Review of Bell Wringer: Pinky Swear Productions Delivers a Spooky Bluegrass Musical Comedy

Pinky Swear Productions stages Bell Wringer at Gunston Arts Center Theater Two, offering an 80-minute musical comedy that combines the historical Bell Witch legend with Appalachian bluegrass and dark humor, DC Theater Arts reported. Running through October 31, 2026, the production marks the company’s second bluegrass musical following their 2016 Capital Fringe Festival show Over Her Dead Body. Written by Seth Alcorn and Karen Lange, the show won Best Musical at the 2023 Capital Fringe Festival.

Appalachian Folklore and Bluegrass Music

The production draws inspiration from a Klecksography project that playwright Karen Lange completed with Rorschach Theatre, introducing her to the Tennessee folklore of a supernatural entity that allegedly tormented the Bell family between 1817 and 1821. Lange partnered with fellow playwright Seth Alcorn to expand the concept into a full-length show that contrasts spooky elements with comedy. DC Theater Arts noted that the musical functions half as O Brother, Where Art Thou and half as Blair Witch.

A three-piece bluegrass band provides the score, featuring guitarist and bandleader Justin Heath and fiddler and co-music director Charles Sinche. The musical blends familiar bluegrass melodies with whimsical new lyrics by Alcorn and original pieces composed by Lange.

Cast and Creative Team Deliver the Haunting

Jen Jacobs directs the production, utilizing practical effects such as a wooden stick and metal can to signal supernatural mischief. The cast features Karen Lange as the enigmatic Witch, also known as Kate, alongside Julia Rudgers portraying Josh Gardner and other roles. Adrian Iglesias and Nicole Ruthmarie portray household patriarch John Bell and Lucy Bell, while Hope Campbell Gundlah plays Elizabeth Betsy Bell and Tom Howley appears as Richard Powell.

Costume designer Henery Wyand outfits the ensemble in early-19th-century attire, highlighted by the Witch’s deep purple-and-black ensemble. Bella Bean designed the rustic set.

Closing Performance and Halloween Party Details

Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM at Gunston Arts Center, Theater Two, located at 2700 South Lang St in Arlington, Virginia. Tickets cost $30 plus fees and are available online. The production features moments of flashing lights and runs without an intermission.

The engagement concludes with a closing performance on Saturday, October 31, 2026, which will be followed by a Halloween party.