| 1776 – PCT | | Print | |
| Written by Michael Hassell | |||||||||
| Sunday, 21 May 2006 | |||||||||
Page 6 of 7 The Tech
Technically, PCT’s “1776” is ho-hum. The orchestra seems solid, except for the now and then odd sounds from the violin. There were also problems getting the levels balanced between singers and band. PCT could address this issue by campaigning for funds to purchase a more sophisticated sound system – after they purchase their new defibrillator (!?) for which the company has begun a fund-raising effort slated for June. JULIE PERKOSKI’s costumes were built more to please the eye than for authenticity’s sake. While the staged tableaux looked handsome against the egg-shell white Federalist meeting room set, the problem is that the delegates are foppish and trendy-looking. As well, New Englanders did not dress as their cousins from the southern climes. Their years under the influence of Puritanism called for plaincloth and rough breeches, with a clearly Presbyterian color scheme (e.g. tones of gray accented with black, neutral tones, etc.). I’m still wondering about John Adam’s lacy ascot or whether Rev. Witherspoon or Dr. Hall would have broken with theologians’ tradition to favor brown over cleric’s black. I’m willing to be re-educated on those points, but of one thing I’m pretty certain: the Right Honorable James Wilson’s purple get-up transcends license. But it all painted an attractive picture. SHERRI REID’s choreography and JOHN WILT’s lighting are subdued and sufficient. An aside to house management is the condition of parts of the house itself. Some things require, no, demand daily attention, particularly the restrooms, which were, in a word, grimy and unacceptable in a public place. The lobby is still adequate for no more than about a dozen patrons, and the box office is till a confusing experience, I’m afraid. (My experience with the box office has ever been uneven.)
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PJ--Three cheers for the coffee drinkin' man from Connecticut with a bowl. HUZZAH! I, too, wish we could do it one last time. It was a pleasure to work with you and everyone else in this show. There will always be 1776.--Peter Once again, nobody mentions that guy from connecticut with the bowl. That guy was great!!! I was wonderfully surprised with the production of 1776. Bravo to Mike Diana for putting together such a talented ensemble of actors. Jeff Nicoloff WAS John Adams, David Springstead WAS Benjamin Franklin, Rob Fortner WAS Thomas Jefferson and Peter Yanson WAS the “weasel” from Delaware. The entire cast did such a believable and entertaining job that I doubt any other theater (community or professional) could improve on this production. Anthony Brach’s (Edward Rutledge of South Carolina) rendition of “Molasses to Rum” just totally blew me away. Keep up the great work PCT!!! Kudos to PCT for getting 1776 pix at last. Especially happy to see Caesar Rodney, my namesake in some, and Mr (Gol)Lee! Wish that show could play just one more time.--L I attended two performances of 1776. Not being a huge theatre Sir, Y'r obedient servant, Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Mr. Hassell, though your review is well-written and, in some observations, accurate, save your pompous pedantry for a more appropriate venue. This is community theater, for heaven's sake, not Broadway! This production was one of the finest bits of community theater I've seen. At its heart and soul, community theater has people doing something for love rather than money. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things to the delight of their community and having the time of their lives. Everybody wins. You could, too, Mike, if you'd 'sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.' (Or, did you miss that opening admonishment?) Lay off the vinegar, Mr. Hassell. They did a damned fine job. Your job is to enhance community theater, not quash it with your hoity toity distinctions of how Adams should plant his feet. The costumes were great; the music was very well done; the acting and choreography were fabulous; the sets and the lighting were terrific... get the idea? I flew in from New York to see the play and I'll fly in to see another. I will cheerfully stand in line for one of the two seats in the tidy ladies' room. I will happily bump elbows with the others in the crowded lobby and delight in the imperfect sound system. It will be worth it. It's all part of the fun. Bravo and brava to PCT! I love that we're getting such an overwhelming flood of comments on this and our other articles. It makes me excited that so many people care so much about theatre and the arts in general that they want to put their two-cents in. So... here's my penny... Mr. Reviewer, while you had some good insights generally, talking about the PCT theatre in personal terms--bathrooms, perceived box office rudeness, etc--is inexcusable! These are good people, sir. Are you frustrated in your personal life, and choosing to 'vent' your personal feelings on us? Anytime I want a review on bathrooms, I'll call on Spivey Rentals! Now, a couple of 'related issues.' Found it interesting that you viewed two songs worthy of cutting. The 'Momma' sing a 60's antiwar song? It is a plaintive ballad of the fear faced by a young man-and all Americans-against superior odds, who faced his fears, and paid the ultimate price. On this Memorial Day, perhaps you's better reflect more on that statement. The 'Violin' song is beautiful, and succeeded in painting a picture of the man, Jefferson. And then your take on the 'Lee' song--it is meant to be over the top--DUH! I'm sorry if I soud argumentative, but you opened the door with your personal comments. If I've offended you, I apologize. Can't you afford Ms Forrest, PCT's president, the same courtesy? -Phillipe Hello,it's early Saturday, and I just thought to throw my 2 cents in about this wonderful show, 1776. I'm still basking in the glow. I must say that I've never attended a show where so many people walked out--what polar opposites we humans are. To me, this was quite simply the best show I've seen in a very long time anywhere. What really spoke to me was the sheer humanity shown by the cast. Still not sure whether Ben Franklin (Steadman) is an actor or really Ben himself. The same for Adams and Jefferson and many others. We start out playing roles and somewhere along the line...? Your production seemed to highlight the internal strife that was inherent in America's founding, and continues to this day. The Delaware table was a perfect illustration of this. The constant rivalry and yes, grudging respect and eventual reconcilliation between McKean and Read, played by Misters Tiller and Yanson was inspiring to me.Powerful sublety. What beautiful gifted actors these men are!I love each and every one of you in this show. I don't think you know how deeply you all touched me, and many other audience members. God bless you! Wow, I was lucky enough to let a friend talk me into seeing 1776 last weekend. Thank you all! Recognized a few well respected actors from the southside, namely the thespians in the roles of Hancock , Rutledge, and Reed. This is quite a tribute to the director, to attract such talent from so far. A flawless show, definitely '4.0.'-David Why guest we have one weekend left! There are tickets available for Friday and Saturday night. Please don't wait til next show. See it this weekend and comment when you get home! Oh, the controversy! I didn't see the show, and I've never been to the theatre, but now I'm wishing I had! If only so I could join in on the debate. I'm loving that people can argue with the review here. I don't know how many times I've wanted to bash a Portfolio or Daily Mess reviewer over the head with a bat. Or a cement block. Anyway, I'll almost certainly be going to this theatre's next show, just so I can join in on the discussion. Yay, this site! Well, I saw 1776 and I read the review, and I can only wonder, are we talking about the same play? I respect his opinion, but in my view he is off the beam in a lot of ways. First, 1776 is not a documentary, it is a musical/play hybrid. Of course Adams and others pace, etc--they are on stage, and actors use the stage. Internal motivation rarely 'reads.' The Fiddle player does sound off key a lot, but probably the electronics distort it, and it didn't bother anyone that I saw. Anyway, the fact that the music was offstage helped keep focus on the play on hand. With a cast this size, it's hard to pay everyone his/her due. A couple of points--this is a great ensemble. Much of the cast business is simply 'listening and being involved'--easier said than done. My date and I really felt that the ENTIRE CAST was totally involved with and actually a part of the action. My girlfriend, a very critical actress herself(sometimes I hate going to plays with her, I just want to see the play, know what I mean) deliberately looked for someone to 'break', and it never happened! Fantastic! Next, We'd like to mention a couple of actors which the reviewer didn't. The actor who play the Mary-Land delegate was a hoot. Great choice, a glutton who sprayed food everytime he talked, and was decidedly very 'light in his loafers.'Another favorite actor,( besides 'Adams') was the man who portrayed the Delawarian named Reed. He was saddled with the unenviable task of playing straight man to the scottish delegate-and everyone else. Almost hissed him when the Delaware table came out for bows, but was afraid the others would take offense. He truely was a 'weasel.' And let's not forget the actor who played the secretary, again another thankless job, but the snide comments were priceless. I could go on and on. Let me close by saying that this production of 1776 is not just a play, it is an emotional experience. BRAVO!!! Sir, I am writing in response to your review of '1776' being presented at the Peninsula Community Theatre. I have no quarrel with your review of the play since I am aware that all reveiws of any artistic endeavor are subjective and '...in the eye of the beholder'. However, I must take exception with your comments about the lobby, ticket counter, and men's restroom. Betsy Forrest |