Dutchman Hospitality Group is constantly finding new ways to keep visitors coming to the region. Their latest offering comes through a partnership with the Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek and a Nashville, Tenn. production company in the form of The Confession, a new musical based on the popular novels written by Beverly Lewis, New York Times best-selling author of Amish fiction. The story comes from the trilogy of The Shunning, The Confession, and The Reckoning. The musical will run from June 7 to Dec. 15 at Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek.

The full-length, family-friendly musical is the captivating story of a young Amish woman caught in the midst of secret and scandal, love lost and love found, personal heartache and healing. “It’s not what I expected,” said Vicki Van Natta, marketing manager for Dutchman Hospitality Group. “Everyone that sees it will love it. It shows how Amish people are just like everyone else. It’s a story of parenting, adoption and an empty life. It’s a story of love.”

The production begins with the character Mary describing the Amish community of Hickory Hollow and she explains that all communities have secrets, but once one is put in place, others seem to build on it.

The first musical number is a rip-roaring, clap your hands, stomp your feet, barn-raising opener. “The singing and the acting are so well done,” said Van Natta. “When I attend trade shows the most common question asked of me is ‘Is there anything new in your area?’ Now I will happily be able to answer them, ‘Yes! And you won’t want to miss it!’”

With music produced in Nashville and a script written by veteran writer Martha Bolton, who is best known for her work with Bob Hope, Mark Lowry, and Chonda Pierce, the production has finished successful runs and sold out shows in Shipshewana, Ind. and Bird-In-Hand, Pa.

“We knew the show would work well in Ohio,” said producer Dan Posthuma. “The heart of the show is romance, but it is filled with intrigue, humor and twists and turns. The music will have you humming the tunes for days. The Carlisle is the perfect place for this show. It is such a gorgeous inn with the winding staircase, the high ceilings and the chandeliers. We are excited to be working with Dutchman Hospitality Group. They are a top-notch group of people.”

Positions will be available for candidates with professional acting and vocal experience. Casting calls and auditions will begin the third week of January. “We like to use local actors and singers in the shows and we know there is a lot of talent in Ohio,” said Posthuma. Ten actors and actresses will be hired for the production of 124 shows throughout the season. The producers will advertise in local papers and other media outlets the time and place of auditions.

“We are adding special lighting, sound equipment and tiered seating to our conference center to accommodate the production,” said Van Natta. “It is so wonderful to have this production coming to Sugarcreek. Seeing the musical reminded me how much I enjoy live theater and how little we have here.”

“We are so thrilled with the response to this show. We have interest from regional theaters and are even talking to people in New York about expanding the show,” said Posthuma.

“There’s not a lot to do after you’ve spent the day shopping and visiting in Amish Country. This show will give residents and visitors something to do in the evenings and it will be affordable,” said Posthuma.

Tickets for performances of The Confession are currently on sale through the box office at 877-722-7547. Call to ask about dates. Motor coach groups, churches and other large groups are welcome. Special performances may be arranged for groups of 50 persons or more.