Under the helm of sought after Los Angeles theatre Director Todd Nielsen, the Tony Award-winning Musical 1776 will be presented at the Glendale Centre Theatre June 23 - August 13, 2011. With Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards, Book by Peter Stone, and Musical Direction by the award-winning Steven Applegate, 1776 premiered on Broadway in 1969 and is based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, disliked by many in Congress, joins Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to bring forward a resolution for independence that will eventually set America free from England's tyranny. Powerful performances and an impeccably crafted script make 1776 as relevant today as it was when first written. Add a memorable score, a spectacular cast of 25... and 1776 delivers a riveting evening of theatre filled with history, humor, heart and romance.
Regional musical theatre favorites Peter Husmann (as John Adams), John Butz (as Benjamin Franklin) Jeff Drushal (as Thomas Jefferson), and Victoria Strong (as AbiGail Adams) lead a stellar cast which also includes: Nathan Armstrong (Robert Livingston), Aldo Benalcazar (Leather Apron), George Champion (John Hancock), Mario DiGregorio (Col. Thomas as McKean), Clay Dzygun (James Wilson), Christopher Gomez (Dr. Lyman Hall), Kyle Kelley (George Read), Michaelia Leigh (Martha Jefferson), Jason Lewis (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Hisato Masuyama-Ball (Dr. Samuel Chase), Patrick McMahon (Roger Sherman), Danny Michaels (Charles Thomson), Peter Miller (Andrew McNair), Jim Molinaro (Joseph Hewes), Michael Shaughnessy (Rev. John Witherspoon), Scott Strauss (Caesar Rodney), Adam Trent (Lewis Morris), Bryan Vickery (Richard Henry Lee), Andrew Wade (Courier), Jason Webb (John Dickinson), Don Woodruff (Stephen Hopkins), and Joey Zangardi (Edward Rutledge).
ABOUT THE PRINCIPALS:
Peter Husmann (John Adams) - was last seen at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Love and Kisses. Most recently, he appeared on stage with Annie Potts in the benefit Mothers and Others on Autism, and Dialectics of the Heart with ShaRon Lawrence at The Edgemar Center for Performing Arts. A professional film and television actor for over 20 years, Mr. Husmann is also known for hosting infomercials, his appearances in commercials, and his work in voiceover.
John Butz (Benjamin Franklin) - Mr. Butz's appearance in this production marks his 7th appointment to the Continental Congress. He has been seen in 13 roles, including all of the show's principal male roles, with the exception of Thomas Jefferson.
Jeff Drushal (Thomas Jefferson) - makes his debut at the Glendale Centre Theatre in the same role performed in the U.S. National Tour of 1776. He has also starred as Billy Bigelow in Carousel, Lancelot in Camelot, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Curley in Oklahoma.
Victoria Strong (AbiGail Adams) - is known throughout the country for her stage work; in particular for her portrayal of Mother in the U.S. National Tour of Ragtime. Regionally, she has starred as Betty Blake (The Will Rogers Follies), Golde (Fiddler On The Roof), Margaret (The Light In The Piazza), Anna (The King & I), Guenevere (Camelot), Maria (The Sound of Music), and Anne Sullivan (The Miracle Worker) ... to name but a few.
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM:
Todd Nielsen (Director/Choreographer) - is one of Los Angeles' most noted directors. Having recently directed Little Me for the Musical Theatre Guild of Los Angeles, Mr. Nielsen has served as Resident Director for the U.S. National tour of Disney's The Lion King; and has directed for such prestigious producing entities as Cabrillo Music Theatre, International City Theatre, The Welk Resort, Moonlight Ampitheatre, The Colony Theatre, The Norris Center for the Performing Arts, The Nine O'Clock Players ... and many others. Mr. Nielsen's extensive credits are highlighted by such productions as White Christmas, Cinderella, Thoroughly Modern Millie, City of Angels, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and the Glendale Centre Theatre's presentation of The Secret Garden. As a performer whose credits are equally impressive, Los Angeles audiences most recently saw Mr. Nielsen in She Loves Me at the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities in Redondo Beach, CA and in Annie for Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA.
