Located on the northwest side of Indianapolis in College Park, the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre opened in 1973. It has earned the reputation of providing a delicious buffet followed by a premier live stage show. A Beef & Boards press release sets the stage for its next offering: “As the days grow cooler, bring the family together and cozy up with a classic as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents It’s A Wonderful Life, the stage adaptation of the famous Frank Capra film.”
It’s A Wonderful Life (the musical) is based on the 1946 film immortalized by the Jimmy Stewart portrayal of common man George Bailey. Sean Patrick Hopkins in his debut at Beef & Boards subjects himself to the inevitable comparisons to the “shucks, golly gee” character portrayal by Stewart. Hopkins sometimes seems to struggle with his character in the first act, but recovers well in Act Two. Supporting Hopkins is Jeff Stockberger as he portrays Pa Bailey early in the story and klutzy, inattentive Uncle Billy Bailey throughout the balance of the production. Stockberger’s performance gives vim and vigor to several scenes, including a hilarious portrayal of a drunken Uncle Billy that would make Foster Brooks proud.
A standout performance is given by Eddie Curry as Clarence, the wingless second class angel. Clarence is shown Bailey’s life history by Joseph (played by Jonah Wilson) from a heavenly perch above the stage. Curry plays his part to the hilt as the night cap and night shirt clad angel looking down on the stage. When he finally goes to earth to show George the importance of his life, Curry as Clarence successfully blends a serious message interlaced with quips and humor.
Douglas E. Stark directs the production and plays the part of the heartless and probably soulless banker Mr. Potter. Oh, how you love to hate this greedy and despicable human being. Stark brings a level of villainy to his character that makes you cringe. Less couth audiences than you find at Beef & Boards would boo and hiss this character out loud.
George’s family includes his children, Pete (Joseph Mervis), Zuzu (Annie Cushman), Tommy (Michael Bailey) and Janie (Delaney Jackson), and his wife, Mary (Betsy DiLellio). Other supporting characters include Violet Black (Jill Kelly) and Ma Bailey (Karen Pappas).
Nit picking from a history geek: When Harry (played by Brendan Cataldo) makes his entrance in the final scene his blue “uniform”, while it did sport pilot’s wings, is the color of WWII British RAF officers. WWII US Army Air Corps officer’s uniforms were a dark brown. Some older members of the audience will no doubt raise an eyebrow at this “oops”. Other than that one blatant technical error, Terry Woods is to be complimented for her choice of costumes.
There are 46 performances of It’s A Wonderful Life scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee and tea. For reservations and schedules, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays. It’s A Wonderful Life is sponsored in part by Indianapolis Woman magazine.
Sources:
Attended the Saturday, October 15th production
Beef & Boards