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Guild
Theatreworks, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
The Guild Theatreworks, Inc. will
present the Broadway musical, 1776, at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove on Friday, February 15 at 8:00 pm; Saturday,
February 16 at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sunday, February 17 at 3:00 pm.
1776 brings to life one of the most important
and compelling stories in our country’s history: the struggle for independence and the birth of the American nation.
It is a re-creation of the momentous days from May 8th to July 4th, 1776, in Philadelphia, when the
Second Continental Congress argues about, voted on, and signed the Declaration of Independence. Most of the play is
historically accurate – the weather, the personalities, the arguments, George Washington’s dispatches. The
historical figures of Samuel and John Adams are merged into one character played by Robert Bader of Asbury Park. Adams,
obnoxious and disliked by the majority of Congress, has as his closest allies for independence the irrepressible Benjamin
Franklin (Barry Prag of Wanamassa) from Pennsylvania and from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson (Rutledge Varley of Red Bank).
Much of what each character says in the play was taken from written records of the time or their own writing. The major
opposition to openly declaring a war of independence is Conservative John Dickinson (Paul Ternosky of Howell), another delegate
from Pennsylvania whose loyalties lie with Great Britain. Another obstacle to independence is the block of Southern
colonies led by Edward Rutledge (Rick Scott of Freehold) which remains protective of states’ rights and what they consider
to be the economic necessity of slavery. John Hancock (Jeff Hand of Brick) presides over the Congress as President along
with the ever-present secretary Charles Thomson (Jeff Surgent of Freehold). Although the spotlight is on the business
of the men and a new nation, the show does not forget the important roles of the ladies: Abigail Adams (Anna Buczynski
of Lacey) is far away in Massachusetts literally keeping the home fires burning, raising the Adams’ many children, and
keeping their farm in Braintree from failing. Some of the most beautiful songs of the show are based on the actual letters
between husband and wife. Thomas Jefferson, recently married to his Martha (Lindsey Murphy of Brick) whom he had not
seen in six months, was on his way to her when he was given the responsibility to create what would become one of the greatest
documents of all time, our “Declaration of Independence.” “For the support of this Declaration, with
firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred
honor.”
The production is directed by Janet
Lynn Spahr with musical direction by Dr. Jeff Unger and choreography by Monica Vermeulen.
Tickets are $20.00. Saturday,
February 16 at 3:00 pm is a Special Children’s Day Performance – Children are $10.00 but must be accompanied by
an adult). For reservations or credit card call
732-502-0153. Tickets also available
at Ocean Grove stores on Main Avenue – The Loft, Gifts by Tina, Gingerbreads and Kitch N Kaboodle.
Submitted by:
Mary Anne Ridoux
SerMar10@aol.com
732-920-3305
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