The Record from Hackensack, New Jersey • 41

lrgn County, New Jrsty THE SUNDAY RECORD, MAY 21, 1972 19 He wrote the play ly and courageous V76 he won with "52nd St. joints." I'd work all night until the small hours of the mornings," Edwards remembered, "and then I'd go to classes still wearing that tuxedo. Talk about your kids today with their jeans!" He rattled off names of many big stars today who were among his classmates, some of them in his "Pins and Needles" for the school back in 1939. They'd included Betty Comden and Al Green, Dusty Rhodes, Gene Barry, Dana Clark, i Gould and Harry Clark and many, many others. And what's he doing now a-side, of course, from his trips all over the country in connac-tion with "1776," including his recent return to Hollywood to work with Jack Warner for the film version of that musical? Encouraged by the success of that historical play, he's writing another.

He told me he hasn't a name for it yt but that it's to be about "the mountain men of early America, say about 1803 to 1830." He went from these successes to "1776" and was de-terminedto prove himself right in a i it. More proof that he was right was that the play won two Tony awards, (for best musical and best musical lyrics); as well as the Drama Critics Circle Award, the Outer Circle Critcs award, and other citations. He's just returned from Hollywood for the film version of "1776" made by Jack L. Warner for Columbia, scheduled as the Thanksgiving-Christmas attraction at Radio City Music Hall. Edwards was born in New York City and his eyes twinkle behind those spectacles when he tells you he was becoming "a real tough little Harlem kid" in his early days.

A beneficiary of the Hearst Milk Fund, he received his primary education at the Keckscher Foundation for Underprivileged Children, and later attended P.S. Ill in Harlem. Underprivileged? A man who was to become the originator of one of theater's biggest hits? A songwriter of prominence? It was at the Heckscher School, Edwards said, that he first realized music was for him. "There was a teacher," he recalled, "talking to us one day. Standing in front of a piano, he played a tune with one finger while his hands were behind his back.

I yelled out, that's 'Old Black Joe' and do you know, from that day, I knew music was to be my thing." When his family left the Harlem section "it was getting so I knew nothing else but gangs and street fights" and moved to the outskirts of Newark, Edwards went on to Wee-quahic High, where he played football and ran with the track team. "Understand, we were always poor, so when I went on to college I had to find a way to earn a living." That's when he became a jazz pianist. He played with many of the famed jazz artists of today during his days as a pianist in many skeptics before he found Stuart Ostrow, the producer, who liked the historical musical idea and the music which Edwards had written. Ostrow had his doubts about the book, though. "That was all right with me," Edwards commented.

"When he brought in Peter Stone I was elated; I think he did a great job." He went on to say that Stone's rewrite left intact two complete scenes from "1776." "I won't tell you which they are but they haven't been changed one bit from the way I first wrote them." It took a lot of courage for Edwards to compose "1776." A successful song writer and movie composer he quit everything to devote full time to his brain child. He can hardly be blamed for feeling gratified with his own judg-m a Ostrow's, of course. He had written nearly a dozen top songs, among them "Wonderful, Wonderful," the Johnny Mathis hit; "See You in Septembe "Broken Hearted Melody," and he was the composer who did many of the Elvis Presley films, including "Kid Galahad," for the Mirisch brothers; and many other Presley films for Hal Wallis, including "G.I. Blues," "Blue Hawaii," and "Follow That Dream." on the Mall in Paramus tonight. The local presentation was packaged by Playhouse producer Mary Ellen Devery.

Before it premiered here an extensive tour had been booked for the show, starting with a two-week stand at the Tappan Zee Playhouse in Nyack. It opens there tomorrow night where it will play through June 3. By KEN WALLACE Entertainment Editor "Sure, I'm a patriot. But a flag waver? No!" That's Sherman Edwards, author of the musical "1776." A tremendous hit on Broadway, despite much skepticism beforehand, this musical about the struggles that went into the signing of the Declaration of Independence is concluding a run at the Playhouse I x-l jj; iwJTiiilPSlfc 'mil M'tiiHift Tir -lnmHi SINGLE? DIVORCED? WIDOWED? Why Settle? SS RESTAIJRAHT MEET MORE SINGLE PEOPLE THIS YEAR THAN YOU HAVE PROBABLY MET IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFETIME MAY 23 L- TUES It was hard to get Edwards off the subject of "1776" when we spoke to him at a recent lunch with Miss Devery and then saw at least in part a matinee performance at the Paramus shopping center theater. It's no secret.

Edwards tells you, that he's incurably patriotic. Hence his never-wavering belief that "1776" would become a hit. Of course, only he and a few others, producer Stuart Os-trow among them, could foresee the impact such a play would have on the American theater-going public. American, did we say? Silly it's been a hit all over the world. A history teacher on what he terms "the junior college level," Edwards had been a history major at New York University at the same time he was earning a living "and a pretty good one, too" as a jazz pianist.

It was his love of history, particularly early American history, which led to his writing "1776." Writing isn't really correct; actually, he did do the entire show originally music, book, and lyrics but later he was to have his book rewritten. Edwards, who makes his home in Parsippany, with his wife, Ingrid, son, Keith, 15, and daughter, Valerie, 18, sincerely that America's forefathers were great men and the Declaration of Independence is "one of the greatest documents ever conceived by man." He admires the original signers who risked "putting their necks in a noose" but If we were to ask you how many people you have dated this year that you truly had a meaninaful relationship with, how many would you say One? None? GREEK SITE Bouzauki Music, Belly Dancer Greek and American Menu For Reservations: 327-1020 Whv? Not because of you! You have to date at least twenty-fiv different people AIR CONDITIONED four or five times just to find the one closest to your philosophies in life. Let us do for you in a matter of seconds what it would take years to do on your own. So if the idea sounds good, fill out the questionnaire today. No obligation, of course.

1 Ramsey, N.J. 30 North Spruce St. Mil. West of Rt: 1 7 No Not Sure No Not Sura No Not Sure No Not Sure Yes 327-1020 Do you tend to be sensitive? Do you tend to be impulsive? Are you prone to act before you think? Is it difficult for you to accept criticism? Off Main St. W3-B Yes No No Sura Are your feelings hurt easily? CAMELBACK ffflH NEW FOR '72 All-Musical Season Do you believe in the influence of a supreme being? Do you believe religion brings stability and harmony into the home? Do you attend services regularly and prefer a mate who feels the same? cr Do you have strong religious convictions? wmmim Do you feel we will be held accountable in the next world for our present actions? Do you feel current obscenity laws are strong enough? Do you feel there is a place for set outside of marriage? 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

.12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

22. 73. 24. 25. Do you feel the youth of today have the right attitude toward sei? Would you be unhappy with an unaffectionate mate? No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sura No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure Nu lot Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure No Not Sure Ne Not Sure Yes Do you feel that set is more important than respect in a marriage? Do you feel it is wrong for women to initiate dates with men? SHERMAN EDWARDS Author of '1776' he just as sincerely believes that these same brave men would not expect that document to stand up today.

And this is where he refutes "flag waving." "The men who signed the Declaration didn't demand that those ideas remain forever," Edwards says. "You might say their ideas of law and order have been bastardized today." He went on to explain his theory that the so-called Establishment is probably more at fault than the demonstrators and protestors. He's all for young people "that's where our future lies." But that doesn't mean, he said, that the past is to be ignored. Experience is still the greatest teacher. Edwards rather surprised me by declaring that one day the world would recognize that former President Harry Truman was a great thinker.

"Wasn't it he who said 'History shall exalt'? Think of that, maybe you'll get the idea," he commented. Again, emphasizing anti-flagwaving without once mentioning that label, he pointed out that the Declaration was elastic enough to permit changes in the law. "Our fore-fathers were foresighted enough to see this; Jefferson provided for change in the Declaration." Explanation? Updating the Constitution, of course. I couldn't help but detect a note of smugness in Edwards' voice when he spoke about the success of "1776." He admits to coming face to face with Do you believe all crimes are unjustifiable? Do you feel parents should exercise more control over the attitudes and ideas of ther chidren? NOW PLAYING! HOWARD KEEL IN Do you feel it is wrong for an unmarried couple to spend a weekend alone? Do you feel we need more severe drug laws? JUNE 24- LITTLE MARY' JULY 8 SUNSHINE JULY 10 22 GUYS DOLLS SAur-2i KISS ME KATE AUG. 5 AUG.

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I WEDDING BANQUETS ALL AFFAIRS Those "real" people in TV commercials make Far Your Listening and Dancing Pleasur THE HAROLD DAVIS ORCHESTRA Reservations Suggested 478-8590 Special Attention Given To Small Groups Parties Your Hosts: The Giresis ji -a REALUEY You don't have to be famous to do a commercial. The trend 4 PERFORMANCES JUNE 15 SANDLER YOUNG I JUNE 21 at 8:30 now is toward believable, everyday, real" people. You've seen them. And maybe you've said you could do a lot better. Well now's your chance to try.

Enroll in our school, ON CAMERA, and our TV and advertising pros will teach you the techniques of commercial-making. Put you on closed-circuit TV so you can see yourself sell. Teach you how to audition. ANNE ELGAR, Soprano MICHAEL BEST, Tenor RICHARD STILWELL, Baritone PRO ARTE CHORALE, John Nelson, Director JUNE 14 at 8:30 CLARICE CARSON, Soprano ELAINE BONAZZI, Mezzo soprano GEORGE SHIRLEY, Tenor RAYMOND MICHALSKI, Bass MASTERWORK CHORUS, David Randolph. Director JUNE 20 MILLS BROTHERS HELEN O'CONNELL WOODY HERMAN and his Orchestra Some people we know make $50,000 a year and more just doing commercials.

And they're not rich and famous. Just rich. Hollow Sleepy If you re a real person and interested in making some real money, can us toaay. JUNE 24 DAVID CASSJDY NEWARK BOYS CHOIR, lames Director und gemessen. HMRYWIS 'CONDUCTING ORF, Carmina Burana reduction: Fortune Empress of the World- In Springtime, In roe The Court of Love.

Finale: Fortune, Em- press of the World JOHN NELSON, CONDUCTING con moio Aegisfcr now for Spring Session. BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. m. un ountry. (at 8 P.M.) ScUo 'rnaestosof' Molt, vivace.

Magi. on camera Take your family along scenic historic Route 9 to the heart of Sleepy Hollow Country to relive centuries of Hudson Valley life and legend. Discover how people worked and played in the early days of our nation. Inc. JUNE 17 at 9 PM -vnc3tnru JULYlf STEVE FvniF LAWRENCE GORME with LUCIANO PAVAROni, Tenor RAVEL, Alborada del Gracioso JAN MURRAY MR.

PAVAR0TTI 0E FALLA, Three Dances from The Three PHILIPSBURC MANOR NORTH TARRYTOWN Step hack 250 years into a Dutch-American trading CornereON" ance of We 3 ll JUNE 23 at 9 PM EARL WILD, Piano VERONICA TYLER, Soprano WILLIAM WARFIELD, Baritone MONMOUTH CIVIC CHORUS, Dr. Felix Molzer, Director THE MUSIC OF GEORGE GERSHWIN An American in Paris Concerto in Major for Piano and CrCAllegaro, Adagio. Allegro agitato Rhapsody in Blue ine pteiKiuu' Miller, Final Dance TWO SPECIAL CHILDRENS SHOWS COMING IN JULY! DONlZETTI.L'Elisir-'ft-ora center. Complete with manor house, dam and working SOMETHING NEW at De Shane': CARRIAGE CLUB -ST Act II, grist mill. PUCCINI, la Boheme Act 6" MR.

PAVAR0TTI THE BUGS BUNNY SHOW July 5 thru 8 VERDI, laerime" VAN CORTLANDT MANOR Mary Alexander Luts Biscarons Selections from Porgy Resfaurant Cockfail Lounge HAPPY TIME 72 0 mio remorsoJ" nf ADftTTl LAST CHANCE CROTON-ON-HUDSON Visit the beautiful manor house, lovely grounds and fascinating ferry house of one of America's great founding families. Juiyi8thru20 All Childrens Shows atlPM Prices: $2.00. $1.50. si nn FOR CLASSICAL SUBSCRIPTIONS! introduction! Dance Dance ot me MONDAY OPERA NIGHT Berceuse and Finale Final of King Kastcnei, SUNNYSIDE TARRYTOWN Enter a storybook world of gables and grace. The country home of Washington Irving, the man who This season offers some of the most exciting classical programs ever to play at the Garden State Arts Center.

Subscriptions ere still available (including the four New Jersey Symphony Concerts scheduled in June.) For information, write: Subscription Office. Garden State Arts Center, Box 116, Holmdel, N.J. 07733 or PHONE (201) 264-9200. 4. AiexMocMahon Beverly Jan Welch Come hear your favorite created Rip Van Winkle and Ichabod Crane.

SEATS NOW BY MAIL GARDEN STATE ARTS CENTER, BOX 116, HOLMDEL, NJ. 07733 PRICES: $7.00, 5.75, 4.50, 3.50. Box Seats $7.50. Lawn Seating: Mon.thruThurs. $2.00, Fri.

Sat. $2.50. For Steve Lawrence Eydie Gorme (June 26 thru July 1) $7.00 seats completely sold out on subscription for all performances. For complete Summer Schedule write for brochure or call (201) 264-9200 Evgs. Mon.

thru Thurs. at 8:30 P.M., Fri. Sat at 9 P.M. THE GARDEN STATE ARTS CENTER IS OPERATED BY THE NEW JERSEY HIGHWAY AUTHORITY aria sung by one of our fantastic singing staff Route 4 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, N.J. 833-2323 Sleepy Hollow Restorations For brochures: Box 245, Tarrytown, N.Y.

10591 Call: (914) 591-7900. Open year round. 10-5 p.m. daily. im.