A Beef & Boards Christmas – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
A Beef & Boards Christmas – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
As a reviewer, this time of year is my most active. That’s because so many performing arts organizations present annual holiday productions, to fill their coffers through ticket sales to those seeking top-notch entertainment during the holidays. Many holiday presentations have become beloved traditions for generations, such as A Beef & Boards Christmas, which continues through Dec. 31 and concludes with a gala New Year’s Eve performance. I attended on Saturday.
The show, adroitly directed by Brett Mutter, was hosted by Beef & Boards regulars Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims, with support from Jacob Butler, Cole J. Campbell, Kelsey Tate McDaniel, and Sy Thomas, and featured plenty of holiday classics and production numbers. Its energy and outstanding performances from both the charismatic leads and the chorus made it exceptional.
Standing out were uber-talented 10-year-old Kenedy Whisner and 12-year-old Teddy Weigand, who played a brother and sister in the show’s featured family, with Shepard and Wims as their parents. Both children turned in performances that revealed remarkable maturity and poise, marked by polish and skill. They were especially pleasing in Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Crowd pleasing moments included Campbell’s Santa’s Back, Butler in I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and Fisher in O Holy Night.
A Beef & Boards Christmas – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Also adding to the show’s high entertainment was the exceptional seven-piece Beef & Boards Orchestra, led by Music Director Jill Stewart, who shone in their instrumental interpretations of Sleigh Ride and Carol of the Bells.
Note-worthy as well was Annalee and Dan Bob Higgins’s sparkling choreography, which gave the show a Broadway-caliber quality.
Impressive as well was the work of the production team. Deserving of five stars each for the first-rate caliber of their contributions were Zach Rosing for his projections, Lighting Designer Rayn Koharchick, Costume Designer Kathy Henry, and Daniel Hesslebrock for his sound design.
An ideal way to usher in the holidays, I encourage my readers to see this finely tuned production for a satisfying evening of entertainment. Coupled with the delectable food by Chef Larry Stoops, it’s an outing guaranteed to kickstart the Christmas season.
To purchase tickets, visit beefadboards.com.
