Rehearsal Photos – Part 2

I know. Nice original title there, TJ. 😛

Truth is, we’re knee-deep in putting the show together now. Tech week begins soon & still much to do! So I’ll let the pics do the talking today.
Abigail (Vivian) sings to her beloved, absent John… not, er, uhm… Ben Franklin (Karen). That’s just the camera angle. Though… #AlternateHistory?
Speaking of Ben… #TJCreepin’
Thomson (Leyda) reads the latest dispatch from General Washington.
The Congressional essentials: Books. Papers. Quills. Inkwell. Fan (for robust fly-deflectin’)
Dickinson (Marsha) leads the “Cool, Considerate Men” after Adams, Franklin and Chase depart for “Whoring, drinking AND New Brunswick”
McNair (Eileen) and the Courier (Tara) harmonize.
And, no surprise… off to rehearsal again! See everyone soon!

Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

Second Continental Congress… v3.0

Hard to believe, but it’s true! This August engagement will mark the third time our all-female Congress has convened to tell the story of 1776. 

And, to mark the occasion, our director Laura has added a special feature to the festivities. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say… after two previous productions, an evolution has occurred in the director’s note.

A full LOBBY-sized evolution. 🙂

So, again, no spoilers, but when you come see the show, you might want to give yourself a few extra minutes pre-show (or during intermission) to wander around the lobby… and do a little reading.


Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

“Compliments of the Concord Ladies Coffee Club–“

— and the cast of 1776: The Women of Congress!

If you have joined us for either of our previous two productions, you know our troupe has an important tradition–donating a portion of our proceeds to charity. In November, Planned Parenthood was the beneficiary. In February, it was our (beyond generous) rehearsal hall home, Warren Point Presbyterian Church.

This summer, we are extremely pleased to announce our donation will be going to the incredibly important work of EMILY’s List.


“What’s that? Who’s Emily?” you might be asking. WELL, friend! You’ve asked the right (slightly loopy) gal, (who just spent the better part of her Sunday morning writing up the explanation that you will find in your show program).

To cut & paste from my source document like a true pro:

On the surface, EMILY is a simple acronym: “Early Money Is Like Yeast.” But what that acronym stands for is far from superficial…
Conventional political wisdom states—and time has proven—that an early infusion of financial assistance will make or break a candidate’s campaign for office. The fact is that without substantial monetary support in the earliest stages, many election bids will never reach the ballot in November. For a government that is supposed to represent all citizens, this elitist bottleneck isn’t just unfortunate—it’s unacceptable.

That’s where EMILY goes to work. By providing vital funding to Democratic, pro-choice, female candidates, the raw “dough” of their campaigns is allowed to “rise,” ensuring that a chorus of true diversity will be represented in our government’s decision-making process

So, who is EMILY?

EMILY is all of us who yearn for an even playing field. To quote the organization directly: “EMILY is more than a slogan—she’s a candidate, a voter, an operative, a member.”.

As a proud member of our all-female 1776 Congress… I can’t think of a better match. 🙂 For more information, check out their website: www.emilyslist.org

Your Humble & Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

“It’s hot as hell in–” The Rehearsal Hall?

Yep. Hot. As. Hell.

But, of course, it’s also August in the NY/NJ area. So, I suppose heat… makes sense. 🙂
Historically accurate Jeffer-sweat. Betcha don’t remember reading about *that* in yer social studies textbooks…
Before I go any further, I absolutely have to send a “SO GRATEFUL!!” shout out to Warren Point Presbyterian Church for, once again, hosting our rehearsals and being our home base. Gratitude, gratitude, grati–

— but, yeah. It’s still been pretty dang hot. (Character motivation, right?)

Pre-rehearsal rituals: Review lines, set up chairs… hydrate so no one dries up like a leaf…
“What up, DEL-A-WAAARE?” R to L: Joyce (Read), Leslie (McKean) and Kate (Rodney) wait to get started
Congress watches the lovely Mrs. Jefferson (Kelly Wenz) demonstrate the proper way to shout for air conditioning… … or, uhm… sing about a violin. Something like that…
Been quieter here on the blog than I intended, but that’s about to change… since we are now right on top of opening night.  In fact, starting tomorrow, look for a special 12 Days of Congress countdown to Friday, August 24th @ 8pm (aka- performance #1 at Porch Light). The plan is to have new content each day and, hopefully during that time, you’ll pause long enough to pop in a reservation call to our box office maven, Peg. (That phone number again- *plug, plug*- is  201-661-8002)

Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

6 Weeks To Go!

And, finally… the info you need to see the show!

That’s right! Four shows over three days with two levels of ticket pricing and ONE fabulous venue: Porch Light Studio, Stage & Schools in Glen Rock, NJ.

Let us know you’re coming by dropping an RSVP at our Facebook event!

Insider scoop from TJ to you: This is a small venue with limited seating. While each show will have limited day-of walk-up tickets available, reserving ahead of time is highly encouraged. Call to reserve tickets at 201-661-8002 and claim your spots before the rush!

More to come from inside the rehearsal hall, guys. I know you’re anxious to see the new crew!

Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

Rehearsals Have Begun! (Resumed? Cont..in…ued?)

“Confession time. Here’s what I got–“

… with apologies for the Hamilton reference…
(I know, I know. I’m Jefferson. What the heck am I doing even giving that Federalist madman the time of day?!) …


Even though we’ve performed this show twice now, the first rehearsal is still exciting for me. Just like this time a year ago, we were missing a few cast members last night, but our new cast members were absolutely in attendance for this first read-thru! (Way to be, New Crew!) Welcome to Leslie, Eileen, Lou Ann, Gemma, Eileen and Alexis! Without this turning into me tooting our own horn, the characterizations and energy these new women are bringing to our group are absolutely incredible. I’m so eager to watch the show grow as we approach performances in August!

And… speaking of which! I hope you’ve noticed the other big change here on the site: Performance dates are now UP! We are thrilled to be working with Porch Light Productions of Glen Rock, NJ to remount our show this August 24th, 25th (*two* shows that day) and 26th.

Ticket info (pricing, reservations, etc) will be forthcoming… as well as an exciting new poster design… buuuut we just wanted to make sure those dates were out there now so you can Save the Date!

More to come!

Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson / Kay

“I see fireworks! I–“

— see that things are coming back to life here on the website?

You’re not imagining it, Citizens.

Indeed, somebody IS there. And somebody absolutely cares.


Get ready, 1776: The Women’s Congress fans. It’s been a long winter, but at long last, this August, we’re back in action! Our family has grown with more cast members, more complete scenes… and a new, exciting venue to take our Concert to the next level.

Check back in the next few days for exact dates, times and ticket info!

Your Obedient (boy, I’ve missed saying this)
– T. Jefferson / Kay

Good night, Warren Point!

A quick note of incredible thanks to all of you who came out to see us this weekend at Warren Point Presbyterian Church. Two nights of family, friends and full houses! What could be better…?

… well… how about news that we’ll be back soon*?



* Sorry to tease again… but I can’t say more than that at the moment. Keep checking this space, though. As soon as our Congressional Correspondence Committee has finalized some things behind closed doors (in that old “room where it happens”… of course…) I’ll be back with an update.

Til then, I am your Obedient,
T. Jefferson

Opening Night Thanks!

Mea culpa for not posting yesterday ahead of our Friday opening night- things were just a little bit crazy (as you might imagine).

Thank you to EVERYONE who came out last night & made our (re)opening so wonderful! Can’t wait to do it again tonight for another night of music, magic… saltpetre… pins…

… oops. Sorry. Abigail insisted I slip that in there somewhere. 😉

Check out our final promo trailer / behind the scenes trailer:

… and then come see us tonight at 8pm at the Warren Point Presbyterian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ!

Your Obedient,
T. Jefferson