Plain and Fancy

Much of this year will be focused on the 20th anniversary of Plain and Fancy at Amish Acres that opens in the Round Barn Theatre on April 18, 2006. This musical theatre milestone is difficult to put into perspective. The show has run longer than the Broadway runs of Hello Dolly!, My Fair Lady, Annie, Man of LaMancha, and Oklahoma!

I just received a letter from Charles R. VanNostrand, president, Samuel French, Inc., the publisher and author's representative, from whom we receive the rights and pay the royalities for Plain and Fancy. The text of his letter follows:

It is a delight to be able to write you upon the 20th anniversary of your production of Plain and Fancy at Amish Acres. Few plays have had such a lasting and intimate connection with a community as Plain and Fancy has with Nappanee, Indiana. What better place than the heartland of America for a musical that was originally described by Walter Kerr of the World Tribune as "sweet, attractive, and normal as blueberry pie." Plain and Fancy speaks to a simpler way of life and a moral clarity that is very hard to find in today's America, and yet sought after by many Americans.

The endearing story, written by Joseph Stein and Will Glickman, and joined by the fabulous lyrics of Arnold Horwitt and the poignant music of Albert Hague created a marvelously charming musical that has proved a well-spring of family entertainment for five decades.

It is a resounding testament to both the masterful efforts and artistic focus of the talented and dedicated staff of Amish Acres, as well as the show's original creators, that Plain and Fancy has had such time-honored success in its happy theatrical home. Twenty years of production is more than a milestone, it is a confirmation of the connection found between the community of Nappanee, Indiana and this enchanting piece of theatre.

On bahalf of everyone here at Samuel French, Inc., I would like to congratulate you on this momentous occasion as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of producing Plain and Fancy on the Joseph Stein Stage at Amish Acres.

Yours most cordially,
Charles R. Van Nostrand
President