1776: A Musical Play

Every 4th of July I watch the restored laser disc edition of "1776," the musical that has our Founding Fathers singing and dancing their way to Independency, and every time John and Abigail Adams sing goodbye to each other ("Till Then" and "Yours, Yours, Yours"), I get absolutely choked up (to be fair, I get absolutely choked up when I listen to either the original Broadway cast with William Daniels as John Adams or the revival cast with Brent Spiner in the role). But as much as I enjoy the songs, from "Sit Down, John" to "Is Anybody There?", what I admire is the way Peter Stone's book tells the story of what happened in foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy Philadelphia. Granted this is drama and not history. A historian would point to a big error in that John Dickinson did not show up the day of the crucial vote so that Pennsylvania would not kill independence. But Stone lays out the positions of those who oppose independence, not only Dickinson but Edmund Rutledge of South Carolina, who wants independence but sees it as independence for South Carolina. Consequently, even though we know that these men are going to sign their John Hancocks to the Declaration we still wonder how it will happen given the obstacles. The biggest one is slavery, and while the song "Molasses To Rum" captures the Triangle Trade, it is the debate between Rutledge on the one side and Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin on the other that is even more memorable as the Founding Fathers discuss the difference between "property" and "people being treated like property." One of the most unusual things about "1776" as a musical is that the vast majority of songs are in Act I, because once the declaration committe's draft is read to the congress ("The Egg"), the debate becomes too important for anything but the most somber of songs. The genius here is the ability to mix low comedy, as in "The Lees of Old Virginia," with the historical drama, best represented by the moment when Franklin justifies the need for independency to Dickinson. Stone takes Franklin's old words, "We are a new nationality. We require a new nation," and amplifies them into a moment of ideological clarity. It is the gravity of that moment which allows the songs by Sherman Edwards to go off in fanciful directions, along with Franklin's pointed reminder at the crucial moment that the Founding Fathers were not demi-gods. I maintain there is a wonderful educational opportunity with "1776." Obviously it is not what "really" happened, but it is based on such things, from the words of the Declaration of Indpendence to the letters exchanged between John and Abigail always addressed to "My dearest friend." Granted, not all students will be interested in exploring the reality behind the drama, but for those willing to make the connection, it is a worthwhile step in the development of their critical faculties.

Peter Stone's play "1776", is not only a wonderfully entertaining piece of musical theatre, containing great songs and dialogue (often with a healthy amount of wit), it is also historically accurate. The story centers around the Second Continental Congress in Philidelphia (most notably John Adams), in the months immediately prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. One of the things that impressed me most about this play was that when writing dialogue between Congress members, letters from Gen. Washington, and conversations between Adams and his wife, Stone reviewed historical documents. Thus, many exchanges you hear/read throughout the play were actual conversations or letters written by those people. Therefore, the play is not only entertaining, it's educational. This play allows you to better understand the people who fought so hard to secure American independence. So often we revere our forefathers with such a sense of awe that we forget their basic humanity. Stone does a wonderful job of reminding us all that these were simple men and women, with everyday hopes and dreams, who were also willing to risk their lives for the freedom that they sought. I think that this play ought to be performed for every school in America -- it teaches while it entertains!

1776 is a very special play. It portrays true historical magic. I especially liked the play because of the character development. I liked how Peter Stone, the author, developed John Adams character. Stone portrayed Adams as an egotistical jerk who would not take no for an answer. The ironic thing was that his unwillingness to quit was the key to winning our independence. I am especially involved in the study of history. The play was actually quite accurate except for all the singing and dancing which was added for theatrical purposes. The play had great lyrics and music. Not only was the book version well done the movie was also excellent. The movie stayed word for word with the book. This play attracted my attention to a specific theme. When John Adams was desperate and discouraged he did not give up. He kept on pushing and pushing untill he had the outcome he wanted. A major theme of this novel would have to be to not give up when faced with tremendous odds. If John Adams had given up then we would most likely still be under British rule. This play should definitly be read by all u.s. history classes. It inspires patriotism just at the mention of the title. This play is a great source and accurate account of exactly how this great nation became so great. A truly outstanding book.

This musical play really inspires patriotic feelings for any American that reads it. A sense of the magnanimity of such an occasion can be felt by its readers. From John Adams's beligerant character to Ben Franklin's sensibility, the reader will feel like he has known these great men and women forever.