Courtesy of insighttheatrecompany.com
Enter exasperated politician. “This Congress! This Congress!” he shouts, throwing up his hands in semi-feigned defeat. Sound familiar? Actually, it’s John Adams. The year is 1776, and he’s trying to convince delegates of the second Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence, liberating colonial America from British rule. Perhaps you’ve read Peter Stone’s acclaimed book, or seen the 1972 film. Now, Insight Theatre Company brings 1776 to life at Heagney Theatre in Webster Groves.
Winner of three Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical, 1776 illuminates the experiences of America’s four founding fathers as they struggle in ways both political and personal to lay “the egg” they hope will give birth to a nation by the people and for the people.
Through musical numbers like “He Plays the Violin,” the musical reveals a side to figures like Thomas Jefferson that’s not immediately apparent in history books. From the teary-eyed pride of Martha Jefferson, to the furrowed brows of congressmen struggling with the inevitable hypocrisy of slavery in a nation where “you dance with us, we dance with you,” the musical puts theatergoers at the heart of a new country’s questions. Director Maggie Ryan says 1776 is a lighthearted conceptualization of issues that were—and remain— all but trivial, including racial discrimination and the human toll of war, noting that her production’s emphasis on the incessant congressional debate renders the drama humorously relatable to audiences in 2013.
“Since it is based on historical fact, it’s really interesting to see that come to life,” Ryan says. “I do think that people are moved. There are moments when you’re very thoughtful as a result of watching it. So, it has more than just light entertainment for you. It really gives you some opportunity to think about who we are today.”
1776 begins its run tonight, Wednesday June 26, at 8 p.m., and runs through July 7. For more information about the Insight Theatre Company or to reserve tickets, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com
