|
|
1776
By Melinda Schupmann
The choice of 1776 as the fifth season opener of Reprise! Broadway's Best is uncannily apt in light of our country's nascent political debates over what promises to be a disquieting national policy. The scrappy and contentious founding fathers mirror our present day pundits as they try to find a compromise and set the seal on the Declaration of Independence during the Second Continental Congress. History teacher-turned-composer/lyricist Sherman Edwards' musical, first performed in 1969 and an unexpected success, presents a literate and engagingly cohesive view of America finding its collective voice.
Beginning with John Adams'(Roger Rees) humorous "I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress," this witty and touching story crackles to life under the expert tutelage of Director Gordon Hunt. A perfect bonanza for male actors of a certain age, each of the excellent cast members does justice to Peter Stone's book in this concert performance.
Though Reprise! choices are usually less familiar or frequently performed, this is still a perfect choice for a show that can easily use the spare scenery and restricted stage space required of these Reprise! shows.
Though Rees clearly takes center stage, Orson Bean as Benjamin Franklin gives him a run for his money as the wily and naughty elder statesman. Thomas Ian Griffith as Thomas Jefferson is also solid in a part that can be over-powered by the aforementioned characters. His frustration at being suckered into writing a document like this is convincing. Marcia Mitzman Gaven as Abigail Adams is a charming foil for her volatile husband, both delivering charming love songs through their letters.
The supporting cast is a treasure trove of fine character actors. Gibby Brand, Hamilton Camp, Francis Guinan, Nicholas Hormann, William Dennis Hunt, Stuart Pankin are only a few of the members of the Congress, each turning in a fine performance. Robert Towers delivers a touching cameo as the ailing Caesar Rodney, pressed into service though dying, joining his countrymen to cast a deciding vote. John Scherer is a delightful Richard Henry Lee, in one of the more humorous songs delivered as he returns to Virginia to win over support for the Declaration. Kevin Earley's impassioned song mocking the Northern hypocrisy about slavery is also a evocative and rich moment in the program.
Reprise! contributes to the Los Angeles theater experience each year by presenting a happily anticipated group of shows that would certainly strain a theater's budget if produced in their original formats. Under the direction of the popular and talented Peter Matz, each new show is entertaining. Though some critics called it "slow" and "wooden," neither of those criticisms could be leveled at this handsome mounting. Producing Artistic Director Marcia Seligson has chosen well, delivering a show whose look at history is a reminder that compromise is often necessary to achieve an important victory.
1776, Sept. 4 to Sept. 16. Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, UCLA. Future shows are A Most Happy Fella, November 6-18 and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, March 5-17. $55-60. Tickets 310/825-2101.
|
|
|
|
