1776
Broadway In Chicago, CIBC Theatre, 1776 tells the historical circumstances that started on May 8, 1776, in Philadelphia, where delegates from the Thirteen Colonies met to discuss their revolutionary vote for independence. From the book of Peter Stone, with music and lyrics from Sherman Edwards, this production, detailing the circumstances leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, featuring an all-women cast, provides a diverse view of this chronological event.
“I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace; that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress! And by God, I have had this Congress!”
The musical was narrated through the eyes of John Adams, who sought to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and sign a newly created document written by Thomas Jefferson. However, knowing that Adams, the outspoken delegate from Massachusetts, was known to be obnoxious and disliked Benjamin Franklin, he asked Richard Henry Lee to get approval for the independence resolution from Virginia. I love the musical movie of 1776 with William Daniels, who mastered the role of John Adams, with Ken Howard and Howard De Silva. However, the CIBC cast of characters definitely differed from the original core, which caused me from a moment to abstain respectfully.
My issue with this production is its desire to change individuals involved—as the Continental Congress were white men—and the importance of retaining the prosperity as to being crucial to historical accuracy, which past historians have been known to disingenuous neglect, vastly exaggerate facts, and, in many cases, ignore them entirely. Case in point, when the discussion about removing the freedom of enslaved people from the declaration comes into question, the validity of white men, who desired freedom from their oppression from a tyrant nation, were not ready to provide the same freedom to enslaved Black people, seen as property and not human, is dramatically diminished with a cast that in no way provides the same historical message and visional purpose that comes from these men of white skin, who felt superior over its indentured slaves. Similar to the 12 stones of Irasel, used to remember their suffering and God's divine provision of bringing Israel into the Promised Land and the genocide campaign of 1945, Nazi Germany's desire to eliminate European Jews, any changing of historical occurrences alters its historical value.
Kudos to the cast for providing an inspiring and grand rendition of this discussion of slavery through debate and discord using a song and dance; however, its pales in comparison to the visual impact of witnessing the original hue of the founding fathers arguing, contemplating, and ultimately yielding to remove the section dealing with slavery; which this long-standing conflict over the institution of slavery, in the end, caused the American Civil War. This dark strain of history where the forming of the United States of America hinged on the ever foundation where these men seeking what they would not give should never be visually modified from the original characters involved.
With that said, this new production of 1776, directed by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, hits the mark for entertaining its audience — the all-woman cast provided a stimulating exhibition of singing and acting combined with vigorous passion and debate. And although I applaud the decision to create a diverse cast, understanding that we need more diversity in our society and theatrical performances, I prefer the purity of historical events and theatrical performances of these events to remain the same. And how can you separate any remarkable performance from this brilliant cast? They provided us with two hours and forty minutes of exceptional theater. And how can you separate any remarkable performance from this brilliant cast? They provided us with two hours and forty minutes of exceptional theater. From the outstanding performance by Gisela Adisa (John Adams), Liz Mikel (Benjamin Franklin), Nancy Anderson (Thomas Jefferson), Joanna Glushak ( John Dickinson), and Kassandra Haddock(Edward Ruthledge) Tiesisha Thomas (Abigail Adams. Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon) to the cantankerous, rum-drinking representative from Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins perfectly played by Julie Cardia, all of them were amazing. Still, the biggest ovation came when Brooke Simpson sang "Mama, Look Sharp," as Brooks's powerful voice was magnificent.
The creative team of Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus put together a fabulous cast, and the costumes by Emilio Sosa were captivating. And the two-act musical featured 13 songs Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve, The Lees of Old Virginia, The Egg, and Molasses to Rum), and the musical score was fantastic. So again, for entertainment value, this production was outstanding.
1776 will generate a lot of buzz for its unique and diverse cast, which will undoubtedly reach and inspire a younger audience with its all-female cast. But in a world where we are still divided, the facts of history are more important than entertainment.
Let's Play Recommends 1776 at The CIBC Theatre.
CIBC Theatre
1776
Book by Peter Stone
Music and Lyrics Sherman Edwards
Directed by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus
February 28 - March 12, 2023
