By: Darryl Reilly
Peter Stone’s immortal book and Sherman Edwards’ monumental score are done justice by this terrific female, transgender, nonbinary and racially diverse cast revival of 1776. The piece is so sound and eternally relevant as to thrive with this new approach. Instead of a predictible incarnation featuring name male performers surrounded by a roundup of character actors in wigs and waistcoats, we get the glorious spectacle of this vibrant ensemble gavotting while uttering Mr. Stone’s witticisms and singing Mr. Edwards’ rich songs.
The winning Crystal Lucas-Perry is a commanding John Adams, the show’s center of attention. Patrena Murray perfectly gives us all of Benjamin Franklin’s hilarity, wisdom and gravitas that we expect. Thomas Jefferson’s aloofness is well-realized by Elizabeth A. Davis’ stately characterization. The delightful Shawna Hamic scores bigtime with Richard Henry Lee’s giddy “The Lees of Old Virginia.” Liz Mikel’s weary bluster enriches the pivotal role of John Hancock. As Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson, Allyson Kaye Daniel and Eryn LeCroy are each delightfully tart.
Co-directors Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus’ vigorously thoughtful staging of “Molasses to Rum” transforms it into an incendiary showstopper depicting the era’s hypocrisy about slavery; it’s fueled by Sara Porkalob’s powerful vocals as Edward Rutledge. Accompanied by video of 20th century footage “Cool, Cool, Considerate Men,” is a chilling exploration of reactionary thinking as led by the magnetic Carolee Carmello who conveys John Dickinson’s wily eloquence. The elegiac “Momma Look Sharp” becomes a stirring production number with Salome B. Smith’s expressive singing as the tender Courier accompanied by black-clad cast members representing slain soldiers. Mr. Page’s zesty choreography enlivens all the musical sequences. At times, current political themes are implied arguably with too much emphasis, but one takes that in stride.
The rest of the charming company all make impressions with their portrayals. They are Gisela Adisa as Robert Livingston, Nancy Anderson as George Read, Becca Ayers as Col. Thomas McKean, Tiffani Barbour as Andrew McNair, Mehry Eslaminia as Charles Thomson, Joanna Glushak as Stephen Hopkins, Oneika Phillips as Joseph Hewes, Lulu Picart as Samuel Chase, Sushma Saha as Judge James Wilson, Brooke Simpson as Roger Sherman, Sav Souza as Dr. Josiah Bartlett and Jill Vallery as Caesar Rodney.
Scenic designer Scott Pask’s lovely painted, pulled front-curtains and selective furnishings smartly create a witty 18th century look. Emilio Sosa’s voluminous costume design is of eye-catching eclecticism. The mashed-up period wear is complemented by Mia Neal’s dazzling hair and wig design. Lighting designer Jen Schriever and sound designer Jonathan Deans’ accomplished efforts further the production’s success. David Bengali’s projection design starkly connect the past with the present thru choice strikingly rendered imagery of protests and societal discord.
“What is this? The founding fathers singing and dancing up on a stage? And this in the middle of the Vietnam War? How ridiculous!…My usual reaction when I got a job was just that, it was a job; I’d try to do it to the best of my ability. But this was something more, or at least that’s what it became.” So, reflected William Daniels who created the role of John Adams in the original production in his 2017 memoir, There I Go Again.
With little expectations, 1776 opened on Broadway on March 16, 1969. It received positive notices, won the Tony Award for Best Musical and ran for close to three years. It was faithfully filmed in 1972, has been performed in theaters across the United States ever since and had two New York City revivals. The show’s enduring achievement of making long-ago historical figures arguing over politics entertaining, coupled with the amazing sense of suspense of whether the Declaration of Independence will be approved, remains potent in this exuberant and affirmative iteration.
1776 (through January 8, 2023)
Roundabout Theatre Company
American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org
Running time: two hours and 45 minutes with one intermission