“1776” Excels at Marriott Theatre
Marriott Theatre’s production of 1776 is absolutely fabulous; I have had the pleasure of seeing this musical in the past, and Marriott’s version is the best I have seen. The set is understated, attractive, and realistic; completely period appropriate. Costumes, which have a realistically worn but high-quality look, are very well done, befitting the time in history. The music and vocals are also stellar. I really liked the use of lighting, adding an illuminating old-world glow to the stage.
No review of this musical would be complete without the mention of the masterful acting of every cast member. The characterizations are spot on, especially bringing to life John Adams (Tyrick Wiltez Jones), Benjamin Franklin (Richard R. Henry), Thomas Jefferson (Erik Hellman), and Edward Rutledge (Matthew Hommel). Joel Gelman, as Continental Congress president John Hancock, put his bold signature on the role. Ed Kross’ Rev. John Witherspoon, Teddy Gales’ James Wilson, Austin Nelson Jr.’s Robert Livingston, Karl Hamilton’s Andrew McNair, Jay Westbrook’s Courier, Michael Earvin Martin’s Roger Sherman, Patrick Byrnes’ Lewis Morris, Dan Gold’s George Read, and Jesse Bhamrah’s Dr. Lyman Hall, supported strongly.
Several male roles are played by women, and every one of them is believable and beautifully executed: Lillian Castillo (Col. Thomas McKean), Mary Robin Roth (Stephen Hopkins), Lucy Godinez (Richard Henry Lee), Gabrielle Lott-Rogers (Charles Thomson), Nancy Voigts (Caesar Rodney), Danielle Davis (Samuel Chase), Neala Barron (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), and versatile veteran Heidi Kettenring as John Dickinson. The two female roles of Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson are splendidly portrayed by the lovely and talented ladies Katherine Thomas and Alicia Kaori, respectively. Ms. Thomas has a stunning Broadway voice and impeccable comic timing; her rapport with her stage husband is heartfelt, the chemistry between them very genuine. In addition to her excellent work as Mrs. Jefferson, Ms. Kaori has a second, male role – she makes the transition seamlessly.
This must-see patriotic production closes October 13th, so make sure you take your seat alongside the figures who made history.
