E.D.G.E. Theatre to Stage 1776 This September

E.D.G.E. Theatre has announced, in honor of the November elections, 1776. The production features music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone and direction by Melissa Crabtree with musical direction by Linnea Carrera, September 1 - 17, at Mary's Attic, 5400 N Clark Ave. Opening night is Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 and maybe be purchased at www.edgeoforion.com.

To commemorate this November's elections and a celebration of one of the most important documents ever created, E.D.G.E. Theatre presents the story of the Declaration of Independence. It is the summer of 1776, and thirteen British colonies are ready to declare independence from tyrannical Great Britain. However the Founding Fathers realize that they may disagree with each other more than King George III. Follow John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia and others as they attempt to convince each other that voting for independence and leaving the monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence is the best thing for the future of all. 1776 is a funny, insightful and compelling drama with a striking score and legendary book.

The cast includes Garrett Anderson, "Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon"; Francis Brady, "Caesar Rodney"; Alice Burton, "Dr. Josiah Bartlett"; Matt Calhoun, "Dr. Lyman Hall"; Orion Couling, "Col. Thomas McKean"; Jonathan Crabtree, "Andrew McNair"; Alexandra T. Cross, "Edward Rutledge"; Nick Dorado, "Samuel Chase"; Theresa Egan, "Martha Jefferson"; David Feilder, "John Hancock"; Ilana Goldstein, "Roger Sherman"; Adam Hoak, "John Dickinson"; Blacke Holen, "Robert Livingston"; Laura Jewell, "A Courier"; Coco Kasperowicz, "Stephen Hopkins"; Edward Kuffert, "Benjamin Franklin"; Terence McEnroe, "John Adams"; Mark Newton, "Joseph Hewes"; Beau Nolen, "Richard Henry Lee"; Melissa Paris, "AbiGail Adams"; Sydney Ray, "Charles Thomson" and Jack Wright, "Thomas Jefferson"

The production team includes Ellen Willitt, stage manager; Tiffany Tuck, assistant stage manager, Melissa Crabtree, costumes and David Trudeau, lighting designer.

Melissa Crabtree is making her E.D.G.E. as director with 1776. Crabtree has been a troupe member with E.D.G.E. Theatre for several years and has been active with costuming, choreography and performed in productions. She is an experienced actor and director with two degrees in Musical Theatre Production and Performance, and has appeared onstage and off in numerous theatres in Chicago and Australia. Her expertisein directing youth theatre was recognized by Spotlight Youth Theatre, where she has directed a dozen productions so far. Crabtree's performance credits include several professional theatres in Chicagoland, including Light Opera Works, Janus Theatre, Woodstock Opera House, Tall Ship Windy and Greenroom Productions. While in Australia, Melissa received the GCAT Award for her performance in All Shook Up.

Linnea Carrera holds a BA in Communications, Media and Theater and a MA in Clinical Psychology. She is currently pursuing certification as a Registered Drama Therapist. Carrera has more than 15 years of training and performance experience in theater, including over five years of experience teaching and directing youth. She was an ensemble member with Salsation Theater Company and has performed in sketch reviews and improv shows around the city of Chicago. She currently teaches voice and acting in Chicago and Oak Park.