EMA Review:1776 Scrumptious ★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

It is the 250th birthday of the United States of America, and what better way to celebrate than with a good ol’ American musical! And just in time, Super Summer Theatre and Hynes-Sight Entertainment bring 1776, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. So bring your picnic basket, a blanket, some hot dogs, and little American flags to wave as we dive into the story of our country's founding, by way of singing, dancing, and drinking.

The story takes place in the Summer of 1776, when John Adams is ready to declare independence from King George III and from England's oppression! With help from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, the three set out to convince the rest of the Second Continental Congress to join them in signing a declaration. A Declaration of Independence! But convincing the others, especially John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, will be an uphill battle. 

It’s an odd musical, as the story is very unconventional. There’s no main love story. (The dramatized letters between Adams and his wife, Abigail, are far from the main focus.) And the conflict is entirely cerebral. It’s all in the realm of ideas. But thankfully, Director Marissa McCoy delightfully brings this musical to life. She perfectly captures the personalities and idiosyncrasies of this ragtag group of idealists dreaming of a better nation. I think Benjamin Franklin would be amused to see himself frolic around on a stage, quoting himself like that.

The cast is terrific. Joe Hynes adeptly carries the show as the opinionated John Adams. Glenn Heath is perfect as Benjamin Franklin, giving us his wit and wisdom while also being true to his, ahem, more amorous pursuits. And rounding out the top three is Louis De Salvio as Thomas Jefferson, who is the perfect balance to the other two. I wish I could address everyone in the cast, but here are the highlights: Ben Hensley is wonderful as the boorish contrarian John Dickinson. Nico Portillo as Abigail Adams is lovely, giving the play heart and reminding us what Adams is fighting for. Jasmine Rayne as Martha Jefferson effortlessly charms with “He Plays the Violin.” Dmari Johnson steals the show with his show-stopping performance in “The Lees of Old Virginia.”  The stirring performance of Jack Hatfield as the Courier with “Mamma Look Sharp” had me in tears. And finally, Camden Espino as Edward Rutledge blew the roof off the stage with the powerful “Molasses to Rum.”

The set, designed by Cassie Lentz-McKnight, is ingenious and clever. At first, it looks like a random arrangement of tables and chairs, but it transitions from scene to scene with ease, a masterful use of the stage. The lighting, designed by Josh O’Brien, not only complements the set but also plays with the songs and actors in a jovial manner. The costumes, designed by Abby Stroot, and wigs, designed by Christie Wilson, were beautiful and transported us back in time to the 18th Century.

Much of the story is historically accurate, albeit heavily dramatized. It’s like you’re getting Cliff’s Notes to the actual events. Some things were made up, of course, such as the fact that Martha never visited Thomas Jefferson for a little inspirational rendezvous, but it does its best in keeping with the true facts. And it doesn’t sugarcoat the characters, but portrays them honestly as flawed people with certain disagreeable attitudes. It’s difficult to hear someone talk about other human beings as property, for instance. F-ing terrible. I’m glad we have evolved as a society. Earlier I said there isn’t a main love story, but on second thought, I believe I was wrong. It is a love story. Love for ideals, love for a better world, love for the concepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This musical celebrates the best of America, and I think it inspires us to continue fighting to make it the country we know it can be. 

What: 1776  

When: Wednesday to Saturday, July 3 through July 18, 8:05 pm.

Where: Super Summer Theatre, Spring Mountain State Park, 6375 NV-159, Blue Diamond, 89004

Tickets (including fees): General Admission $28, VIP Chair $84, VIP Blanket for Two $182, VIP Blanket for Four $360. Parking Fee $10.31

https://supersummertheatre.org/

Director/Choreographer: Marissa McCoy; Producer: Andrea Hynes; Producer: Joe Hynes; Wig Design: Christie Wilson; Costumes: Abby Stroot; Set Design: Cassie Lentz-McKnight; Lighting Designer: Josh O’Brien; Props: Kayla Workman; Asst. Choreographer/Dance Captain: Anaid Murphy.