PR2004 Sep U1
Sep 2004
Theatre Tuscaloosa Brings Our National History to Life in “1776”
Theatre Tuscaloosa proudly presents 1776, America's Prize Winning Musical as the opening production of their 2004-2005 Season. The production will run September 24 through October 3 at the Bean-Brown Theatre on the campus of Shelton State Community College at 9500 Old Greensboro Road in Tuscaloosa.
The talented cast is comprised of Theatre Tuscaloosa veterans as well as a number of new faces making their Theatre Tuscaloosa debut. Paul K. Looney, Artistic Director Emeritus, will direct.
1776 is a captivating musical about the leaders who forged our nation, using their hearts, their minds and their raw courage to bring about that most important American ideal - Independence! 1776 brings our national history to life, with characters we all know - Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. But what about the rest of the patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence? What compelled them to join the fight for freedom? What of their wives, their families? 1776 brings their stories to life with music, intrigue and passion. Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson prove that their husbands' love of country was intertwined with love of family. Above all, 1776 is a tale of the fervent hopes and the unflappable commitment of the patriots behind the document upon which our nation was built.
Looney commented, "I've always loved 1776. It has always been a musical that moved me - the romance, the humor, the rousing music and masterful lyrics. And it's very dramatic. You find yourself half way through the second act breathless over whether or not they're going to get the Declaration of Independence signed!"
The actors who will embody America's famous (and infamous) heroes include James Taylor, coordinator of the opera program at the University of Alabama who will play John Adams. Mr. Taylor has performed over twenty leading roles with companies such as New York City Opera National Company, San Francisco Opera, Western Opera Theater, El Paso Opera, and Hawaii Opera Theater. He has performed as soloist with the Alabama Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Yale Philharmonic, Chattanooga Symphony and Michigan State University Symphony.
Veterans appearing in the show include Jeff Wilson as Thomas Jefferson, Charles Prosser as Benjamin Franklin, Glen Johnson as John Dickinson, David Blackwell as Richard Henry Lee, Ava Buchanan as Abigail Adams, Lisa Waldrop as Martha Jefferson and George Thagard as Lyman Hall. Rounding out the cast of 27 are: Rohn Rhodes, Bill Aldridge, Bruce Skelton, Michael Chambers, Kyle Everette, Terry Olivet, Stephen Borelli, Richard Keenam, Wescott Youngson, David Tidmore, Jim Bonds, Taylor Bridges, Russ Frost, Joey Lay and Jake Boyd.
In addition to Looney as director and scenic designer, the artistic staff includes musical director Leslie Poss, costume designer Jeanette Waterman, lighting designer Erin Hisey and stage manager Amanda Sullivan Dodson.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 PM on September 24, 25, 30, October 1 and 2. 2:00 PM performances are scheduled for September 26, 29 and October 3. A “Pay What You Can” dress rehearsal preview is scheduled for Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 PM.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for seniors, students and children. Shelton State students may purchase a ticket for $6 with their Student I.D. To purchase tickets, visit the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office in the lobby of the Bean-Brown Theatre or call 205-391-2277.
Additional information can be obtained online at www.theatretusc.com.
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