'1776' Opens Bellevue Little Theatre's 2012-13 Season Tonight, 9/14

Bellevue Little Theatre will open the 2012-13 season with the musical '1776' tonight, Sept. 14. This production will continue on week-ends thru Sept. 30. Showtimes are 8 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 pm on Sunday afternoons.

This show runs tonight, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, and 28, 29, 30. Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling 402-291-1554 between the hours of 10 am and 4:30 pm Monday thru Saturday. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $9 for students (with proper ID).

Stage director Dr. Laureen Pickle and musical director Kay Clark have made presenting an historically accurate production their number one priority. The historic events portrayed in this musical lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

'1776' is an extremely important look at the beginning of our country's struggle for independence, a look which is important for every American to take in this election year.

The music and lyrics for '1776' were composed by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone. The story is based on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the primary focus being on the character of John Adams, a pretty unlikable man. He was completely devoted to his new country and to his colony of Massachusetts, but lacked the diplomacy necessary in politics.

Adams faced the task of persuading the delegates from all of the colonies to vote for independence from Great Britain. His struggle is the central theme of the production. This musical opened on Broadway in 1969, winning three Tony awards, including best musical. It was made into a film in 1972 and was revived on Broadway in 1997. It is interesting that this musical requires only two women---those portraying AbiGail Adams and Martha Jefferson.

Sandy Thompson is serving as producer, and Robin Klusmire is stage manager for "1776". It should be noted that both musical director Kay Clark and Ms. Klusmire served in the same positions in the BLT's 1996 production. Jack Hogston, currently in charge of set construction, previously appeared as John Hancock. Several members of the original BLT cast are also recreating their roles-- Curtis Leach as Benjamin Franklin, and John LaPuzza, John Adams. Adam Hogston who will play Robert Livingston and Nelson Lampey who is cast as George Reed are also former cast members.

Joining LaPuzza, Leach, Hogston, and Lampey as delegates to the convention are Andrew Miner as Edward Rutledge; Chuck Wilson, Roger Sherman; Dale Krusemark, Joseph Hewes; Don Reimer, Charles Thompson; Gary Parker, Rev. John Witherspoon; Geoff Chenoweth, Thomas McKean; Joe Mokrycki, Andrew McNair; John Jones, Samuel Chase; John Kuehl, Dr. Josiah Bartlett; John Payton, Stephen Hopkins; Kevin Olsen, Thomas Jefferson; Patrick Wolfe, John Hancock; Robert Matter, Caeser Rodney; Ryan Pivonka, Richard Henry Lee; Sam Reimer, John Dickinson; Sean Buster, James Wilson; Steve Pera, Dr. Lyman Hall; Tom Fleckten, Lewis Morris.

Also appearing are Kyle Avery as the Courier and Max Hauze as Leather Apron. Janet Williams will portray AbiGail Adams and Shiloh Jones as Martha Jefferson.

Prodouction staff joining MrS. Thompson and Ms. Klusmire are Mark Ferrill, sound designer; D. Laureen Pickle, set designer; and Kyle Fitch, sound designer. Lindsay Pape is in charge of costumes; Paula Mitchell, properties; and Jack Hogston, set construction.

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