Patrick Holloran will direct ACT’s fall musical 1776. Performances will be held at the historic Wheeler Opera House November 4 – 14.
1776 is a passionate look at the politics and personalities that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
At times highly compelling and at times outrageously funny, this musical written by Peter Stone (with music by Sherman Edwards)
follows John Adams and the rest of America’s forefathers as they face numerous obstacles and strive to form a new nation.
Though the final outcome is well-known before the curtain ever rises, the journey is pure musical entertainment.
On the face of it, few historical incidents seem more unlikely to spawn a Broadway musical than that solemn moment in the history of mankind,
the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yet, 1776 pulls it off in grand style. When the curtain rises, it’s late spring in Philadelphia -
extremely hot and muggy, and the Second Congressional Congress has convened. George Washington’s army is valiantly facing the British near
New York, but the outcome is much in doubt and his prospects look bleak. John Adams is frustrated that no action has been taken in declaring independence.
And so the story unfolds. Adams enlists the help of Ben Franklin, Richard Henry Lee and, eventually, young Thomas Jefferson
to help in his quest of securing enough votes in Congress. Many obstacles get in the way, not the least of which is the slavery issue
- a cornerstone of the way of life in the Southern states. In addition to the struggles within Congress, the audience gets to enjoy
many lighter moments along the way. The brief romantic interludes of Jefferson and Adams, the outrageous and insightful wit of Franklin,
and even a debate on the naming of a national bird are just a few of the laughable moments that give this musical its balance.