Dear Solider Boy

2023

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!

A Simple Sanctuary

2022

When her past catches up to her, Melissa James does what she always does – she runs – from her happy life in Connecticut and her beloved husband, Ryan, a successful investment manager, leaving a note begging him to trust her. While his life is upended, she finds a quaint hiding spot – June Bug’s B&B, run by a Mennonite woman who is happy to have her first customer. Melissa feels safe in her simple sanctuary in Amish Country until Ivanov, a shadowy figure from her past, tracks her down, dragging the whole community into her mystery life. Will she share her secrets? Who can she trust?

Christmas Tree Ship

2021, 2022

A ship. A storm. And a Christmas tale of heroic proportions. This heart-warming inspirational musical is based on the true story of Herman Schuenemann, known as Captain Santa, who goes down with his ship on a storm in Lake Michigan – leaving his widow to raise their daughters, run the family shipping business and continue her husband’s mission of giving away thousands of Christmas trees to the less fortunate of Chicago. Can she take on the doubters and naysayers, or will she break under the pressures of widowhood, judgmental people and the restrictive customs of the day? What Barbara Schuenemann and her daughter Elsie do to resurrect Captain Santa’s legacy is nothing short of a holiday miracle.

The Best of Me

2021

The Amish life may be plain, but Rachel Miller doesn’t find it simple. On the other hand, the Telemundo soap operas she watches while working at her bakery job make acting look easy, so she decides to step out of her comfort zone on the farm to see how ‘the other half’ lives. She sets out for the Big Apple and acting classes, where she meets an aging, out-of-work actress and a handsome fellow student—and finds that the grass may not be greener on the other side after all.

Ryan & Friends

2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Your whole family will be rolling in the aisles when Ryan takes the stage with a colorful cast of friends that includes Jeffrey, a witty 8-year-old kid and self-proclaimed star of the show; teenager Tiffany, who’s taken with worldly goods; Harold and Irene, who have way more opinions than your average grandparents; and, of course, Ardy the Skunk, who has lots of common “scents” and is always a hit with young and old alike. Expect songs, snappy comebacks and a whole lot of wisdom from an entertaining bunch of dummies.

2020 & 2021: Ryan & Friends: Comedy Calamity

2022: Ryan & Friends: Hilarity Happens

The Gut Life

2020

Join Simon and Eliza Yoder for a conversation about their plain life – which isn’t always so simple. You’ll laugh as they talk about growing up Amish, working the family farm, learning to drive a buggy… You’ll be captivated by tales of rumspringa, living among the “English” and making choices. You’ll be moved by their touching love story and universal insights into their 20-year marriage and raising a family together. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll join them in an occasional song.

Stolen

2019

A small Pennsylvania town is shaken when Zack Fisher, the infant son of a prominent Amish family, is kidnapped. Accusations fly. Although everyone comes under suspicion, the case goes cold. Zack’s sister Naomi, who was supposed to be watching him, blames herself for the next 20 years – then takes matters into her own hands. Packed with a cast of interesting and complex characters, including a quirky, noir-style detective and an amateur Amish sleuth, this musical mystery tells a moving story about learning to forgive yourself.

A Christmas to Remember

2018, 2019

Christmas Day approaches and uncertainty reigns in the beautiful village of Paradise. Matthew and Mary, the new owners of a thrift store, face seemingly insurmountable challenges, including a parent with dementia, a sister with control issues, some very nosy and noisy neighbors, and a painting of unknown value – all of which make for a few “bumps in the road” during the most wonderful time of the year. Will the holidays bring heartache or be filled with healing? And what is the artwork worth? Join us and find out!

The Home Game

2018, 2023

For as long as he can remember, handsome Levi Troyer has loved playing baseball. He daydreams about playing in the major leagues, but his father expects him to remain on the family farm. Levi manages to keep most of his dreams in check — until a sports talent scout sees Levi’s impressive pitching and batting skills and offers him a deal he can’t refuse. It’s an unforgettable journey—a prodigal son story set against the backdrop of Amish farmlands and America’s favorite pastime.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook

2017

A musical comedy that really sizzles! Watch the excitement, confusion, and just plain frantic fun that erupts when a small town cable cooking show, hosted by two Mennonite women, attracts the attention of a big shot Hollywood producer. An ideal recipe for hilarity, this brand new play mixes faith, food and friendship – and is served fresh and funny.

Our Christmas Dinner

2016, 2017, 2023

It’s Christmas and times are tough for the Davidsons. George lost his job and Jackie has empty boxes under the tree in hopes that his unemployment check arrives in time to buy gifts to fill them. The check doesn’t—but unexpected guests do: a soft-spoken Amish farmer and his outspoken wife whose buggy is stuck outside in a snowdrift. Add to the mix Jackie’s brother and his new fiancée and things really get interesting. This Amish take on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner serves up plenty of laughs, holiday memories and a whole lot of football.

Josiah for President

2015, 2016, 2022

After throwing in the towel on his presidential campaign, former Congressman Mark Stedman meets Josiah Stoltzfus – and learns more from the Amish farmer in a few hours than in his many years in office. Stedman believes that someone like Josiah should be running the country. Not a career politician, but someone with a little old-fashioned common sense, someone who’s not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty. Without Josiah’s knowledge, Stedman introduces him as a write-in candidate and does everything in his power to make sure Josiah gets elected.

Magic & Wonder

2015 – 2019

The Magic & Wonder Show, starring Illusionist Brett A. Myers,  is a theatrical event for the entire family full of moments that take your breath away.  All ages enjoy grand illusions, live animals, comedy and audience participation.  Relive the childlike wonder of seeing fireflies for the first time or experiencing your first snow fall.  A unique, magical journey that creates memories to treasure for a lifetime.  We invite you to suspend reality and dream the impossible!

Half-Stitched

2013, 2014, 2017

What could possibly go wrong when an Amish widow decides to teach a small weekend quilting class?  Cultures collide and personalities conflict when six loose threads and an Amish widow spend a weekend together learning a little about quilts, and a lot about themselves. This Broadway-style musical dramedy will have you bent over laughing, fighting back tears, and humming along to unforgettable melodies. With tens of thousands of standing ovations and happy patrons in the “club,” come see what all the fuss is about!

The Confession

2011, 2012, 2016

The Confession takes you on the captivating journey of a young Amish woman who is caught in the middle of secrets, scandal, and plot-twisting surprises. It’s a brilliant love story, with plenty of laughs, and an at-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery all wrapped into one.  Come see what happens when the plain, not-so-plain, and  downright extravagant lives converge in Blue Gate Musicals very first hit.  The Confession is based on the Daughters of Lancaster County series by Beverly Lewis and adapted for the stage by the Blue Gate Musicals’ creative team.