Between school schedules, work, practices, and the daily question of what’s for dinner, planning a date night can keep sliding down the list. If you need a reason to book the babysitter, CATS at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre gives you dinner and a live musical in one evening—and one location.
On stage October 8 through November 22, 2026, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s seven-time Tony Award-winning musical brings colorful characters, acrobatics, and a memorable score to Indianapolis. For parents ready to spend a little time together, it’s a chance to sit down for a meal, enjoy a show, and let someone else handle dinner. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Beef & Boards is one of the best theater venues in Indianapolis. The food is always delicious (Chef Larry Stoops never disappoints), the staff treats you like family, and the seating makes every spot in the house feel like the best seat. Whether you’re there for a date night, girls’ night, or a special outing, Beef & Boards is one of my very favorite places in the city.
A Night at the Jellicle Ball
Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS follows a gathering of felines at the Jellicle Ball. Throughout the evening, the cats introduce themselves, hoping their leader, Old Deuteronomy, will select them to be reborn into a new life.
If that sounds a little unusual, that’s part of the fun. This musical invites you into its own imaginative world, where personalities emerge through song, movement, makeup and costumes. Come ready to meet a collection of cats with plenty of attitude.
The Beef & Boards production features dancing, tumbling and acrobatics, giving audiences plenty to watch beyond the musical’s famous songs. Its intimate setting puts the action close to the audience, making the physical performances and character details a central part of the experience.
And yes, the score includes “Memory,” the song you may recognize even if you’ve never seen CATS on stage.
Familiar Faces and New Talent
Director and choreographer Anne Beck leads this production, with musical direction by Kristy Templet. The cast brings together returning Beef & Boards performers and actors making their debuts at the theatre.
Josiah Ray McCruiston plays Old Deuteronomy, Logan Moore appears as Munkustrap, and Sawyer Harvey takes on Mistoffelees. Among the newcomers are Collin Skelton as Rum Tum Tugger and PsyWrn Simone as Grizabella, the character associated with “Memory.”
Whether CATS is a longtime favorite or your first introduction to the musical, this local production offers a reason to experience it together.
Dinner Before the Curtain
One of the best parts of a Beef & Boards date night is having the meal built into the plan. Your ticket includes Chef Larry Stoops’ freshly prepared buffet, featuring the theatre’s signature slow-roasted roast beef, a fruit and salad bar, and coffee, tea, or lemonade.
Bar beverages and gourmet desserts are available for purchase if you want to add a cocktail or a sweet finish to dinner.
An Evening Out—or a Daytime Date
Evening performances make this a natural choice for a traditional date night, but matinees offer another option for parents whose schedules work better during the day.
Sunday evening shows begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and buffet service from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For 1 p.m. matinees, doors open at 11 a.m., and the buffet runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For the 7:30 p.m. performances, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the buffet closes at 7 p.m. Give yourselves enough time to enjoy the meal and conversation before the show begins. That dinner window is the perfect chance to catch up with your date before the show. Check the performance calendar before arranging childcare.
Plan Your Visit
CATS runs through November 22, 2026, at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Tickets range from $59.50 to $87.50 per person, including the buffet and select beverages.
Purchase directly through beefandboards.com or call 317-872-9664. Choose your performance, reserve your seats, and put a night together on the calendar. Dinner is already part of the plan.
