FROM L NEIL SMITH:a request for help for a production of 1776 which is one of my favorite musicals.  (And touchstones — regular commenters at According to Hoyt often tell me to “Sit down, John.”)

Help Independency Productions take the best stance we can against the onrush of statism, and turn the 21st century into the century of the Bill of Rights, by financially supporting our production, this June, of the musical comedy/drama _1776_, directed by Giovanni Angelo Martelli. Donate via PayPal at or if you prefer, send checks and money orders to Rylla Cathryn Smith, 736 Eastdale Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524. All contributions gratefully received.