This past weekend, the RMHS Drama Club put on the musical “1776.” In other words, the Drama Club indirectly performed Hamilton. Either way, the musical turned the signing of the Declaration Independence from a fifth grade history lesson into a comedic moment in American history. The show follows thirteen congressman and the congress’s president, John Hancock, played by Bryan Deroo, as they quarrel over how to gain independence from England and King James. John Adams, played by Matt Baynes, leads the six colonies towards independence and the writing of the Declaration (which will become known as the Declaration Independence). Meanwhile, Matt Miller plays John Dickinson, one of the delegates for Pennsylvania who is strongly against declaring independence from England. Although the audience already knows the ending, there was some worry that Georgia’s delegate Charles Thomson, played by Megan Coram, would not move to the “yea” side. But don’t worry, Thomson made the hard choice of going against the people’s word versus his own view. Comical speeches and songs, wonderful singing, and time appropriate clothing, “1776” made for another hit for the Drama Club’s winter productions.
The show was not complete without Travis Giragosian, who played Richard Henry Lee. He sang the ridiculous song “The Lees of Old Virginia”which put the whole audience into hysterics due to the song’s punny nature (making all adverbs end in “Lee” rather than “ly”). But, my favorite performance was by Tim Sanford, who played the inventor and Pennsylvania delegate, Benjamin Franklin. From the wig, to the limp and cane, to comedic remarks throughout the show’s entirety, Sanford’s performance of Franklin was one of the most enjoyable. Also enjoyable was Matt Baynes’ convincing performance of John Adams - a character described as “obnoxious and disliked”.
Beyond the tremendous acting, the singing by the cast members was amazing. Although a side figure in the musical, Abigail Adams, performed by Margaret Sweeney, was the star of the show. From “Piddle Twiddle” to “Till Then” her voice made the somewhat boring start of the musical become much more interesting. Also, Martha Jefferson’s, played by Juliana Ryan, “He Plays the Violin” was another of beautiful song. My favorite song was “But Mr. Adams,” performed by John Adams, Roger Sherman (Caleb Dion), Robert Livingston (Ryan Norton), and Thomas Jefferson (Antonio Ruiz-Nokes). This song was funny and all of the actors sang remarkably well together.
All of the costumes worn by the delegates, their wives, soldiers, and custodian men perfectly captured the time period. I was even impressed by the one-room setting. The furniture and lighting changes made the room rather interesting and I never wished for a scene change.
Overall, “1776” was a funny musical with both great singing and acting. My only wish is that it was a little shorter (did the spokesman have to repeat “Massachusetts yea” and “Rhode Island” yea for each delegate?). I often prefer plays over musicals, but “1776” (much like “The Wedding Singer”) has made me change my perspective.
In a time of political unrest and division, this musical reminded its audience of the beginning of our nation and what the United States of America stands for: independence and freedom. The ultimate test in the future for the RMHS Drama Club will be if they will be up to the challenge of rapping this historic story.