Play depicts powerful friendship between two presidents

"Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play," written by Howard Ginsberg and based on his original play, is the moving and powerful dramatization of the remarkable friendship between two presidents of the United States — with the forthright Mrs. Adams always playing a major role.

In a fast-paced series of encounters, the play shows the turbulent relationship between Thomas Jefferson, played by Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Bill Barker, and John Adams, played by veteran actor Sam Goodyear, as their friendship ignites, flourishes, ruptures and resolves itself. The perceptive Abigail Adams, played by Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Abigail Schumann, acts as a catalyst and motivator while steadfastly maintaining her own beliefs.

The play, sponsored by Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and the Grand Forum, will be held Wednesday, February 20, at 7 p.m., in Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton.

The play spans 50 years of the presidents’ friendship, beginning in the early days of the republic, extending through two wars with England, and continuing through their vigorous retirement. They continually clashed over foreign entanglements, domestic politics and the proper role of the federal government — debates which continue to this day.

“They were demigods of the American founding, these three,” said Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. “They are a unique chapter in our shared story as Americans. Their intense friendship and rivalry show common bonds and destructive rifts that were already developing in the early days of the republic. There is no more memorable way to be immersed in the trials and triumphs of the first 50 years of our nation’s history than to see this stage production performed by three outstanding character interpreters.”

Admission for the play and a dessert reception is $20 for general public, $10 for Grand Forum members and $5 for students with a valid student ID.

For more information, contact the Hauenstein Center at (616) 331-2770.