Ford's Theater Sets Daytime Programming For Spring 2009

The Ford's Theatre Society announced that the daytime programming schedule for spring 2009 will include performances of the one-act plays One Destiny and The Road From Appomattox by Richard Hellesen.

One Destiny and The Road From Appomattox were commissioned by the Ford's Theatre Society to bring the drama and emotion of the American Civil War to life through informative and entertaining theatre. One Destiny and The Road From Appomattox are offered as part of timed entry to Ford's Theatre and presented in addition to the National Park Service Ranger programs.

One Destiny written by Richard Hellesen

This two-character play, which premiered in spring 2007, is set shortly after the Lincoln assassination at Ford's Theatre. The play revisits the events of April 14, 1865, from the point of view of Harry Ford, one of three brothers who owned Ford's Theatre, and the great comic actor Harry Hawk, who was performing on stage on the night of the assassination. One Destiny is offered at various times during daytime entry to Ford's Theatre and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The Road From Appomattox written by Richard Hellesen

A dramatic imagining of the meeting between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant on the day after Lee's surrender at Appomattox, The Road From Appomattox explores how two great and very different generals, ended the war with mercy and the best interests of the country in mind. The program is offered at various times during daytime tours of Ford's Theatre and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The production makes its world premiere in April 2009. Performances are April 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 20, 24 and 28, May 4, 8, 9, 12 and 22 at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Tickets

Entry to Ford's Theatre is free, but does require a ticket. Tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at (202) 397-SEAT or by visiting www.fords.org. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets by calling (202) 638-2367.

Ford's Theatre Society

Since it reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. Ford's Theatre has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. For its accomplishments, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given by the U.S. government to artists, arts institutions and arts patrons.

Ford's Theatre reopened in February 2009 after an 18-month renovation. The Ford's Theatre Museum will reopen in summer 2009. The renovations are part of The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign, a $50 million capital campaign that supports the renovation of the theatre and museum as well as the building of the new Center for Education and Leadership, an education center focused on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Ford's Theatre Society works to present the Theatre's nearly one million visitors each year with a high quality historical and cultural experience, enhancing the vibrancy of this historic site, an important tool for promoting the ideals of leadership, humanity and wisdom espoused by Abraham Lincoln.

Since the arrival of Paul R. Tetreault as Director, Ford's Theatre Society has been recognized by the critics and theatergoing public for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed Big River to the regional premiere of Trying and world premiere of Meet John Doe, Ford's Theatre has undoubtedly begun to make its mark on the American theatre landscape.

In addition, through the leadership of Wayne R. Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the mission of Ford's Theatre Society has recently been expanded to include education as a central pillar of the organization, equal to that of producing theatre of the highest quality. As Ford's Theatre looks to the future, the health of the organization will be defined and determined not only by the quality of the productions on the stage but also by the success of its educational programming in teaching about the life, Presidency and lessons of leadership of Abraham Lincoln.

For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit www.fords.org.

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