What's New

Page content

"Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play"

Screenplay by Howard Ginsberg, based on his award-winning original stage play.

Thomas Jefferson: Bill Barker, Colonial Williamsburg’s interpreter

John Adams: Sam Goodyear

Abigail Adams: Abigail Schumann, Colonial Williamsburg’s interpreter

DVD includes 95-minute version of the play, plus a 15-minute documentary on the “Making of Jefferson & Adams” with behind-the-scenes footage and interview with the playwright, director, and cast.

Related links
• Thomas Jefferson
• Jefferson Legacy Foundation
• John Adams

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, we see the turbulent relationship between Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg's interpreter Bill Barker) and John Adams (by veteran interpreter Sam Goodyear) as their friendship ignites, flourishes, ruptures, and resolves itself. The ever-perceptive Abigail Adams (Colonial Williamsburg's interpreter Abigail Schumann) acts as catalyst and motivator while steadfastly maintaining her own beliefs.

The lives of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were so intertwined with the fate of America that by extraordinary coincidence--or was it an act of will?--both men died on the same day, on July 4th, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The play spans 50 years of their friendship starting in the early days of the Republic, extending through two wars with England, and on through their vigorous retirement. They continually clash over foreign entanglements, domestic politics, and the proper role of federal government--debates which continue to this day.

Preview the trailer for the DVD
Large(3.1 Mb) Small(2.1 Mb) Previews require Quicktime.
Images from the DVD
Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker Click image to enlarge	John Adams, portrayed by Sam Goodyear Click image to enlarge
Abigail Adams, portrayed by Abigail Schumann Click image to enlarge	Thomas Jefferson (Bill Barker), Abigail Adams (Abigail Schumann), and John Adams (Sam Goodyear). Click image to enlarge