The Ford’s Theatre campus will be closed on May 21 and June 3, 2012.
The campus includes the museum, theatre, Petersen House and Center for Education and Leadership.
Liberty Smith
Fans are calling the show “amazing, funny, fantastic!” Read more.
“Very Disney! Embroidered by optimistic ballads with such titles as “A Better Tomorrow” and “Dare but to Dream,” and dividing history into adorable good guys (Benjamin Franklin) and Captain Hook-like nasties (Benedict Arnold). Visitors to the working house of history that is Ford’s will no doubt feel a synergy between the landmark theater and the themes of this musical, which follows the adventures of an 18th-century Zelig, played by the honey-throated Geoff Packard. Good-natured and filled with wiseacre anachronisms. Liberty Smith is sunny and well-sung!”
- The Washington Post
“An enjoyable, entertaining romp into America’s revolutionary past! Ford’s latest production is a wholesome family musical, appropriate for theatregoers of all ages. While the subject matter may be the stuff of the 18th century … Liberty Smith is as current and fresh as a headline from The Onion or a ‘Funny-or-Die’ viral video. If you don’t yet have tickets for Liberty Smith, why not? You should.”
- Metro Herald
“A very enjoyable spectacle of song, dance, and American history! Geoff Packard … is perfect as the strong-willed Liberty Smith. Kelly Karbacz plays the plucky Emily Andrews, a modern-minded woman in a pre-woman’s suffrage world. The end product is a fresh new musical that is bound to be a hit.”
-We Love DC
“Irrepressible, catchy music … superb cast of actors! If you simply want to be entertained and revel in gloriously anthemic music – with 23 musical numbers! – and a Broadway-caliber cast and set design, Liberty Smith is your ticket to ride. [Geoff] Packard shines in the role of Smith. He hits all the right notes portraying another wholesome boy, full of optimism and wonder in a world populated by older and more jaded types. He meets his match in Emily Andrews, winsomely played by Kelly Karbacz. The whole production team deserves praise for their work, from Court Watson's evocative set designs to Wade Laboissonniere's inspired costumes to Denis Jones's playful choreography, with assist in fight-scene dances by Brad Waller. Director Matt August does yeoman's work in keeping everything running smoothly.”
-Metro Weekly
“Educational, entertaining, and flashy, with jokes that both kids and parents can appreciate, and gorgeous costumes by Wade Laboissonniere.”
-TBD.com
“A feast for the eyes! A musical spin through history in which some of the most famous American Founding Fathers sing their hearts out.”
-The Washington Examiner
Liberty Smith
music by Michael Weiner
lyrics by Adam Abraham
book by Marc Madnick, Eric R. Cohen and Adam Abraham
based on an Original Story by Marc Madnick and
Eric R. Cohen
choreographed by Denis Jones
directed by Matt August
March 23-May 21, 2011
Ford’s Theatre presents the world premiere of Liberty Smith, a madcap musical romp through Revolutionary America. A childhood friend of George Washington, apprentice to Benjamin Franklin and linked to Paul Revere’s remarkable ride, the elusive Liberty Smith weaves his way through familiar tales of a young nation. Rife with melody and blazing with adventure, Liberty Smith recalls the lush heyday of the American musical. Experience the birth of America through the eyes of our forgotten founding father: Liberty Smith.
| Music Sample: The Art of Wit by Liberty Smith |
This production is appropriate for ages 6 and up. This production is approximately 2 ½ hours, including intermission.
Post-Performance Discussion: Thursday, March 31
Following the 7:30 p.m. performance, the musical’s creators and members of the cast will take questions from the audience and discuss the artistic process. Post-performance discussions begin immediately after the performance. Individuals who did not attend the show but wish to attend the discussion will be invited into the theatre after the audience from the performance departs.
Family Day: Saturday, April 30
Enjoy discounted tickets for kids, prizes, activities and entertainment from the American colonies. Click here for more info.
Girls Day Out: May 14
Looking for a fun afternoon out with your girlfriends? Ford’s Theatre and Zola Wine and Kitchen are teaming up for an afternoon of theatre and treats. Join us for a performance of Liberty Smith and a pre-performance reception. Click here for more information and to rsvp.
Ritz-Carlton Package
The Ritz-Carlton is offering a special package featuring overnight guest room accommodations; welcome “Liber-Tea” drinks in the Lobby Café and Bar; pre-theatre dinner at Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert before the show; and two tickets to see Liberty Smith. Click here for more information.
Lead Sponsor:
Sponsors: Raytheon Company; Altria Group; Qualcomm Incorporated; Shell Oil Company
Media Partner: ABC7/NewsChannel 8/TBD.COM
This presentation of Liberty Smith is supported in part by the National Fund for New Musicals, a program of National Alliance for Musical Theatre, with support from The ASCAP Foundation Irving Caesar Fund - www.namt.org
Please note: The March 30 performance is a private performance.
Dates
- Wednesday, March 23, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, March 25, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, March 26, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, March 28, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, March 31, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, April 1, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, April 2, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, April 2, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, April 4, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, April 7, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, April 8, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Friday, April 8, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, April 9, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, April 9, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, April 11, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, April 15, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, April 18, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, April 22, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Friday, April 22, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, April 23, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, April 23, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, April 28, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, April 29, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, May 2, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, May 5, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, May 6, 2011 - 12:00pm
- Friday, May 6, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, May 7, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, May 7, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, May 9, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, May 12, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, May 13, 2011 - 12:00pm
- Friday, May 13, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Monday, May 16, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, May 19, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Friday, May 20, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Friday, May 20, 2011 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 7:30pm
