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Setting |
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Summer, 1776 |
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Scenes and Musical Numbers |
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Scene 1: The Chamber of the 2nd Continental Congress |
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"Sit Down, John" |
Adams & Delegates |
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"Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve" |
Adams |
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"Till Then" |
Adams & Abigail |
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Scene 2: The Chamber |
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"The Lees of Old Virginia" |
Lee, Franklin & Adams |
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Scene 3: The Chamber |
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"But, Mr. Adams" |
Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Sherman & Livingston |
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Scene 4: Thomas Jefferson's Apartment on High Street |
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"Yours, Yours, Yours!" |
Adams & Abigail |
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"He Plays the Violin" |
Martha, Franklin & Adams |
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Scene 5: The Chamber |
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"Cool, Cool, Considerate Men" |
Dickinson, Rutledge, Hancock & Conservatives |
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"Mama, Look Sharp" |
Courier, McNair & leather Apron |
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Intermission |
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Scene 6: A Congressional Anteroom |
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"The Egg" |
Adams, Franklin & Jefferson |
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Scene 7: The Chamber |
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"Molasses to Rum" |
Rutledge |
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"Compliments" |
Abigail |
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"Is Anybody There?" |
Adams, Jefferson, Franklin & Thomson |
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Program Notes by James R. C. Adams
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Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards (1919-1981)
Book by Peter Stone (1930-2003) |
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Most composers have a few failures before they hit
their stride. Before Jerome Kern's successful musical Show Boat,
with its well-remembered songs, Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man and
Ol' Man River, there was his first musical, The Red Petticoat.
Ever heard of it?
Richard Rogers wrote the music for Oklahoma,
Carousel, State Fair, which were huge successes, but
he wrote some twenty or more musicals before those that you probably
wouldn't recognize.
Even Irving Berlin had trouble getting started. His
first musical, Watch Your Step, ran for only 175 performances.
Sherman Edwards' first musical, 1776, ran for 1,217
performances!
Edwards was basically a piano-player. He helped put
himself through college, where he majored in history, by playing
nightclub and radio gigs, specializing in jazz. After a brief stint
teaching high school history, he turned to song-writing. He was very
successful at that, producing songs for Burt Bacharach, Sarah Vaughan,
Johnny Mathis, and Elvis Presly, among others. While working for
Presley, he suddenly decided he "wasn't into the rock songs anymore,"
and turned his attention back to history. He had been fascinated by the
events and the personalities leading up to the decision to rebel against
the British, and was determined to put his enthusiasm into a musical.
He wrote a series of songs and was persuaded to take
Peter Stone on to fill in the gaps. And there are quite length gaps, one
of which runs for about half-an-hour. One could argue that 1776
is a play by Peter Stone, with incidental music by Sherman Edwards,
except that the music is thoroughly integrated with the play.
As far as historical accuracy is concerned, a number
of liberties had to be taken for dramatic effect. Throughout the work,
John Adams is depicted as "obnoxious," but he is not depicted that way
in David McCullough's biography, John Adams. Certain characters
are conflated to reduce the number of actors required. Specifically,
Samuel Adams and John Adams are sometimes combined, so it's possible
that remarks attributed to other members of the Adams family could have
mistakenly been applied to John. On page 634 of McCullogh's book,
Charles Francis Adams wrote of his uncle Thomas as "one of the most unpleasant
characters in the world." And on page 277, John Adams, himself, writes,
"That I have no friendship for Franklin I avow." The repeated use of
"obnoxious and disliked" in the musical might have come from a remark
that Adama made about himself. It was self-deprecating.
Although this is the only musical written by Sherman
Edwards, it was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning three, one of which
was for Best Musical. It was not only the Best Musical by Edwards; it
was the last.
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Plot Synopsis |
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Scene 1 - May 8, 1776
It's a sweltering day in Philadelphia and John Adams (Delegate from
Massachusetts) is fuming about the lack of action by the 2nd Continental
Congress to make any decisive steps toward independence from England,
even while enduring oppressive policies from King George III and acts of
violence from the British military. The Congress, exhausted from the
heat and concerned about appearing treasonous, request the Adams calm
down and lower his voice. Enraged, Adams stomps out of the congressional
chamber and writes to his wife, Abigail. Their correspondence, as usual,
is filled with affectionate banter and updates about the "goings on" in
each of their respective locations: Adams in congress, and Abigail with
their children, at their farm in Braintree. Adams closes by requesting
that Abigail organize the women in her community to make saltpeter for
gun powder. Abigail explains that, due to the war, none of the ladies
can find pins for sewing -- and makes the condition that she will only
send saltpeter to John if he will first send pins to her.
Scene 2 -- May 9, 1776
Adams returns to the congressional chamber to find Franklin sitting for
yet another portrait. They discuss the congress' inaction on any of
Adams' proposals on independence and Franklin suggests that perhaps
someone besides John should do the proposing. Richard Henry Lee of
Virginia enters and volunteers for the mission, much to Adams' chagrin.
The scene concludes with an enthusiastic march as Lee heads for home,
intent on convincing his legislature to send him back with a formal
proposal.
Scene 3 -- June 7, 1776
Delegates slowly enter the chamber, ready for another long, warm day in
congress. Lee returns and offers Virginia's official proposal for
independence. A vociferous debate follows regarding whether or not the
matter should be post-poned, or even discussed. It is decided that any
vote for independence must be unanimous, so that no colony "will be torn
from its mother country without its own consent." This puts even more
pressure on Adams and his liberal cohorts to convince the entire
congress to vote their way. Finally, it is decided that a declaration
should be written to explain this unprecendented action and to help
garner international support for their cause. A declaration committee is
formed which includes a most reluctant Thomas Jefferson.
Scene 4 -- June 14, 1776
Adams and Franklin pay a visit to Jefferson's apartment one week after
he's accepted the task of writing the important document. They find that
he has completed nothing. As Adams begins scolding Jefferson, Martha
Jefferson arrives, surprising her husband. Adams reveals that he sent
for her, in order to ease Jefferson's loneliness and despondency. Adams,
lonely for his own family, write affectionately to his wife, Abigail.
Scene 5 -- June 22, 1776
The congressional doldrums continue when Washington's courier delivers a
dispatch summoning the war committee to visit New Brunswick to see for
themselves the poor condition of the military. Adams, chair of the war
committee, departs with his fellow committee members, leaving mainly the
Conservatives alone in the chambers. Dickinson points out the
pleasantness of the situation, owing to Adams' absence. As the
conservatives join him in celebrating this contentedness, the courier
brings in another dispatch from Washington. The letter informs congress
that the British have taken control of New York harbor and he fears they
may be heading for Philadelphia soon. The self-absorbed conservatives
ignore the foreboding message and eventually depart the chamber, leaving
the Courier, McNair (congressional custodian) and the Leather Apron
alone. The Courier describes a recent battle in which two of his friends
were killed, and the sound of their voices as they called out for their
mothers to come find them before they die.
Scene 6 -- June 28, 1776
Jefferson nervously stands outside the congressional chamber as the
secretary reads his declaration to the delegates. Adams and Franklin
noisily appear, boasting about the shooting accuracy they witnessed from
Washington's Army during the war committee's visit to New Brunswick.
Jefferson tells them the declaration is being read, and the three of
them consider together what their new nation might look like.
Scene 7 -- July 2, 1776
The reading of the declaration is complete. It then endures multiple
changes, deletions, and additions before it will be acceptable to all
the delegates. Many of the changes are minor, but one change is highly
significant -- Edward Rutledge's demand that the clause abolishing
slavery be omitted. Another heated debate ensues which stops abruptly
when all the southern delegates walk out of the chamber together. Just
when the idea of independence seems to be near complete collapse, Adams
again writes to Abigail -- this time, asking her advice on the matter.
She encourages him to continue his diligent pursuit of what he believes
is right for all the colonies. He returns to the chamber and convinces
Franklin and Jefferson to go talk to the opposition and convince them
that independence is the right course. Jefferson agrees to scratch the
slavery clause in order to secure the votes of the southern delegations
and the motion finally passes, unanimously. The revised declaration is
prepared and signed with a mix of emotions -- hope for a better life in
their new nation, but also trepidation as they set foot in uncharted
territory, which some will consider treasonous. The scene ends with each
man considering his own personal situiation, the safety of his family,
and the future of his nation.

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Cast of 1776
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2nd Continental Congress
John Adams, Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania
Thomas Jefferson, Virginia
John Dickinson, Pennsylvania
Edward Rutledge, South Carolina
John Hancock, president
Charles Thomson, secretary
Richard Henry Lee, Virginia
Roger Sherman, Connecticut
Stephen Hopkins, Rhode Island
Robert Livingston, New York
Col. Thomas McKean, Delaware
Caesar Rodney, Delaware
Dr. Lyman Hall, Georgia
James Wilson, Pennsylvania
Lewis Morris, New York
Andrew McNair, custodian
Samuel Chase, Maryland
George Read, Delaware
Rev. John Witherspoon, New Jersey
Joseph Hewes, North Carolina
Josiah Bartlett, New Hampshire
Leather Apron
John Penn, North Carolina
John Hart, New Jersey
Non-Congressional Cast
Abigail Adams
Martha Jefferson
Courier
Painter |
Daniel Myers-Bowman
Mark Huntington
Jeremy Walters
Eric Reichenbach
David Moan
Ham Sadler
Alex Drew
Nicholas Kenny
David Myrick
Tony Moore
Robert Bucher
Heidi Gonyea Lovett
Andrew Rich
Gabe Hoagland
Nick King
Elizabeth Waas Smith
Nikki Glassley
Charles Lovett
Darcy Robins
James Chinworth
Chris Teeters
Matt Winger
Kaylee Hawley
Chris Garber
Aimee Hoffbauer
Stephanie Green
Cassandra Whitaker
Jeremiah Sanders
Emilie Hunt |
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Manchester Symphony Orchestra Personnel
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Violin I
Dessie Arnold, Concertmaster
Rachel Nowak +^
Liisa Wiljer
Violin II
Joyce Dubach *
Jennifer Iannuzzelli +^
Linda Kummernuss
Alyssa Loos +^
Viola
Naida MacDermid *
Kelsey Airgood +^
Margaret Sklenar
Cello
Robert Lynn *
Joseph Kalisman
Bass
Jess Gaze *
Piccolo
Kathy Davis
Flute
Kathy Davis *
Oboe
Nyssa Gore * |
Clarinet
Lila D. Hammer *
Sarah Leininger +^
Bassoon
Erich Zummack *
Horn
Carol Campos *+^
Kristen Hoffman +^
Trumpet
Steven Hammer *
(Nicholas Kenny +^)
Trombone
Jon Hartman *
Larry Dockter
Timpani
Joshua Faudree
Percussion
Joshua Faudree *
Katie Lawther +
Keyboards
Tim Reed
* Denotes principal
+ Denotes MC student
^ Denotes Keister Scholarship recipient |
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Robert
Bucher, tenor (Robert Livingston, New York and Producer)
graduated from MC in Business Management and currently lives in
Huntington and works for Perry Corporation. He enjoys spending time with
his parents, Barry and Diana Bucher; his wife, Megan Bucher; and his
cockapoos, Buddy and Sadie. Robert was the producer for MC's production
of The Sound of Music. He played Noah in Children of Eden
and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He
also appeared in Pirates of Penzance, Anything Goes,
and Beauty and the Beast. Robert says, "I am honored to produce
a show that has such a talented and professional cast. I am excited to
take part in this wonderful productions as Robert Livingtson."
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James
Chinworth, baritone (Rev. John Witherspoon, New Jersey) is a
very familiar face in town. Besides his work as associate pastor at
Manchester Church of the Brethren, he is a small business owner
(Kenapocomocha), and he does home restoration. James is from Midland,
Michigan, and graduated from Purdue and Lancaster Seminary. His family
includes his wife Debbie Chinworth and their two sons, Michael and
Andrew. A former MC campus pastor, he is excited to return to the
college, this time in a theatrical role. James is grateful for "just
enough lines to make me feel focused and anxious. As a first-time
participant in a show, 1776 is a good one."
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Alex
Drew, baritone (Charles Thomson, secretary) is a sophomore
vocal performance major from Howell, Michigan, who wants to be an opera
star! His path to stardom includes two memorable performances in Opera
Workshop at MC -- as Matthew in La Divina and Pish Tush in
The Mikado. Alex claims that his hair will never again be as long
as you will see it in this performance.
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Chris
Garber, bass (John Penn, North Carolina) is a native of North
Manchester. Chris graduated from MC in biology and environmental
studies, and is now the MC Director of Operations. He lives here in town
with his wife, Katly. Chris is grateful to be able to learn from such a
talented and patient director in Debra Lynn. He says, "Even though I
have a minor role, I have enjoyed the experience."
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Nikki
Glassley, soprano (Andrew McNair, congressional custodian) is a
junior English Literature major with a minor in History, who is
preparing for a career as a librarian. She is from Westville, Indiana,
where she resides with her parents Kim and Mark, sister Char, and
puppies Boomer and Wicket. Nikki has been in several MC productions
previously such as Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, and one
of the Party Members in 1984. She has also participated in the
Student One Act Productions. |
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Stephanie
Green, mezzo-soprano (Abigail Adams) is a senior Choral Music
Education major who will begin her teaching career in a few short
months! She is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Family members supporting her
in the audience this weekend are her mom Valerie Miller; her sister
Breana; her grandparents Jack and Sarah Miller; and her Uncle, Aunt and
cousins Tim, Tammy, Kim, Carly, and Julianne. Stephanie has a chocolate
Labrador retriever named Harley -- but he can't come to see the show --
no pets allowed. (Darn!) If you're a fan of the Opera Workshop
productions at MC, you've probably seen Stephanie onstage before as
Cecily in La Divina, Little Poponel in The Boy Who Grew Too
Fast, or in the chorus for The Mikado or Die
Fledermaus. She also performed in Oklahoma, Bye Bye
Birdie, and Annie at memorial Park Middle School before
coming to MC. Regarding her involvement in 1776, Stephanie
says, "The struggle our forefathers went through is something that needs
to be learned by all. Putting it into a musical is an excellent way to
commend the work of the 2nd Continental Congress that made the country
what it is today! I've enjoyed working with so many community members,
college faculty and staff." |
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Kaylee
Hawley, mezzo-soprano (Leather Apron) came to MC from
Winchester, Indiana. She is currently a junior with plans to practice
law or be a judge. She has shown excellent judgment and talent so far in
her roles as Rapunzel (Into the Woods) and Mallika (Lakmé)
at MC, and as Dolly (Annie Get Your Gun), Yente (Fiddler on
the Roof), and Kate (Pirates of Penzance) at Winchester
Community High School. Kaylee appreciates the support of her parents,
Lawanna and Rick Hawley, and the companionship of her dog, Mikey. |
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Gabe
Hoagland, baritone (Dr. Lyman Hall, Georgia) is from Urbana,
Indiana, and is a junior at Horthfield Jr.-Sr. High School. Gabe has
appeared in several community productions, including as Jem in To
Kill a Mockingbird, Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business
without Really Trying, Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream,
Bill Sykes in Oliver!, and First Gangster in Bells Are
Ringing. Gabe appreciates everyone who has supported his goal to
become a music teacher and performer, especially Roy Hine. |
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Aimee
Hoffbauer, alto (John Hart, New Jersey) is a sophomore
accounting major from Freemont, Indiana. Her grandfather is Jim Swift,
and her brother is AJ Hoffbauer. Her interests and hobbies include
singing in A Cappella Choir, working as a theatre tech, and knitting.
Before coming to MC, Aimee attended Freemont High School and was the
assistant director and backstage manager for At the Carnival.
She also played Old Granny in Games in the Boondocks. |
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Emilie
Hunt, soprano (Painter Assistant to Producer) divides her time
between her major, accounting, and her involvement in music and theatre.
She sings in two campus choirs, A Cappella Choir and Cantabile. A
first-year student from Springsboro, Ohio, she eventually wants to be a
CPA. Emilie appreciates her parents, Terriann and Bryan Hunt. She says
"I loved getting to work backstage as well as with some of the crew
members." |
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Mark
Huntington, tenor (Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania) is a
professor of Exercise and Sport Sciences and Associate Dean for Academic
Affairs at MC. Originally from New Britain, Connecticut, Mark earned his
Bachelor's degree from MC, his Masters degree from Boston University,
and his Doctorate from Indiana University. He plays clarinet in two
symphony orchestras, and he has a private pilot license. Mark's previous
roles include Paul (On Jillian's 37th birthday) at North
Manchester Black Box Theatre (Firehouse), and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
(Annie) at Manchester High School. He has thoroughly enjoyed
working with the entire cast of 1776, but he says "I'm not sure
about playing an older man!" |
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Nicholas
Kenny, tenor (Richard Henry Lee, Virginia) is about to graduate
from MC in applied instrument performance (trumpet). He ill then begin a
graduate program in trumpet performance at the University of Northern
Colorado. It is Nick's goal to earn his DA and teach trumpet at the
college level. Audience members may recognize Nick from several past MC
musical theatre productions: Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors),
Frederick the Pirate Apprentice (The Pirates of Penzance),
Sebastian (Twelfth Night), and Prince Carpenter (Foxfire).
Important figures in Nick's life include his parents, Ann and Jeffrey
Kenny; his brother, Justin; his sister-in-law Wendy; his nephew Noah,
and his adored pet, Kitty Kenny. Of his experience working on 1776,
Nick says "Everyone associated with this production has shown great
talent and commitment. Thanks for providing me with a small, manageable,
and fun role." |
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Nick
King, tenor (Judge James Wilson, Pennsylvania) is a commercial
pilot from Portland, Indiana. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Aviation
and Flight Sciences at the University of Dubuque. Now he is an
Admissions counselor at MC with the goal of becoming a college
professor. Nick loves riding motorcycles and being outdoors. His parents
are Dan and Carol King, and his brother is Eric. Nick usually does tech
work rather than stage acting. He says "It is a lot fo fun to be on
stage with the other performers and actually see the audience." |
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Charles
Lovett, tenor (Samuel Chase, Maryland) attended MC and studied
Music Theory and Composition and Vocal Performance. His ultimate goal is
to be a professional composer and performer. Charles enjoys composition,
history, and lawn care. At MC, Charles played Poponel in The Boy Who
Grew Too Fast and Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night. More
recently, he appeared in the North Manchester Black Box Theatre
(Firehouse) production of Into the Woods as Jack. Charles
reflects on his participation in 1776: "The musical 1776
brings a light, comical feel to a very serious situation in the history
of the United States. Being in the cast has been a fun and educational
experience." Charles thanks his wife, Heidi; his parents Ralph and
Margaret Lovett; his siter, Chelsey; and his in-laws, Asha and Brent
Goodnight. |
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Heidi
Gonyea Lovett, soprano II (Col. Thomas McKean, Delaware and
Hair/Make-up Coordinator) was born in Homestead, Florida, but she
considers Kokomo, Indiana, her hometown. Right now she is a barista at
Kenapocomocha coffee shop. Eventually, she wants to teach English
literature or art. She thanks her very supportive mother and
step-father, Asha and Brent Goodnight, who "never miss a show." Heidi's
love for theatre, music, and art is evident in her ongoing participation
in college and community productions. She played Little Red Riding Hood
in Into the Woods and Sophie in Annie. At MC, she
played Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown and Maria in
Twelfth Night. Heidi says this about 1776: "I am so
outnumbered as a female in a very male cast, but it's so much fun! I
have not only learned more about myself and about American history." |
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David
Moan, baritone (Edward Rutledge, South Carolina) studied voice
at MC and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2009. He is currently an
Instructor of Music and a Livestock Manager. His interests include
cycling, Batman, and the North Manchester Black Box Theatre (Firehouse).
David has played numerous leading roles in shows at MC (Urinetown,
Pirates of Penzance, The Boy Who Grew Too Fast,
Twelfth Night). He played Chad in All Shook Up at the
University of St. Francis. He both directed and acted in Madrigal
Theatre at Wits' End theatre in Minnesota, and he was the Baker for
Into the Woods at the Firehouse. Regarding his involvement in
1776, David says "It is incredible to be a part of the
personification of an event from a time that has fascinated me. Taking
on this character has forced me to think about this country's origins in
a new way, and give a new perspective on current events." |
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Tony
Moore, baritone (Stephen Hopkins, Rhode Island) is a first-year
MC student majoring in Exercise Science. Down the road, he hopes to
become a physical therapist. He thanks his mother, Tammy Moore, and his
father, David Moore for their support. Before coming to MC, Tony
participated in high school and community theatre -- The Wizard of
Oz, Aida, Les Misérables, Grease,
Peter Pan, Hello Dolly, and Urinetown. Tony
appreciates the diversity of the 1776 cast members. He says
"They are friendly and quirky in their own way!" |
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Daniel
Myers-Bowman, baritone (John Adams, Massachusetts) is a junior
at MC majoring in Music Theory and Composition. His goal is to become a
performing musician and actor. Daniel is from Manhattan, Kansas, where
he resides with his parents, Clay and Karen, and his brother Cameron.
Daniel's distinctive voice has graced numerous productions at MC. He
played Winston in 1984, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors,
Creon in Antigone, and Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown.
Back in Manhattan, he appeared in Pajama Game, The
Fantasticks, Beauty and the Beast, and You're a Good
Man, Charlie Brown. He says "I am thrilled to be working on
1776 here in Manchester! Doing a show of this scale is always a fun
but arduous process, and my fellow cast/crew members have made it a
memorable experience. Thanks to everyone who has devoted their time and
effort into making this musical a success!" |
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David
Myrick, tenor (Roger Sherman, Connecticut) is a first-year MC
student majoring in Music Theory and Composition. A native of
Mooresville, Indiana, David hopes to attend graduate school after
graduating from MC. |
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Eric
Reichenbach, tenor (John Dickinson, Pennsylvania) is a family
physician who enjoys gardening, cooking, watching movies, and traveling
with his wife Jennifer, his daughter Lauryn, and his sons, Benjamin,
Samuel, and Isaac. Eric grew up in Wayland, Iowa, and earned degrees at
Bluffton University and Indiana University. An active and dynamic
performer, he has played leading roles with the Wabash Area Community
Theatre in A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast,
and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He performed
at Manchester High School productions Annie and Jane Eyre.
Most recently, Eric appeared in Into the Woods and To
Gillian on Her 37th Birthday at the North Manchester Black Box
Theatre (Firehouse). |
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Andrew
Rich, tenor (Caesar Rodney, Delaware) is a Professor of
Mathematics at MC. He is a native of North Manchester, and he earned his
BA from Bethel College in Kansas, and his PhD from the University of
Chicago. A world traveler, Andrew's last experience on stage was at
American School in Japan 38 years ago, where he sang in the chorus for
Annie Get Your Gun, and he played Harry the Horse (Guys and
Dolls) and Barnaby Tucker (Matchmaker). He is married to
Sally Rich, and their children are Sarah, Joey, Bekah, and Jon. Andrew
sums up his enthusiasm for 1776 this way:"History plus drama is
a potent mix" |
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Darcy
Robins, soprano II (George Read, Delaware) is a sophomore vocal
performance major. She plans to combine her musical training with her
psychology minor and work in the field of musical therapy. Darcy is the
grand-daughter of Mary-Jane Robins and the daughter of Jerry and Deb
Robins. Her siblings are Barry, Sherri, and Kacee. She lives in
Huntertown, Indiana. |
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Ham
Sadler, bass (John Hancock, President) is from Cuba, New York.
He graduated from the University of Maryland. A former military
intelligence analyst, he now works as a computer programmer. His past
roles include the chef in Cinderella, Beadle in
Blackadder's Christmas Carol, Menelaus in Trojan Women,
and Pooh-Bah in The Mikado. He has also played bass in a gospel
band. Ham characterized his involvement with 1776 as "a great
experience working with many different actors and musicians." |
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Jeremiah
Sanders, baritone (Courier) is a first-year MC student from
Marion, Indiana, majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance. His
pasttimes are skating, Skyping, skydiving, and skipping. Before coming
to MC, Jeremiah was a principal dancer in Where Fortunes Lie,
and he played Leroy Brown Jr. in That '70s Musical, Audrey II
in Little Shop of Horrors, and a pastor in Six-Part Harmony. |
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Elizabeth
Waas Smith, alto (Lewis Morris, New York) comes to us from
Michigan. She is a goldsmith and shop manager in North Manager. She is
the grand-daughter of David and Becky Waas, the daughter of Pat Price
and Lori Waas, and the niece of Libby Waas. Regarding her experience
with 1776, Elizabeth writes: "I am grateful to my mom for
introducing me to 1776 at the tender age of five, and for Debra
for having such faith in my abilities." |
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Chris
Teeters, baritone (Joseph Hewes, North Carolina) is an MC
junior majoring in Music Education. Besides signing, Chris plays the
timpani and the piano. His goal is to teach high school choir. Audiences
may recognize his face and voice from two past MC Opera Workshop shows.
He played Commendatore from Don Giovanni and Pooh-Bah from
The Mikado. He thanks his parents, Kirk and Linda Teeters, and
Mollie Rose. |
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Jeremy
Walters, tenor (Thomas Jefferson, Virginia) is a first-year MC
student with a major in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. He
would like to join the CIA. Before coming to MC, Jeremy played Mickey
Johnstone in Blood Brothers and Wickersham in Seussical,
both at Manchester High School. In praising his fellow performing
artists, Jeremy claims that this 1776 cast is "the best cast to
ever perform together. Ever. Debra rocks." |
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Cassandra
Whitaker, soprano (Martha Jefferson and Costume Coordinator) is
a junior in Vocal Performance from Beavercreek, Ohio. She enjoys
singing, sewing, reading, horseback riding, and dancing. Cassandra has
appeared in several productions at MC and in Beavercreek, including
Urinetown, Lakmé, The Shadowbox, and Kiss and
Tell. She is the daughter of Anita Campbell. |
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Matt
Winger, bass (Josiah Bartlett, New Hampshire) is a sophomore
from Chicago majoring in Business Marketing. He aspires to be a
marketing executive. His parents are Annette and Robert Winger.
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