On Theater: Birthing a nation in Newport
While Broadway audiences line up for “Hamilton,” playgoers at the Newport Theatre Arts Center are reaching further back in history to cheer the events that set the United States in motion with its terrific reprise production of the musical “1776.”
For students of history, like my 9-year-old granddaughter, Riley, who viewed Saturday’s performance with me, it’s an invaluable lesson, humanizing the dry textbook accounts of our nation’s creation. The story by Sherman Edwards (music and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book) still resonates beautifully on the Newport stage.
Both the Broadway show and the movie version of “1776” brought the superb William Daniels into the spotlight in the pivotal role of John Adams, who represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress and led the fight for independence. Trouble was, Adams was so loud and obnoxious that his words fell on deaf ears.
With Benjamin Franklin, already renowned for his pithy pronouncements, as his wing man and the shy, self-conscious Thomas Jefferson writing the words, after some romantic encouragement from his wife, Adams got his declaration. And the rest, of course, is history. And theater audiences got “1776.”
At Newport, in a lively and character-rich production under the splendid direction of Kathy Paladino, “1776” is a true ensemble treat with a spirited cast of 26 actors, all but two of them male. And, as usual, it’s John Adams who sets the pace, this time in the personage of the dynamic Bradley Miller.
Miller scores repeatedly as the conscience of the congress, goading the even more self-centered Virginian Richard Henry Lee (the energy bunny Ross Wolfarth) into formally proposing independence. It’s Miller, whose character was destined to become our second president, who drives this lengthy but highly satisfying production.
Turning in a sterling supporting performance as the aged and gouty yet still sharp-witted Franklin is David Colley in a startling physical transformation. Chad Cuervo presents an effective contrast as the erudite but painfully shy Jefferson, whose words ignited the revolution.
Conflict is essential in any show, and Garrett Chandler provides it resoundingly as Franklin’s fellow Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson, a fervent royalist. Also presenting a formidable roadblock to independence is the fiery South Carolinian Edward Rutledge, whose gut-wrenching solo “Molasses to Rum” challenges the anti-slavery forces. He’s brilliantly portrayed by David A. Blair, who shares the role with Stephen Hulsey.
Feminine input is nicely furnished by Alison McGuire as Adams’ hard-pressed wife, Abigail, and Alexandra Vann as Jefferson’s passionate young wife, Martha.
Some memorable supporting portrayals emerge, such as Gordon Buckley’s elderly, wine-soaked Rhode Islander Stephen Hopkins, Stefan Burgland’s cancer-ridden Delaware delegate Caesar Rodney and Craig Sullivan’s bullish Delaware colonel Thomas McKean.
“1776” should be required viewing for local schools since it brings the pages of American history vibrantly to life. It’s a rich, rewarding experience at the Newport Theatre Arts Center.
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IF YOU GO
What: “1776”
Where: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2701 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until June 26
Cost: $17
Information: (949) 631-0288
