1776
A decisive
moment in American history came musically to life as the new
Wimberley Playhouse opened its doors in September
2006 with the production
1776. The play was written by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone.
The
spirited historical musical followed John Adams of Massachusetts, Ben
Franklin of Pennsylvania, Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of
Virginia, and other key figures as they tried to convince their fellow
members of the 22nd Continental Congress to vote for independence. The
Declaration of Independence was the grand call to the people of a
fledgling nation to shake off the shackles of the British monarchy.
The
Wimberley Players' production of 1776 was directed and
choreographed by Lee Coleé-Atnip and produced by Jana White; Donna
Williams was Assistant Director. The cast included many well-known
performers, including David Bisett as John Adams, LeRoy Nienow as Edward
Rutledge, Cary Michaels as Richard Henry Lee and Carole Hoffstad as
Abigail Adams. Patrons will also be delighted to see Dan Williams as
Dickinson, John Daws as Hopkins, Calvin White as the Secretary to the
Congress, Allan Eastwood as McNair, and Carl Galante as Ben Franklin.
The cast
totaled 27, including 25 men. The troupe gustily sang
ensemble songs that brought the American founding spirit to life.
“All
these characters are fascinating,” said Director Coleé-Atnip. “They were
passionate about their country. Yet the founding fathers had traits much
like people we all know today. They could be petty, visionary,
anti-social, or charming. Even the so-called villains are adorable,
wonderful characters.” As playgoers saw, they sometimes even came
to blows.
“Authenticity” was the production mantra. The players
wore specially
created period costumes down to vintage shoe buckles and walking sticks.
T
The
production ran four weekends, from September 29 to October 22,
2006.
 |
