America's First Ladies event on Wednesday, April 20!

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SHE DID ALL THAT in Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

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Info and tickets here.

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SHE DID ALL THAT - Betty Ford: Speaking Out, Saving Lives, a documentary play by Lisa Rafferty which offers insight into an extraordinary First Lady who broke down societal taboos and empowered women throughout the United States, bringing breast cancer and addiction to the forefront of American conversation. 

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The production, which premiered at Boston Playwrights' Theatre in July 2018, shines a light on the Betty Ford story using her own voice, voices from her family and friends, White House news accounts, and letters from her critics and admirers. 

Twelve actors will play over 30 roles, including the President, First Lady, the Ford children, Maria von Trapp, President Clinton, Mary Tyler Moore, Steven Tyler, Elizabeth Taylor, Stevie Nicks and others.

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The show starred celebrated actress Paula Plum in the title role, and prolific actor Richard Snee, Ms. Plum’s husband,  playing President Gerald R. Ford. An all-female production team was assembled by director and producer Lisa Rafferty, in honor of the pioneering and feminist spirit of Betty Ford.

 2018 CAST

 Robin Abrahams          Tom Grennon

 Erin Eva Butcher           Evelyn Holley

Srin Chakravorty           Amie Lytle

 David Daly                    Paula Plum

Kennedy Elsey              Jared Reinfeldt

Gabriel Graetz              Richard Snee

 PRODUCTION TEAM

 Patricia Altomare, Associate Producer        

 Allison Davis, Stage Manager                    

 Jane Humphrey, Box Office and House Manager

 Maggie Kearnan, Set Designer

 Daisy Long, Lighting Designer

 Brianna Plummer, Costume Designer

 Lisa Rafferty, Producer, Director, Playwright          

Sarah Smith, Graphic Design 

 Kim Waller, Associate Producer

I had no idea that Betty Ford was such a feminist and progressive thinker.

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Rafferty's latest documentary play is an enlightening tribute to one of the giants on the list of First Ladies who was born a century ago.

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Really an exceptional production!

The show was fabulous. The cast did a wonderful job!

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A glowing tribute to Betty Ford!

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The show grabbed our attention from the first second.

Photos by Maggie Hall of Nile Scott Studios, and cast photo by Lisa Rafferty.

For more information, visit the website of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.