In the latest production by the Center Theatre Group, an energized ensemble of talented actors revitalizes the classic musical, lending a new look and verve to an iconic American story.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 04-12-2023
In 2023, there is no production on the Center Theatre Group’s calendar that so aptly reflects the zeitgeist of the times as 1776. With an energized cast of diverse actos, the new production injects powerful lifeblood into what could be considered a stodgy old musical. With powerful voices, playful humor, and moving moments of palpable drama, the re-envisioned musical delivered a well-paced show deserving of the standing ovation it received. Playing from April 11th to May 7th, the musical is a must-see this theatrical season.
In truth, however, the audience was somewhat taken aback when told before the curtain’s rising that the musical’s running time was close to three hours. Many people could not believe Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, the directorial combo, had not cut the book down to size. With a book by Peter Stone with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, 1776 has a reputation for being a bit of an exhaustive history lesson. A fearful question lurked in the hearts of many: Would this latest version prove to be a burden to watch?
However, with a dash of grace and a wallop of talent, such fears never became realities as the production soared from the opening moments. As the actors assumed their historical roles, they shed the stodginess of the past, replacing it with a dynamic passion that did justice to the traditional male roles while adding new feminine energy. Indeed, imagine the Yin and the Yang of the storyline coming together to reveal meanings and implications once unseen.
April 11-May 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
Playing John Adams of Massachusetts, Gisela Adisa is the cornerstone of the musical’s revolutionary hall. With passion and an undeniable stubbornness, the actor focuses on the goal of declaring independence from the English crown, even when it threatens life and family. With a strong voice and an undeniable presence, Gisela Adisa is the central saber that duels with both the character’s opponents and their compatriots.
As the compatriots of John Adams, Liz Mikel as Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Nancy Anderson as Thomas Jefferson of Virginia are highlights to be remembered. Playing Benjamin Franklin, Liz Mikel is a constant source of humor and narrative drive. She plays a perfect foil for the saber of John Adams, keeping his revolutionary aggravation in check. Playing Thomas Jefferson, Nancy Anderson is a restrained aristocrat of the finest order with a bit of a randy side to boot. Her patrician bearing plays well against the in-your-face passion of John Adams.
April 11-May 7, 2023 (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
On a surprising note, given that her role feels secondary, perhaps the most powerful moment of the night comes when the Courier from General Washington (Brooke Simpson). The Courier takes the lead in an emotional rendering of “Momma, Look Sharp”, a song that reveals the tragedies that lurk at the heart of any armed conflict. Although the song starts softly, it rises into a crescendo of mourning and agony. After all, young men are being lost on these battlefields, and the blood is real. Amidst a musical that overflows with comedy and dramatized conflict, Brooke Simpson breaks through the wall to deliver a moment of actual tragedy.
From the beginning to the end, 1776 is nothing less than a rousing success at the Ahmanson Theatre. Continuing a fine 2023 season of topflight musicals, 1776 shows the Center Theatre Group again to be at the heights of performance in Southern California. Indeed, the people dreading the long runtime left wanting more after a long-standing ovation.
Photos by Joan Marcus