The Castillo Theatre is re-opening “Sally and Tom (The American Way)” due to popular demand with an additional seven performances on April 20, 21, 28, 29; May 4, 5, 6.
Fred Newman and Annie Roboff’s musical revival, “Sally and Tom (The American Way)” examines the 30-year relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings, a relationship that produced six children and embodies the wrenching conflict between democracy and slavery, and its legacy of racism that continues to shape America to this day.
In this polarizing presidential election year, the meaning of “the American way” is itself being hotly contested.
Under the direction of Gabrielle L. Kurlander, the play is performed on three stages in its own surreal “history museum.” The audience is seated throughout the performance space, among the exhibits and is encouraged to interact with this performance of the conflicted history of our nation.
The cast for “Sally and Tom (The American Way)” features AUDELCO Award-winner Ava Jenkins and Thaddeus Pearson in the title roles, as well as David Nackman as James T. Callendar, the muck-raking journalist who exposed Tom and Sally’s affair in the press; Brian D. Hills as Madison Hemings, one of Sally and Tom’s children and independent political strategist, Jacqueline Salit as James Madison.
Musical direction is by David Belmont with Michael Walsh, choreography by Lonné Moretton; sets by Joseph Spirito and costumes by Emilie Charlotte Knoerzer.
The Castillo Theatre (Dan Friedman, artistic director, Diane Stiles, managing director) is located at 543 West 42nd St., between 10th and 11th avenues.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. April 20, 21, 28, 29, May 4, 5, 6. Tickets can be purchased through the Castillo Box Office or at www.castillo.org.
Photo by Ronald L. Glassman
