Thank you to our Sponsors.
1968 was one of the most turbulent years in American history. The war in Vietnam was at its peak, President Lyndon Johnson was losing the trust of the American people, there were riots in American cities over racial justice, and Robert F. Kennedy faced the most difficult decision of his life.
This solo play portrays Kennedy during his short electrifying campaign for President of the United States. Told from Kennedy’s perspective, the play follows Bobby from his announcement to enter the race on March 16, 1968 to his last speech on June 4th at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The causes that Kennedy crusaded for and and policies he championed on the campaign trail are remarkably relevant and incredibly prescient of the politics and concerns of today.
When President Eisenhower conceived the interstate highway system following WWII he could not have forseen the devastation wrought on hundreds of small towns and cities suddenly bypassed by transportation. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, 16 counties in West-Central Illinois, led by university student Neil Gamm and Viet Nam war veteran Jack Horn protested by leading a brief but effective move to “secede” from the U.S. Talented playwright and composer Colin Healy has created another winning musical based on real-life events. Forgottonia is a play about small-town decay, youthful angst and the power of two young men to bring about change in America.
Forgottonia will be performed live, outdoors in Central Park (weather permitting). Admission is free but we gratefully welcome accept donations.
Audience Advisory: This play contains some strong language, adult situations and reference to drug use. Parental discretion is advised. PG13
By 1968, 21-year-old Jimmy Laine Webb was already one of the most successful songwriters in America. In his almost 60-year career, Jimmy Webb’s songs have been recorded by over 1,000 artists including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Glen Campbell, The Fifth Dimension, Johnny Cash, Art Garfunkel and many more. Yet, he is still relatively unknown outside the industry. This tribute to the man and his music features 25 songs made famous by artists from across the spectrum- country, Motown, crooners and rock.
Among the tunes you’ll hear are By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Up Up and Away, Didn’t We, Macarthur Park and more than 20 others!
Join Kevin Martin, Tateonna Thompson and Larissa White as they share stories and music in a delightful evening you are sure to remember.