In '1776,' History Sounds Good Repeating Itself

Little Theatre of Alexandria is going back to "1776," a musical it has frequently staged over the years, as part of its 75th anniversary celebration this summer. The show, the company says, is considered its signature show. And a bold John Hancock of a signature it is, musically.

This is a glorious-sounding production of the story behind the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of this nation. Voices soar in the big numbers and caress the notes in the ballads. Emotions run high in the songs, and Christopher A. Tomasino's full orchestra sounds lush and lively.

"1776" is a slightly fanciful history lesson, written by Peter Stone and set to song by Sherman Edwards, combining comedy with occasionally intense drama. The often dense dialogue highlights the intricate maneuvering that allowed 13 colonies with different cultures and values to forge a united nation. Even though we know how it will turn out, there is inherent suspense that builds to a climax that is intense and moving.

Except for brief appearances by Abigail Adams (Andrea Klores) and Martha Jefferson (Liz Sabin), the two-dozen-plus cast is male, befitting the makeup of the Continental Congress. It is an unusual musical, with long stretches without songs, and no dance or chorus numbers. Despite working with a cast that seems to have been primarily chosen for singing, and not acting, abilities, director Frank D. Shutts II has created a generally dynamic presentation that moves efficiently through the show's awkward structure.

Mick Tinder, who has been seen as a prickly John Adams in half a dozen productions at area theater companies, reprises the role here to good effect. Tinder provides a steady dramatic foundation within the confines of Congress, and his onstage chemistry with Klores as his wife supplies the heart. Tinder, a substantially more regal presence than we got used to with Paul Giamatti's work in the HBO series "John Adams," is flinty and irascible when dealing with his fellow politicians but gentle and warm with Abigail. Klores's lovely, sweet-sounding voice combines nicely with Tinder's sharper timbre, particularly in their duet, "Yours, Yours, Yours." Their work together blends love, longing and tart repartee into a delightfully sensuous package.

As Adams's opposite number in Congress, South Carolina's resolutely pro-slavery Edward Rutledge, Chris Gillespie creates an indelible portrait. Gillespie moves about in a haughty, self-absorbed glide, oozing the confidence of a man who knows he holds the winning cards. Part of his success is Gillespie's manner of imparting the sense that the man considers himself practical, not evil. Gillespie possesses a powerful voice that he fully employs in the highly charged second-act barnburner "Molasses to Rum," in which Rutledge excoriates northern congressmen for what he considers their economic hypocrisy regarding "our peculiar institution."

Another show highlight is "Momma Look Sharp," the compelling song bringing the harsh realities of war into the congressional chamber. A.J. Pendola doesn't disappoint here, with his bitter and poignant performance as the young soldier who sings it. As Thomas Jefferson, Keith Miller doesn't look the part or create much character, but he does unleash a magnificent tenor voice.

Now the bad news. Perhaps because many cast members are weak actors, Shutts has them play some scenes significantly more broadly than is customary. That gets tiresome. An odd scenic design from Myke Taister cheats people sitting on the right, as they can't clearly see part of the set and the action there. And this is the second show in a row in which a horrible wig detracts from a performance. The costume designer apparently forgot that Benjamin Franklin was thinning on top, with a lower fringe of long hair, and plopped a full, platinum-blond wig on Jim Carmalt's head, making him resemble an aging Ginger Rogers more than the esteemed Dr. Franklin.

Still, "1776" is worth a look, always an effective reminder of how close we came to losing America at birth.

"1776" continues through Aug. 23 at Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. Showtime Wednesdays through Saturdays is 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. There will also be a free "under the stars" performance of the show Aug. 21 at Fort Ward Park. For tickets or information, call the box office at 703-683-0496 or visithttp://www.thelittletheatre.com.