“1776” brings history alive

By Harry Zimbler
Theater critic for the Centre Daily Times
June 2007

The history of the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence is brought vividly to life with the production of “1776,” which opened last night at the Pavilion Theater on the Penn State campus. The production is one of programs being offered by the new Center for the Study of Free Institutions and Civic Education.

Though some of the history is skewed and a tad inaccurate, pointed out in the marvelous playbill prepared by FICE, the show is, nonetheless, a must-see production for all of us, from doubters to super patriots. The personal risk, potential loss and political agonizing that occurred during the “times that try men’s souls,” are inherently dramatic and should be seen by every citizen.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, and a book by Peter Stone, the show garnered some notoriety in its Broadway run. In fact, the musical edged out the popular “Hair,” the rock musical, for the Tony Award in the 1960’s.

The production, directed by Matt Toronto is splendid, brining together a fine cast of singers and actors. Toronto’s staging makes great use of the physical space in the theater, clean and efficient movements that keep each dramatic moment flowing effortlessly into the next. Based upon his recent work on campus, Toronto, a newly-minted Master of Fine Arts in Directing, clearly has a bright future in musical theater. He has a sense of timing and understands how to tell an exciting story. 

And what could be more exciting than watching as great men of posterity, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others, put their very lives on the line to insure independence for a new country?

I have seen this show numerous times, both professional and amateur productions. I can say, without equivocation, this production ranks at the top of the list. Through good fortune and excellent scheduling, FICE was able to land a cast that offers a fabulous mix of polished veterans and talented newcomers.

David Saxe, who is both an accomplished stage performer and the director of the FICE center, creates a passionate and driven John Adams. In the show, it is Adams who serves as the catalyst for action, and Saxe captures the character’s anger, urgency, fears and doubts.

Bob Barton is a very believable and lovable Ben Franklin. The essence of Franklin’s wit and wisdom are woven into the fabric of his performance.

Laura Saxe played Abigail Adams with exactly the right mix of empathy, patience and sarcasm to equal her husband’s impulsiveness and self-doubt. It was a lovely performance, both vocally and in character development.

All of the performers in the cast were well-cast and came together as a powerful ensemble. However, Raymond Sage as Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was absolutely riveting when he belted out the song “Molasses to Rum.”  The “compromise” that the song represents, along with the hypocrisy of slave owners who deplore slavery, is a strong reminder that the seeds of civil conflict were sewn from the very beginning.

Musical director Dan Riddle assembled a fine company of musicians and brought out the best in his singers.

Set designer Jenny Kenyon provided a most appealing physical space in which the story can unfold, holding pretty true to the period. Her costume designs were also first rate.

Lighting by William Kenyon truly helped the audience make sense of the wide variety of emotions – from despair to elation – that the cast was exhibiting.

This is a must-see for fans of quality musical theater and anyone who loves the United States of America. Frankly, I can’t think of a better way to learn about our founders. What a great accomplishment for the new FICE center.