MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Family Community Theatre is bringing the story behind the nation's founding to the stage with its production of the award-winning musical 1776.
The production runs July 16-19 at the Flag Theatre in downtown Hutchinson, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday.
Director Craig Williams said the timing made the musical a natural choice for the theater's summer season.
"The premise behind the show itself is a look at the process of creating the Declaration of Independence, along with the Resolution for Independence, and the struggles that the Second Continental Congress had in making it all come to pass," Williams said.
While the subject matter is rooted in history, Williams said audiences should expect more than a history lesson.
"It has a lot of comedy in it," he said. "It's basically based upon relationships of the 20 or so congressional members as they work together... There is comedy between Abigail Adams and John Adams as they work on their relationship being split apart for all these months."
The musical is set primarily inside the meeting hall where the Second Continental Congress debated independence. Williams said the layout of the Flag Theatre helped shape the production, allowing the stage to become the Congress chamber while creatively portraying the few scenes set outside the hall.
Danny Nolan portrays John Adams, one of the musical's leading roles. Nolan said he specifically hoped to be cast as the future president because of the character's passion and historical significance.
"I was really drawn to that role," Nolan said. "His dynamics on stage, the songs that he sings, and the scenes that he acts, and the passion that he puts behind it... are somebody that I really respect, as I learned more about this historical figure."
To prepare for the role, Nolan researched Adams' life while also studying William Daniels' acclaimed portrayal from the original Broadway production and film adaptation.
The production features a cast of 24 performers, including 20 members of the Second Continental Congress, along with Martha Jefferson, Abigail Adams and two custodians. Rehearsals began in late May and continued for more than eight weeks, with the cast rehearsing outside the theater until Family Community Theatre's previous production concluded.
Williams said assembling a large adult cast proved to be the biggest challenge.
"The biggest challenge was actually getting enough cast members in order to do this," he said. "This is all adults, so it's a difficult time for everybody to say I can give up this amount of time."
Nolan hopes audiences recognize both the entertainment value and the importance of supporting community theater.
"This is an educational show, but it's also funny," Nolan said. "There's talented actors, singers, dancers on stage, and I truly believe that this is one of the best shows at FCT that I have been involved in."
Williams said he hopes theatergoers leave with a renewed appreciation for the nation's founding.
"I would love to see them celebrate the fact that the Declaration of Independence did happen," he said. "It happened because men at that time were willing to work hard, make the compromises, understand each other's needs and the needs of the colonies, and then create something that has lasted for 250 years."
Advance tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Busy Bee Laundry and online through the Family Community Theatre website. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth ages 12-18, and $7 for children ages 2-11.