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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Landless Theatre's 1776 Lights up 4th of July at the Weinberg Center
FREDERICK, Md., Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — The Landless Theatre Company (founder of Frederick's East Street Arts Center) will produce the classic musical 1776 at the Weinberg Center on the weekend of June 30 through July 2. The musical dramatizes the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing to life founding figures John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and many others.
“In our current climate of polarized political opinions, it's important to remember that the founders of the United States frequently disagreed with each other - often vehemently,” said Landless Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director, Andrew Baughman. “Each one was a patriot, and what better way to celebrate the 4th of July in Frederick.”
Baughman will co-direct the production with wife Melissa Baughman (2015 Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Director nominee), and appear in the role of John Adams. The production concept features a core of professional actors with local elected officials and community leaders in the supporting roles.
“As a teenager in the mid 90's I attended a production of 1776 at DC's Constitution Hall that utilized US Representatives and Senators in a number of cameo roles,” said Baughman. “It made for a very exciting event, and we hope to capture some of that spirit in this production.”
The current list of special guest performers includes Rick Weldon (former MD Delegate, Vice President of Frederick Chamber of Commerce), Michael O’Connor (Frederick Alderman), Josh Pedersen (Former United Way of Frederick CEO, MD 2-1-1 referral system), and Frederick's Mayor Randy McClement.
Filling out the cast are regional actors Matt Baughman, Bob Causer, Clay Comer, Robert Herbertson, David Horch, Eric Jones, Laura J. Martin, Lee Merriman, Jaclyn Muir, Ray Shaw, Tim Seltzer, Wilson Seltzer, Bill Stitely, and Alex Throne.
Proceeds from 1776 will benefit Landless’ 2018 premiere of The Mystery of Edwin Drood [Symphonic Metal Production], presented with special permission from Tony-winner, mystery novelist, and pop music veteran Rupert Holmes.
Businesses interested in supporting through sponsorship or program advertising should email . Tickets are now on sale at LandlessTheatre.com or WeinbergCenter.org.
ABOUT LANDLESS THEATRE COMPANY
The Landless Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating new and diverse audiences for live theatre. Founded in 2003, the company is most recently known for its “metal theatre” movement to create rock orchestrations of classic musicals. Landless was given special permission by Stephen Sondheim to orchestrate and produce Sweeney Todd [Prog Metal Version], which was nominated for three 2015 Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical.
ABOUT THE WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Weinberg Center for the Arts is one of the region’s premier performing arts presenters, offering film, music, dance, theater, and family-focused programming. Located in the historic Tivoli movie theater in downtown Frederick, Md., the Weinberg Center strives to ensure that the arts remain accessible and affordable to local and regional audiences alike. Weinberg Center events are made possible with major support from the City of Frederick, the Maryland State Arts Council, Plamondon Hospitality Partners, and other corporate and individual donors.
Photos available upon request.
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