1776, the Musical: A Musical to Celebrate

1776 is one of my favorite musicals. It is about the events surrounding the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. It focuses on, and partly fictionalizes, the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and to sign the document. Although we know that all of the 13 colonies eventually voted in favor of independence, the musical does such a great job of creating suspense as we witness the debates between the supporters and the detractors of breaking away from England and claiming independence. It gives us a glimpse of what it might have been like in that cramped, stifling hot, fly infested room in the months that led up to the momentous event.

The first production I saw of the musical was in 2003 at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. And, I actually saw it on July 4th. That could be one of the reasons I loved it so much. Oh, and because it's so well written, and the actors were perfect in their parts. In the last scene the Liberty Bell is rung and Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, calls each of the delegates to sign their names on the Declaration of Independence. I was so emotional as each man walked up to the desk where the Declaration of Independence lay and placed their signature on the precious document. It is one of the most moving scenes in a musical I have ever seen. It brings tears to my eyes even now as I write about it.

The musical begins with a great quote by John Adams. "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress." And the show goes uphill from there.

There is a movie based on the musical that came out in 1972. Most of the actors who played the leading roles on Broadway repeated their performances in the movie. The film isn't as good as that first production I saw in 2003, and there's nothing like seeing the musical live on stage, but I am so happy that the movie was made so I can relive the joy and emotions that is 1776.

It is a tradition for me to watch the movie on July 4th and remember the great men who were willing to risk a traitor's death to declare independence. John Adam's last song, Is Anybody There?, is a great anthem to hear on July 4th, our Independence Day. Throughout the show, General George Washington has been sending letters to the Continental Congress asking for help to fight the British. His forces are small and are not doing weel against the large British forces. Prior to singing the song, another letter is received from the General asking if anyone is listening to his cries for help.



John Adams actually predicted how July 4th would be celebrated. He said, "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations [i.e. fireworks] from one end of this continent to the other." He was right about a lot of things.