The Birth of America

By Jeff Walker
Features Editor

Wimberley September 29, 2006 11:55 am

— In the opening pages of the program, director Lee Colee Atnip notes that “1776” is her most ambitious project of her directing career. She’s not kidding.
“1776” calls for a gigantic 29-member cast — made up of mostly men — to not only pull off nearly three hours worth of long winded scenes, but also crank out some pretty tough music. The volume is not high (only 13 songs in the entire musical), but each number has it’s own share of delicate harmonies and high range demands, leaving little room for error.
That said, the Wimberley Players do as well as anyone could expect for such a difficult production. As is the case with most community theatre ensembles, the talent level ranges significantly, but just as soon as a voice goes flat or the timing gets missed, the chorus rolls on with splendid confidence, steady as a metronome.
“1776” takes us to the months and weeks leading up to the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence, chronicling many of the struggles, arguments and compromises that ensued between our founding fathers.
John Adams of Massachusetts, Ben Franklin of Pennsylvania, Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia push for the eventual vote for independence, catching plenty of flack from Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson, played by Dan Williams.
The bickering gets going early, with Adams ranting before the resounding musical opener “Sit Down John” launches. The delegates boom the words from their seats, a grand opening for this male dominated chorus.
What makes “1776” work is its ability to transform these historic heroes into regular men, and in turn show regular men doing great things. While everyone is familiar with the signing of the Declaration, this musical presents the delegates — even the lesser known ones — in to a light less jingoistic than many middle school texts. Delegate Stephen Hopkins (John Daws) starts drinking at 10 a.m., Colonel Thomas McKean (Rick Billings) is a Scottish gun-happy goober and Rev. Wilson (Gene Ritter) is a rather indecisive judge. Funny thing is, his last-minute vote in “1776” was the deciding factor for independence.
John Adams is no doubt one of the tougher roles. It’s a character that even refers to himself as “obnoxious and disliked,” but still carries the determination to seek independence. David Bisett, who has shined in previous Players’ performances, glides smoothly across the stage with neither too much rigor or too much calm. His voice is solid, and he seems comfortable carrying the weight of independence squarely on his shoulders.
LeRoy Nienow, playing the delegate from South Carolina, had a convincing Southern drawl and a boisterous take on the mysterious number “Molasses to Rum.” Young Coy Branscum sings gently and gorgeously on “Momma, Look Sharp.”
While there were technical glitches that surely come with being the first show in the new playhouse, the costumes are authentic, elaborate and a key component to the look and feel of “1776.” While the music is a tough test for some characters, the Wimberley Players are no doubt breaking in their new theatre with a bang.
(“1776” opens tonight and runs through Oct. 22. Grand Opening Weekend (Tonight, Saturday and Sunday) will feature special pre-show catered fare beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the evening performances and 1 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.All tickets are $15 except those for Grand Opening Weekend, which are $25. Tickets can be reserved by telephone beginning September 13 by calling 847-0575.
The new Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road (between the Square and FM 3237).

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