1776

I fell in love with this show the first time I saw it-Berea Summer Theater (OH) in 1972. That experience led me to the soundtrack of the original Broadway cast album, and a love affair with the show which culminated (for me) when I had the privilege of playing John Adams in a local production in 1995. This show is the Real Deal: American History 101-the founding fathers (and mothers) as they really were, flaws and all. The humor, the pathos, the humanity, all flowing from the unlikliest of subjects for a Broadway musical. William Daniels is the definitive John Adams, just as Howard DaSilva is the definitive (if somewhat lecherous) Ben Franklin. As for Ron Holgate, Ken Howard, Virginia Vestoff and Betty Buckley, they are all perfectly cast. Any deficiencies in vocal quality are more than compensated by the superb acting and the amazing libretto. One need not be a flag waver to love this show. With its excellent cast, it tells a timeless story about the imperfect (but human)beginnings of our American dream, which is, itself, a constantly-evolving work in progress. This is theater for the masses.

I am a huge broadway fan, and 1776 is up there on my list of favorite shows with Les Miserables and Rent. My favorite songs are sit down john and mamma look sharp. Everyone go see the movie with Mr. Feenie from Boy meets world, (and by the way, did anyone notice that Mr. Feenie played John Adams, and thats the name of the school on boy meets world?)

You wouldn't think that a story about the birth of America could be turned into a Broadway musical, but it was. The music is great and the acting is even better. If you only know William Daniels as Dr. Craig from St. Elsewhere (Which he was awesome), then you'll be in for a pleasant suprise to see him sing & dance.

I heard the 1997 revival of 1776 before the 1969 version, but I figured, hey, this is Broadway, they can't be THAT bad. Wrong! It's still a great musical, but 80% of this cast can't sing! My favorite song, The Lees of Old Virginia, was just butchered (if you don't believe me, listen to Track 4 at about 2 minutes into the song for a nice clip). Neither was I impressed with the man who sang the part of Thomas Jefferson. The only singer whom I liked more on this CD than the 1997 version was Betty Buckley as Martha Jefferson. These men all sing flat! I was just floored at the low vocal quality. Not to mention the really...hollow voice acting. They put no passion into the dialogue. Please don't let my low rating put you off the entire musical, however. It's brilliantly written, wonderful score, and very entertaining, but please, please, PLEASE listen to the 1997 version.

I first heard the soundtrack for this musical years back in high school and was hooked from the get go. With a blend of history, fun, and thought this album takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It starts off light and funny, but turns to a more serious tone in the middle as it makes you take a look at the mistakes and horrors that our country endured in it's infancy. Then in the finally it lifts you up in the joy and hope that was the Declaration of Independence. And just to make you think at the end you have the haunting "roll call" that makes you wonder about the fear that must have been coursing through the veins of everyone that signed the paper that declared our independence from the most powerful country in the world at that time.

If you like musicals then this album is a must. You won't be disappointed.