Rock Ford Plantation, in collaboration with Theater of the Seventh Sister, is pleased to present “The Matchmaker: A Tale Drawn from ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen.” This one-act play, adapted by Rock Ford Director Sam Slaymaker from the classic novel, will be presented in the candlelit rooms of the Rock Ford mansion on November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Each performance will run approximately 50 minutes with scenes taking place in each of the four parlors on the main floor and in the central hallway of the circa 1794 mansion.

The play focuses on the first volume of “Emma” by Jane Austen which tells the story of how Emma chooses to act as a “matchmaker” between her friend Harriet Smith and Mr. Elton, the village vicar. Things do not turn out at all as Emma intends, she learns some lessons and the stage is set for the rest of the novel. The Rock Ford production incorporates some wonderful live period music and dancing (with Rock Ford’s group of period dancers led by Glenda Jardel) as part of Emma’s efforts to bring Miss Smith and Mr. Elton together.

Following the play, guests are invited to gather around the fireplace in the Rock Ford kitchen to enjoy (in keeping with the matrimonial theme of the production) a slice of wedding cake and a cup of punch.

To maintain an intimate atmosphere and to allow the play to be performed within the house, tickets will be limited to 20 per performance, so early reservations are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Please bear in mind that “The Matchmaker” is not handicapped accessible. Guests will be standing during the performance and following the characters from room to room on the first floor of the mansion before exiting through the lower level of the mansion.

To purchase tickets, please click here.

Cocktail party, swag bag, sweets and savories, and champagne toast!

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.

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.

Rock Ford welcomes the return of “Tales from the Caretakers: The Haunted History of Rock Ford Plantation.” This play was first presented in 2013 and was favorably received by regional audiences. After five years, the “Caretakers” are returning to their former home at Rock Ford!

This one-act play is being presented at Rock Ford by professional actors Cynthia Charles and Evan Cooper of The Theatre of the Seventh Sister. Evan and Cynthia will be playing eccentric husband and wife caretakers in the Rock Ford mansion in the years before the house was restored and became a museum. These characters are loosely based upon an actual couple who lived in Rock Ford during the 1930’s into the 1940’s and will relate stories spanning over two centuries. They will lead visitors on a candlelit tour of the mansion during which they will share some of the many legends, supernatural stories and first-hand accounts that have enshrouded Rock Ford and its inhabitants since the early nineteenth century. This unique event will blend theatre, history and ghost stories into an enchanting witch’s brew of spooky and atmospheric Halloween fun.

To our guests, please note that you will be standing for the duration of the play, following the characters from room to room, and walking up and down stairs.

FOR ALL PERFORMANCE DATES AND RESERVATIONS, please click here.

Journey to Sleepy Hollow … one last time!  Experience this original 45-minute immersive play performed in the candlelit rooms of the first floor of the Rock Ford mansion. Guests will follow Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Katrina Van Tassel and Squire Van Tassel from room to room as Rock Ford is transformed into the Van Tassel Family home, scene of the autumn ball in Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Due to space considerations, each performance is limited to 20 guests.

Performance dates and times:

Thursday, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM

Friday, October 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM

Friday, October 27 at 7:00 PM, 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM

$15 per person (recommended for children ages 12+)

Reservations will be accepted beginning Friday, September 1, 2017 by calling the Rock Ford office at (717) 392-7223 between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm (Monday-Friday).  Please note that there are no on-line ticket sales for this event.