Coming of Age is a relative thing; everyone does it and The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres has chosen 21 as the symbol of this signal of life's journey. It will be the 21st year of repertory theatre (more than one show a day on the same stage with the same actors) so the theatre has chosen to design the season around musicals and shows that are "Coming of Age" stories of love and discovery.
From the first date to marriage and beyond in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (April 12 - May 21), everyone will recognize a little of themselves. It is the second-longest running Off -Broadway musical and is presented in the form of a series of vignettes connected by the central theme of love and relationships. It is "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit." This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as "the relationship."
Katie Yoder and Peter Raber's long sought love in Plain and Fancy (May 24 - October 14) continues to have patrons rooting for the young couple for the 31st year. Plain and Fancy is the longest running musical in American history, surpassing The Phantom of the Opera by three years. Once again hilarity results as a clash of cultures results as Dan King and Ruth Winters visit Amish Country to sell his inherited farm. It is Fiddler on the Roof author Joseph Stein's first Broadway hit and The Round Barn Theatre's stage is dedicated to him.
Elle Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law in hopes of winning him back in Legally Blonde: The Musical (June 7 - July 16). It features infectious original music, and a cast of characters including sorority girls, Harvard's finest, and a little pup named Bruiser. Legally Blonde is an inspirational story for girls of all ages... sometimes when you try to find the right guy, you find yourself instead.
Sergeant Sarah Brown attempts to save sinners from sin before she realizes she can marry her guy and save him later in Guys and Dolls. (July 25 - August 27). This high energy romp about a group of gangsters trying to host the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York features night club show girls, wonderful dance numbers, and classic songs like "Luck Be a Lady," "If I Were a Bell," and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."
In Sister Act: the Musical (September 5 - October 15), a wise-cracking cabaret singer must flee to a convent as part of the witness protection program when she witnesses a murder. Her modern sensibilities, love of music, and heart change the convent forever. This rocking and rollicking musical will have you singing all the way home.
The Mousetrap (October 18-November 5) came of age when it opened in the West End of London in 1952, and has been running continuously since then. It has by far the longest initial run of any play in history, with its 25,000th performance taking place in 2012. Agatha Christie's unforgettable mystery has been running at the St. Martin's Theatre in London for a record-breaking 65 years and is the perfect mate for The Round Barn's Plain and Fancy. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very last minute, but patrons are sworn not to spoil the ending by divulging it to their friends!
The Little Mermaid's Ariel arises from the sea to find her true love on land. (November 10 - December 31). With music by Alan Menken (also famous for Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin) and based on the Disney Movie, The Little Mermaid will close out our season (November 10 - December 31)! With familiar songs like Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl, and Under the Sea this family-friendly musical is the perfect holiday outing, with something for everyone to enjoy!
As stated in Plain and Fancy, "You Can't Miss It", and won't want to miss a single show in The Round Barn Theatre's 2017 line up. Season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (800) 800-4942 ext. 2 or online at AmishAcres.com. Early subscribers receive a basket full of privileges and bonus benefits.
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