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1776
Music & Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Directed by Ronan Marra
Produced by Signal Ensemble Theatre
At Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division
Chicago, IL
Call 773-347-1350, tickets $20 - $25
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Running time is 3 hours with intermission
Through March 1, 2008
1776 a winning ensemble musical
Never let it be said that Signal Ensemble Theatre doesn’t have chutzpah! Their first musical features 26 non-Equity actors doing 1776, a show that demands terrific actors who can also sing. Signal Ensemble’s 1776 mostly hit the mark with Sherman Edwards’ tough to sing score. This ambitious show covers the back story behind the decision by the Continental Congress to declare independence from England.
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Peter Stone’s book outlines the role the obnoxious John Adams (played with gusto by Philip Winston) Benjamin Franklin (the lovable Vincent L. Lonergan) and Thomas Jefferson’s (Tim Howard) played in shaping that bold step. This musical has more ‘book’ that most musicals as it vividly dramatizes the independent spirit and differences of the representatives from the 13 colonies. Filled with colorful characters, 1776 tells the story of the birth of the United States through humor, song and drama. This is a fine first musical featuring 26 of the best non-Equity players in Chicago. Director Ronan Marra tight direction made nice use of the large main stage at Chopin Theatre. Andra Veils Simon’s musical direction deftly presented Edwards’ period songs and underscoring giving her orchestra a large sound.
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This ensemble works cohesively to present the complex show. 1776 builds from a collection of bickering delegates to an emotionally riveting piece of daring political activism. United in purpose, the Congress finally spoke in unity. The high drama was expertly played and sung with aplomb
Philip Winston, as John Adams. anchors the work—Winston has Adams’ energy and wild-eye fervor together with his abrasive manner. He sings with a strong voice. Jon Steinhagen, as John Dickinson—Adams’ chief opponent to the independence movement—offers terrific work. Vincent L. Longeran’s Ben Franklin combined Ben’s light manner with his clever political savvy. Tim Howard’s Thomas Jefferson commanded his scenes. Anne Sheridan Smith sang Abigail Adams tunes wonderfully as did Eric Lindahl with his haunting “Momma Look Sharp.” The minuet, “Cool, Cool Considerate Men” by the opponents to independence was nicely staged. Jeremy Trager lands the emotional “Molasses To Rum” ode to the hypocrisy of the New England anti-slavery folks.
Signal Ensemble Theatre’s production contains humor, fine vocals with all singers projecting expertly and truthful acting. I sure hope Signal Ensemble Theatre will mount more musicals—they demonstrate with 1776 that they can rise to the artistic level necessary for success. 1776 seeing.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2008
Jeff Recommended
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