Connie Milstein

Archive for the ‘Ford’s Theatre’ Category

Visitors and residents of Washington, D.C., have just over a month left to see the Ford’s Theatre Society’s presentation of 1776, a Tony-winning musical directed by Peter Flynn. Connie Milstein is a long-standing supporter of the arts and serves on the Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Trustees.

1776 dramatizes the heated debates that took place during Philadelphia’s Second Continental Congress and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Patriots like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are trying to persuade the 13 colonies to separate themselves from the British following numerous abuses from the King. After much coercion, the colonial representatives present collaborate to write the Declaration of Independence, perhaps the most important document in the history of the United States.

“I am thrilled to direct this dynamic telling of our country’s beginnings in Washington,” said Flynn, who is making his mainstage directorial debut. “The men of our Second Continental Congress challenged a goliath empire to form a more perfect union, and amazingly, amidst the uncertainty, squabbling and sweltering conditions, produced a document that would guide the lives of all future Americans. This musical invigorates our national story and, with each viewing, reminds us of the governing principals worth fighting for.”

Tickets for the play are $25 ($20 for Ford’s Theatre Members and groups of 20 or more people). The play runs through May 19.

Ford’s Theatre, where Connie Milstein sits on the Board of Trustees, is not only a place where great theater can be enjoyed by appreciative audiences; it is also a place where  visitors can participate in innovative activities to learn about history.

One of these activities is the “History on Foot” walking tours,  where an actor in costume leads visitors  through downtown Washington D.C., bringing the extraordinary times of the Civil War era to life.

Currently there are two choices of tours available to participants: “Investigation:Detective McDevitt” which probes into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy, trying to separate fact from fiction concerning the historical events of April 14 and 15, 1865; and “A Free Black Woman:Elizabeth Keckly” which introduces the visitors to Elizabeth, close confidante to Lincoln’s wife. In this “street theater” presentation participants learn about the Lincoln family and the help Elizabeth gave to former slaves as they learn to live as free people in the newly free city of Washington.

It is also possible to request privately led walking tours for individuals or groups, depending on availability.

Among Connie Milstein’s many philanthropic activities is her participation in the functioning of Ford’s Theatre as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Ford’s Theatre, which, for many is “America’s most famous theater,” earned its place in history when one of America’s most beloved of Presidents, President Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated there in 1865.

Because of its historical importance Ford’s Theatre works in partnership with the National Park Service, overseeing close to one million visitors every year. Visitors to Ford’s Theatre learn about Abraham Lincoln, his tumultuous presidency, and his life in Washington D.C. in the mid-19th century. Ford’s Theatre is an excellent place to begin to understand Lincoln’s struggle to maintain a united country, the events leading up to his assassination and the motivating forces leading to his tragic death.

Enjoying an evening at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., where Connie Milstein is on the Board, is certainly a treat and a unique experience.  The Society Director Paul Tetreault has recently announced the Theatre’s 2010-2011 season which includes a fantastic line-up.  Certainly, this season will be eagerly anticipated by all.

The 2010-2011 line-up includes Sabrina Fair by Samuel A. Taylor, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Carpetbagger’s Children by Horton Foote, Liberty Smith based on the original story by Marc Madnick and Eric R. Cohen and more.