Contact: Patricia Rettig 2008

Contact: Patricia Rettig 2008 317.876.0513 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrates 35 years of entertainment!

INDIANAPOLIS – The year 1973 was one for landmarks. The Sears Tower was completed in Chicago. The World Trade Center opened in New York City. And in Indianapolis, the curtain went up for a local dinner theatre called “Beef & Boards.” Built near the Pyramids on the northwest side of Indy, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre was the only other structure in College Park. Even the I-465 beltway had not been completely constructed. But already the theatre was gaining attention. The headline in the arts section of the March 2, 1973 edition of the Indianapolis Star read: “Beef ‘n’ Boards is fun place.” The story went on to say that “The sparkling new Beef ‘n’ Boards Dinner Theatre at College Park … served notice that it will be a formidable contender among the city’s fun places.” Other articles called it a “smashing facility” that is “perched on a gently rising slope in College Park.” And while some things have changed since the first Beef & Boards patrons pulled up a seat at a table and enjoyed a bountiful meal and entertaining show, the most fundamental priorities of the theatre have been constant – great service and a spectacular experience of dining and entertainment. “The idea is for people to come to our theatre and have an enjoyable, hassle-free, entertaining evening,” Douglas E. Stark, owner and artistic director, explained. Beef & Boards was one of five dinner theatres built from a chain designed by J. Scott Talbott, a Louisville contractor, with the other locations in Kentucky and Ohio. The name simply stemmed from what was offered: the beef served and the boards – or stage – for performances. Dozens of stars graced the stage in the local theatre’s early years, including Mamie Vandoren in “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (1976), Don Ameche in “Never Get Smart With An Angel” (1977), Ann Miller in “Cactus Flower,” Myrna Loy in “Relatively Speaking” and Adam West in “Hot Shot” (all in 1978), Jerry Mathers in “So Long Stanley” (1979), Cesar Romero in “A Dash Of Spirits” and Tab Hunter in “Chapter 2” (both in 1980). Some seasons had as many as 11 productions – nearly all of them with a guest star. While this was common practice at the time, it also proved devastating for many dinner theatres across the country. Fresh ideas were needed. In November of 1980, Stark and Robert Zehr purchased Beef & Boards along with two of Talbott’s other theatres. Those were later sold so they could focus their efforts on the Indianapolis location. Stark and Zehr had collaborated on projects before. In fact, their partnership dated back to their college days at Ball State University, where they worked together in several student productions.

9301 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 phone: 317.872.9664 fax: 317.876.0510 web: wwwbeefandboards.com With the new ownership came a new format at Beef & Boards – featuring Broadway shows – with eight shows scheduled per season. A year later, the theatre hired its first chef, and catered meals were discontinued. Stark and Zehr also added a variety of concerts. In 1982, Tina Turner performed at Beef & Boards, just two years shy of her comeback album, Private Dancer. The 1980s was definitely the decade of concerts at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. In 1986, concert revenues accounted for 25 to 28 percent of all tickets sold. Among the stars that performed were: B.B. King, The Smothers Brothers, Waylon Flowers & Madam, Ricky Nelson, Jan & Dean, Pearl Bailey, Carol Channing, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Sid Caesar, Chubby Checker, Mickey Gilley, Tony Bennett, Phyllis Diller Helen Reddy, Sha Na Na, Bobby Vinton, Frankie Valli, The Temptations, Three Dog Night, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Donny and Marie Osmond, The Righteous Brothers, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Lovin’ Spoonful, just to name a few! Billie Michener, who has served countless patrons at Beef & Boards in her 27 years at the theatre, said these big name stars “helped to establish Beef & Boards as a provider of quality entertainment.” That reputation was known not just in this area, but across the country. Eddie Curry, who is now Beef & Boards’ casting director and producer, was working in Galveston, Texas, in 1989 as a performer at an outdoor musical theatre. “I knew it was one of the most reputable Equity regional theatres in the country,” he said. “At any audition I went to, Beef & Boards was always the theatre you were hoping to impress the most. I knew a couple of actor friends who had worked at Beef & Boards before, so I was very aware of how fair and nice the theatre was to work for.” By 1984, one million customers had taken in a show at Beef & Boards. Seven years later, that number doubled. Then, in 1992, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre unveiled a major renovation. Box seats – elevated private tables for two – were added. The lobby was redecorated and new carpeting installed. The original annual holiday show debuted in 1994, with Live Theatre For Kids productions offered for the first time the following year. “Beef & Boards is often a family’s first introduction to live theatre, either through our Pyramid Players live theatre for children, or by the quality comedy and musical theatre productions on our main stage,” Curry pointed out. “While for others, Beef & Boards is an old friend, providing consistent live entertainment year after year.” Some of the more significant moments in the theatre’s history, Michener believes, included the 1983 hiring of Dick Laughlin, longtime musical director at Beef & Boards “whose talent was incredible” as well as “moving the orchestra pit from the floor to the loft, which allowed for so many more stage and performance options.” Sally Ashley, office manager who has worked at Beef & Boards for nearly 30 years, and Michener agree on another significant change: adopting a no-smoking policy. In 1997, attendance totaled three million. The Intermission Gift Shop – which opened in 1990 – expanded, nearly doubling in size. Following the 25th Anniversary Season in 1998, Stark became the sole owner of the theatre, buying out Robert Zehr. Beef & Boards presented Cats in 2004, offering the first regional Indiana production of this hit show. Attendance at the theatre hit 4 million that year. “We always try to look at what works and what doesn’t work,” Stark said. “We’re always looking to make improvements and add something new.” In 2006, The Producer’s Table, a private suite for up to six that is located above the box seats was created. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the stage and includes its own sound system, server and private buffet. “The theatre continues to be successful after so long because of the focus on providing each guest with an experience that makes them want to return,” Michener said. “It is a theatre of team players all working together to achieve that goal.” 9301 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 phone: 317.872.9664 fax: 317.876.0510 web: wwwbeefandboards.com

“The purchase of the ticket, the appearance of the theatre, lobby and facilities, the greeting at the hostess station, the attention of the server, the quality of the meal, the lighting and sound, the orchestra and the stage performance – each of these plays a key role in the success of the theatre,” Michener added. “Beef & Boards recognizes that if we miss on any one of these elements, then the entire experience can be affected.” She pointed out that “Beef & Boards is the only place in the city where you can have dinner and drinks and see a live performance by professional actors.” “We consistently deliver what our audiences expect of us,” agreed Ashley. She stated that a dedicated and experienced management staff deserves a great deal of the credit. Curry points straight to the top. “Every success story comes from the top down,” he noted. “Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre continues its success because of one man, Douglas E. Stark. Beef & Boards is a brand that Stark has honed to near perfection over the years.” And after 35 years, it’s a landmark for Indianapolis – in many ways. “Beef & Boards contributes to the city of Indianapolis quality live entertainment in a safe and comfortable setting,” Curry remarked. It’s quality entertainment that appeals not only to local patrons, but also to theatre-goers from across Indiana and beyond. “Muncie, Anderson, Logansport – you’d be surprised how many people we get from Danville, Illinois,” Stark said. “We hope that they’ll keep coming back for more.” Curry noted that the theatre also contributes to the artistic community. “Not mentioning the charitable contributions Beef & Boards has made to various local arts groups, we provide an opportunity to local performers, both union and non-union, several weeks of paid employment,” he said. “This keeps quality ‘home grown’ talent in our city, and that contributes to the overall viability of the local artistic community. “Above all, Beef & Boards serves as a leader in the local arts community, with many other organizations, to ensure that Indianapolis remains on course to be known for its quality arts and entertainment.” Indeed, as the theatre marks its 35th Anniversary in 2008, it serves notice once again that it will continue to offer “The Best Night Out In Indy.” The 2008 season offers traditional family favorites, such as “Peter Pan,” “The Sound of Music,” “Show Boat” and “West Side Story.” But there’s also new shows to the Beef & Boards stage, including the British farce “Run For Your Wife,” and “Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming,” a sequel to the 2007 season smash hit, along with the first independently-produced version of “The Producers” in Indiana. There are still concerts, although they’ve been reduced as larger venues have become available in the area. Still, Beef & Boards is the perfect, intimate atmosphere to enjoy the annual visits by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Van-Dells, the Wright Brothers and “1964: The Tribute,” a Beatles tribute band. The Pyramid Players will present “Charlotte’s Web” and “Snow White” in 2008, introducing the DVD generation of youngsters to the excitement of live theatre productions. So be a part of the celebration in 2008 – Beef & Boards’ 35 years of food and fun for everyone! For show schedules and more information, visit www.beefandboards.com.

9301 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 phone: 317.872.9664 fax: 317.876.0510 web: wwwbeefandboards.com