Belfry Theatre moves to Ivy Tech for ‘1776 The Musical’ production
American history comes to life in the witty and compelling Broadway musical “1776,” presented by the Belfry Theatre Nov. 21 through 30.
It’s the summer of 1776 and the nation is ready to declare independence, if only the founding fathers can agree to do it. Follow John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson as they wrestle with infighting, hold heated debates and negotiate compromises in their attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy.
“I feel it is important historically,” said Elaine Wagner, director. “It brings the founding fathers to life.”
“1776” will be the first production the Belfry has done at Ivy Tech Community College-Noblesville, 300 N. 17th St.
“They’ve been very good to us,” Wagner said. “Dan Clark (Ivy Tech Noblesville Campus President) has been very accommodating. It’s given us a lot more space to work in and the seating is a lot better for the patrons, that’s for sure.”
Wagner directed the original production of “1776” in the Belfry’s 1986-1987 season. Besides the venue, Wagner said a main difference between the two shows is her three costumers.
“We made the costumes for all actors; last time we rented them,” she said. “That makes a difference.”
Wagner also said the previous show didn’t have enough cast members and some actors had two parts.
“That’s not been a problem this time around,” she said.
Wagner said the show has cast members from across the state – from Muncie to Avon. One father-son duo, Lewis and Tim Fox, travel from Frankfort and Lafayette, respectively, to be a part of the show. It is the second show the two have appeared in together as adults.
“It’s a blast. … We’re able to recreate history,” Lewis, the older Fox, said. “My wife is from Noblesville and we’ve been to the Belfry and seen shows before.”
Tim said he has seen the film version of the musical several times but hasn’t acted in “1776” before.
“I found out about the show from a friend,” he said. “It’s been a while since I acted with my father. I called him and said, ‘Hey, old man, want to be in a show together?’”
Know more
The Belfry Theatre and Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, 40 N. Ninth St., are teaming up to offer a special dinner and a show package for the Nov. 22 and 29 performances. The package includes a three-course dinner and preferred seating for the show. Cost is $50 per person. For more information, visit www.thebelfrytheatre.com.
Cast members include: John Hancock – Darrin Gowan, Dr. Josiah Bartlett (N.H.) – David Whiteman, John Adams (Mass.) – Mark Tumey, Stephen Hopkins (R.I.) – Roger Boop, Roger Sherman (Conn.) – Marc Walter, Lewis Morris (N.Y.) – John W. Totty, Robert Livingston (N.Y.) – Doug Lintner, Rev. John Witherspoon (N.J.) – Lewis Fox, Dr. Benjamin Franklin (Pa.) – Duane Leatherman, John Dickinson (Pa.) – Mark Peed, Judge James Wilson (Pa.) – Tim Long, Caesar Rodney (Del.) – Wayne Wentzel, Col. Thomas McKean (Del.) – Greg Smith, George Read (Del.) – Daniel Racke, Samuel Chase (Md.) – Shaun Berkey, Richard Henry Lee (Va.) – Doug Peet, Thomas Jefferson (Va.) – Kyle Hensley, Joseph Hewes (N.C.) – Hank Kratky, Edward Rutledge (S.C.) – Tim Fox, Dr. Lyman Hall (Ga.) – Charlie McMillan Jr., Charles Thomson – Ron Harris, Andrew McNair – Horace Tucker, a leather apron – Zachariah Buzan, Abigail Adams – Robin Peet, Martha Jefferson – Monica Brothers, courier – Sam Harlan and painter – Susie Walden.
1776 The Musical ● Ivy Tech Community College-Noblesville, 300 N. 17th St. ● 8 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and 30 ● Cost: $18 for adults and $12 for 12 and younger ● 773-1085 ● www.thebelfrytheatre.com
