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Ford's Theatre Will Give Voice to Liberty Smith, the Musical, in April 24 Reading
By Kenneth Jones
24 Apr 2006
Liberty Smith, the musical comedy about an unsung hero of the American Revolution, gets a reading in the nation's capital April 24.
Previously presented at National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals (2000) and the New York Musical Theatre Festival (2005), Liberty Smith now gets a presentation at historic Ford's Theatre.
The content of Liberty Smith is right up the alley of Ford's Theatre: The not-for-profit theatre explores American themes and subject matter.
Joe Calarco will direct a cast that includes Will Gartshore (Liberty), Erin Driscoll (Emily), Stephen Gregory Smith (Jefferson), Chris Bloch (Franklin) and
Stephen Schmidt (Revere). The Ford's presentation is expected to have a cast of about 15. Calarco also staged the NYMF presentation in 2005.
Liberty Smith is "the story of the Unsung Hero of the American Revolution; his acquaintance with General George Washington, Doctor Benjamin Franklin, Mr. Paul Revere, and other Noted Personages; and Strange and Surprising Adventures that made History," according to the creators.
Music is by Michael Weiner, lyrics by Adam Abraham
And book by Marc Madnick & Eric R. Cohen.
George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, The Boston Tea Party and "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" are all mentioned in the musical. The fictional title character and his lady love, Emily, interact with historical figures (not unlike the film "Forrest Gump").
Director Calarco is the adaptor/director of Shakespeare's R&J (Lucille Lortel Award) Off-Broadway, as well as Boy (Primary Stages); in the absence of spring; Sarah, Plain and Tall; and The Summer of the Swans. He recently directed Urinetown at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, and The Mistress Cycle in the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
The 7 PM April 24 Ford's Theatre reading series made possible by a grant from AT & T Services.
Ford's Theatre is at 511 Tenth Street N.W. in Washington, DC. For reservations, call (202) 347-4833.
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