Wheaton Drama's "1776" Cast and Crew Defining Commitment
The cast and crew of Wheaton Drama's next production, the Tony Award winning musical "1776", are very busy with rehearsals and other activities.
On Thursday, April 21, Wheaton Drama hosted a meet and greet for members of the arts community. Accompanied by "1776" music director William Rush and introduced by director Charles A. Berglund, "1776" cast members Kimberly Baker (Martha Jefferson), Peter Lemongelli (Richard Henry Lee), and Sean Ogren (John Adams) each performed a song from the show as entertainment at the event. As the meet and greet concluded, "1776" rehearsal began on the Playhouse 111 stage.
"1776" cast and crew members also assisted with preparation for meet and greet, with Dave Amato (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Andy Kanturek (Roger Sherman), Jo-Ann Ledger (production manager), and Steven Merkel (sound design) assisting Jeni Dees and Amy Royle.
On April 23, "1776" set construction began. Headed by Ben Aylesworth (set construction) and Penny Salvesen (set design), crew members Steve Blount (George Read & "1776" properties co-chair), Bruce Ebner (stage manager), Melissa Goyette (hair & make-up crew), Amy Johnson (properties co-chair), Steven Merkel, Jen Neidl, Scott Neidl, and Mike Smid made excellent progress transforming the stage into Penny's vision of Independence Hall. Set decorator Katy Smith was on hand to begin staining chairs and review decoration needs. Katy was assisted by Tracy Adams (hair & make-up designer), Jo-Ann Ledger, and Jen Neidl.
When "1776" rehearsals resumed April 25 after the busy weekend, the cast had a better feel for their playing space since the set crew had erected the platforms and hung the scrim that will be used in the show. Costumer Melissa Heischberg attended the April 25 rehearsal to begin fitting the cast with costumes.
The "1776" cast has been rehearsing four nights a week. "1776" choreographer Harmony Barry has taught and reviewed dance in the theatre's green room while music and blocking rehearsals are underway elsewhere in the Playhouse.
Sunday rehearsals are added to the schedule beginning May 1. A preview of the show will be presented at Wheaton Drama's general meeting on May 17.
Wheaton Drama's "1776" cast is: Keith Aarseth (Charles Thomson); Dave Amato (Dr. Josiah Bartlett); Garrett Ard (Edward Rutledge); Jean Austin (Abigail Adams); Stan Austin (Robert Livingston); Kimberly Baker (Martha Jefferson); Joe Billquist (Joseph Hewes); Steve Blount (George Read); Jack Dentinger (Leather Apron); Zach Gibson (Samuel Chase); Jay Goldberg (Dr. Lyman Hall); Craig Gustafson (Lewis Morris); Christian Johnson (Courier); Andy Kanturek (Roger Sherman); Randall W. Knott (Thomas Jefferson); Tony Kortas (Rev. John Witherspoon); Peter Lemongelli (Richard Henry Lee); Dave Lichty (Stephen Hopkins); Joe Maier (Caesar Rodney); Daniel Baggott-Miller (Dr. Benjamin Franklin); R.J. Ogren (McNair); Sean Ogren (John Adams); Brent Richardson (John Hancock); Jaime Sandoval (James Wilson); Caleb Sjogren (John Dickinson); Lars Timpa (Col. Thomas McKean).
An entertaining dramatization of the weeks leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "1776" has book by Peter Stone, music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, and is based on a concept by Sherman Edwards.
"1776" will be performed May 27 through June 19. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $18 for Thursdays; $21 for Fridays – Sundays. "1776" is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
In addition to “1766”, future Wheaton Drama productions include “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”, “Incorruptible”, “On Golden Pond”, “Bad Seed”, “Black Comedy”, and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”.
At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama's performances are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. For tickets and information, please visit http://www.wheatondrama.org or call 630-260-1820.