Dutch Apple will Present New Installment of the Church Basement Ladies

 

The all new installment of the Church Basement Ladies series of musical comedies, A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement, will be presented at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre from September 24 – November 7, 2015. The popular series began at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis with the first installment, Church Basement Ladies, in 2005. Its sequel, A Second Helping, The Church Basement Ladies Sequel, and the Christmas Musical, Away In The Basement, A Church Basement Ladies Christmas, have been seen in venues coast to coast to cheering, sold-out crowds.

In the latest installment, these “bulwarks never failing” are at it again. The year is 1960, and a reformation is underway. With a new crop of Confirmands, Beverly, the youngest of the bunch played by Sarah Cammarata, dons her first pair of high heels for her confirmation ceremony. Mrs. Snustad, the matriarch of the kitchen played by Diana Wilde, wins top honors at the County Fair for her “Grand Champion” pickles. Mavis, the able-bodied farm wife played by Shannon Connolly, must find a way to deal with the new “Super Highway” that cuts through her farm. Karin, the real homemaker of the kitchen played by Alison Nusbaum, finds new freedom behind the wheel of her husband’s pickup truck and must reconcile a new world of change for her daughter, Beverly. Pastor, played by Greg Eiden and who has always found strength and solace in the church basement, has found new love and announces his impending nuptials. The Church Basement Ladies are once again required to face change head-on. Against the changing tide, these pillars of the church stand strong in their faith and in their friendships with more crazy antics, more great new songs and more lessons reluctantly learned.

With all new music by composer Drew Jansen who wrote the music and lyrics for the past Church Basement Ladies installments and script by sketch comedy writer, Greta Grosch, who also penned the sequel and the Christmas version, A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement continues to be inspired by the writings of author/humorists Janet Martin and Suzann Nelson, including the best-seller Growing Up Lutheran.

Audiences from coast to coast have fallen in love with these residents of the church basement, and all agree that each new installment gets better and better. What’s more, you do not have to have seen past installments in order to know what’s going on!

Dutch Apple is excited to have Curt Wollan, the Artistic Director of the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis, return to his role as director. His company, Troupe America Inc., has produced all five installments of Church Basement Ladies there. Wollan has produced and directed over 200 national tours including The Odd Couple with M.A.S.H stars Jamie Farr and William Christopher. Last season, Wollan had the honor of directing Dolly Parton in her family memoir musical, My People. Working alongside Wollan will be choreographer Samantha Hewes Cramer whose work was recently seen at Dutch Apple in the beautiful West Side Story and previously in Crazy For You.

Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre September 24 through November 7, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Dutch Apple's 'West Side Story' Delivers Love, Tragedy, and Heartfelt Emotion

I have fond memories of playing percussion in the pit of West Side Story during my junior year of high school. I remember as if it were yesterday the feel of the claves in my hands as I started the song "America" and the ring of the chimes as I struck them following "The Rumble." As I sat in Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, watching their production of West Side Story, I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic as every song and line came back to me.

West Side Story brings a version of Romeo and Juliet to the West Side of New York City, where the Jets, an American street gang led by Riff, are trying to defend their home territory from the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. Riff's best friend Tony falls in love with Bernardo's sister, Maria, and tries to make peace between the two gangs. The result is a delicate balance between tragedy and love, where either could end up winning.

Dutch Apple's West Side Story is an energetic production that is as enjoyable as it is emotional. It alternates between upbeat moments and tender moments, with a few powerful, dark moments that create an intense environment. The quick and seamless transitions from a lighthearted scene where the characters seem like traditional high school students having innocent fun to a darker scene where these same characters draw knives and guns makes the intense moments that much more intense.

The characters are just as opposing as the story itself, with the pure Maria, played by Alexis Semevolos, contrasting with a vibrant Anita, played by Zoe Raphael, and trustworthy Tony, played by Carver Duncan, contrasting with an always-up-for-the-challenge Bernardo, played by Chris Kane.

The entire cast demonstrates consistent vocal and acting talent, especially Raphael who dominates her role and at moments steals the show. But what really stands out in this production is the dancing. With high energy music numbers such as "America," West Side Story is a show that demands considerable dancing talent on top of the usual vocal and acting talent required of other less energetic musicals, and these performers don't disappoint. From the jazzy "Dance at the Gym" to the dreamy "Somewhere," the dancing is both dynamic and heartfelt.

Featuring a talented cast that sing and dance their hearts out, West Side Story at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre promises to be an enjoyable time. Oh, and the asparagus/ricotta ravioli at the buffet was one of the best things I've ever had to eat at Dutch Apple (aside from the desserts, of course!).

West Side Story plays at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre through September 19. For details and tickets, please visit www.dutchapple.com.

Dutch Apple Will Present 'West Side Story'

It’s 1957, and summer is ending in the West Side of New York City. A dance at a local gym brings Tony and Maria together, and it's love at first sight! However, their love is threatened by a strong rivalry between two gangs: the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys. Maria is the sister to the leader of the Sharks, and Tony is an ex-member and the best friend of the leader of the Jets. Preparations are being made for one big rumble to settle the rivalry once and for all. Can Tony and Maria bridge the gap between the gangs and bring peace to their love before it’s too late? West Side Story is a modern take on the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet, and you can catch it at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 – September 19.

Fresh out of the roles of Dream Curly and Cord Elam in Dutch Apple's Oklahoma, Carver Duncan is hitting the stage as Tony, which he refers to as one of his dream roles (thanks to his parents who introduced him to the show when he was eight). Duncan also played Caleb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, both at Dutch Apple and on the national tour. Maria will be played by Alexis Semevolos, who is reprising this role from a run at Dutch Apple’s sister theatre, Broadway Palm in Florida. Semevolos’ Off-Broadway credits include The Love Note, and regional credits include La Dispute and Macbeth at Hartford Stage, A Proper Place at Goodspeed Opera House, and Blood and Fire at Tru Voices.

Bernardo, leader of the Sharks and Maria’s brother, will be played by Dutch Apple alum, Chris Kane. Kane just performed in Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Victor/Victoria and was seen at Dutch Apple last season as the heartthrob Link Larkin in Hairspary. He is also a three-time professional ballroom dance regional champion. Bernardo’s girl, Anita, will be played by Zoe Raphael, who is also reprising this role from the Broadway Palm production. Raphael’s favorite credits include the reading of A Proper Place for Goodspeed Opera House, Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre, Footloose at Maine State Music, and singing with the Boston Pops.

Dutch Apple’s production of West Side Story will be directed by Dean Sobon, who just finished directing Oklahoma! and also directed the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He has a history with this show, performing in an international tour and two national tours. Sobon has worked for the Dutch Apple for 11 years now and is also an acting teacher for their Broadway Bound summer camps.

Samantha Hewes Cramer will be choreographing the production. She has worked with Dutch Apple since she was young, appearing on stage in Gypsy at the age of nine. Cramer is now excited to be on the other side of the stage with her work most recently being seen on the national tour of Memphis, The Musical as the Assistant to the Director, and she recently choreographed Crazy For You at Dutch Apple.

The score, by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, features songs such as "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," "Maria," "(I Want to Be in) America," "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart."

West Side Story will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 through September 19, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Dutch Apple will Present Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma'

Oklahoma, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration, is set in a Western Indian territory (soon to be the brand new state of Oklahoma) where a cowboy named Curly and a farm girl named Laurey are stubborn, foolish, and in love. However, love is a bumpy ride with these two holding the reins, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre invites you to ride along from June 18 through August 1, 2015!

Christopher Lewis is returning to the Dutch Apple stage as Curly. He recently played Feuilly in Les Miserables at Dutch Apple, and he has worked at numerous theatres across the nation. Christopher refers to this as his “dream role” and dedicates this performance to his father, who has also played Curly.

Laurey, the target of Curly’s affection, will be played by Kayleen Seidl, who will be making her Dutch Apple debut right after closing a national tour of Guys & Dolls in which she portrayed Sarah Brown.

While Curly tries to invite Laurey to the box social, Jud, played by Justun Hart, throws his hat in the ring for her heart as well. Justun is just one of a handful of Oklahoma cast members who are returning to Dutch Apple after a successful national tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Others who are also just coming directly from the tour include Danielle Barnes, Ben Cramer, Carver Duncan, Avery Epstein, Kelsey Beckert, and Corinne Munsch (a graduate of Cumberland Valley High School).

Laurey’s friend Ado Annie, who is in a love triangle of her own, will be played by Theresa Walker. Theresa was last seen as Patsy in Crazy For You and Zaneeta in The Music Man at Dutch Apple. Theresa will be playing opposite of her “real life, real funny, leading man,” Craig Smith. Craig, who was last seen as Bela Zangler in Crazy For You, competes with Will Parker, played by Will Leonard, also fresh off of the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers national tour, for Ado Annie’s hand. Will was also in the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof and is “ecstatic to be playing one of his dream roles.”

Laurey’s Aunt Ellar will be played by a familiar Dutch Apple face, Lisa Coday, who was last seen as Mrs. Strakosh in Funny Girl and Dinah in Dixie Swim Club. Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie’s father, will be played by Kirk Lawrence, who was last seen in Mid-Life 2! (The Crisis Continues) and as Mr. Potter in A Wonderful Life.

The cast will be under the direction of Dean Sobon, who directed the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as Crazy For You at Dutch Apple. Ford Haeuser, who worked with Dean during Crazy For You as Wyatt and Dance Captain, will be choreographer.

Complete with lasso tricks, can-can dances, a sneaky traveling salesman, and a brand new state, Oklahoma features classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs such as "People Will Say We’re in Love", "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'", "Oklahoma!", and "Surrey with the Fringe On Top".

Oklahoma will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre June 18 through August 1, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Dutch Apple's Les Misérables is Sure to Impress

There were no empty chairs at empty tables in the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre this past weekend, and there's a good reason for that. Dutch Apple's production of the classic musical Les Misérables opened over the weekend and proved to be a top notch show filled with a stellar cast that is sure to impress.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables follows prisoner 24601, a.k.a. Jean Valjean, as he is released from 19 years in prison. Upon his release, Valjean immediately gets caught stealing silver from the Bishop of Digne, but the Bishop's kindness encourages Valjean to seek a better life.

The show doesn't waste any time proving its talent. The opening "Prologue" features a strong ensemble of male voices, quickly followed by the impressive talent of Jacob Waid in the lead role of Jean Valjean. Waid's operatic voice is a perfect fit for this demanding role, and the audience is treated to an award-worthy performance from him. His vocals are impeccable, as demonstrated in songs like "Bring Him Home," and his acting talent is equally impressive. Also quick to impress with vocal talent is Amanda Kuchinski, who plays Fantine. She showcases her flawless voice in her beautiful performance of "I Dreamed a Dream." Her acting isn't quite on par with her singing, and if I'm being really critical I wasn't a fan of the wigs that she wore, but her voice is so good that it's easy to look past this.

In the role of Javert, Adam Clough provides a performance reminiscent of Russell Crowe in the 2012 movie version of Les Misérables, with the only major difference being that Clough is actually good. Other notable performances include John Anker Bow in the role of Thernardier and Maya Naff as Eponine. Both Bow and Naff have solid acting talent with the voices to match. Additionally, the ensemble as a whole is extremely talented, and the company numbers are a highlight of the show. Supporting cast members also provide quality performances that aren't quite as impressive as those of Waid, but nonetheless are good fits for the show.

While the talented cast of this production far outweighs the show's weaknesses, there are a few areas that don't quite live up to the high quality that the overall production provides. For starters, the set -- while visually appealing -- is extremely loud. Often during a quiet start of a solo or song, the set is loudly rolled on or off the stage, providing an unwelcome distraction. Another downfall to the show is the orchestra. With a small orchestra consisting only of trumpet, trombone, reeds, and percussion, the show features a mix of live and recorded music. The recorded music is often a welcome treat due to an unacceptable number of missed notes by the live musicians, most consistently the trumpet player. With a cast as talented as this one, it's unfortunate that the orchestra isn't of comparable quality. But in spite of its few weaknesses, the show comes through and ultimately treats the audience to a spectacular production.

At the end of the day, Dutch Apple's production of Les Misérables is a not-to-be missed performance full of talent. Les Miz veterans will be pleased with the quality of this show, while first-timers will be given a first-rate introduction to the renowned musical.  

Les Misérables plays at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre May 7 through June 13, 2015. Additional details and ticket information can be found at www.dutchapple.com.

'Funny Girl' Brings Ziegfeld's Brightest Star to the Dutch Apple

Funny Girl took the world by storm as a Broadway musical in 1964 starring Barbra Streisand, was adapted into a movie musical in 1968 where Barbra reprised her role, and is now hitting the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s stage from March 26th to May 2nd, 2015. It’s a production full of big musical numbers as well as big personalities!

Funny Girl is the true story of Fanny Brice, who ruled Broadway as Ziegfeld’s brightest star and brought the house down as an outrageous comedienne and singer. Fanny had to fight for her fame, and after her rise to stardom she falls in love with a handsome gambler, but his luck does not quite hold up. You will hear the songs "Don’t Rain On My Parade," "I’m The Greatest Star" and the song made popular by Barbra Streisand, "People."

Portraying the lead role of Fanny Brice is Emerson College graduate, Anna Baker. Professionally, she has been featured regionally in New York and Tennessee, and her favorite roles include Fiona in Shrek the Musical and Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.

Galloway Stevens is back on the Dutch Apple stage as Nick Arnstein, the handsome gambler that Fanny falls for. Audiences loved Galloway as Lank Hawkins in Crazy For You, and he starred in several of Dutch Apple’s other productions such as The Drowsy Chaperone, 9 to 5 and The King and I. Galloway describes this role as “an unforeseen achievement that fills him with such pride.”

Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mother, will be played by Kathi Osborne, who has been in over 30 productions with Prather Entertainment Group. Kathi has been performing since age nine and has been around the world in over 500 productions. Playing Eddie, Fanny’s dance director, is Christopher Russell. You may remember Christopher as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Alex in I Love A Piano, and more recently, Harry in Crazy For You. Mrs. Brice’s three friends, Mrs. Strakosh, Mrs. Meeker, and Mrs. O’Malley will be played by Lisa Coday, Megan Gill, and Megan Orlowski respectively. This will be Lisa’s fourth show straight at the Dutch Apple. Most recently, she was Dinah in Dixie Swim Club. Megan Gill, a 2014 Wichita State University graduate, will be making her Dutch Apple debut! Megan Orlowski was recently seen as Vera in Crazy For You and is also a published author in the Young Adult genre.

Funny Girl will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre March 26 through May 2, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special group discount for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Schoolhouse Rock Live at Dutch Apple is the Perfect Cure for Spring Fever

I don't know about you, but I've had enough of all this cold, ice, cold, snow, cold, wind, and more cold! Spring just can't come fast enough in my house. While I love my children dearly, I think one more game of Go Fish, Uno, or Checkers might just send me the over the edge. Fortunately, I managed to escape the house with my almost-5-year-old son for a few hours over the weekend to catch a performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and let me just say that it was the perfect cure for our spring fever!

There was so much to love about this show. First, it's fun. Second, it's educational. And third, it's fun AND educational at the same time! Kids will enjoy the energy and humor of the characters so much that they won't even realize that they're learning (shhhh, don't tell them!).

So what will they learn? Well, with 11 different songs covering topics from nouns to multiplication to space, they'll learn a good bit. Even I (re)learned a thing or two that I had forgotten from my elementary school days.

Based on the 1970s cartoon, Schoolhouse Rock Live! features songs like "Unpack Your Adjectives" to teach various school lessons.

With songs like "Conjunction Junction" and "Interplanet Janet," the material is most appropriate for students in second, third or fourth grade, who are probably learning these very lessons. However, kids older and younger will also enjoy many aspects of the show. Even my pre-schooler was laughing and clapping along to the songs.

Dutch Apple thought of everything when planning for this show, from the kid-friendly buffet to the activities in the program. The buffet featured items such as chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, pizza, and applesauce. The program included activities like a maze, word search, and connect the dots. At the performance I attended, the cast even did a Q&A with the kids right after the show. And with a running time of just a little over an hour (including a 15-minute intermission), the show is the perfect length for kids.

If you're looking for a great way to get the kids out of the house for a few hours, look no further than Schoolhouse Rock Live!. The show plays at Dutch Apple through March 20. For more information and tickets, please visit www.dutchapple.com.

THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB to Make a Splash at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Get the girls back together! The Dixie Swim Club is coming to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre from February 19th through March 21st, 2015. It’s a touching comedy to enjoy with all of the friends!

The Dixie Swim Club is about five Southern women who were on the same college swim team. They set aside one weekend every August, free from husbands, kids and jobs, to laugh, catch up and rekindle their friendship at a beach cottage in North Carolina. As the years pass, the women grow to rely on each other through each and every one of life’s surprises.

Kelly Legarreta and Alison Rose Munn, playing Vernadette and Jeri Neal respectively, performed these roles to sold-out crowds at the Dutch Apple’s sister theatre in Fort Myers, Florida in March/May of 2014. This will actually be Legarreta’s third time performing what she describes as “truly one of her favorite roles of all time.” Munn delighted crowds in early 2014 with her performance as Sue Ellen in Honky Tonk Angels. Other Dutch Apple alums include Lisa Coday, playing Dinah, and Jennifer Hope, playing Sheree. Coday and Hope were both recently seen in A Wonderful Life and Mid-Life 2 (The Crisis Continues). The role of Lexie will be performed by Kira Galindo who is from Phoenix, Arizona.

The Dixie Swim Club will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre February 19th through March 21st, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special group discount for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre to Kick Off 2015 Children's Theatre Season with Schoolhouse Rock Live

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is kicking off their 2015 Children’s Theatre season with Schoolhouse Rock Live, based on the award-winning 1970s cartoon. Kids of all ages will enjoy singing along to classic Saturday Morning learning songs from February 24th through March 20th.

Schoolhouse Rock Live follows Tom, a new school teacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching television when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music through such songs as “Just A Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” and “Conjunction Junction.” It’s a fun-filled musical that will have children laughing, singing, and learning (without them even knowing)!

Schoolhouse Rock Live will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre February 24th through March 20th, 2015. The ticket price is $17 for kids of all ages for meal and show with a special group discount for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $15. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

MID-LIFE 2! (THE CRISIS CONTINUES) Makes its Regional Debut at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

A production that has not been seen before in the state of Pennsylvania, Mid-Life 2! (The Crisis Continues), will be playing at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre from December 30th through February 14th.

Mid-Life 2! is a musical revue that takes a look at the aches, pains and even joys of getting older, featuring songs like "Zumba Warriors," "A Trip To The Drugstore," "Where’d I Put My Glasses?" and "The Senior Discount."

The small cast consists of three men and three women, and they are all Dutch Apple alums. Luther Chakurian, playing Man 1, was just seen as Tom Bailey in A Wonderful Life. The Houston native was a company member with The Masquerade Theatre for 15 years and was voted “Best Actor” by the Houston Press in 2007 for the title role in Sweeny Todd. Christopher Tefft, playing Man 2, was recently seen as Mr. Martini in A Wonderful Life and is a professional church singer who has appeared with St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Park Avenue Christian Church and St. Joseph’s in the West Village. Man 3 will be portrayed by Kirk Lawrence, who is no stranger to the Dutch Apple stage. Kirk recently appeared as the cold Mr. Potter in A Wonderful Life and was also seen in Hairspray playing “everybody else of the male persuasion.” Kirk, as Jane Street, is co-host of the monthly Berks Community Television talk show “That’s What She Said!” 

Dianne Stone Fussaro, playing Woman 1, actually got her start in professional theatre on the Dutch Apple stage the day that their doors opened. Since then Dianne has been in several productions, and she is the founding company member/producer for Theatre America, New York City. Woman 2 will be portrayed by Jennifer Hope. Recently seen as Mrs. Martini in A Wonderful Life, Jennifer has taken her career to five continents and 43 states, performing at The Kennedy Center, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Trump Taj Mahal. Lisa Coday will be performing as Woman 3. Lisa was recently seen as Milly Bailey in A Wonderful Life, and this will be her fourth show at Dutch Apple. During her 20 plus years as a performer, she has had the honor of performing with great artists such as Andy Williams, Glen Campbell and Bobby Vinton.

This production will be directed and choreographed by brothers Jim Walton and Bob Walton (who also wrote the script, music and lyrics). Jim and Bob wrote the hilarious predecessor Mid-Life! (The Crisis Musical), which was enjoyed by all at the Dutch Apple in 2008. Both Bob and Jim have appeared in productions on Broadway as well as off Broadway. In 1997 their musical My Brother’s Keeper won “Best New Musical” in the Backstage Bistro Awards.

Mid-Life 2! (The Crisis Continues) will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre December 30th through February 14th. It’s a hilarious comedy that will have you turning to your friends saying “That’s us!” However, you might want to leave the kids at home. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call (717) 898-1900 to make a reservation, or order your tickets online at www.DutchApple.com.

Dutch Apple Presents 'It's a Wonderful Life'

The classic 1956 Christmas movie directed by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life, has been brought to vibrant color in a magical musical adaptation by Sheldon Harnick at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. It’s a Wonderful Life will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre November 13 through December 23 and will feature a special, traditional Christmas dinner buffet.

It’s Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls, New York, and a depressed George Bailey is about to end his life. Clarence Oddbody, Angel Second-Class, is assigned to visit Earth and save George in hopes of earning his wings. He takes us through some of the most important parts of George’s life. A wealthy slumlord, Henry Potter, tried to shut down the Bailey’s Building and Loan Association, which gives home loans to the working poor. George put aside his dreams of travel in order to serve as executive director and save the firm. George also gave up his honeymoon when he married Mary Hatch in order to save the investors from a bank issue. George has spent his whole life bettering the lives of those around him; however, when his uncle misplaces a large sum of money, putting George in a bind, Potter refuses to help bail him out. Depressed by his current situation, George tries to end his life. Clarence appears to him and shows George what life in Bedford falls would have looked like without him. Ashamed that he did not appreciate life as he should, George returns to find that the town had all pitched in to solve his financial troubles. 

It's A Wonderful Life is an uplifting show for the whole family that celebrates the innate goodness in all of us. Dinner and Show prices are $49 - $55, and a limited number of Show Only seats are available for $32. Children’s prices are also available. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at www.DutchApple.com.

Review: Crazy for You at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre's production of Crazy for You is the perfect combination of dynamic dancing, slapstick comedy, and pure talent, all brought together with toe-tapping Gershwin music. Stand-out leads and a company full of never-ending energy are sure to impress as they sing and dance their way into the hearts of the audience.

The cast of Crazy for You at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre lights up the stage with their vibrant dancing. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

When New York banker Bobby Child (played by Jake Delaney) heads to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on a run-down theatre, he finds himself instead trying to save the theatre and win the heart of the theatre owner's daughter, Polly Baker (played by Emily Grace Tucker). Delaney is quick to impress with his tap dancing skills, and Tucker charms the audience with her beautifully sweet voice. But what's even more noteworthy is that Delaney and Tucker both showcase an impressive trifecta of dancing, acting, and singing talent throughout the entire show.

Bobby's plan is to put on a show to raise money to pay off the theatre mortgage. But after Polly finds out that Bobby has been sent to foreclose on the theatre, she wants nothing to do with him. Desperate to prove his love to Polly and his true intentions to save the theatre, Bobby hatches a plan to disguise himself as well-known theatre owner Bela Zangler (played by Craig Smith). Smith plays a convincing Zangler and provides some of the show's best humor in his scene where he drunkenly stumbles into an also drunk Bobby, who is dressed as Zangler.

Speaking of humor, the show has plenty of it. With a book by Ken Ludwig, the show is full of jokes and witty one-liners. While some puns had me rolling my eyes, other moments had me laughing out loud. (And for a little musical theatre humor, fans of Les Miserables will enjoy a brief recreation of a certain well-known scene.)

Jake Delaney (left) and Craig Smith (right) are a comical duo as they mirror each other in a state of intoxication. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

Other characters in the show include Bobby's domineering fiance Irene (played by Millicent Hunnicutt), saloon owner Lank (played by Galloway Stevens), Bobby's rich and controlling mother Mrs. Lottie Child (played by Sherry Konjura), Polly's father Everett (played by Jim Johnson), the lead dancer of Zangler's Follies Tess (played by Ashley Rubin), the English guidebook-writing duo of Patricia and Eugene Fodor (played by Molly Tower and Connor McAndrews), and a handful of fun-loving cowboys and perky Follies girls.

With a talented company, the group numbers were a significant highlight of this show. The energetic and perfectly executed choreography (thanks to choreographer Samantha Hewes) made for show-stopping numbers like "Slap that Bass" and "I Got Rhythm." And the creative use of props during these songs made them even more entertaining. 

Company numbers, like "Slap That Bass" pictured here, showcased top-notch talent, entertainment, and choreography. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

If you're looking for an evening of Wild West showdowns, lively tap dancing, romantic twists, and feel good musical comedy, then you'll love this satisfying production of Crazy for You. Overall, I give this production 8 out of 10 standing ovations.

Crazy for You is playing at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre now through November 8. For more details and ticket information, please visit the Dutch Apple website.

REVIEW: Hairspray at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Hairspray at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is a fun-filled performance complete with upbeat music, energetic dancing, vibrant sets, and top-notch talent that leaves you humming and singing the whole way home. This group of talented performers had audience members of all ages smiling and moving to the music from the first “Oh, oh, oh…” to the last “…beat.”

The cast of Hairspray had the whole audience moving to the music at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

Based on the 1988 movie by John Waters, Hairspray follows plump teenager Tracy Turnblad as she lands her dream role on the Corny Collins Show, a TV dance show based in her hometown of Baltimore. Through her journey on the dance show, Tracy connects with various characters, including teen heartthrob Link Larkin; lovable dancer Seaweed J. Stubbs and his soulful mother, Motormouth Maybelle, who is the host of Negro Day on the Corny Collins Show; and scheming, fame-obsessed mother/daughter team Amber and Velma Von Tussle. While Hairspray is a comedy, it also successfully manages to present the more serious issue of the Civil Rights Movement and racism in the 1960s.

Megan Power, who plays the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, was born to play this role. She had an impressive two callbacks after auditioning for the role on Broadway, and while she ultimately didn’t land the Broadway role, central PA is lucky to have this opportunity to see her perform, as she delivers a performance that's as close to Broadway as you can get without actually going to Broadway.

Megan Power was born to play the role of Tracy Turnblad. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

Chuck Caruso provides another memorable performance in the comic role of Edna Turnblad (Tracy’s mother). In this female role, which is always played by a male, Caruso delivers a top-notch performance that showcases his acting skills as well as his ability to perform in a nightgown, a dress, and rock a pair of red heels.

Adam Clough and Sheira Feuerstein give other noteworthy performances in the roles of TV host Corny Collins (Clough) and Tracy’s nerdy friend Penny (Feuerstein). Both actors showcase acting and vocal skills that perfectly fit their roles.

The remaining cast members and ensemble contribute their talent to deliver a solid, polished performance that includes great dancing, singing, humor, emotion, and yes, even hairspray.

Chuck Caruso perfects the role of Tracy's mother, Edna Turnblad - high heels and all! (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

The sets and costumes provide plenty of color, which only enhances the energy of the performance. The orchestra doesn't disappoint either, filling the theatre with impressive, well-blended sound.

With a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray features a quality selection of musical numbers written by Marc Shaiman, including the catchy and popular songs “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

When it comes to Dutch Apple's production of Hairspray, you really can't stop the beat. Overall I give this production 7 out of 10 standing ovations.

Hairspray is playing at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre now through September 20. Visit the Dutch Apple website for more information and to buy tickets.