Review: Rivertown Brings a Bit of History to life with 1776

The timing of Rivertown's production of 1776 couldn't have been more perfect. Just in time for the 2016 Presidential Election, audiences were reminded why despite all of the... let's call it shenanigans... surrounding this election, 240 years ago our founding fathers decided to write and sign a declaration that would free our country from being under Britain's rule. I'm not going to lie, it made me tear up a bit. Why? Because it is a moment in time that every American - no matter race, no matter political party, no matter gender or sexual orientation, no matter economic status, no matter nation of origin, no matter level of education - can be proud of; because a group of young, wide-eyed, men with a dream - although from completely different backgrounds - came to a most difficult decision together united for one purpose; and because it gave me hope that this is something our nation can learn to become again.

What was fascinating to me about this story is that, even though I have taken several American History courses in the past, I didn't really have an understanding of just how difficult it was to come to an agreement and what was ultimately compromised to free the nation as a whole. It was also very interesting to see how the different personalities of these men came into play... who didn't get along with who... who was in cahoots with who... etc. This production really lifted these men off of the history book page and made them very real to me. I, for some reason, always think of these guys as old and unfeeling men; but, to think of them as a group of actual people who have hopes and dreams just like I do inspired me.

I really enjoyed the play, but it was very long. I'm not sure if it was the way that Rivertown's production was staged or if the show was written this way, but it was hard to sit through. Interesting and very well done... but long.

The set was gorgeous, the costumes and wigs were well done, and the cast was phenomenal. Audiences received yet another great performance from Gary Rucker who played John Adams. Rucker successfully gave us a look at the stress Adams was under during the entire process while keeping a sense of humor and maintaining a relatable persona. Ken Goode, Jr. was absolutely hilarious as the obnoxiously cocky yet somehow charming Richard Henry Lee, and Matt Reed as Thomas Jefferson played possibly one of the most amusingly exasperated characters I've ever seen on stage. Well done to all involved!

Next up on Rivertown's schedule this season is Billy Elliot. Check out http://www.rivertowntheaters.com for tickets and more information.

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