Kate Boice plays Jane Banks in her second Beef & Boards production
At just 14, Kate Boice of Noblesville is a teen of many talents. She is a certified scuba diver, participates in show choir, travel and speech team, and is a volunteer youth interpreter at Conner Prairie.
Yet somehow, she finds time to perform in theatre.
“I have been in 17 productions,” Boice noted. “I love singing and dancing on stage!”
“I love to learn and grow,” she added. “Each show challenges me to try to grow my skills. I really enjoy the whole experience, from rehearsals to bringing the characters to life and connecting with other characters and seeing the audience’s experience of it.”
The Noblesville West Middle School eighth grader is currently playing Jane Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The musical is based on the popular film.
“Playing Jane Banks is truly one of my dream roles! I am so excited to play her,” Boice remarked. “I grew up listening to the music, so it has a special place in my heart. I have always wanted to be in this show because I grew up watching the movie and loved it! I also love the story of how Walt Disney really wanted to buy the rights of the book to make a movie and how he and the creative team at the time brought it to life.”
This is not her first time on the Beef & Boards stage.
“I especially loved my first show at Beef & Boards because I got to be in it with my sister, which made it extra special,” Boice said. “[We] performed at Beef & Boards for the first time in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [in 2017].”
Of course, other shows are particularly memorable as well.
“Some of my favorite roles are Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at IRT because of the story and actors,” she remarked. “I always went every year with my family to the show. It was extra special to be cast in it and have my family come see the production. I also loved The Music Man and Matilda at Civic Theatre because of the incredible dancing and singing. They were very fun shows!”
For Boice, the hardest part about performing is when the show ends. “I always feel sad because of the relationships built and the love of the show.”
But for now, she’s enjoying being part of the magical Mary Poppins production at Beef & Boards.
“I am beyond thrilled and grateful to be part of this incredible cast that is so supportive and kind,” Boice said. “This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. Opening night was a dream come true!”
Jane (Kate Boice, right) waits in anticipation of Bert (Buddy Reeder) giving her brother a kite in Disney’s Mary Poppins, now on stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through July 10. (Photo provided)
She has hopes of one day being a psychologist. “I really love working with children and want to specialize in pediatrics.”
Kate Boice is the daughter of Mark and Kristen Boice of Noblesville.
Mary Poppins is on stage for 58 performances through July 10 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $51 to $76 and include Chef Larry Stoops’ family-friendly buffet and select beverages.
Plus, as Beef & Boards’ 2022 Family Show, Mary Poppins tickets are discounted $10 for children ages 3 to 15.
To purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at (317) 872-9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Discounts are available to groups of 20 or more; contact the Group Sales Department at (317) 876-0503 for more details.
For more information, including complete show schedule, visit beefandboards.com. Mary Poppins is sponsored in part by Indy’s Child.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Indiana’s only year-round professional dinner theatre, has been serving up exceptional entertainment since 1973.