[NEohioPAL]Berko review: 1776/Beck Center

[Roy Berko]

‘1776’ EXAMINES OUR COUNTRY’S BIRTH AT BECK

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

Are you aware that the New York delegation was the
last of the 13 original colonies to vote in favor of
the Declaration of Independence?  Did you know that
John Dickinson, a delegate from Pennsylvania, refused
to sign the Declaration?  Does the name James Wilson
mean anything to you?  If not, your American history
teacher didn’t share that his not wanting to be noted
as a historical figure resulted in the deciding vote
regarding the passage of the document that declared
the colonies in revolt.  Did your history book explain
that without John Adams’ nagging and tirades there
might never have been a United State of America?    If
you didn’t know these facts you need to attend the
Beck Center’s production of ‘1776’ and get a refresher
course in the founding of this country.

‘1776’ is a musical based on the events surrounding
the creation and adoption of the Declaration of
Independence, and therefore, the birth of the United
States.  It is set in Philadelphia in the months of
May, June, and July of 1776.   The composer, Sherman
Edwards, spent nine and one-half years researching and
creating the show.    The original Broadway production
was nominated for 5 Tony Awards in 1969, winning four
of them, including the best musical.   A movie version
was produced in 1972.   A short time ago ‘1776’ was
revived on Broadway.

‘1776’ is a difficult show for any theatre to produce.
 It requires 24 males who can act, sing and dance, as
well as two talented females.  The musical score is
difficult to sing.  The show does not contain the
usual show-stopping song and dance numbers that often
make musicals so entertaining.   With this in mind,
Beck Center deserves applause for even attempting the
show. 

The production, under the direction of Scott Spence,
is entertaining and will fulfill the patriotic needs
of many.  It is, by no means, however, a polished
presentation.  The acting and singing are uneven and
the choreography is wanting in parts.

The production is blessed with the very talented Greg
Violand as the irasible John Adams.  Violand has a
strong singing voice, is an excellent actor who knows
how to milk reactions from an audience, and obviously
has a keen understanding of Adams.   Unfortunately,
Molly McGinnis, as Abigail Adams, did not match
Violand’s singing or acting.  She often had trouble
maintaining her musical sounds and her line
interpretations were often flat.  

G. A. Taggett has a fine singing voice which was well
displayed in "Molasses To Rum." Jim Reilly was
delightful as Stephen Hopkins, the elderly alcoholic
representative from Rhode Island.  Bill Kelly looks
like Benjamin Franklin.  His portrayal missed some of
Franklin’s curmudgeon qualities, but had some fine
moments.   Rob Gibb was excellent as John Dickinson,
the Pennsylvanian who did not believe in breaking from
England.  Gibb developed a clear character and has
excellent vocal abilities.  Ian Atwood had the right
boyish charm for the studious Thomas Jefferson.  He
has a fine singing voice.  Too bad he didn’t have any
solo opportunities.  Kevin Joseph Kelly appeared to
have a wonderful time performing "The Lees of Old
Virginia" the only song in the show with a built-in
reprise.   The male chorus had difficulties in
blending musical sounds in many of their renditions.

Larry Goodpaster’s orchestra did a fine job of
balancing off the performers and controlling the habit
of many theatre orchestras of drowning out the
singers.  Don McBride’s scenic design worked well.  
The rented costumes were period perfect.

If you attend a performance be aware that the air
conditioning is cranked way up as the actors are
costumed in heavy clothing and wigs.  Dress
accordingly as many patrons were complaining about the
frigid conditions.

For tickets to "1776," whose run has been extended
until August 17, call 216-521-2540.  Prices are $19
for adults, $16 for seniors and $10 for children and
college students.  

BECK CENTER 2003-2004 SEASON

The Beck Center has announced its 2003-2004 season. 
Included are:

 ‘THE FIX’--a musical about the shameless world of
American politics.
‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’--a
musical based on the biblical story of Joseph.
‘OF MICE AND MEN’--a drama based on John Steinbeck’s
classic tale of survival.
‘FIVE GUYS NAMED JOE’--a musical review of Louis
Jordan’s 50-plus top-ten singles from the 1930’s and
40’s.
‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’--a modern classic which takes place
in a southern beauty salon inhabited by seven
memorable women.
‘MISS SAIGON’--the musical theatre version of
Puccini’s opera, ‘MADAM BUTTERFLY.’
‘BOY GETS GIRL’--the follow-up piece to last fall’s
‘SPINNING INTO BUTTER.’
‘JEFFREY’--A post-aids comedy about a young man who
decides to mainain eternal celibacy.
‘THE SEAGULL’--Chekhov’s classical tale.
‘AGNES OF GOD’--a murder mystery examining faith, love
and the realities of life.
‘REFER MADNESS’--a new music by the writers of ‘LITTLE
SHOP OF HORRORS.’

TO FIND OUT MORE OF ROY BERKO’S VIEWS ON THE THEATRE
LISTEN TO "ACTION TALENT LIVE" ON WERE-AM, 1300 ON
FRIDAY’S FROM 1 TO 2 PM.


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