When history takes the stage, it helps to have a couple of seasoned storytellers in the room.

Enter two Ellwood City theater veterans bringing years of experience, plenty of personality, and their own theatrical spark to the musical 1776, which opens tonight at The New Castle Playhouse. These hometown performers know their way around a stage—and they’re ready to trade modern-day life for powdered wigs, political intrigue, and a little revolutionary-era drama. Stage veterans Tom Bickert and Larry Kelly will thrill audiences in their historical roles

At the helm is another familiar local face: a director whose résumé boasts a long lineup of productions and a wealth of experience bringing stories to life. Michael Cavalier is a renowned local theater director and Ellwood City native.

Together, this trio brings a distinctly local flavor to a musical rooted in one of the most consequential moments in American history.

In this cast Q&A, we get to know the two actors behind the roles—their theater journeys, what drew them to 1776, the challenges and surprises of the production, and what it’s like to step into the shoes of men who helped shape the nation.

Tom Bickert

Profession: Retired newspaper journalist/editorial writer

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in/directed: I’ve had the privilege of being part of more than 125 stage productions over the past four decades, so there are too many wonderful productions to recall. Some of the more challenging musicals have been “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” where I played the chairman; “Forever Plaid,” where I played Frankie; and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” where I played the title role.

How/why did you get involved in local theatre: My late father was involved in community theater and I used to go see him perform in the summers at the Sherwood Forest Theatre near Murrysville. He had great comedic timing that I always enjoyed. I got involved in theater a few years after college when I was working in Indiana, Pa., and a work colleague encouraged me to audition for a show with the local theater troupe that she was assisting. It’s been a great ride ever since!

What was your favorite role that you have performed or production that you have directed and why: I have two favorites: At the Red Barn Theatre I played Pittsburgh Pirates great Honus Wagner in a production of “Honus and Me.” I’ve been a huge baseball fan since I was 9 years old, so that show really was special for me. The second was “A Christmas Story” at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center where I played “The Old Man,” (the dad). I had the chance to play that part four times over the course of five years with a different cast of kids each time and it was an absolute joy.

Part in 1776: John Hancock

Favorite Song in 1776: The opening song, “Sit Down, John.”

What interested you in this role: I’ve played the part in two previous productions of the show and I’ve always loved the show because I’m a history nut. There is a lot you can learn about the founding our country from watching this show.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Well, I use a fly swatter a lot in the show and a gavel. It seems like I’m always either pounding the gavel or swatting at flies. LOL

What’s the hardest part about your role: The real challenge is to keep the show the moving and as the president of the Continental Congress, Hancock oversees everything that’s going on with the group.

Can you describe your process for developing a character from script to stage: I like to read the script through a couple of times to get a feel for how the character reacts in different situations and how he interacts with the other characters. I learn a lot about the character from the rehearsals as we’re all developing our characters.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: There are some great songs and funny moments, but I think mostly they will come away with what an incredible moment this was in history as this group of men formed a new, unique nation against great odds.

What is unique about this musical: The opening number is the one big group number in the show. That just doesn’t happen in musicals.

What has been the most rewarding experience in your acting career so far: The friendships I’ve made along the way. Some of my best friends are the ones I’ve met through theatrical productions and some of them go back nearly 40 years.

If you could have a part in any play/musical, what would that play/musical be and why: Well, “Les Miserables” is my favorite musical so I suppose I would say I would love to play Javert. He is such a complex character that it would be both a challenge and very rewarding to bring him to life.

Are you involved in any other activities/hobbies: I serve as the treasurer for my church, Zion Lutheran in Harmony, and also as treasurer for the Red Barn Players. I’m also the judge of elections for my voting precinct, so I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.

Larry Kelly

Profession: Attorney

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in/directed: Damn Yankees, South Pacific, The Odd Couple and Annie.

How/why did you get involved in local theatre: My parents introduced me to theater as a young child by taking me to the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio

What was your favorite role that you have performed or production that you have directed and why: FDR in Annie. I had an opportunity to sing.

Part in 1776: Reverand John Witherspoon.

Favorite Song in 1776: Sit Down John.

What interested you in this role: It’s a history lesson about the signing of the Declaration of Independence that everyone should know.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: The Wig!

What’s the hardest part about your role: To keep a straight face when everyone else is laughing.

Can you describe your process for developing a character from script to stage: I watched the movie several times.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The history lesson and humor.

What is unique about this musical: There are 22 men on stage at all times.

What has been the most rewarding experience in your acting career so far: The association with the other talented actors through the years.

If you could have a part in any play/musical, what would that play/musical be and why: My dream role is to be Alfie Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” It’s my favorite musical.

Are you involved in any other activities/hobbies: I coach baseball at Penn State Shenango Valley Campus.

Anything else you would like to add:A big thank you to our director Mike Cavalier for allowing me to be part of the cast.

Don’t Miss the Show!

It is a long hot summer in Philadelphia, and the Continental Congress is an exhausted, annoyed, quarrelsome collection of men, at each other’s throats over the burning question of independence from Great Britain. John Adams, the passionate crusader for rebellion, races against time: if the congress does not agree to throw off the yoke of tyranny, General Washington’s painfully outnumbered army will have no ideal for which to fight.

But Adams is obnoxious and disliked — no one will listen to his arguments. They might have a chance if Thomas Jefferson, that silver wordsmith, would write a Declaration — but Jefferson, frustrated by his long absence from lovely wife Martha, is in no mood to be creative. When it comes down to a final decision, the course of history hangs on whether sycophantic Judge James Wilson can remain as anonymous as possible with his vote. Under these conditions, how will America ever achieve Independence?

September 25, 26, 27 & October 1, 2, 3, 4

Main Stage

Directed by: Michael Cavalier

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:00 p.m.

Get tickets here

Online sales end approximately one hour prior to the start of the show.

By Phone:

Call : 724-654-3437

212 East Long Avenue, New Castle, PA

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday

Box opens 60 minutes prior to curtain

Three Ellwood City Theater Veterans to Bring the Musical 1776 to Life on the New Castle Playhouse Stage

Tom Bickert

Larry Kelly

Don’t Miss the Show!