Review by David Treadwell
Maine State Music Theatre’s creative rendition of “1776” couldn’t be more timely or more engaging. The show provides an up close and personal — extremely personal, at times — look at the messy process of building a consensus. Should the 13 colonies comprising the Second Continental Congress declare themselves free and independent of British Rule? That is the question.
John Adams, brilliantly played by James Patterson, has no doubt about the answer, as he leads the charge to declare independence. While he’s passionate about the cause, he’s sometimes tactless in his approach. Indeed, the rousing opening number “For God’s Sake, John, Sit Down” suggests his fellow lawmakers are fed up with him.
When John feels exasperated with the slow process he turns to his wife Abigail for consolation and support. Alicia Kaori, well cast as Abigail, is a steady counterpoint to her mercurial husband.
John Treacy Egan nailed the role of Benjamin Franklin, always witty and sage, but lacking the determination and drive of Adams to get the job done.
Whether to include banning slavery in the actual Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson is a big stumbling block to getting unanimous consent. Matthew Hommel deserves kudos for his portrayal of Edward Rutledge, the adamant pro-slavery South Carolinian. Jefferson reluctantly agrees, exasperated by the many changes to his original document. Quinn Corcoran does a nice job of depicting Jefferson, the man for the moment and slightly above the fray at this pivotal time in the nation’s history.
MSMT favorite David Girolmo does a fine job playing John Hancock, who’s trying to maintain some order over this unruly bunch.
Curt Dale Clark demonstrates his acting prowess despite his many other duties as MSMT’s Artistic Director by playing the role of Virginian Richard Henry Lee.
All things considered, this power-packed production of 1776 could more fairly be termed a drama than a musical, more Shakespeare than Sondheim. That said, there are some outstanding musical performances. Playing the courier, Jalen Kirkman offered a breathtaking soul-wrenching rendition of “Momma Look Sharp.” That young man is destined for stardom.
The MSMT Orchestra led by conductor Jason Wetzel does its usual fine job of enhancing yet not overwhelming the action on stage.
Amber Mark masterfully directed “1776” About the challenge of directing she said, “Sometimes I had to use my momma voice directing 28 guys.”
Amber has a clear vision of the purpose of the play as outlined in the program notes. “Tonight, I invite you to sit with the tension of our complicated history. Celebrate the friction of human debate, acknowledge the profound exclusions, and consider your own role moving forward — because as demonstrated within this theatrical piece, our rights to life, liberty and happiness aren’t protected by us simply being an audience to our history.”
(Note: ‘1776 is playing June 24-July 11 at Pickard Theater at Bowdoin College. www.msmt.org)
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