Dear Soldier Boy
She Wanted to Help End a War, Not Start One!
For tickets, call (717) 768-1568 or reserve online:
Dear Soldier Boy…a feel-good musical comedy
August 4 – October 21, 2026
It’s 1990 and Iraq has just invaded Kuwait. War is contrary to Amish ways, but Anna King wants to do something to help America’s troops, so she and her feisty friend and coworker Sofia volunteer to write letters of encouragement to the troops. Anna just wants to be a blessing. Sofia just wants to find a husband. It’s all fine until the lonely pen pals get weekend passes and show up to surprise the girls at work—all on the very same day!
This musical comedy written by Martha Bolton, with original songs by Wally Nason, comes from a long line of wholesome, Broadway-caliber shows from Blue Gate Musicals, all set in the heart of Amish Country. This show is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Will Anna’s father learn of her secret mission? Will Sofia find a husband? Is true romance in the air for Anna (or is it just the Limburger cheese)?
Buy Tickets Online »
Show Times & Ticket Prices
August 4 – October 21, 2026
Dinner & Show
Monday – Thursday: Adult, $73.50; Child, $34
Lunch & Show
Monday – Saturday: Adult, $68; Child, $31
Show Only
Monday – Saturday: Adult, $47; Child, $18
Guests dining with us before the performance should arrive at least 90 minutes prior to allow for time to enjoy their meal. If you arrive later than that time, we are not able to guarantee you will be finished dining in time to be seated for the live musical. Stage doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.
Where:
Bird-in-Hand Stage in Lancaster County, PA:
2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, #A
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
(Get Google Maps Directions »)
“We loved the acting and the music – great story!”
— dovey57, Posen, IL
Wholesome Entertainment Everyone Will Enjoy
Our Bird-in-Hand Stage makes it easy to relax and enjoy high-quality live entertainment, including Broadway-style musical theatre with a positive message, in a unique Lancaster County setting.
- Intimate 140-seat theatre
- Tiered seating with wheelchair-accessible floor seating
- Delicious on-site dining – be sure to check the Restaurant’s hours of operation
- Convenient on-site lodging options
- Tickets available as part of a discounted meal and/or lodging package
- Theatre season runs April – December with various show times
Escape your everyday world for a little while and enjoy our live stage shows. You’ll find yourself laughing, holding your breath, gasping, tapping your toes – uplifted and fully entertained.
For tickets, call (717) 768-1568 or reserve online:
Meet Our Talented Cast
Catherine Weaver
Anna King
Catherine Weaver is thrilled to join this amazing cast in her seventh season with the Bird-in-Hand Stage. Favorite Blue Gate roles include Melissa in A Simple Sanctuary, Naomi in Stolen, and Laura in The Confession. Catherine holds a BFA in musical theatre from Samford University and has previously performed with such companies as Birmingham Children’s Theatre and National Theatre for Children. She has also performed locally with Magic and Wonder Dinner Theatre, Cavod Theatre, and Piercing Word. Love and thanks to Monica and her amazing husband Ric. Soli Deo Gloria!
Carly Sesti
Sofia Lucia Maria Delamonte
Carly Sesti is delighted to make her Blue Gates Musicals debut in Dear Soldier Boy. She is a graduate of Circle in the Square Theatre School and the recipient of a Broadway World Award for Best Performer in a Musical (2025). Select theatre credits include Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Cinderella (Joy), Paul Greene’s Trumpet in the Land (Kaziah), and Christmas With the Clauses (Sprig Kringle). Carly is thrilled to join the company and grateful for this opportunity.
Grace Raber
Fern Hershberger
Grace is thrilled to be returning to Bird-in-Hand! A Texas native, she graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in History with minors in Dance and Arts Administration. She performed last year in The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits (Fannie Miller), Stolen (Fannie Miller), and The Christmas Candy Caper (Sadie Graber). Other roles include Maria in The Sound of Music, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, and Mrs. Claus in the ONU Holiday Spectacular. Grace would like to thank Blue Gate Musicals for this opportunity. Most of all, she would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her dreams. Enjoy the show! Website: graceraber.com
Adam Kurek
William Conway III
Adam is an actor born in Maryland. This is his third year with Blue Gate Musicals. He has a Music degree from Virginia Wesleyan University. Some of Adam’s favorite productions include Blue Gates’ own Josiah for President, Matilda the Musical, White Christmas, and Legally Blonde. Adam would like to thank his family and friends for their overwhelming support. He is very excited to be part of this show and to perform for you! @Itsadamkurek
Isaac Urbik
Mitch Lee
Isaac Urbik (He/Him) hails from Wisconsin and is making his Bird-in-Hand debut. He has performed professionally at the Bristol Renaissance fair and now as Mitch Lee. Collegeately, he has performed as Vova in Describe the Night, The Pharoah In Joeseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Panch in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. As well, he has performed internationally at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as Paul in The Theory of Relativity. He would like to thank his grandparent and parents for the constant support and push to get him to where he is. Instagram: Isaacurbik
Anthony Scarpone
John Paul Miller
Anthony Scarpone is an actor and playwright born in New Jersey! Recent: Simple Sanctuary (Bluegate Theater) Amelia Earhart (The REV) Glü: A New Musical (Timberlake Playhouse), Guys and Dolls (The Levoy Theater), and Evil Dead: The Musical (The Landis Theater). Anthony is honored to have also been able to showcase his own work across NYC and NJ. Credits include his original musical Suddenly: A New Musical (Stockton University), and The Board: A New Play (The Tank Theater). B.A Stockton University. Instagram: @anthony_scarpone
Grant Myers
Orville Whipple
Grant Myers is thrilled to return to Bird-in-Hand for his fourth season with Blue Gate Musicals! Grant holds aB.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Emory & Henry University and was last seen at Bird-in-Hand in Ned & Nancy See America (Dancer), Stolen (Jimmy), The Christmas Candy Caper (Amos), Our Christmas Dinner (Uncle Ollie), and as Orville in Bird-in-Hand’s first production of Dear Soldier Boy a few years ago as well! Other favorite credits include The Music Man (Swing Quartet/Charlie), Newsies (Albert), Ordinary Days (Jason) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Super/Ensemble). He thanks the cast, crew and creative team for another amazing experience and his family and friends for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Benjamin Reardon
Joshua King
Benjamin is grateful to perform with the company of Dear Soldier Boy! Hailing from Atlanta, GA, he received a BFA in Musical Theatre from Anderson University’s South Carolina School of the Arts. Recent credits include When Calls the Heart: the Musical (Mr. Higgins) at the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, IN, Ned & Nancy See America (Supporting Male), The Christmas Candy Caper (Leeroy Gooberling) and Stolen (Joe Johnson, Foster Bates u/s). He’s sincerely grateful to his parents, Jim and Jade, and each of his mentors who have contributed to make his vocation of professional performance possible. Benjamin dedicates each of his performances, including all accolades, applause, and laughter, to his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; apart from Him, Ben could do nothing. He hopes you thoroughly the show. Per Aspera, Ad Christum. Website: www.benjaminhartreardon.com
Meredith Aydelot
Female Swing
Meredith Aydelott is delighted to be back for her sixth season with Blue Gate Musicals! She is a Nashville, TN native who graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in theatre and a minor in musical theatre. You may have seen her in other Blue Gate Musicals as Ginny Meyers in Stolen the Musical, Sally/Mrs. Blake in When Calls the Heart, Harper Davidson in Our Christmas Dinner, Elizabeth in A Simple Sanctuary, and the Female Swing in The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits. Her other recent credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella), Carousel (Ensemble), Anastasia: The Musical (Ensemble) and Godspell (Uzo). She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support and love along this wild journey! Website: meredithaydelott.com.
Nathaniel Wright
Male Swing
Nathaniel is originally from Austin, Texas. He is a huge fan of all Texas sports from UT football to the Houston Rockets. Nathaniel graduated with a B.F.A in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory. This is his seventh Blue Gate musical and he’s excited to return. Credits include The Christmas Candy Caper as Elwood, Josiah for President as Bart, Gilligan’s Island the musical as The Skipper, and And Then There Were None as Mr. Rogers. Nathaniel has always been a bit of a nerd, with some of his favorite things, aside from theatre, being D&D, Magic: The Gathering, and Poker.
Amish Country Home Cooking
Our Bird-in-Hand Stage adds new flexibility to the concept of a dinner theatre in Lancaster, PA. To enhance your Lancaster County theatre experience, come early or stay after the show to enjoy a meal at our Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, where you can order from the menu or select from our mouthwatering all-you-can-eat buffet. If you’re looking for lighter fare, enjoy the farm-fresh choices at our nearby Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe. Be sure to ask about dining discounts when you make your reservations.
Restaurant & SmorgasbordStay Overnight: Experience Smucker Family Hospitality
Our on-site dining options are a delicious way to round out your visit to our Bird-in-Hand Stage. For an even more memorable theatre experience, ask about discounted packages that include meals or lodging at our one of our conveniently located properties, which provide easy access to all the most popular Lancaster County attractions.
Other 2026 Shows On Our Stage
Directions
The Bird-in-Hand Stage is located on the banquet level of the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord. Wheelchair-accessible floor seating is available.
Contact For More Info:
Email: CentralReservations@Bird-in-Hand.com
Phone: (717) 768-1568