A joint production with the Lancaster Marionette Theatre, this approximately one-hour show will be staged in the mansion and will be a fun, whimsical and touching celebration of the life and times of General Edward Hand and his family featuring the talents of “Man of the Theatre” Robert Brock. The Unrestored Room on the second floor of Rock Ford will be transformed into a theatre, complete with lighting and seating, and additional rooms will be open and lit theatrically. See and experience Rock Ford like you’ve never seen it before!
This event is geared towards teens and adults and not suitable for younger children.
All proceeds benefit educational programming at Rock Ford and at the Lancaster Marionette Theatre.
For complete details and to make reservations, please click here.
The premiere performance of the General Hand Puppet Theatre at the 2018 May Fair at Rock Ford Plantation was such a huge hit that it has now been scheduled for two additional performances on Sunday, June 24 at 11 am and 1 pm in the Rock Ford barn. This all-ages event is being presented in collaboration with the Lancaster Marionette Theatre.
“The Hand Puppeteers worked so hard and are so dedicated that I thought they needed to keep the momentum going – Rock Ford has a barn so let’s put on a show,” said Robert Brock, the Artistic Director of the Lancaster Marionette Theatre. The General Hand Puppet Theatre performance features adventure, live music, surprises, romance, heroes and a revolution ending with America’s independence. The Hand Puppet cast includes Edward and Kitty Hand, George and Martha Washington and several of Edward Hand’s farm animals (including his favorite sheep Garamelli) … and mad King George III.
In addition to directing the production, Brock will include some of his 18th century marionette characters from “Treasure Island” as well as his marionettes depicting John Durang. Durang was the first American-born actor, dancer and puppeteer, who was born in Lancaster City in 1768.
Not publicly seen in years, one of Rock Ford’s hidden treasures – a 43-year-old, highly detailed dollhouse of the Rock Ford mansion – will be featured in the production. Little tours of the little mansion will be given periodically. An elaborate one-fourth inch scale replica of the mansion filled with period-style furniture, the dollhouse offers a Lilliputian experience not to be missed. Along with the little mansion will be a little gift shop, featuring Rock Ford’s most popular items (including shrub) for sale.
The volunteer puppet company, dressed in period attire, includes Pam Stoner, Meagen Lebo, Grace Kline, Ron Peters and Sarah Alberico.
Reservations are $5 per person and may be made by calling the Rock Ford office at 717-392-7223 or clicking here.. Seating is limited – do not miss this special experience. Refreshments will be offered for sale before and after each performance.
Proceeds from this event benefit educational programming at Rock Ford.
