Magic Lantern performances, although foreign to modern day audiences, were the most popular form of entertainment in America in the late 1800s, before there were movies. Using a gorgeous wood and brass antique lantern, the performers or “Showmen” would take their audiences on a journey unlike anything they had experienced before. Weaving tales of drama, mystery and comedy, these Showmen projected remarkably detailed hand-painted images on screens measuring as tall as two stories.

In the grandest of these traditions, you can now experience this unique entertainment in the only permanent magic lantern theater in the world. The Plain & Fancy Farm Theater, RT 340, east of Lancaster between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, is fortunate to actually own two magnificent rare lanterns dating back to the 1800s, known as triunials, for the three separate and distinct lenses from which special visual effects can be created.

"This Is My Country" Patriotic Show runs July thru Labor Day. You’ll wave the flag and cheer as we re-kindle our Patriotic Spirit with the Amish Experience and AMLT presentation of “This Is My Country!“ Travel back to the early days of America and joyfully share our Nation’s history in story, laughter, and song. From the early settlers at Plymouth Rock and the fight for independence, through the tragic struggle of North and South in the Civil War, explore our history as it can only be experienced through the spectacular imagery and special effects of a Magic Lantern Show first seen over a century ago. And no one is more spirited and patriotic than your Patriotic Showman guiding you through the voices and times of America’s past, spanning over 200 years of our Country’s story. Heartfelt stories, sing-alongs, and even a few smiles are all part of this extraordinary story of our Nation.

"A Christmas Journey" Victorian Holiday Show runs after Thanksgiving thru December. Join us as we step back in time and become part of a Victorian family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration. The family is very excited and you will be, too, as Grandpa tells fabulous Christmas stories with the help of the amazing Magic Lantern.

“What a true treasure we discovered here! The show consists of hand painted plates projected on a screen while the narrator/projectionist/singer/all around showman, Phineas, tells the story. And what enjoyable stories they were including “The Night Before Christmas”, “A Christmas Carol” and some old time stories appropriate for this turn of the century form of entertainment. We were delighted to hear that there are only 17 of these lanterns still operational in the world and we felt very privileged to be able to experience this show. We hope to visit again soon to see a different show. Definitely take the time to experience this rare gem.” - TripAdvisor review from Lois.

The surprises and joys of the season are brought to visual delight with humor and timeless storytelling. Classic Christmas stories and poems and much more will fill you with the Christmas spirit. You’ll sing along with some of your favorite carols and laugh out loud at the “Parade of Toys,” and the story of an out-of-control giant snowball! Plus, new for this year…the Charles Dickens’ story of Gabriel Grubb and the Goblins. Using beautiful antique slides recently obtained from England, this story pre-dates A Christmas Carol!

Your Showman will take you on this wonderful trip through the joys and heartfelt emotions of the Holiday Season as he presents iconic stories and poems like “The Night Before Christmas,” with stunning visual images, heartfelt music and legendary storytelling. And the power of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future will come alive as he uses his spellbinding talents to weave the story of Scrooge’s miraculous transformation in Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol”. So come and make this authentic and touching look at Christmas Holidays gone by a family tradition as you join us for a very special Magic Lantern Show!

WHAT IS A MAGIC LANTERN SHOW? Before there were movies, DVDs, CDs, and videos… there were Magic Lanterns. Throughout the 19th century to the early 20th century, Magic Lanterns were the most popular form of entertainment in the country. Performing more than 75,000 shows a year, traveling Showmen, their lanterns in tow, created unforgettable experiences for thousands of Magic Lantern theatergoers nightly. Blending music, comedy and stunning hand-drawn images, Magic Lantern shows captivated the hearts of Americans from town to town.
Our magnificent three-tiered, painstakingly restored 1890 Magic Lantern is truly a sight to behold. With images of days gone by, yet equally meaningful today, our Magic Lantern shows never fail to thrill the imagination, leaving you with an experience that lasts long past the journey home.
For the first time in over 130 years anywhere in the world, there is

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