Backstage Pass: Humor and music, the Amish way with ‘Macho Mule’

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the peaceful and pristine Amish Country in Millersburg Ohio, The Amish Country Theater has firmly established its reputation as the area’s premier destination for uproariously funny live variety entertainment. The theater (which is adjacent to the elegant, stately Berlin Encore Hotel), showcases nearly nightly entertainment and a rotating line up of wildly original shows, celebrity concerts, and even touring variety productions, sure to be the highlight of your Amish Country visit. 

One of the theater’s latest productions, “Macho Mule,” blends all the cast members and colorful characters you’ve grown to know and love (including the Beachy Boys and Lynyrd) along with acclaimed variety performers and even a Dolly Parton tribute artist, featuring an all new format of toe tapping live music, laugh out loud comedy and jaw dropping feats of ventriloquism and mentalism. 

Lynyrd (portrayed by hilarious comic John Bunn) opened the show with some introductory remarks before the remarkably talented Wendy T (an internationally acclaimed Dolly Parton tribute artist) took the stage with the boisterous 1978 Dolly Parton classic “Baby I’m Burning.” Additional stand out “Dolly” moments brought to life by this award-winning tribute artist include some of the “Queen of Country’s” most instantly recognizable hits including “Two Doors Down,” as well as a cover of Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Wendy T also showcases her versatility and wide range of talents with a spot on performance of “I Got You Babe” with world renowned ventriloquist Kevin Johnson brandishing a Sonny Bono puppet as he masterfully sings along, seemingly without flinching or moving his lips whatsoever. 

Johnson (who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and even films with Adam Sandler), brings to life a plethora of memorable characters including Clyde the Buzzard, and Zeke, a “dummy” with quick wit and maraschino cherry red hair who had the audience in stitches throughout his bit.

The Amish Country Theater’s very own “Beachy Boys” (a parody of the iconic Beach Boys) are portrayed by Dave Conn (who delivers both harmony and hilarity as the creative force behind the Beachy Boys) as well as Johnny Glessner. The Beachy Boys tributed the legendary Eagles during Macho Mule and a few of the many standout numbers included “Life in the Slow Lane,” “Spread it Evenly,” and “You Can’t Hide your Meaty Thighs.”

Rick Smith Jr., one of the newest additions to the Amish Country Theater cast, is a sublimely talented magician, illusionist, mentalist and Guinness World Record holding card thrower. This unconventional skill is displayed beautifully on stage  when he summons a volunteer to hold a stick of celery, which he miraculously chops into bits in real time using standard playing cards.

As always, the conclusion of the show is marked by a patriotic tribute, during which veterans and active duty service members in the audience are honored by special performance of “God Bless the USA “ by Wendy T as well as a breathtaking real-time painting of American soldiers planting a flag

Special thanks to John Bunn and the entirety of the Amish Country Theater staff for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature. 

WEBSITE: https://amishcountrytheater.com

PHONE NUMBER: (888) 988-7469

INSTAGRAM: @theamishcountrytheater