‘1776’: A Fresh Twist on a Historic Tale

By Lauren Means

The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “1776” made its Nashville debut Tuesday night at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

“1776” is a historical musical that tells the story of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States. The show portrays the debates, conflicts, and personalities of the Founding Fathers who gathered in Philadelphia to shape the future of their nation.

The current rendition of “1776” is directed by Jeffrey L. Page (Violet) and Diane Paulus (Waitress) and features 17 multi-racial Broadway revival cast members who are female, nonbinary and transgender. The very people who weren’t even considered in the Declaration of Independence.

For someone like me, who didn’t take away all of the important details of history in high school (or maybe they weren’t even taught completely), musicals like this allow me to relearn what I was taught in a more engaging manner. I know there are creative liberties taken when putting on a production like “1776,” but the bones are solid.

While I knew some of the key players in the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I didn’t know them all. And with this rendition mixing it up by having women and gender non-conforming individuals in the starring roles, I had to pay attention to catch the names of people being portrayed. I was amazed, however, that I was able to pick Benjamin Franklin out right off the bat. Liz Mikel channeled Franklin in a way that was remarkable. Her mannerisms, gait, and glasses were all spot-on to match our historical image of Franklin. She is a strong presence on the stage and her vocals were commanding as well.

I appreciate when an actor is so good in character they can actually make me hate the character. Joanna Glushak who plays John Dickinson of Pennsylvania fits the bill. She pushes back on progress for the common good and spews off condescending retorts whenever pressed about the vote on independence. Dickinson along with Edward Rutledge (played by Kassandra Haddock) from South Carolina almost derail the whole endeavor.

Haddock is another actor who plays their part so well, you leave despising her. As Haddock tells the story of Rutledge’s part in the amending of the Declaration of Independence, it is clear to see how divided our nation has been on some issues, like slavery, since the founding of our country. Essentially holding our independence hostage, Rutledge managed to talk freeing slaves out of the declaration.

Of course, the music is an important part of the show. One number really spoke, not only to the lives lost during the American Revolutionary War but to the lives we have lost and continue to lose today by senseless violence. “Momma, Look Sharp” had the audience in complete silence and brought many of us to teary eyes.

No matter your level of familiarity with the Revolutionary War or the Declaration of Independence, everyone will find inspiration from the cast of “1776.”

Before You Go
What: “1776”
Where: TPAC Andrew Jackson Hall
When: June 20-25, 2023
How: Visit tpac.org for tickets! Starting at $33.