Forest, VA (VR) – Experience the passion and ideals that inspired a revolution and the birth of a new nation through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson and his good friend, fellow revolutionary and political rival, John Adams. Join Poplar Forest for a special performance of playwright Howard Ginsberg’s two-act drama Jefferson & Adams on Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg.
Ginsberg draws from their prolific correspondence to tell the story of the turbulent 52-year friendship between Jefferson, Adams and Adams’ wife, Abigail, in a poignant stage performance that fuses compelling political thought with passionate personal beliefs. The production features Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson; Sam Goodyear as John Adams; and Abigail Schumann as the ever-astute Abigail Adams. The ensemble has performed Jefferson & Adams in Colonial Williamsburg for 17 years; Adams National Historical Park for 13 years; and at numerous venues across the country, including in Chicago, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Jefferson and Adams met at the 1775 Continental Congress in Philadelphia and became friends while working on the draft of the Declaration of Independence. Their rich friendship continued—despite a seven-year hiatus after a falling-out over politics in 1801—until July 4,1826, when Jefferson and Adams died within hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson & Adams will be presented in one performance only at the Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main Street in Lynchburg. Tickets for Jefferson & Adams are $35 for adults (18+); $20 for youth (ages 17 and under & college students with student ID) plus taxes and fees; reservations are suggested. Sponsored in part by The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, The News & Advance and Progress Printing.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit academycenter.org or call 434.846.8499.