A Two-Act Drama by Howard Ginsberg

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 Jefferson & Adams: On Stage and In Conversation at the Academy Center of the Arts, Historic Academy of Music Theatre in downtown Lynchburg.

Presented in one performance only. Tickets for Jefferson & Adams include a pre-theatre reception featuring a meet-and-greet with the three cast members, heavy hors d’eouvres, and a cash bar beginning at 6:30 p.m.; $44 for adults (18+); $20 for youth (ages 17 and under & college students with student ID); reservations are suggested. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit academycenter.org or call the Academy Center of the Arts Box Office at 434.846.8499.

About the production

Playwright Howard 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 Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson; actor Sam Goodyear as John Adams; and Colonial Williamsburg interpreter 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 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.

Poplar Forest’s presentation of Jefferson & Adams at the Historic Academy of Music Theatre is supported by a generous gift from The Jefferson Legacy Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to raising awareness of Jefferson’s living legacy in a modern world. Howard Ginsberg’s stage play is one of the foundation’s primary outreach programs.

About the Historic Academy of Music Theatre

The Historic Academy of Music Theatre is one of Lynchburg’s most notable historical treasures. First opened on February 1, 1905, the theatre boasted perfect sightlines and extraordinary acoustics, attracting nationally acclaimed performing artists. After closing its doors in 1958, the theatre remained unused for 60 years. Through the efforts of the Academy Center of the Arts’ board and staff, as well as the dedicated members of the community, the restorations of the Historic Theatre were brought to completion and the theatre was reopened on December 6, 2018.

Poplar Forest is pleased to present two events at the Historic Academy of Music Theatre in 2019: Jefferson & Adams on April 27 and Mr. Jefferson’s Salon Series: A Conversation on Race and Democracy on September 26.