Burch says: "I developed this show in the wake of my father's passing. While working on it, I realized that family stories are as familiar as the air around us, though we are often unaware of breathing them in. In performing my own family stories, I want to remind the listeners of theirs."

Best-selling author and teller Ed Stivender has said, "With her interweaving of personal and traditional stories, Milbre has created a whole new genre of storytelling." Having featured her at the Family Business Seminar of Kennesaw State College, Dr. Joseph Astrachan wrote to Burch: "You evoked serious contemplation and gracefully lightened the atmosphere with humor. All in all it was an experience to be cherished." And Vicky Reed at the University of San Diego said of the piece: "Milbre Burch takes us on an incredible journey over her family landscape."

Premiering at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena in the spring of 1991, the show has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival; the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, Utah; the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival; Kennesaw College Family Business Seminar; the University of San Diego; the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta; the Walden School and the By Word of Mouth storytelling series in Pasadena; the Circle of Women's Retreat for the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan; the Washington (DC) Storyteller's Theatre, and Stories, Inc., of Indianapolis.

Bob Sander, Director of Stories, Inc., had this to say of the show: "The audience went willingly with Milbre into all the specific nooks and crannies of her own personal stories, for, in truth, by delving into her stories, listeners unleashed stories of their own from memory. Milbre's talent, from her commanding stage presence, articulate language and expressive movement, is truly astonishing."

Besides a framework of personal stories, In the Family Way includes the following pieces adapted from folk tradition and literature:

ACT ONE:
"A Mismatch" adapted from Let's Fight and Other Russian Fables by Sergei Mikhalkov.

"The Grandfather and his Grandson" (traditional)

"Twins" (traditional)

"One, My Darling, Come to Mama" adapted from The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales, collected by Diane Wolkstein.

"Atalanta" adapted from the story by Betty Miles in Free to Be... You and Me, edited by Marlo Thomas and Friends.

ACT TWO:
"It's in Your Hands" (traditional)

"Mother of the Waters" adapted from The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales, collected by Diane Wolkstein.

"The Cow-tail Switch" adapted from the book by Harold Courlander and George Herzog.

"In Blackwater Woods " adapted from American Primitive by Mary Oliver.

Running time is 90-120 minutes. There is one 10-minute intermission.

Milbre Burch's live recording of In The Family Way, features the selections above.