By Christina Perryman
As America prepares to celebrate its 250 birthday, Walnut Street Theatre closes its historic 217th season with a look at where it all began. “1776 the Musical,” music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, fantastically directed by Glenn Casale, gives audiences a glimpse into the contentious days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Scott Greer, David Bardeen, and Company. Photo by Mark Garvin
The action begins several weeks before July 4, 1776. A maligned John Adams is trying, unsuccessfully, to rouse the congress into rebellion. George Washington is fighting a seemingly hopeless war against the British. New England is under attack. New York is next. The south is blissfully unaware and untouched by conflict. Congress is divided and fighting amongst themselves. To break away from England or not is the question of the day. Just as Adams feels victory in his grasp, in an unprecedented move, a motion passes declaring congress must be unanimous in the decision. Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, with some pivotal help from Richard Henry Lee, work together to gain the necessary votes. What follows is a passionate, occasionally funny, often tense yet moving story of the USA’s beginnings. But with music, dancing and an exceptional group of performers.
A tale this epic needs an equally epic cast, and Walnut more than delivers. Appropriately enough, the cast is comprised of actors entirely from Philadelphia and if you have attended Walnut Street productions in the past, many of the faces are recognizable favorites.
Jeffrey Coon in “1776 The Musical” at Walnut Street Theatre. Photo by Mark Garvin
Leading the cast is the trifecta – Ben Dibble (John Adams), Jeffrey Coon (Richard Henry Lee) and Scott Greer (Benjamin Franklin) with the welcome addition of Grant Struble as Thomas Jefferson. John Adams may be annoying and disliked, but Dibble is the exact opposite. Dibble’s Adams is fiery, persistent and driven – the catalyst needed for change. I have long considered Greer a chameleon. Every role he plays is different and unique. His mannerisms, vocal inflections and stage presence bring Ben Franklin to life. He deftly portrays the older gentleman with glimpses of humor, a touch of hubris and a pinch of manipulation. Dibble and Greer make Adams and Franklin a dynamic duo.
Coon is the consummate performer. His Richard Henry Lee is fantastic-LEE over the top. Struble gives a strong performance as Thomas Jefferson. His reluctance to write the declaration combined with his desire for freedom is perfectly portrayed by Struble. Jefferson’s desperation to get home to his wife is both touching and a little comical.
Lucy Horton plays Abigail Adams splendidly. Through her voice and facial expressions, Horton displays Abigail’s inner strength, humor, and faith in her husband. The scenes where John and Abigail are “writing” to each other are tender and touching.
The show also features Kathryn Brunner (Martha Jefferson), Peter Schmitz (Rev. John Witherspoon), Fran Prisco in his 45th Walnut show (Robert Livingston), Scott Langdon (John Dickinson), Paul L. Nolan (Stephen Hopkins), Danny Vaccaro (John Hancock), David Bardeen (James Wilson), Bill Van Horn (Andrew McNair), Harley Diamond (Dr. Lyman Hall), Ben Michael (Edward Rutledge), Anthony Lawton (Thomas McKean), Johnny Fernandez (Charles Thomason), Robert Kramer (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Carl Nathaniel Smith (George Read), Andrew Leggieri (Roger Sherman), Ryan Kleinman (Lewis Morris), Bradley S. Kieper (Samuel Chase), Mark Donaldson (Joseph Hewes), Isaac Ripely (the courier who sings a heartbreaking version of “Momma Look Sharp”), Jordan Eck (painter) and in the opening night performance, Mike Doheny as Jim Fitzpatrick.
Music and Vocal Director Chris Burcheri, backed with solid choreography by Casale, produced some excellent numbers including “The Lees of Old Virginia,” “Yours, Yours, Yours,” “Cool, Cool, Considerate Men,” and “Is Anybody There?” Mary Folino’s costumes, in conjunction with wigs by Carissa Thorlakson, were outstanding. The women’s dresses were fantastic. Greer’s transformation into Ben Franklin via his clothes and wig was impressive. Roman Tatarowicz’s set transported the audience back 250 years. The details spilled off the stage and onto the surrounding areas. The refurbished stage curtain, depicting “The Bell’s First Note,” is from 1920 and lends authenticity to the production. The set itself gives the feeling of being in close quarters with the Founding Fathers. Lighting by Ryan O’Gara and sound by Ed Chapman were well done.
This is a show you definite-LEE don’t want to miss.
If you go:
“1776 the Musical” runs at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, through May 31. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with 7:30 p.m. shows select Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets start at $59. For complete ticket and show information, visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org, Ticketmaster, or call 215-574-3550. Season tickets are also available for Walnut’s 26-27 season. Shows include “The Addams Family: The Musical,” Disney’s “Frozen: The Musical,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “Present Laughter,” and “Come From Away The Musical.”