I have been visiting the Lancaster area of Pennsylvania for quite some time now but have never seen a show at the Bird-in-Hand Stage. Until now! I decided to get tickets to see "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits." All I knew was that I was going to see a Murder Mystery and Musical combined. The show is produced by Blue Gate Musicals, who also present their shows at the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, Indiana. On their website, they describe their shows as "musicals set in Amish Country America!"
After a mix up with my ordering, the staff at the theatre were very accommodating and helpful in fixing the problem. My better half and I found the show to be very interesting. The "Film Noir" style used, especially when breaking the fourth wall, was perfect for this show. As the whole town was preparing for a baking contest, some of the bakers were beginning to disappear. Every cast member was given a chance to shine, especially when it came to singing.
Tim Clayton portrayed the very likeable gumshoe Foster Bates. Grace Raber also shined in her portrayal of the quilt shop owner Fannie Miller. While the entire cast did a wonderful job, Nathaniel Wright stood out as the very suspicious Jeb. There will be no spoilers here because the show is still running at the Bird-in-Hand Stage in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, until Saturday, August 2nd. Wright reminded me of a demented Chris Farley.
The show took many twists and turns with numerous laughs thrown in. With my first show at this theatre being a very enjoyable experience, I plan on returning to see other productions.