Flair for Independence

Good news for those who missed the Simi Valley production of “1776” earlier this year: The Conejo Players are presenting their own version of the musical.

For those who haven’t seen any production of “1776,” it’s about time you did.

The play--if the title doesn’t give it away--takes place in Philadelphia, as members of the Second Continental Congress are attempting to agree whether the United Colonies should declare independence from England. And if they do agree, they’d like to finish in time (as Stan Freberg has put it) to leave early for the Fourth of July holiday.

While very funny at times, unlike Freberg’s parody “The United States of America,” this musical aims to tell of the conflicts leading to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Sherman Edwards, who came up with the concept and wrote the songs, some of which are quite snappy, did extensive research on the period.

Although Saturday night’s performance was rather flaccid and included several odd line readings and some voice projection problems, maybe it was just symptomatic of April Fools’ Day.

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In any event, Lloyd Allen makes a strong Benjamin Franklin and most of the supporting roles are adequately cast (no easy accomplishment when you’re trying to pin down 23 qualified male actors for one show).

It might be interesting, however, to see Tyler S. Wright (Richard Henry Lee) and Brenton Schraff (John Dickinson) in each other’s roles, and Joe Spader wasn’t convincingly “obnoxious and disliked” as John Adams.

Other notables include Jason Garrison as Thomas Jefferson; John Gaston as Edward Rutledge; Nelson Lopez as the courier who sings “Mama, Look Sharp”; and Lucien Casselman as Martha Jefferson. Linda Stiegler directed, Robert Loftin Smith choreographed and there’s a 13-piece orchestra. John Holroyd’s set design is quite impressive.

Shortcomings notwithstanding, “1776” is a terrific show, and this production is well worth seeing. Bring the kids--well, not the young ones, it’s rather long and talky. Encourage the teenagers to go on their own and see how much fun history can be if presented with imagination and flair.

DETAILS

“1776” continues through May 6 at the Conejo Players Theater, 351 S. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. except April 23, Easter. Tickets are $10 Thursdays, $12 Fridays and Sundays, $14 Saturdays. For reservations or information, call 495-3715.

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Lance Nichols doesn’t have a major role in “The Little Foxes,” which opens for previews tonight at the Laurel Theatre in Ventura, but his part may have more personal resonance than other cast members’ do. They include Linda Purl, Duncan Regehr and Philip Davidson (replacing the previously announced Gary Sandy) as members of a scheming, quibbling New Orleans family.

The play is set in the early 1900s in New Orleans, Nichols’ hometown. Nichols plays Cal, one of two servants in the household (Wendy Marone plays Addie, his female counterpart). Though the actor is only in his mid-40s, the treatment of blacks in Lillian Hellman’s 1939 play is not unfamiliar to him. “I remember when I was 5 years old and my sister took me to the Audubon [Park] Zoo. We were resting on a bench and a white policeman on horseback told us to move--that it was a ‘white’ bench. We’re talking about 1960, and I still remember it as though it were yesterday.”

There’s one consolation: With the brothers and sister fighting among themselves, Cal and Addie get to observe all the action.

“We’re probably the two most sane people in the play,” he notes.

Nichols said he strives to present a realistic portrayal of African American servants--not the cliched roles from old movies.

“It would be very easy from an actor’s point of view to fall into a [comically exaggerated ‘30s and ‘40s actor] Stepin Fetchit trap, but I was determined not to do that, and bring some kind of dignity to the role.”

DETAILS

“The Little Foxes” continues Thursdays-Sundays through May 7 at the Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura. Shows this week: tonight and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. are preview performances; tickets are $20; $15, students and seniors. Friday at 7 p.m. is an opening gala, including a post-show reception; tickets are $115 ($70 is a tax deductible contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura and the Rubicon’s education outreach programs).

Subsequent performances will be Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets to all shows except Friday and Saturday nights are $27.50; $22.50 for seniors and students. Friday and Saturday evening tickets are $32.50; $27.50 for seniors and students. For reservations or further information, call 667-2900.

Todd Everett can be reached at teverett@concentric.net.