Anne Beck Will Direct Cats at Beef & Boards

Director Anne Beck returns to helm the iconic musical at the Indianapolis venue this October.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Dance

Graphic editorial illustration of theatrical masks against a velvet curtain, evoking the dramatic atmosphere of a musical theater production.
Director and choreographer Anne Beck will lead a production of the musical Cats at Indianapolis' Beef & Boards dinner theatre, beginning October 8. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Director and choreographer Anne Beck will lead a production of the musical Cats at the Beef & Boards dinner theatre in Indianapolis starting October 8, 2026. The production runs through November 22, 2026, and features a cast that includes 11 Ball State University alumni.

Why it matters

The production represents a collaborative effort between the local professional theater scene and regional educational institutions by featuring a significant number of alumni from Ball State University. Beck, a resident of Fishers, brings extensive experience to the role, having performed in the show herself in 2012.

The production includes 11 Ball State University alumni in the cast, marking the third time Anne Beck has directed the musical. The run spans from October 8, 2026, to November 22, 2026.

The players

Anne Beck

She is a Fishers resident and professor at Ball State University who is directing and choreographing this production of Cats.

Beef & Boards

This is a prominent dinner theatre venue located in Indianapolis that hosts professional musical productions.

Ball State University

Located in Muncie, this institution is a public university known for its theatre and arts programs.

The details

Anne Beck serves as director and choreographer, utilizing the production's song and dance sequences to convey the narrative. The show is hosted at the Beef & Boards venue, where it will hold performances for the duration of its six-week run.

Timeline

  1. Anne Beck performed in a production of Cats in 2012.

  2. The production begins at Beef & Boards on October 8, 2026.

  3. The production concludes at Beef & Boards on November 22, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This production reflects a growing trend of regional theaters leveraging strong ties to university arts programs to staff professional shows. By highlighting the involvement of alumni from the 2012 production and current academic faculty, the venue strengthens its connection to local talent pipelines.

Tickets for the production are available through the venue, with performances running from October 8 through November 22, 2026. Interested attendees can visit the theater's official website to secure their seats for the duration of the engagement.

The takeaway

This musical production showcases how regional theater directors often transition from performer to creative lead throughout their careers. For local audiences, the event provides an opportunity to see professional-level choreography performed by a cast with deep ties to regional education.

Further reading

Learn more about local performance art in the Indianapolis Dance section.

More information

For more information, visit the Beef & Boards official website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Current Publishing.

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