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Muny takes us back to 1776
The Muny’s “1776” is as
Illuminating as the 4th of July!
By Pat Lindsey
Seeing “1776”at The Muny is like time-traveling back in American history and personally observing our forefathers sweating over the necessary measures they took to make a great united country. It presents a stirring history lesson for children and reminds adults of why the Declaration of Independence was so vital for the birth of our nation. It is the perfect prelude to America’s birthday celebration.
As the curtain opens, a revolving set of the Second Continental Congress comes into view. The statue-like forefathers pose motionless until the turntable stop–much like a scene from the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. Then, they begin to move and the audience is transported to May 8, 1776.
The characters instantly become as real as their story. They are not quite the stately statesmen we read about in history books. They are passionate, committed men with a multitude of character flaws and personal problems, who somehow finally reach an agreement to declare independence from England and make the original colonies sovereign states.
Early on, we learn that John Adams (Robert Petkoff) is “obnoxious and disliked,” factors that prevent the other statesmen from joining him in voting for independence. In the opening number, “Sit Down, John,” it’s clear that the other men are tired of hearing from John Adams. But Adams retorts with his song, “Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve,” and expresses his frustration that nothing has been accomplished in a whole year. To end the standstill, Benjamin Franklin (Adam Heller) suggests to Adams that he either give it up or let someone else in Congress propose independence. Cocky Richard Henry Lee (Ryan Andes) of the Lees of Old Virginia then declares himself the perfect person to propose independence to the members of Congress.
Debates continue, time passes (as marked by the projected dates on either side of The Muny stage) and then someone is needed to put pen to paper to start writing a document. Each statesman has his own reasons for not wanting to do it, so the young Thomas Jefferson is recruited. Jefferson (Keith Hines) is a capable writer, but he can’t seem to concentrate on the task at hand, because he keeps thinking about his beautiful wife, Martha (Ali Ewoldt), back home in Virginia.
To keep Jefferson on task, Adams brings Martha to Philadelphia and Ben Franklin and John Adams question her about her attraction to her husband. They anticipate a response regarding his sexual prowess, but Martha surprises them with her song, “He Plays the Violin.” Subtle wit and outright hilarity are woven throughout this story, written by playwright Peter Stone. The music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards are secondary to the dialogue, but the gorgeous voices of Jenny Powers and Ali Ewoldt are show highlights.
Each time the colonies’ votes are taken and moved into the “yea” column, New York abstains “courteously.” This becomes a running gag throughout the show. In the end, when Hancock leads the delegates in signing the Declaration, he is interrupted by a courier who brings news about preparation for the Battle of New York. This emboldens Lewis Morris (Larry Mabrey) to move forward without the approval of the New York legislature and say, “To hell with New York. I’ll sign it anyway.” Unanimity is achieved and the Declaration of Independence is signed.
This intriguing historical drama/musical is enhanced by beautiful costuming (Alejo Vietti) that adds authenticity from Jefferson’s red wig to the dust on the courier’s boots. Excellent direction by Rob Ruggiero and an outstanding creative team make the 1969 Tony Award-winner 1776 an important component for The Muny’s launch into a new century. It shows us why America (and The Muny!) have always been great.
“1776” will be playing on The Muny stage through July 3. For tickets, call 314-534-1111 or go to muny.org.
