The setting: an unpopular war, high taxes, not to mention sharply divided political parties as well as debates over privacy, imprisonment without trial, and freedom of the press. Sound familiar? Shockingly, this is not a list of current political debates, but rather the main themes that permeate Sherman Edwards' "1776."
This Tony award-winning musical, written in the midst of the Vietnam War, follows the Founding Fathers through their attempt to start a revolution. As events unfold and a whirlwind of bifocals and white wigs hammer the Declaration of Independence into creation, the main political issues in question seem uncannily familiar.
The historical events of one long, hot summer are brought to life by a cast of wholly unique and entertaining characters. Peter A. Carey as John Adams leads the way, embodying the Founding Fathers' caricature. While constantly repeating "I am obnoxious and unliked," throughout the process, he becomes altogether lovable. J.T. Turner's Ben Franklin counterbalances Adams, providing a sage hand to sticky political situations. Terrence O'Malley portrays a new persona of Thomas Jefferson, surprisingly shy and taciturn, but nevertheless able to pen one of the greatest political documents of all time.
One of the greatest achievements of "1776" is its suspense. Although the ending is well-known, the calamitous journey of the Second Continental Congress keeps the audience members on the edge of their seats.
Matching the weight of the topics under consideration, the show is produced on a grand scale. Nearly all of the over 26 cast members have speaking parts, and, running at almost three hours, the show can be a bit overwhelming. There are certainly a few superfluous scenes that serve little purpose to the advancement of the plot. For example, Martha Jefferson's song "He Plays the Violin" leaves one wanting to petition for those 15 minutes of wasted time back.
Abigail Adams (Eileen Nugent) and Martha Jefferson (Jennifer Ellis) are the only female cast members. They provide a welcome relief from the men's-club mentality dominating the Congress. Their presence reminds viewers of who was in charge of determining the laws and policies that affected, and continue to affect, literally millions of people. It is ironic that a group of individuals rebelling against unfair representation created a nation excluding the input of women, blacks or Native Americans.
It is in these constitutional flaws that "1776" demonstrates that these great historical figures were visionaries, but also human beings. In order to achieve the nearly impossible task of a unanimous vote for independence, anti-slavery clauses were stricken from the Declaration in order to appease the South. A sorrowful John Adams struggles with his personal integrity as he concedes the point. His fight for a new nation of truly free men raises questions about the cost of political unity.
The play hauntingly reflects current sentiment in the musical number "Momma Look Sharp." As a young boy sings plaintively for his mother amidst the horrors of the battlefield, we are reminded of the costs of war. He sings of how he saw his best friends die, of his fear during battle, and how he misses his home. Despite great advances in technology, the repercussions of war remain the same.
While some of the acting is a bit stilted in the beginning, the cast quickly opens up and gives a soaring performance. In addition, some of the numbers are more than a little silly, but others are wonderfully performed. "Cool, Considerate Men," sung by the devilishly brilliant John Dickenson (Frank Gayton) and the Conservatives leaves one covered in goose bumps.
Under Edwards' skillful hand, depicting history becomes nothing more than telling a lively, inspiring story. The trials and tribulations within "1776" eerily echo in today's current events, calling into question just how far American politics has actually come over the past two centuries. Well-cast and full of bawdy humor, this show is a sure crowd-pleaser.
