March 27, 2002

Playhouse gets in the spirit of ‘1776’

Through story, song and a little soft-shoe by Benjamin Franklin, the birth of a nation is retold in the Old Town Playhouse mainstage production of “1776.”
Winner of the 1969 Tony Award for best musical, “1776” follows the pivotal events and stirring debates as members of the second Continental Congress stand poised to sign the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776. The musical follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the rest of Congress to dispose of British monarchy by declaring the 13 united colonies free and independent states.
The mainstage production is directed by Jeanette Mason. Cast members include Brian Dungjen as John Adams, Phil Murphy as Benjamin Franklin, Matt Heffron as Thomas Jefferson and Don Kuehlhorn as Pennsylvania’s John Dickinson, the leader of the Congressional opposition to independence. Shakyra Eady-Jones and Jessica Cerutti play Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson.

“1776” runs through April 6 at the playhouse at Cass and Eighth streets. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for students and seniors (Thursdays only). For ticket information, call the OTP box office at 947-2443.

Herald photos by Garret Leiva
John Dickson from Pennsylvania, played by Don Kuehlhorn, leads the Continental Congress conservatives ever to the right, never to the left as they sing about being “Cool, Cool Considerate Men” in a scene from “1776” performed Sunday at Old Town Playhouse.

John Adams, played by Brian Dungjen, attempts to convince Benjamin Franklin, played by Phil Murphy, that he should pen the Declaration of Independence.

Shakyra Eady-Jones, portraying Abigail Adams, receives some last minute adjustments to her hair pins backstage courtesy of Al Lien, portraying Joseph Hewes of North Carolina.

Above: Continental Congress props, including a copy of the Virginia Gazette, quill pens and ink, all add authenticity to the set of “1776” at the Old Town Playhouse. Below: John Adams, left, played by Brian Dungjen, Martha Jefferson, center, played by Jessica Cerutti, and Benjamin Franklin, played by Phil Murphy, sing about Thomas Jefferson’s musical ability in “He Plays the Violin.”

Richard Dawson gets into his character of Col Thomas McKean of Delaware as the cast of “1776” assembles on stage for vocal warmups prior to Sunday’s matinee performance.

Richard Henry Lee, played by Chris Cooke, sings about “The Lees of Old Virginia” as he charges off to his homestate to seek approval of a declaration of independence from Great Britian.