The musical 1776 premiered in 1969, winning 3 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Clive Barnes reviewed the original production in The New York Times, saying it was a "most striking, most gripping musical." Locally, Opera House Theatre Company produced the show 10 years ago, and they hope to hit a chord with the community again. This election season seems like a good time, according to director Ray Kennedy.
Actor Jason Hatfield, previously a Wilmingtonian actor (now in Durham), is playing the interesting part of John Dickinson, a Quaker who resisted the revolutionary zeal because of his rejection of violence. He also strongly rejected slavery, although he had inherited slaves from his father. He was the only Founding Father who freed his slaves between 1776 and 1786. Dickinson-and Rutledge-provide the tension in 1776 among all the historical greats, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock.
"1776." July 15, 16, 17 & 22, 23, 24. Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 3:00 @ Thalian Hall.
Listen to director Ray Kennedy and actor Jason Hatfield talk about the show above. Tickets for the show are available online, at the door, or by telephone at 910-632-2285.