What  might George Washington say to Abraham Lincoln? Or Theodore Roosevelt to Thomas Jefferson? The Gettysburg Festival presents The Presidents of Mount Rushmore, Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre in Gettysburg.

Four of the foremost presidential re-enactors in the nation come together for an evening of spirited conversation between four legendary American presidents. Dean Malissa has portrayed George Washington at Mount Vernon, Valley Forge, and at the White House. Bill Barker has been portraying  Thomas Jefferson for some thirty years at  such venues as Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello and at Independence Hall. James Getty is known as the “Gettysburg Lincoln”, portraying the 16^th president all over the nation, including at the National Theatre in Washington, the Reagan Presidential Library and on film.  Similarly, James Foote has taken on the role of Theodore Roosevelt at Roosevelt’s birthplace, at The Smithsonian and on the History Channel.

The four actors know their historical characters so intimately that they are able to engage in unscripted debate on stage in the Rushmore presentation. They also answer questions from the audience.  Special tickets are available which include a White House Dinner and conversation with former White House chef Walter Scheib before the event. Information is available at the Gettyburg Festival website. And below you can hear our individual interviews with all four of the actors who portray the Mount Rushmore presidents.

Interview with Bill Barker (Thomas Jefferson):

Interview with James Foote (Theodore Roosevelt):

Interview with Dean Malissa (George Washington):