Kimberly Gilbert Leads Ford's BORN YESTERDAY

Ford's Theatre Society announceS full casting and design team for a new production of Garson Kanin's 1940s screwball comedy, Born Yesterday. Aaron Posner (Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) directs Kimberly Gilbert as Billie Dawn (Jefferson's Garden, The Laramie Project), Edward Gero as Harry Brock (Hello, Dolly!; A Christmas Carol) and Cody Nickell as Paul Verrall. The Ford's Theatre production also features Evan Casey, Matt Dewberry, Eric Hissom, Naomi Jacobson, Todd Scofield and Jamie Smithson.

Born Yesterday plays September 21 to October 21, 2018. The production is recommended for ages 12 and older.

In this sharp-edged satire, opportunistic tycoon Harry Brock arrives in Washington with his naive girlfriend, Billie Dawn, to game the political system. With the help of an idealistic reporter, Billie wises up and fights back to end the corruption. Political satire meets romantic comedy in a story that shows truth and justice can win the day.

"It is great to be back at Ford's to direct this smart 1940s comedy about personal transformation and the complex underbelly of politics and relationships," said Director Aaron Posner. "Audiences will appreciate the shrewd and charming dialogue and, with no changes to the script, this 70-year-old play's characters and themes will remind us all how the more things change in Washington, the more things stay the same!"

Tickets for Born Yesterday are now on sale at www.fords.org and range from $17 to $64. Discounts are available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel and those younger than age 35.

Thank you to our 2018-2019 Season Sponsors: Chevron and The Home Depot. Born Yesterday is also made possible by Lead Underwriter: Oshkosh Corporation; as well as the following Underwriters: Booz Allen Hamilton and Dr. Gary Mather and Mrs. Christina Co Mather.

THE DESIGNERS

Daniel Lee Conway's (Sabrina Fair) Scenic Design elegantly transforms the Ford's stage into a glamourous two-level Washington hotel suite, featuring lavish architectural details in shades of gold and white, high archways, a black and white marble floor and a sweeping staircase. The play's Washington elite are outfitted in Costume Designer Kelsey Hunt's (Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) smartly tailored suits, and hotel staff in crisp trousers and red jackets. Meanwhile, characters Harry Brock and Billie Dawn arrive into town in a cacophony of color, with Billie sporting bold leopard print, big hats and other daring fashions.

The Ford's Theatre design team for Born Yesterday also includes Lighting Design by Nancy Schertler (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 1776, State of the Union), Sound Design and Original Music by John Gromada (Jefferson's Garden, Death of a Salesman, others) and Hair and Make-up Design by Anne Nesmith (Jefferson's Garden, Death of a Salesman, Ragtime, others).

The production team also includes Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast and Assistant Stage Manager Julia Singer.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

There are audio-described performances of Born Yesterday on October 2 at 7:30 p.m. and October 13 at 2:00 p.m. A sign-interpreted performance is October 11 at 7:30 p.m. A captioned performance is scheduled for October 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Free First Preview: September 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Ford's Theatre Partners with TodayTix to give out free tickets for the first performance of each mainstage production in our theatrical season. Six-hundred tickets are available via the TodayTix app, beginning 10:00 a.m. ET on September 8 for the September 21 7:30 p.m. performance of Born Yesterday. Visit www.fords.org/free for lottery entry details.

Born Yesterday Generation Abe Night: October 5 following the 7:30 p.m. performance

Patrons younger than 35 can purchase discounted tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance of Born Yesterday and enjoy a complimentary glass of beer or wine after the show. Meet young arts fans and get to know Ford's Theatre in a new way. Tickets for this Generation Abe initiative may be purchased in advance at www.fords.org. Use promo code UNDER3519. You must show ID at the Box Office once arriving at the theatre. Limit of six per person.

Born Yesterday Meet and Mingle: October 14 following the 2:00 p.m. performance

Following the performance of Born Yesterday at Ford's Theatre, talk theatre with fellow audience members and members of the cast at nearby restaurant Asia Nine, around the corner on E Street near Ford's Theatre. Event is free. Cash bar available. Performance tickets sold separately at www.fords.org.

Photo by Scott Suchman

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