I have the same thing happening to me, but I found out that if you hit the 'esc' key when the notice pops up then the game runs fine.

When these new betas or betafixes come down the pike, everybody starts playing at the same time, and the server's being checked.  (Username and password are being checked only for the beta, to make sure it isn't getting out all over the place.)  It's slow, and that's what happens.  Happening to me, now, too.  Just keep trying.

Do you have internet access? Need that to play the beta, but not the final release. If that doesn't work, try e-mailing support@stardock.com. They should be able to help.

Cheers it's so annoying having this issue with every new beta.