1776 (1969 Original Broadway Cast)

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Similar Items:

•	1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
•	1776: A Musical Play (Penguin Plays)

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Evidence that one can make a musical about anything, Exhibit A: 1776. As one might expect, the whole concept of making a musical about the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence was greeted in the late 1960s with, well, ridicule. The show debuted on Broadway in 1969, and three years later, when its run finally ended, it was its producers who had the last laugh. In addition, it toured for an additional two years and beat out Hair (in 1969 yet!) for a Tony Award. This recording, with the original Broadway cast, includes many of the same actors who went on to star in the film, the version with which most audiences today are probably familiar. One notable exception is Rex Everhart, who replaced Howard da Silva at some performances and on this recording. But there's still William Daniels as John Adams, though in some cases his performance is more subdued than it was on film. Musically, 1776 is an odd creation, considering when it came into being. As one might expect, there's a lot of fife and drum going on, especially in the opening number and during "The Lees of Old Virginia." For those less than familiar with the plot, it hinges on the idealism of Adams, who's trying his best to back up the American Revolution with some legislative action, and spends much of his time arguing with either the Continental Congress or God, as in "Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve": "A second flood, a simple famine / Plagues of locusts everywhere / Or a cataclysmic earthquake / I'd accept with some despair / But no, you sent us Congress / Good God, sir, was that fair?" (One could argue that he gets further with God.) While not entirely historically accurate, and containing some rather peculiar numbers (Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams sitting around debating what their new country's national bird is going to be ranks among the oddest), there's no questioning 1776's staying power. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

One of the best soundtrack CD's available - a must have. March 2, 1999
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

1776 takes what many might consider a dull topic - the events leading to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence - and makes it riveting by exploring the interactions of the men behind it. Each one trying to do his best, and each with his own agenda, often at conflict with everyone else. The music represents a fine mixture of comedy (Lee's of Old Virginia), pathos (Mama Look Sharp) and bone stirring patriotism (Is Anybody There?). William Daniels leads a superb cast with his portrayal of the stubborn and frustrated John Adams. There is one minor detraction, and that is the absence of Howard Da Silva's wonderful interpretation of Ben Franklin. On the CD the part is played by understudy Rex Everhart. Everhart's Franklin is believable and well played, to be sure, but he lacks the sparkle that Da Silva gives Franklin - that twinkle in the eye of a man dealing with serious issues while trying not to succumb to self-importance. If you saw the movie with Da Silva, you will recognize the difference, but still enjoy Everhart's performance. Buy this CD - you will enjoy it thoroughly.

4 out of 5 stars

Mainly for lovers of the classic December 12, 2003
13 out of 17 found this review helpful

If you haven't seen the movie or the original broadway play, you may not find the attraction many people like myself have for this recording. This is a fantastic recording of the Broadway play (sans William DaSilva as Franklin - he was out recovering from a heart attack at the time of the recording). The leads definitely have "questionable" singing credentials. Most people wouldn't think of William Daniels (KITT from Knight Rider and Mr. Feeney from Boy Meets World) and Ken "The White Shadow" Howard as great singers, but it's more than carrying a tune that was important. It was the acting and presentation of the characters that makes these performances great. It is fantastic we have the movie available for people to see, because I don't think people would appreciate this recording as much if it wasn't for that.

So, unless you are already a fan of the original broadway production or the movie, I would suggest that you skip this version for now. Instead, I do suggest you go see the movie. Once you are hooked by that, then you will want to come back to enjoy the songs again and again.

5 out of 5 stars The Founding Fathers sing their way to Independence   July 5, 2001
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I had an opportunity to see the stage version of "1776" and said I was not interested because making a musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence struck me as ridiculous. Then one day I was flipping around channels and stumbled on the Continental Congress arguing about something and then suddenly breaking into song. Sherman Edwards' songs range from the cute "The Egg," where the Founding Father argue over which bird should be the symbol of the new nation, to the poignant "Momma Look Sharp," as a young soldier tells of his best friend being killed in a battle, to the dramatic "Molasses to Rum," as a Southerner signs about the Triangle Trade. I find "The Lees of Old Virginia" where every word ends with "LY" to be obnoxious, but that is just me. "Sit Down, John" perfectly sets the town for this mix of history and song, while "But, Mr. Adams" will ensure that you will always remember who was on the Declaration Committee and which states they all came from.! The book by Peter Stone is fairly faithful to what really happened (John Dickinson and his supporters were absent on purpose the day of the crucial vote so that the Declaration would be adopted), but none of that matters all that much when all you are doing is listening to the songs.

This Original Broadway Cast recording offers William Daniels in the role of a lifetime as John Adams, Rex Everhart as Benjamin Franklin and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. Virginia Vestoff plays Abigail Adams and young Betty Buckley is Martha Jefferson. Many of the cast made it to the film version as well. The best testimony I can give for "1776" is that there are precious few moments when I can get teary-eyed listening to a musical on CD. When Adams sings "Is Anybody There?" is one of those moments. The idea of Adams, all alone in the dark chamber, seeing a vision of America's future, still strikes me as a powerful one. Besides, every time John and Abigail say goodbye to each other at th!e end of their "letters" I get choked up as well. No wonder I got my first degree in History. At least I got to finally see "1776" on stage when a touring company came to town last year.

4 out of 5 stars It's hot as **** in Philadelphia   March 24, 2001
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I first bought the vinyl version of this marvelous recording shortly after the musical opened on Broadway, and now own it on CD. I really enjoy it. It may not be totally acurate historically but, it is a good way to get your dose of american history. William Daniels,and Ken Howard are superb... I was told that Howard Da Silva was not able to do the actual recording for Franklin... Clifford David lacks the power and fire of John Cullum(Rutledge in the film version),but non the less does a good job and Rutledge who single handedly nearly destroys the whole effort. I have seen two professional and semi professional productions of the show(My community theatre is doing it in the spring,so I have loaned out my vinyl copy of the film recording(not currently available.) Does anybody know whatever happened to Virginia Vestoff, who was so wonderful as Abigal?? Havent seen or heard anything about here in ages.Anyway I am glad that this CD was finally made available on CD...now if they would just release the movie version too!

4 out of 5 stars Good, but the singing was better in the movie   November 17, 2002
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I almost wholly disagree with Amazon's review of this CD. In the Broadway version, William Daniels (John Adams) is more frantic, almost screaming at moments. By the time he made the movie, his portrayal of Adams was vastly better-- more passionate, more directed, less hollering. Regrettably, it's hard (impossible?) to find the soundtrack version on CD.

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