American Revolution: The Show

Wave hello to Alicia Crosby, who has joined the remarkable cast that will re-enact the entire fight for independence for you on a small stage and using only their bodies and voices. Alicia is a performer and theater designer in Philadelphia and graduate of the Pig Iron School. She has performed and devised with Antigravity Performance Project in Dear Diary LOL at FringeArts (@fringearts), and she moonlights as Queen Conch, a comedic and out-of-this-world burlesque performer a...nd winner of the Philadelphia Burlesque Battle Royale Season 8. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? Alicia: "When I first auditioned in 2017, I wanted to be a part of a team of new devisers and see history in new light. I jumped at the opportunity to come back to the show because of the people and the experience. This show truly brings to life the history and lessons of the American Revolution in a poignant and humorous way." Get to know Alicia: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: The Clothespin Favorite Philadelphia food: Washington Ave soft pretzel Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "No."

Meet George McGriff, cast member of "The American Revolution." George and his cast mates will re-enact the entire fight for independence using only their bodies and voices on a very small stage. George is an actor born and raised in Philadelphia and a graduate of CAPA Theater Temple University. George’s journey towards performing began in first grade after interviewing a local news anchor for Career Day. The performer’s bug bit him and he's since worked nonstop to achieve his... dreams of being a full-time artist. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? George: "I wanted to be part of 'The American Revolution' because I loved the idea of creating a piece of theater with a group of people. This opportunity is unique because, in a way, the ensemble is able to construct our own American Revolution. There are the factual events that happened, sure, but when different perspectives of different walks of life begin to retell the story, it will sound different each time we get to explore." Get to know George: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the "Rocky Steps"! Favorite Philadelphia food: Wooder ice (water ice) and pretzels Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "I actually was not a history buff before joining 'The American Revolution.' However, I’ve come to realize how integral the past plays a role in our current lives and decided to re-educate myself."

Meet Connor Hogan, who will grace the (very small) stage as part of the cast of "The American Revolution." Connor and the rest of the cast will re-enact the entire fight for independence using only their bodies and voices. Deer Park, N.Y., native Connor is a devised performer located in Philadelphia. Prior to Philly, he lived in Washington, D.C. and split his eight years living there as a freelance actor with local theaters, a full-time creative strategist at a government con...tractor, and a part-time artistic director of a small performance company. Connor said he's fairly new to devising, but he recalls a time in kindergarten when he derailed his class production of "The Rainbow Fish" because he wanted to touch electric eels and make funny shocking sounds. Connor recently graduated with his master's degree in Devised Performance from the Pig Iron School. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? Connor: "I've dedicated my life to understanding how we tell the stories we share with each other. It's the reason I went into theater to use and discover new ways of exploring storytelling. I find the way Theatre Unspeakable limits their storytelling space exciting and intimate. It's fun and challenging to see how you can take a huge story like the American Revolution and constrict it into a tiny space like the platform." . Get to know Connor: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: "Benjamin Franklin's house is pretty great, because it has these letters between him and his wife etched into the stone about the design of the house, and it feels like every IKEA trip I've been on with my partner but recorded in history." Favorite Philadelphia food: Hoagie or pretzel. Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "While I've never studied history, I was basically steeped in early American history at my alma mater the College of William and Mary. I know stories, but I don't know if I would call myself a 'buff.'"

Meet Kelly Conrad, who will grace the (very small) stage as part of the cast of "The American Revolution" Kelly and the rest of the cast will re-enact the entire fight for independence using only their bodies and voices. Kelly is what she calls a "military brat," who was born in the Philippines and raised in South Korea and Germany. She is currently resides in Philly, where she is an improviser, burlesque host, and member of "Feminist Clown Band," Girl Poop. When she's not kn...ee deep in creative endeavors, Kelly enjoys eating food, watching movies, traveling, and whatever else seems interesting that day. She is a Suffolk University - Boston graduate. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? Kelly: "This show is unique because it tackles something seemingly impossible to tell the story of the American Revolution with seven actors, no costumes or props, on an elevated platform in 50 minutes. Who wouldn't want to try that?" Get to know Kelly: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: The Divine Lorraine Hotel Favorite Philadelphia food: Roast Beef Sandwich at Old Original Nick's Roast Beef Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "Not really."

Meet Craig Storrod (@craigstorrod), part of the talented cast of "The American Revolution," who will re-enact the entire fight for independence (using only their bodies and voices on a very small stage). Craig was born in Birmingham, England, graduated from Birmingham School of Acting (@actingbsa), and resides in Collingswood in South Jersey. He's filmed several television shows for the BBC, ITV, and Sky, which have been broadcast to millions of homes internationally. Craig h...as appeared on stage in cities such as London, Philadelphia, Munich, Linz in Austria, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Frankfurt in Germany, and Birmingham in theatrical productions including Romeo & Juliet, Hair, Cinderella, 20th Century Boy,"" and countless more. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? Craig: "The history of Great Britain and the formation of the United States are completely intertwined, so the opportunity for me as a British actor working and living in the United States was undeniably exciting. The telling of the American Revolution through the medium of physical theater with seven actors in such a small space is completely unique, this production will be a powerful, energetic and trans-formative performance piece inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the story of the American Revolution through a brand new, thrilling lens." Get to know Craig: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: The "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (@philamuseum) Favorite Philadelphia food: Philly cheesesteak Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "Somewhat."

Meet Vanessa Ogbuehi, part of the talented cast of "The American Revolution," who will re-enact the entire fight for independence (using only their bodies and voices on a very small stage). Vanessa is a Willow Grove, Pa.,-born actress and director and University of the Arts (@universityofthearts) alum, who makes original, devised theatre. Her work invites audiences to celebrate the stories of extraordinary people whose lessons of defiance and resourcefulness have been forgott...en. Vanessa recently received her Graduate Certificate in Devised Performance from the Pig Iron School. We asked: Why did you want to be a part of The American Revolution? Vanessa: "The American Revolution is a narrative I feel familiar with and distant from at the same time. I can recall some facts but mostly out of order. I recognize its importance in birthing our nation, but I constantly wonder if the ideals of the Founding Fathers still have merit today. I'm excited to explore how muskets, tea, and declarations launched this country into the worlds greatest experiment. The scale of this show, performed on a teeny-tiny platform, is a unique opportunity to ask, 'What's important? What pieces of the story make it into the zeitgeist? How do we even begin to tell the whole story?' It's a big tale! A wild piece of history! I can't wait!" Get to know Vanessa: Favorite Philadelphia landmark: The Divine Lorraine Hotel Favorite Philadelphia food: Dottie's vegan donuts (@dottiesdonuts) Were you a history buff before joining "The American Revolution"?: "Enough to get a couple questions right when I watch 'Jeopardy.' Russian history is pretty cool!"

#OnThisDay in 1770: The Boston Massacre. Amid tense relationships between the colonists and the British soldiers, a fight broke out in the middle of Boston, resulting in five dead and six injured. The Boston Massacre was a pivotal moment in history that paved the way for The American Revolution.

In 1753, years before George Washinton graced the dollar bill 116 years to be exact he delivered a message from the British Royal Army to the French troops in Fort Le Boeuf, Pa., that told the French to remove themselves at once. The rest is history. Well, it was among the actions that led to the American Revolution. #OffTheStage

Here's a glimpse of the casting process for "The American Revolution," which opens in May at Christ Church Neighborhood House in the heart of Historic Philadelphia. There was a conscious effort to include local actors as much as we could in the auditioning and casting process. Why? The show will be shown in Philadelphia, and we wanted it be performed by actors who lived and breathed Philly. And, although the show is slated to play in May and June, we want to be a Philadelphia mainstay. We don't plan to just come and go. We want to make an impact on Philadelphia's performance art scene, and we want to be an economic driver in the the region's tourism industry.

"The American Revolution" is coming to Philadelphia in May 2020 to bring you a new way to experience the nation's fight for independence, featuring only seven actors using their voices and bodies. Kelly Conrad Philadelphia-based actor, comedian, and improv instructor who originally auditioned for "The American Revolution" in 2017 when it first premiered in Philadelphia gravitated toward the show because of its creativity in presenting this important time in history. You m...ay have seen history performed before, but you may not have seen it like this. Follow our Instagram account for behind-the-scenes content and more: @amrevtheshow Spend the day visiting sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall, and then dine and drink in Old City’s many restaurants and bars, and then come see a show. Tickets are available now at: americanrevolutiontheshow.com

What’s your audition story? What pushes you to try out for a play, musical, or specific part? For some, it’s working with a group of people on a unique experience like The American Revolution. The show is ramping up for its May premiere in Philadelphia, and when it opens, you better get ready to experience the nation’s fight for independence in a new, engaging way.... Seven actors will perform the American Revolution on top of a small platform, and they will use only their bodies and voices and the audience’s imagination! You may have seen history performed before, but you may not have seen it like this. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up with production: @amrevtheshow. Tickets are available now at: americanrevolutiontheshow.com

There's nothing better than seeing history in a way you've never seen before! While you're in Philly, put us on your Philadelphia itinerary. Thanks for the love, Discover Philadelphia!

On December 25-26, 1776, George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River. In doing so, they surprised the Hessians at Trenton and took about 900 prisoners. Don't get caught by surprise! Make sure you know this date. Who knows, it could win you Quizzo someday. To learn more about the the nation's fight for independence, come see "The American Revolution" show, in Philadelphia this May. ... Follow us on Instagram: @AmRevTheShow to keep track and for behind-the-scenes looks! Click the link to get your tickets: https://www.americanrevolutiontheshow.com/