1776 is about the days leading to Independence Day, when our newly formed Congress was trying to decide if they even WANTED to be independent of England. It was something that had never been considered before - that a colony could break off from it's mother country and become a brand new sovereign nation.
John Adams and Ben Franklin are the strongest proponents for independence, but they are blocked by other members of congress who feel that such a bold step will be treasonous, getting them hung in the worst case, or jeopardizing their property at the very least. Their debate is periodically interrupted by dispatches from George Washington, leading the ragamuffin army. The Army is fighting a tough battle, 5,000 old men and young boys against 25,000 of the finest British soldiers and mercenaries. They are unsure what they are fighting for - is it a protest or a revolution? - and they are in dire need of support.
I really enjoyed the play. The characters were all well developed and you had a real sense of the New York delegate being a New Yorker, for example. I felt that the pace was perfect. As always, the scenery and props were great. Plays in the Park always has a first rate production.
If you are going to see the play, though, you need to keep this in mind. Not everyone I was with enjoyed it as much as I did. I really enjoy history, and I prefer drama to musicals. Although the play is a musical, and has comedic moments, it is more a historical drama.
My suggestion? Set up your chairs and give it a shot. It is a beautiful evening out at really decent theater for $6 a person. Where else can you get such a great deal?
1776 is running until July 3rd. Get there early to set up your chairs as soon as the gate opens; there is always a line, and most people set up their chairs and leave for dinner, coming back right before the show. For more information, the Plays in the Park website can be found HERE
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