The revival pushes forth a dialogue that the original never really managed to elicit, let alone emotionally ignite.
The company of Roundabout Theatre Company’s 1776. , does find its way somewhat, to pack an emotional punch or two, tell the historic tale within a complex framework, while forcing forth an idea and a visual that speaks volumes to our history and our world today. This particular revival of 1776: The Musical, after transferring from Boston’s A.R.T. An idea that we might be able to get it somewhat right, and maybe undo at least a portion of the problematic core. But there is also hope that lives on strong within this theatre junkie. It’s not exactly the stuff that makes up an exhilarating show, especially with everything going on in this divided country. It’s a problematic and complex rendering, this 1969 musical, filled with history and complications, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards (“ Who’s Afraid of Mother Goose?”) and a book by Peter Stone ( Titanic, Woman of the Year) that sets out to unpack the tense mess that leads to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with a focus on John Adams (Crystal Lucas-Perry) and his attempts to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and to put their “ John Hancock” (Liz Mikel) signature on the document.
I was engaged, excited, perplexed, and entertained. But I also can’t really say that I wasn’t.
0 kommentar(er)
