All Female Cast Brings Fresh Perspective to Founding Fathers
Shore Thing Productions makes history at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend on June 29, 30 and July 1 with 1776 in Concert. This unique staging of the award-winning Broadway musical showcases a “revolutionary” all female cast with some of the finest actresses in Central Oregon. These consummate performers kickoff the inaugural performance of the Tower’s new “Marquee Series” of live theatre productions, sponsored by U.S. Bank.
Accompanied by a full orchestra, 1776 recreates a difficult time in our country’s history when political leaders were stalemated during a humid summer in Philadelphia, locked in heated discussions about our nation’s future and whether to sever ties with England. They struggled with various points of view and, ultimately, unanimously signed the Declaration of Independence and the United States of America was born.
1776 in Concert will not have women cross dressing or acting like men, but rather sharing the words of the Founding Fathers—including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson—through their distinctly female voices. The original musical, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, opened on Broadway in March, 1969, quickly garnering attention and critical praise, culminating in the TONY Award for Best Musical.
1776 is directed by Kymberli Colbourne, with musical direction by Tim Russell. Colbourne, a professional actor/singer/voice over artist, has worked with The National Theatre of the Deaf, Seattle Shakespeare Festival, Book-It Rep, Seattle Children’s Theatre and Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland. Russell served as choir director at Centennial High School in Gresham for over twenty years before moving to Redmond, and is currently a member of the Central Oregon Mastersingers.
The concert is being presented as a benefit for The Tower Theatre Foundation, with net proceeds going to the nonprofit that is the heart of the performing arts scene in Central Oregon. The Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians.
Tickets: 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.