This ‘’76’ is about democracy, not trombones: ‘1776’ at Marriott Theatre

Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Lucy Godinez, and Richard R. Henry. Photo by Liz Lauren.

What Lin-Manuel Miranda did for the U.S. Constitution, director extraordinaire Nick Bowling does for the Declaration of Independence in Marriott Theatre’s exquisitely modern-ish turn on the old-school-ish 1776.

Blindly cast in terms of gender, race and ethnicity, this production gives a nod to the all-female, non-binary and transgender cast of the Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus-directed 2022 Broadway revival. But Bowling’s ensemble even more fully represents the palette of American diversity. Of particular note, the casting of Black actor Tyrick Wiletz Jones to portray John Adams provides patrons a uniquely poignant look at the issue of slavery (punctuated by his heart-wrenching ballad, “Is Anybody There?”) For those in need of a history refresher, Adams was forced to abandon his insistence on slavery’s abolition in order to get the Declaration passed through the Second Continental Congress; the practice persisted for another 89 years.

For two important reasons, 1776 should be the musical to draw out the typically musical theatre-averse to join with the genre’s aficionados. First, the timing is impeccable. Marriott opened the show just less than ten weeks before November’s presidential election, one many believe is a modern referendum on civility in politics and independence in thought and action. Second, spoken comedic and dramatic elements, heavily drawing from the minutes of the Continental Congress, drive the action of this title (courtesy of librettist Peter Stone). Sherman Edwards’ music and lyrics add levity, and to be sure, some of Chicagoland’s finest singers are assembled in Lincolnshire’s Independence Hall. But this feels like a play with strong musical accompaniment to guide the experience.

In addition to Jones’ notable stand as Adams, Chicagoland favorite Heidi Kettenring shines as Adams’ nemesis John Dickinson, the loyalist who pushes for allegiance to the crown before declaring himself an American patriot reconciled to support his new countrymen. So, too, does veteran musical theatre actor Richard R. Henry stand out for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin. Pragmatic and hysterical, Henry looks to be having the time of his life on stage in this role. And as a nervous, self-doubting Thomas Jefferson, Erik Hellman provides a noteworthy turn.

Two additional stage standouts must be noted for the exceptional talents of the actors and for the poignancy of their scenes to the entire 1776 experience. Katherine Alexis Thomas as Abigail Adams and Alicia Kaori as Martha Jefferson angelically appear on cue, as needed. They offer their husbands rational counsel along with emotional and romantic support in gorgeous soprano tones. Their scenes are among this reviewers favorites.

The creative endeavor that is this 1776 includes more than 20 actors, each of whom makes a critical contribution to sharing this important time in American history. Those not mentioned specifically here are recipients of this site’s sometimes-given distinction, the Konstantin Stanislavski “There are no small roles, only small actors” Award. They’re all augmented by the gorgeous costumes and wigs of Theresa Ham and Miguel A. Armstrong, respectively. Musical director Ryan T. Nelson and conductor Brad Haak’s orchestra provide typically stellar musical accompaniment.

At his 1961 inauguration, President John F. Kennedy famously said, "So, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” That was 185 years after a group of patriots set in motion the American experiment by declaring independence from Great Britan. Today, more than 63 years after JFK’s challenge, patrons are invited to see these founding patriots earnestly portrayed onstage while each person contemplates their role in preserving the democracy by voting this November.

1776 runs through Oct. 13 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. For tickets or more information, please call (847) 634-0200 or visit marriotttheatre.com.

For more reviews on this or other shows, please visit theatreinchicago.com.