Several Delaware County lawyers, including one judge, will be starring in an upcoming production of “1776,” a musical about the Founding Fathers and America’s independence.
The performances are scheduled for Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 14 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Delaware Hayes High School auditorium. Tickets are on sale now.
The director of the production, Greg Patterson, said he was put in touch with David Hejmanowski, judge of the Probate and Juvenile Division of the Delaware County Common Pleas Court, who was interested in putting together a fundraiser for the newly formed Delaware County Bar Foundation.
Hejmanowski told Patterson that the foundation wanted to raise money for special projects, like scholarships or innovative court programs, and hoped the musical would serve as a good fundraiser. Patterson said Hejmanowski was also a big fan of “1776” and was interested in being in a production of it.
Patterson, an assistant attorney general, said the production is a collaborative effort between the foundation and the Arena Fair Theatre Company.
“It’s a great show,” Patterson said. “It’s a fun way to look at the founding of our country. [The plot is] John Adams’ frustration with Congress and getting men to agree on when independence should happen.”
“[1776] is very historically accurate” Patterson said. “Much of the dialogue and lyrics are taken from actual letters and documents. For that reason it’s very educational but not preaching or boring.” Patterson said it is also delightful to see the Founding Fathers singing and dancing and acting the fool.
This is Patterson’s eighth production of “1776” and his third time directing — as well as his third time playing John Adams.
The 27-member cast is made up of 14 attorneys and includes Hejmanowski as Thomas Jefferson, Delaware County Treasurer Jon Peterson as Stephen Hopkins, Delaware County Law Librarian Judy Maxwell as Samuel Chase, former Municipal Judge Jeff Burkam as Judge James Wilson, and Delaware Hayes’ new homecoming king, Monty Almoro, as Andrew McNair.
Tickets for the show are $15 and can be ordered online at arenafair.eventbrite.com or by calling 740-302-8587. Tickets for an opening night “Bar Foundation Gala” can be purchased at the same website for $50.
Patterson said the gala includes dinner and raises more money for the foundation.
