Beef & Boards ushers in Christmas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEEF & BOARDS Ebenezer Scrooge (Jeff Stockberger) repents his miserly ways in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

“A Beef & Boards Christmas” is on stage through Dec. 23. From the magical melodies to the sparkling costumes, the production delivers a welcome boost of holiday cheer. The featured vocalist is Kendra Lynn Lucas (behind Santa), whose breathtaking rendition of “O Holy Night” garnered a lengthy standing ovation during Saturday’s performance. She also performs solos of “Jingle Bells” and “Feliz Navidad.”

By B. Scott Mohr
Associate editor

Perhaps the grandest Yuletide story ever told, “A Christmas Carol” opens Saturday for 10 performances at “Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
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Everyone knows the story: Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from his workplace and his boss.

Cratchit’s family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of his young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge’s heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.

Scrooge’s inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who appears to Scrooge on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits – the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come – and advises to heed the messages they bring. 

Tickets for the one-hour production, which is enhanced with traditional carols, range from $24 to $34 and include a buffet. Student group pricing is available for select performances. 

Also heralding in the season is “A Beef & Boards Christmas,” which has been cherished by patrons for generations.

Performers include Bobbi Bates and Peter Scharbrough, who return from last season’s show. They are joined by Heather Patterson-King, most recently seen as Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” and newcomer Matt Branic. The featured vocalist is Kendra Lynn Lucas, whose breathtaking rendition of “O Holy Night” garnered a well-deserved standing ovation.

From the magical melodies to the sparkling costumes, the production promises fun for the entire family. Children will be excited to see Santa and friends take the stage, and the little ones will be able to visit with him during intermission for pictures.

Tickets range from $38.50 to $63.50 and include a buffet.
Show schedules are posted at www.beefandboards.com; reservations can be arranged by calling 872-9664.