Fords Theatre Announces Continuation Of Programs If Gov't Closure Occurs

Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service are discussing the ramifications of a potential federal government shutdown. Ford's Theatre Society programming (including the musical "Liberty Smith" and the "Investigation: Detective McDevitt" and "A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly" walking tours) will continue as scheduled. If the decision is made to shutdown the federal government, Ford's Theatre will update its website and Box Office number with plans for daytime visitation and performances of "One Destiny." For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.fords.org or call (202) 347-4833.

"Liberty Smith"
music by Michael Weiner; lyrics by Adam Abraham
book by Marc Madnick, Eric R. Cohen and Adam Abraham
based on an Original Story by Marc Madnick and Eric R. Cohen
choreographed by Denis Jones
directed by Matt August
Though May 21, 2011

Ford's Theatre presents the world premiere of "Liberty Smith", a madcap musical romp through Revolutionary America. A childhood friend of George Washington, apprentice to Benjamin Franklin and linked to Paul Revere's remarkable ride, the elusive Liberty Smith weaves his way through familiar tales of a young nation. Rife with melody and blazing with adventure, "Liberty Smith" recalls the lush heyday of the American musical. Experience the birth of America through the eyes of our forgotten founding father: Liberty Smith.

Performances of "Liberty Smith" are Mondays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (except April 25), with matinees on Fridays and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (except April 15, May 6 and 13), and Noon matinees May 6 and 13. Tickets range $15-$55 with discounts available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel and those younger than 35. Individual tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or by visiting www.fords.org.

History on Foot Programming

"Investigation: Detective McDevitt"
written by Richard Hellesen; directed by Mark Ramont
Learn about the investigation surrounding the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy from someone who was there. Join Detective James McDevitt as he re-visits and re-examines the sites and clues surrounding the death of our nation's 16th president. This tour lasts approximately two hours and makes at least eight stops. The distance walked is 1.4 miles from Ford's Theatre to the White House. Are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. in April, and May. For the months of June, July and August, tours are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6:45 p.m. Additional tours will be held April 15 at 10:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., July 2 at 10:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., and July 3 at 6:45 p.m.

"A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly"
written by Jennifer L. Nelson; directed by Patrick Torres
Join Elizabeth Keckly, who bought her freedom after 35 years of slavery and became First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker and confidante. Listen as Elizabeth tells of her friendship with the Lincoln family, her work as a seamstress to Washington's elite, and her dedication to helping former slaves make a new life in the nation's capital. The tour lasts 90 minutes with a distance walked of approximately 1.5 miles. Tours are offered at 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays April 2, 9, 16, 23, May 7, 14, June 4 and 11; at 7:00 p.m. on May 21 and 28; and at 7:15 p.m. on June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, and 27.

History on Foot Tickets
Tickets for History on Foot are $15 for individuals and $12 for groups of 20 or more. Individual tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or by visiting www.fords.org. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets by calling (202) 638-2367.

Ford's Theatre Society
Since it reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. Ford's Theatre has captivated visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. For its accomplishments, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given by the U.S. government to artists, arts institutions and arts patrons.

Ford's Theatre Society works to present the Theatre's nearly one million visitors each year with a high quality historical and cultural experience, enhancing the vibrancy of this historic site, an important tool for promoting the ideals of leadership, humanity and wisdom espoused by Abraham Lincoln.

Since 2004, Ford's Theatre Society has been recognized by the critics and theatergoing public for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed "Big River" to the world premieres of "Meet John Doe" and "The Heavens Are Hung In Black," Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape.

For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit www.fords.org.

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