Date: Aug 01, 2008

AMERICA'S AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL! HOFSTRA ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS "1776"

John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus; September 12 to 28, 2008

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … This September – when Americans are fixated on one of the most compelling presidential races in our nation’s history – Hofstra Entertainment presents 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that brings to life the Founding Fathers and their momentous creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence.

1776 will be presented at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, weekends, September 12 to 28. Tickets are $30, $28 for senior citizens (over 65 with ID), $15 for matriculated non-Hofstra students with ID and $10 for children under 12. Members of the Hofstra community may pay $10 each for up to two tickets upon presentation of a current HofstraCard.

Featuring music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards (who was a history teacher before beginning a career in show business), book by Peter Stone, direction by Sal Salerno and musical direction by William W. Williams, 1776 is a sparkling recreation brings to life such figures as John Adams (Sayville’s Bob Spiotto, who is also Hofstra’s artistic director of Hofstra Community Arts Programs and executive producer for Hofstra Entertainment), Benjamin Franklin (East Northport’s Doug Vandewickel) and Thomas Jefferson (Seaford’s Ryan Nolin), who – along with members of the Second Continental Congress – argued about, voted on and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Show times for 1776 are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets and information please call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644, M-F, 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m. or visit www.hofstra.edu/HofstraEntertainment.

This production of 1776 is part of Hofstra University’s Educate ’08 series, an educational effort that engages not only students and faculty but also the public in a year-long series of conferences, events and lectures about the 2008 election, politics and presidential history, all leading up to the October 15, 2008, presidential debate at Hofstra.

Hofstra Entertainment often presents shows that highlight talent from the local community. Among those starring in 1776 are:

John Ebhardt of Huntington Station as Dr. Lyman Hall
Phil Gellis of Holbrook as Lewis Morris
Brian M. Gill of Lindenhurst as John Hancock    
David Groeger of Rockville Centre as Colonel Thomas McCean    
Jennifer Hope of Merrick as Abigail Adams    
Joe Mankowski of Wantagh as Edward Rutledge
Joe Mantello of East Northport as John Dickinson    
Ryan Nolin of Seaford as Thomas Jefferson
Rebecca Posteraro of  Northport as Martha Jefferson
Bruce Rebold of Oyster Bay as Richard Henry Lee    
Bob Spiotto of Sayville as John Adams    
Gary Tifeld of Whitestone as James Wilson    
Steve Valenti of Plainview as Joseph Hewes    
Doug Vandewinckel of East Northport as Benjamin Franklin
Stuart Whalen of Rockville Centre as Roger Sherman

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

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