The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 June 1989 — Page 20

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed.. June 28,1989

Summer

'Plain and Fancy' is a play to see

By BILL SPURGEON Every now and then, it’s a reviewer’s reward to be pleasantly surprised. Almost hidden away among the attractions of Amish Acres, west of Nappanee on U.S. 6, is a theatrical production that deserves i ore attention than it has been c ..ng, “Plain & Fancy” is a charmingly poignant musical from another generation: it opened on Broadway in 1955 and enjoyed a run of more than 1,000 performances. For the past three years it has been a part of the entertainment offering at Amish Acres, the successful tourist attraction in southwestern Elkhart County that recreates (or creates, because they're still at it) Amish life for those who would like to know more about it. Jill Stover, who with her husband and daughters operated the Enchanted,, Hills Playhouse east of Lake Wawasee for several years through 1987, is producing director of “Plain & Fancy." Warren Pepperdine, longtime director of theater at Indiana University/South Bend, is stage director; Dennis Friesen-Carper, musician/composer/teacher. is musical director. Richard Pletcher of the Nappanee furniture

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Performance leadership, CADILLAC YLE Independent tests prove the new Cadillac DeVille isn’t just turning heads. It’s raising eyebrows. I o j The totally new Cadillac DeVille has been turning a lot of heads with its distinctive new styling and full six passenger luxury But recent tests conducted by th£ United States Auto Club are also raising a few eyebrows « Because when USAC compared the DeVille to the Lincoln Continental and Town Car in acceleration the DeVille won in 0 60 mph acceleration On wet pavement and dry And beat the Lincolns in acceleration at 20-55 mph merging speeds < Independent tests prove why the new Cadillac Fleetwood is off to such a fast start. C ■ 4 , 4 , , _ I It’s no secret that the totally new Cadillac Fleetwood is a dramatic sales success One look at its distinctive new styling and you II know why But now Fleetwood has earned yet another distinction Because resent United State Auto Club tests proved the Fleetwood accelerates from 0 60 mph faster than the Lincoln Continental and Town Car On wet pavement and dry It even beats these Lincolns in acceleration at 20 55 mph merging speeds See Us Today For A Test Drive THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL IS CADILLAC STYLE™ ■ « ___ -r. U.S. 6 West JACkDeX 347-1990

family that operates Amish Acres is executive producer. What these people have assembled is a small, multitalented cast, and the result is eight performances every week of a musical play guaranteed to make even the most jaded theater-goer sit up and take notice. It’s been a month of Sundays — no. make that a month of seasons — since I have enjoyed a cast as much. From John Deslauriers and Linda Van Polen as the big-city couple who visit the Amish county around Lancaster, Pa , to Paul and Sarah Friesen-Carper as the two youngest members of the Zook family, this cast works together, and with great verve and joy! The voices that impressed me most were those of Laura Oppelt, the young bride-to-be, Paul Russell, her star-struck lover, and Marie Vlasin, a young Amish lady somewhat taken with the fellow from the big city. But readers, all of the voices are good, and there are several numbers involving the whole ensemble that could stir an audience ten times as large as the 150 or so that can be accommodated in the historic Locke Meeting House that the Pletchers have recreated.

Glen Veteto is a totally credible Amish bishop, father of the bride-to-be. Veteran performer Walter Marts does a good job with the role of the prospective bridegroom, Jozef D. McKesson plays another Amishman (Hilda’s father) with great comedic flair and Dianne Stone completes the cast as his wife. Tom Miller’s sets are spartan, but so is Amish life, and they invite one’s imagination to go to work, something we need to do more often when we go to the theater. The choreography, directed by Linda Casullo, is im-

9/ -s 1 / ... FAMILY BOATING — Fred McCain (in foreground), along with his family, engages in a old tradition each year by staying at an Epworth Forest cottage that has been in his family for several generations. Boating looks to be part of that tradition, as does fishing. Coming to the lakes and enjoy water sports sounds like an awfully good way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Also pictured from left Ardelle Hoffman. Jenny McCain, Clarence Hoffman (back row), Sarah McCain. Jean McCain and Matt McCain. The McCains live in Pontiac, 111. and the Hoffmans live in Columbia. 111. (Photo by Kate Wolford)

Summer party planning —

Convenience can be cool

Eighty percent of American women enjoy entertaining guests and preparing party foods, according to a national women’s service magazine. Long, daylight-filled days

aginative and well-boned, and is as much a joy to watch as the songs are to hear. Theresa Hamsher s costumes, with a few minor modifications made necessary to keep the production moving, are authentic. And cast members deal well with the language, handling unique Pennsylvania Amish expressions as if they were lifetime vocabulary. Put this all together in a story that involves not only a generation gap but a culture gap, true love, proud people who live close to the land and closer to their heritage; then add confused but

make summer one of the most popular times for informal, and often unexpected, entertaining. Prepare now for barbecues, picnics and pool parties by stocking up on food and beverages that are

well-meaning folks from the big city, and you have it all: love, suspicion, conflict, mistrust, faith, reconciliation. Take an excellent cast, give it a script by Joseph Stein and William Glickman, music by Albert Hague and lyrics by Arnold B. Howitt, put Dennis Friesen-Carper at the piano. Invest a couple of hours of your time and a modest amount for the tickets. In return, you’ll be entertained far in excess of your investment. “Plain & Fancy” is a play to see. Why wait?

easy to store and quick to fix. Here are several suggestions from Zip-Pak Incorporated, makers of ZIP-PAK™ resealable packaging, to help minimize kitchen time: • Use the staples of summer — hot dogs, chicken, cheeseburgers, corn-on-the-cob —for impromptu barbecues, hot dogs and cheese slices in resealable packaging protect leftovers effectively. Freeze individually-wrapped patties and chicken pieces. Defrost as needed. • Load the refrigerator with fruit juices, sodas and sparkling waters to revive the thirsty. Iced tea or coffee is a stimulating refresher. • Prepare appetizing side dishes or main meal using pasta and rice. One suggestion is colorful Confetti Salad. Simply combine I 1 2 cups cooked white or brown rice with 1 4 cup diced tomato, green and yellow peppers, minced onion and one tsp. of parsley. In a large bowl, mix thoroughly with 4 tbs. of ranch dressing. Chill and serve. • Crackers, cookies and potato chips in resealable packaging are protected from summer humidity in picnic weather. Store in refrigerator to preserve freshness. • forgot to buy dessert? Make your own, using everyday ingredients. Ice cream pies featuring graham cracker crumbs, topped with chocolate bits and nuts.

=NOW PLAYING! j The nation’s longest-running revival S of the Broadway classic • I Fancy” The delightful musical comedy J of Amish life and love. J J Evening Shows New songs, • • Wed &. Thurs 7 pm, Fri &. Sat 8 pm. New dances, J • Matinees New costumes and sets J • Wed, Thurs, Sat &. Sun, 3 pm. * • ’ Come enjoy a heartwarming love story told J with songs, dance, smiles and tears. • Now playing at the Amish Acres Playhouse, Nappanee, Indiana.* • Call 773-4188 for show information and reservations. • • NEW! Amish Acres Grill open after the show for late dining. • • •••• *4

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BOUND FOR STARDOM — These faces are headed for television as part of Nightshift. Nightshift, a Fort Wayne-based comedy show, took to the road this summer for the taping of three broadcasts. The second roadshow of the season came to Cocinero’s in Syracuse on Wednesday, June 21, with The Papers Incorporated and WRSW co-sponsoring the event. Those attending Wednesday night got to witness the process of taping a television show and enjoy the humor of local and national comedians. Local talents Scott Andrews and "Lavern Lavern" preceded John Tamberino, who plays colleges and nightclubs across the country, and headliner Dave Rudolf, a musical comedian who has five albums out and who has been nominated College Entertainer of the Year. The show taped Wednesday will air Sunday, July 2, on Channel 55 at 11 p.m. Above, Mike Skevington, Nightshift host Kevin Ferguson, center, and Darlene Ritchie smile after the show’s completion. Skevington and Ritchie, as representatives of The Papers, Incorporated and WRSW representative Mike Reese, not pictured, were asked on-stage at the beginning of the show to say a few words. (Photo by Scott Davidson)

Cholesterol screenings at Hook's In conjunction with the American Medical Association's (AMA) Campaign Against Cholesterol, local Hook's Drug Stores are offering consumers the opportunity to have their cholesterol check at the stores for a fee sufficient to cover the costs incurred to run the test. In addition, consumers will receive money off with a coupon appearing in the newspaper. The following local Hook’s Drug Stores will offer cholesterol screenings: Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m-4 pm., Pickwick Road, Syracuse; and Thursday, July 20, 10a.m. -6p.m. The AMA's Campaign Against Cholesterol is a national program designed to educate the public about the dangers of high blood cholesterol. Free literature is also available at the stores to help consumers understand their screening results and learn more about cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, the number one killer in America. Recognizing a high cholesterol level is the first step in controlling and reducing it, which can lessen the risk of heart disease and improve one’s lifestyle. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. A combination of diet modification and moderate exercise contribute to the reduction of cholesterol as well as practicing stress management, not smoking and, in some cases, taking medication Pesticides in food WASHINGTON — Fresh from attacking use of the pesticide Alar on apples, an environmental group accused the Environmental Protection Agency of violating the law by permitting minute amounts of other suspect pesticides in processed foods.

MWHKkBH WHAT? DO IT AGAIN? — Kevin Ferguson, host of Nightshift, a television comedy show out of Fort Wayne, was slightly amused that he had to tape his opening monologue twice due to sound difficulties. For an upcoming broadcast. Nightshift taped an on-the-road show at Cocinero's in Syracuse on Wednesday evening, June 21. The show, co-sponsored by The Papers Incorporated and WRSW, drew a goodsized crowd and will be aired Sunday, July 2, 11 p.m.. on Channel 5.5. (Photo by Scott Davidson)

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