "Maria" and "Tonight." On stage through Oct. 1.

The fourth show to make its debut at Beef & Boards in 2017, Ghost, the Musical, opening Oct. 5. Based on the hit film, Ghost tells about Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a psychic for help. On stage through Nov. 19.

Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2017 is the show that wraps up the main stage season: A Beef & Boards Christmas. This original musical spectacular has been entertaining Indianapolis for 25 years, presenting the heartwarming sights and sounds of the season in a production that's become a holiday tradition. Santa and his friends take the stage in a sparkling array of song and dance on stage Nov. 24 through Dec. 23.

Also returning in 2017 is Beef & Boards' one-hour adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, on stage for select performances Dec. 2 through 19. Enhanced with holiday carols, this iconic tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who is given a second chance is the ideal way to enjoy the season.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

The Pyramid Players also announce their 2017 Live Theatre for Kids series. Designed to entertain children of any age, these shows are a great way to introduce preschoolers to live theatre. Youngsters also have the opportunity to meet the cast after the show for pictures and autographs.

First on stage for the Pyramid Players is Pinkalicious! Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. When her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can find a way out of this predicament. On stage Feb. 24 through March 25.

The childhood favorite Pinocchio is the fall production, on stage Oct. 13 through Nov. 11. The Blue Fairy helps a simple puppet maker's dream of having a boy of his own come true. With a wave of her magic wand, a wooden puppet comes to life and starts his search to become a real boy.

Performances take place on select Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Performances last one hour, are presented without intermission, and include juice and a snack.

VIP Memberships for the 2017 Season and individual show tickets are now available. Visit beefandboards.com for complete details.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Indiana's only year-round professional dinner theatre, has been serving up exceptional entertainment since 1973.