‘1776’: A Revolutionary Musical

John Adams (Tyrick Wiltez Jones, L) and other continental congressmen who signed the Declaration of Independence, in "1776." Liz Lauren

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—It was 1776. It was a bright summer day in Philadelphia when a group of radicals gathered to rebel against Britain. These men who disassociated themselves from the island nation were considered traitors to the crown. They could lose their fortunes, families, or lives for what they were about to do. In those fateful days, passionate men were birthing something new, something extraordinary, something the world had never known before: America.

By signing the Declaration of Independence, they birthed a nation of free men. It was such a momentous occasion that Peter Stone and composer Sherman Edwards wrote “1776,” a musical celebrating the American patriots and the cataclysmic event that they started. The show, which opened in 1969, won three Tony Awards. An exuberant but historically inaccurate version is now playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

‘1776,’ in 2024

The musical tells the story of the Second Continental Congress’s debate regarding the passage of the Declaration of Independence. It does so with plenty of bombastic dialogue, eloquent oratory, and spirited music. Here we find John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and other members of the colonies arguing the merits of breaking with England. They debate the principles of liberty that would serve as the foundation for the new nation.

By signing the Declaration of Independence, the 13 colonies severed their relationship with Great Britain. Theirs wasn’t a hasty or impulsive act. They'd been angered by a series of events they believed infringed on their freedoms. These included the Stamp Act, which taxed a wide range of transactions; the tax on tea, which provoked the Boston Tea Party; the Townsend Acts; the British attacks on Lexington and Concord; and other tyrannical events.

Even though we know how it all ended, there’s still of suspense in “1776.” Drama abounds when Adams and Franklin attempt to persuade all 13 colonies to vote for independence. As we watch the ongoing hesitations, we wonder: Will document will be signed?

Thomas Jefferson (Erik Hellman) is unsure of what to write, in "1776." Liz Lauren

Controversial Details

Like the “Hamilton” musical, this production of “1776” sought to cast historical figures with today’s preferences. The original musical was a joyously patriotic production, but the Marriott Theater’s revised take includes blacks and women as signers of the document—inaccurate for an actual historical event.

The cast of "1776." Liz Lauren

That said, as in all Marriott productions, the creative talent in this “1776” is excellent. It features superb musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson, delightful period costumes by Theresa Ham, wigs by Miguel Armstrong, spirited choreography by Tanji Harper, and lighting by Jesse Klug.

Director Nick Bowling keeps the action moving at a fast pace, and there are many engaging performances. Even though he has no physical resemblance to John Adams, Tyrick Wiltez Jones does a fine job portraying the firebrand, especially when he sings “Sit Down, John” and the haunting “Is Anybody There?” He also has a compelling chemistry with Katherine Thomas, who plays his wife, Abigail.

Abigail Adams (Katherine A. Thomas) is a supportive, intelligent partner to her husband John Adams, in "1776." Liz Lauren

In the show’s comic highlights, Richard R. Henry is hilarious as the witty and wise Benjamin Franklin, and Erik Hellman stands out singing a lovely “Molasses to Rum” in a highlight performance as the thoughtful and brilliant Thomas Jefferson. Heidi Kettenring does a good job portraying John Dickinson, Adam’s bullying adversary who argues that it’s treason to go against the good King George.

Other noteworthy contributors to the ensemble are Matthew Hommel as South Carolina’s Edward Rutledge, Mary Robin Roth as Rhode Island’s Stephen Hopkins, Teddy Gales as Pennsylvania’s James Wilson, Michael Earvin Martin as Connecticut’s Roger Sherman, and Joel Gelman as Massachusetts’s John Hancock.

John Adams (Tyrick Wiltez Jones) has a spirited discussion with Benjamin Franklin (William R. Henry), in "1776." Liz Lauren

There are many engrossing and humorous moments in this performance of “1776.”  It’s an interesting, and at times, fun, musical that reminds us of the roots of the American experiment. However, with few schools teaching American history today, it would be wiser to stick to accurate casting—or to revisit the excellent 1972 film version.

‘1776’ Marriott Theatre 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, Illinois Tickets: 847-634-0200 or MarriottTheatre.com Runs: 2 hours, 40 minutes (one intermission) Closes: Oct. 13, 2024