1776
Pittsburgh Public Theater

Also see Ann's review of Sister Act


Keith Hines, Steve Vinovich and
George Merrick

Billed as a "Musical Play," 1776 the story focuses on the two months leading up to the Second Continental Congress signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though the topic may sound dry for musicalization, Sherman Edwards (music and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book) found a way to interweave musical theatre songs to brighten the serious tone of the deliberations.

The musical focuses on John Adams (George Merrick) and Benjamin Franklin (Steve Vinovich) who lay the groundwork for the colonies to become independent states, separate from the British Empire. Adams holds to his convictions, even while he annoys and almost offends the other delegates. He is one stubborn founding father, and he has no problem pushing his point hard; of course, all of the delegates (save one) eventually come around to his side, even as war front dispatches from General George Washington (unseen) sound dismal.

The score is catchy, touching and humorous. In fact, one song, "The Lees of Virginia," sung by John Scherer as Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, is downright vaudevillian. And Scherer plays it full out, in true musical-comedy form, to the audience's delight. The rest of the cast perform equally as well, making great successes of the "Sit Down, John" opener, "But, Mr. Adams" and "The Egg." One stand out is Darren Eliker as Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson, who preferred reconciliation to revolution. Eliker is very strong in his performance throughout, and particularly forceful as he leads the conservative delegates "to the right" in "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men":

With our land, cash in hand
Self-command, future planned
And we'll hold to our gold
Tradition that is old, reluctant to be bold.

Part of the process that takes place outside the chambers involves the wives of Adams and Thomas Jefferson (Keith Hines), played by Trista Moldovan (Abigail Adams) and Libby Servais (Martha Jefferson). The ladies present gorgeous vocals on their featured songs, and Moldovan in particular creates a fully developed character in her brief moments on stage.

The lynchpin in the whole story is, of course, John Adams. And, yes, we must see why he is seen as "obnoxious and disliked" by the other delegates. Merrick doesn't let up on this personality; he can sneer and pout with the best. We root for him, but he never really endears himself to us—except by his convictions about the independence of the country—though we know he must have a softer side, as it's clear Abigail sees one. Adams' comrade Benjamin Franklin is played as a wry sage by the always delightful Vinovich. These two actors are well paired, and extremely well supported by the rest of the cast. We all know how it comes out, but there is a great moment of joy and pride when the final vote is taken.

Director Ted Pappas, with Stuart Howard & Paul Hardt, has gathered together a tremendous cast of actors from the local pool and outside. Each assignment is spot on. And he keeps things running very smoothly, even during the lengthy non-musical period (which can be tiring) between the extremely lively "The Lees of Virginia" and the light "But, Mr. Adams." A lot can be said for this perfectly presented production on the O'Reilly's thrust stage. With twenty-six cast members, and the majority often on stage together, one might worry about a production bursting at the stage's seams. But no fear. With James Noone's miraculous setting featuring a congressional chamber on a turntable, with one side featuring a windowed exterior for outside scenes, which is rotated 180-degrees to show the well-appointed, believably cozy interior. The result is that the audience feels like the gallery of such a chamber. We are close enough to be part of the proceedings. For me, it works better this way than on a wide proscenium stage. Congratulations all around. We look forward to one musical in most Public Theatre seasons, and this is why: they are exhibits of creativity and efficiency.

This production of 1776 is highly recommended, a rich and satisfying theatre experience (it will, hopefully, spur audience members to read more about the history of the event; what is presented in the musical is not all accurate). It continues at the O'Reilly Theater for the Pittsburgh Public Theater through February 24. For performance and ticket information, call 412-316-1600 or visit www.ppt.org.

Cast: John Hancock: Jeffrey Carpenter; Dr. Josiah Bartlett: Scott P. Sambuco; John Adams: George Merrick; Stephen Hopkins: Gordon Stanley; Roger Sherman: Stephen Wilde; Lewis Morris: John Allen Biles; Robert Livingston: Paul Binotto; Rev. John Witherspoon: Jarrod DiGiorgi; Benjamin Franklin: Steve Vinovich; John Dickinson: Darren Eliker; James Wilson: Jeremy Czarniak; Caesar Rodney: James Fitzgerald; Col. Thomas McKean: Tim Hartman; George Read: Robert Frankenberry; Samuel Chase: Larry John Meyers; Richard Henry Lee: John Scherer; Thomas Jefferson: Keith Hines; Joseph Hewes: Louis S. Valenzi; Edward Rutledge: Hayden Tee; Dr. Lyman Hall: Daniel Krell; Charles Thomson: Joseph Domencic; Andrew McNair: Jason McCune; Abigail Adams: Trista Moldovan; Martha Jefferson: Libby Servais; Leather Apron: Justin Fortunato; The Courier: Eric Meyers.

1776, Book by Peter Stone; Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Directed by Ted Pappas. Music Director F. Wade Russo. Scenic Design by James Noone. Costume Design by Martha Bromelmeier. Lighting Design by Kirk Bookman. Orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Sound Design by Zach Moore. Dialect Coach Don Wadsworth. Hair & Wig Design by Sherry Deberson. Casting by Stuart Howard & Paul Hardt.


Photo: Pittsburgh Public Theater


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-- Ann Miner