1776

      By Joseph Cervelli

I remember the thrill of seeing the original and exhilarating "1776." That same feeling held true when I saw the revival years later.

Right now a brave, new production starring female, trans and non-binary actors put a different twist on the show but remaining true to the original except for some dramatically different turns near the end. 

The superb book by Peter Stone and magnificently clever score by Sherman Edwards which tells the story about how the Second Congressional Congress bickered ferociously whether we should break away from England and declare our independence. The  idea of signing a Declaration of Independence remains still as exciting now in this new production.  

One certainly has to first compliment co-directors Jeffery L. Page  and Diane Paulus for their chance in taking such an  unorthodox approach with the cast change. When you have a great show to start with the only thing you have to make sure of is that the cast can live up to the demands. And this cast for the most part does, many of whom playing more than one role. 

First starting with a fiery John Adams (played with forceful conviction by Crystal-Lucas Perry) who never lets up on the commitment for independence. The humorous "Sit Down, John" sung by members of the  Congress along with the uniquely different but extremely effective choreography by co-director Page makes the number feel especially new. Allyson Kaye Daniel is sweetly charming as Adams devoted wife. Their duet "Till Then" still sounds as fresh as when I first heard it. 

Shawna Hamic is a hoot as Richard Henry Lee making the most in a near operatic voice of "The Lees of Old Virginia." There are some comical moments in the first act that don't always work, such as, the overdone drunken representative Stephen Hopkins (Joanna Glushak) from Rhode Island. But most of the time the directors keep them intact without going overboard. 

The always welcome Carolee Carmello is wonderfully dislikable as John Dickinson of Pennsylvania who is staunchly unpleasant in refusing to listen to reason about breaking away from England. Her rendition of "Cool, Cool Considerate Men" a memorable number from the second act is done so well with her band of supportive allies making  hem as disagreeable as they have been throughout. 

I especially enjoyed Patrena Murray who is a droll Benjamin Franklin. Murray could not have been better in portraying the jocular statesman.

The first act ends with a rousing rendition of "He Plays The Violin" sung lusciously by Eryn LeCroy who portrays Martha Jefferson. It is an affectionate ode to her husband Thomas who wooed her from the beginning of their courtship with his violin playing. The only misstep is the dour, lackluster performance of Elizabeth A. Davis as Jefferson. 

There were a few issues with the second act that mainly concerns two of the musical numbers. The strongly anti-war song "Momma, Look Sharp” is very moving number which  starts off well as sung by the courier played by Salome B. Smith. There was no need for the screeching at the end nor the ensemble to join in. The song sells itself. 

While I did like the projections of kegs in the compelling yet disturbing "Molasses to Rum"dealing with the profits from slavery, it, too, was sung with too much yelling by Sara Porkalob (Edward Rutledge). Porkalob did better in the acting role of portraying the smarmy representative from South Carolina rather than singing. Porkalob starts out so well in the song and then it becomes grating.  

There is a twist to the charming "The Egg" as Adams, Jefferson and Franklin debate which bird best represents the our new country. In the middle of the song there is a video of the various turbulent times in our country’s history which does not congeal with the meaning of the song. If the directors feel it was necessary it could have been put in another scene.  

The final scene from the original was a tableau of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration. Here it is something quite different and much more political. I wish it had ended on a more upbeat note despite the inequities that we do have in our country. The fact that the cast is so varied shows how far we have come and that alone is a cause for celebration. Adding what appears to be this political statement seems forced. What could have worked here was the video during "The Egg" number. 

Despite my reservations, the cast which is certainly excellent does an admirable job of representing the various historical figures. And it’s a joy to listen to that unforgettable score and exceptionally well written book. 

PHOTOS: JOAN MARCUS

Tickets are available at the American Airlines Theater 227 West 42nd Street.