Melissa Errico, Matthew Modine, et al. Set for MORE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH Benefit

Internationally renowned actor, Golden Globe Winner, and multiple Emmy Nominee Matthew Modine, OBIE, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Lucille Lortel Award Winner & TONY-Award Nominee Kathleen Chalfant, and Tony-Award Nominee and Broadway Star Melissa Errico star in a unique dramatic presentation  drawn from the passionate letters of Thomas Jefferson and painter/composer/musician Maria Cosway, and intertwined with the performance of music mentioned in their correspondence, including works by Sacchini, Hewitt, and rarely performed compositions by Cosway herself, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the French Revolution. 

Protean genius and primary architect of the Doctrine of Separation of Church and State, Jefferson was also an accomplished violinist and four-year resident of Paris before he became our third President. His romance with the married, Italian-born painter/composer/musician Maria Cosway during his post as Minister Plenipotentiary to France leaves a trove of letters which render the soundscape of the French Revolution with startling precision. 

The performance will combine a theatrical presentation of a script created from the actual letters of Jefferson and Cosway's forty year correspondence, interwoven with performances of the music they heard together, shared with each other, and that Cosway wrote for him.  Repertoire will include selections from Sacchini’s opera Dardanus, songs by James Hewitt, works by Corelli and Duphly, and rare compositions by Cosway herself. The performance space is part of a complex that was built in 1799.  More Between Heaven and Earth is part of a larger artistic endeavor to "reclaim the Founding Fathers from the Tea Party." A portion of the proceeds from the performance will be donated to Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Saturday, December 17th at 8pm

AbiGail Adams Smith Auditorium
417 East 61st Street
First and York Streets

Part of the Mount Vernon Hotel, Museum, and Garden built in 1799
A gala reception will follow the performance

For tickets, go to:
www.mbhe.charityhappenings.org

Premium Seating: $100
Side and Rear Seating: $50