‘Plain And Fancy’ Opens 29th Season
“Plain and Fancy” opened for its 29th season recently on stage at Amish Acres’ Round Barn Theatre in Nappanee and it’s just as entertaining as ever.
The audience is thrilled with the fact Jeremy Littlejohn is back on stage as Ezra, Katie’s husband-to-be. He is fantastic as the young man who isn’t in love but if he has to get married then, “Why not Katie?”
As the show opens, New Yorkers Dan (Ryan A. Schisler) and Ruth (Harli Cooper) are on their way to Bird-in-Hand where Dan plans to sell his farm to Jacob Yoder (Travis Bird). Yoder plans to give the farm to his daughter, Katie (Katie Kuchner) and his son-in-law, Ezra, after their wedding.
However, they are lost. They become even more confused when they stop to seek help and “You Can’t Miss It” is the best of the directions they receive. Later they encounter Isaac Miller (T. J. Besler) who tells them where his brother-in-law lives.
The audience first meets Katie as she and Papa Yoder are making their way home from Lancaster. Even though Katie is scheduled to marry Ezra her one true love is Ezra’s brother, Peter (Tyler Whiteman), who has been sent from the Amish community for fighting.
Helping the Yoders get ready for the wedding are Isaac and Emma (MoMo Lamping) Miller and their daughter, Hilda (Haley Jane Schafer).
When Dan and Ruth finally arrive at the Yoders they are invited to stay. Dan is given the guest room. Ruth is given the little room under the stairs. It is here she covets her bottle of “tonic” (Scotch) and her cigarettes. It is here Hilda checks out Ruth’s clothes and Ezra drinks her “tonic.”
Throughout the production Peter and Katie meet but Papa declares her marriage to Ezra will take place.
The kitchen scene in the second act steals the show and “City Mouse, Country Mouse,” as sung by the Amish women offers a unique comparison.
Everyone loves it when Ezra and Hilda go to Lancaster to visit the carnival. These scenes are different than in past years and the show comes to a quick end when they return to the Yoder home.
Kuchner’s voice is beautiful as she sings such numbers as “It Wonders Me,” “Young and Foolish” and “Follow Your Heart.” Her talent shows as she faces the problem of following her Amish ways, honoring what her father wants and trying to work it all around what her heart wants.
Likewise, Whiteman, is outstanding as Peter, who is in love but can’t quite figure out how to win Papa’s approval.
Schisler and Cooper are terrific as the fancy folks and adding to the show with first-class performances are Bird, Besler and Lamping. Schafer deserves a star of her own as she shows her motions often as the young Amish woman. She turns in an exceptional performance.
There are a number of additions to this production making it special. The river dance is exceptional. The dance moves are unique as both Kuehner and Schafer add a touch of ballet. How does it turn out? If you have seen it, you know. If not, go see it. You will be glad you did.
For tickets call the box office at (800) 800-4942 or go online at www.amishacres.com.