BWW Reviews: 1776 at the Ford's Theatre in DC is Just Plain Revolutionary
By: Charles Shubow Mar. 21, 2012
When I heard that the Ford's Theatre Society would be presenting 1776, I was thrilled. I love this show and looked forward to seeing it in the intimate and historical Ford's Theatre in our nations's capital.
This is the show that made a star of William Daniels (the original John Adams) who later went on to fame in the television hit "St. Elsewhere". Betty Beckley had just arrived in New York City and was cast as Martha Jefferson. Remember Cats and the song "Memory"? It was Buckley. And Ken Howard (Jefferson) would become the star of the hit show "The White Shadow".
It won the 1969 Tony for Best Musical beating Hair and Promises, Promises and went on to a successful three year run.
Now ensconsed at the beautifully restored Ford's Theare through May 19, 2012, 1776 is a show for everyone. Bring the kids, the parents, your friends and be thoroughly entertained with some great music, clever lyrics, comedy, and history. You will learn more about the how the Declaration of Independence was finally signed than you ever learned in school.
But what makes this production so special is the amazing and incredible casting under the superb direction of Peter Flynn. He has assembled a remarkable all-star cast that is delightful.
Brooks Ashmanskas plays "obnoxious and disliked" John Adams with great aplomb.
Christopher Bloch once again demonstrates his superb acting acuman in the role of Benjamin Franklin.
I'll never ever forget seeing Robert Cuccioli at Baltimore's Morris Mechanic Theatre play the lead in the pre-Broadway Frank Wildhorn musical, Jekyll and Hyde. He once again shows what a superb actor he is in the role of John Dickinson.
Stephen S. Schmidt nails his solo as Richard Henry Lee in "The Lees of Virginia". He brought down the house.
Kate Fisher and Erin Kruse are wonderful in the only female roles of AbiGail Adams and Martha Jefferson.
"From Molasses to Rum to Slaves" is given a riveting rendition by Gregory Maheu as South Carolina's representative Edwqrd Rutledge.
The stirring "Momma Look Sharp" is sung by Sam Ludwig as a courier. This number has always been one of my favorites.
The entire cast of 28 is universally brilliant.
The eight piece orchestra under the baton of George Fulginiti-Shakar is wonderful.
The costumes by Wade Laboissonniere are just right, the clever set is designed by Tony Cisk, and the effective lighting is by Nancy Schertier.
This is a show that is not to be missed!
See production trailers at https://www.youtube.com/fordstheatre.
For tickets, call 202-347-4833.
THIS JUST IN
1776 is mentioned in the March 30, 2012 edition of the national magazine "The Week".
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