Abigail Adams
Portrayed by Kim Hanley
Abigail Smith Adams was an educated upper class woman whose well-articulated opinions on
government, politics and life in general were sought by at least two American presidents. Her
biggest causes were education and fairer treatment of women. She advocated education for both
men and women, so they would be informed enough to deserve to be enfranchised. Although she
could be blunt, Abigail advocated discussion and usually accorded and received respect. She is
probably best remembered for her letter asking her husband to “remember the ladies” when
enacting new laws. She asked John to limit the power of husbands over their wives by asking
husbands to become friends of their wives and protect them. Our first Second Lady and second
First Lady believed strongly in a knowledgeable electorate able to make informed decisions. This
program illustrates the economic tyranny the colonials faced under British rule and contrasts this
inequality with a look into an egalitarian marriage of two intelligent, articulate people who
valued themselves, each other and their relationship.
Kim Hanley, an actor, singer, costumer and dancer, trained and danced from an early age with
the School of American Ballet and the Eglevsky Ballet in New York, as well as with the visiting
Bolshoi Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Bill Hastings and Chet Walker. Ms. Hanley is also an
accomplished costumer whose specialty is historical fashion. She includes among her bigger
clients The Philly Phanatic. Kim’s academic training includes a BFA in Restoration and History
of Applied Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York.
Kim began interpreting Abigail with AHT in 1997. Ms. Hanley has appeared in venues that
include the White House Visitors Center, National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Frazier
Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Liberty Museum, Constitution Center,
Independence Visitors Center, Freedoms Foundation, Pennsylvania Historical Society, Theodore
Roosevelt Birthplace, Delaware Humanities Chautauqua and libraries throughout New Jersey
and the greater Philadelphia area.
213 Pierce Street, Philadelphia PA, 19148-1927 * Ph: 215-625-0986
Website: www.AHTheatre.org * email: Cynthia@AHTtheatre.comcastbiz.net