"This show totally rocks!" —Quaker Pastor Philip Raines, Winston-Salem NC Touring nationwide, your area next?  Never underestimate grannies. At age 90 Doris "Granny D" Haddock blazed a 3200-mile trail across the U.S. for campaign finance reform, precipitating the passage of the McCain-Feingold Act. She continued her bipartisan efforts in countrywide voter registration drives, issuing her final challenge in 2010 at age 100: "Democracy is a running game. You huddle and you go back in. You keep going." Off-Broadway actress Barbara Bates Smith and musician Jeff Sebens highlight the story of this crusader who took the world by surprise and was elevated to national fame. Smith summons the granny with the straw hat proclaiming across the U.S. "Corporations are not people! Democracy is!"  Picture this "Granny D:" Speaking from the Little Rock pulpit where Martin Luther King once preached; In a mermaid skin, registering voters at Weeki Wachee Springs; Terms for sponsors: Musician Jeff Sebens and I are on fire to spread this story, waiving any performance fees for efforts reclaiming our democracy. It's easily staged in community rooms. Just under an hour, the show sparks lively post-show discussions. Contact manager Jeff Sebens: j.sebens@yahoo.com or 276-318-3808. Click here for promotional material Click here for a TV interview with Jeff and Barbara by John Bonifaz To hear Barbara's New Hampshire NPR interview, click here. Books: Granny D: A Memoir and Granny D's American Century, Dennis M. Burke, co-author New Hampshire Organizations furthering her efforts: PACE: Promoting Active Civic Engagement exists to preserve and carry forth the legacy of Doris "Granny D" Haddock's example using the "power of one" for the common good.
Coalition for Open Democracy : COD is a nonpartisan coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to ensuring integrity, transparency and efficiency in political and legislative processes in New Hampshire and the nation.
League of Women Voters American Promise Unitarian & Quaker groups Free Speech for People NH Rebellion 350.org Alliance for Democracy Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Physicians for National Health Care California Clean Money Campaign West Coast Comments: Such a delightful reminder of Granny D's wonderful work in getting big money out of politics. Her message is SO needed.
After a performance like yours, any man would give you the shirt off his back. Thanks for taking this important message across the country in such an engaging way. —Michael Huntington, M.D., Physicians for a National Health Program
An entertaining, thought-provoking and inspirational show, also as a community linking experience ...synergetic. Thank you for such a heart-felt and spirited portrayal of Granny D. —Dawn Warneking, Corvallis sponsor
Barbara, thank you for bringing Granny D to life and re-energizing us in our ongoing work for democracy. Jeff, thank you for the music, commentary and logistics work. You make it all easy! —Nancy Neff, CA Clean Money, Palo Alto
Their show is a fabulous tribute to a remarkable woman. You will laugh, you will be amazed and you will cheer. 'Go Granny D!' is such a delightful show. I will contact Common Cause about it. —Jan Rubens, Palo Alto Show
Keep up the good work of encouraging us to promote Granny D's cause of looking out for the interest of the people!
We loved the play, and we loved you and Jeff. Your going that extra mile, as Granny D did, inspired everyone in the room to do more. —Linda Sturgeons, Move to Amend, Ashland OR
—Sylvia Shih, Monterey Peace and Justice Center
Thanks to Barbara and Jeff, the Granny D event was a win-win for all.
Folks still talking about the show; it's sparking a new project! —Alice Carlson, LWV, Dolphin Players, Coos Bay OR
At a barn in southwest Virginia— An amazing show on so many levels. A full house of both LIBERALS and CONSERVATIVES all loved the play. —Felecia Shelor, event sponsor, small business owner At a League of Women Voters benefit in Blacksburg— We raised a chunk of money, boosted spirit and cohesion, and this was an inspiration to all of us. —David Scheim, LWV Board Member At the official “Granny D Day” in Keene, New Hampshire— Fabulous show bringing Granny D to life—the music, the interweaving of the walk with the voter registration drive and campaign. —Maude Salinger, Granny D's press secretary The salute to Granny D was truly inspiring—so imaginative and authentic. I felt I was in my office with Doris, talking over itineraries before her great walk! —James A. Rousmaniere Jr., Editor and President, The Keene (NH)Sentinel
—William Johnson Everett, Author, Red Clay, Blood River
—Charlie Flynn-McIver, Artistic Director, NC Stage Company, Asheville, NC
My wife Barbara and I were impressed with the show, and the reaction of the crowd confirmed its quality. —Tom Coulson, activist with Common Cause, NC Voters for Clean Elections How great to raise money and have such a terrific time! —Janie Benson, Chair, Haywood County Democrats Smith is a master at movement—behind the pulpit, at the writing desk, or in the chair at stage center... It’s a powerful message. —Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-times This show needs to tour the whole country, particularly where voter suppression is rampant. Granny D's story of enthusiasm, dedication and effort is inspiring. — Jan Kuykendall Fantastic performance from you both. —Juanita Dixon, NC 2012 recipient, Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award |
