1776 (Encores!) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (117)
See it if if you love 1776. I never tire of this show and have seen it so many times. The book always works for me. Inspired casting.
Don't see it if you're going to complain about long book scenes. You like your 1776 in wigs and revolutionary war drag.
See it if you want to hear a classic score with its original orchestration.
Don't see it if you don't know all the characters and want costumes--the staging is so-so.
See it if you are a fan of American History & want to see this gem, set in what seems like modern day. If you follow politics, you'll enjoy it.
Don't see it if you can't follow complex shows or if you dislike Historical dramas. There's more drama than music.
See it if you're into historic pieces with a modern twist. The actors in this production wear business suits, supporting the show's relevance today.
Don't see it if you don't like true stories that take creative liberties.
See it if You like musicals based on history done in a more modern way, but not Hamilton
Don't see it if You want a tap dancing traditional Broadway style romp Read more
See it if you love Hamilton and American history. This show was original in its time and still holds up. Santino Fontana was terrific as John Adams.
Don't see it if you hate American history.
See it if If you love great acted shows with a wonderful score
Don't see it if You want a fully staged production
See it if You enjoy period pieces
Don't see it if you're looking for more modern music
Critic Reviews (16)
"'1776' functions more as a play than as a musical, and thus makes steeper dramatic demands of its directors and performers. That's where this version gets into trouble. Director Garry Hynes hasn't brought out enough of its inherent vitality. Beyond the issues of her own sedate but unfocused staging...almost none of the actors have had the time they need with roles this complex...The production is bogged down in the words that simply haven't had the opportunity to become musical enough."
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"Stone’s book has been much acclaimed and cited as one the best ever for a musical. Stripped of period trappings its effectiveness is even more evident...Edwards’ clever lyrics and rousing melodies combined with the book have made '1776 'one of the most beloved shows by musical theater devotees and the public...Besides artfully integrating modernity into the piece with her fine concert adaptation of the original book, director Hynes has staged this presentation with vibrancy and precision."
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"Garry Hynes’ supremely intelligent and entertaining revival of '1776'...shines as a sterling recreation of the struggles of the representatives of the original 13 colonies as they grappled with the question of American independence...Admittedly, '1776' is more a play with music than a traditional musical, with a mere dozen songs scattered throughout its nearly three hours. And only a few of them even stick in your head...The entire production benefits from a surplus of keen casting."
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"The book of ‘1776’ is the best thing about the show…It is educational, yes, but it is also suspenseful, funny, playful, sharply relevant and downright moving…While they’re all pleasant enough, only a handful of the songs offer memorable melodies and lyrics…Dressing the cast in modern business suits doesn’t do much for me...Yet, ultimately, none of these shortcomings, nor the uneven performances of the large cast, diminish the effect of '1776.'"
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"There is no question that this is one musical where the book outshines the songs...This is not to disparage Sherman Edwards’ score, which is tuneful enough and does the show no harm; indeed, the songs provide much-needed breaks from the tension of the arguing, debating, and negotiating...Santino Fontana is terrific as John Adams...No one will claim that '1776' fails to play fast and loose with the details...Still and all, this is a fine production of a show."
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"In the 22-year history of Encores! none of the five-dozen-plus musicals it’s produced has ever retained as much book as what’s on stage now...Almost all of Peter Stone’s book is on view, which is entirely fitting, given that it’s the best book a musical has ever had...making a story suspenseful when we already know the Declaration will indeed be signed? What a miracle that after a half-hour of watching Stone’s plot, we come to believe that there COULDN’T ever be a United States of America."
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"The genius of '1776' is that it tells a story we all know the end to in a way that is so effective that it feels like a nail-biter...Composer/lyricist Sherman Edwards wrote a delightful score that brings the personalities of these Founding Fathers to life...The cast is phenomenal all around...Peter Stone's book for '1776', often praised as one of the finest in the musical theater canon, sounds as fresh, witty, and insightful as ever."
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"Although Peter Stone’s book is very wordy for a concert, the chance to hear Sherman Edwards’ marvelous score played is a definite attraction...For a story whose outcome is known, Stone generates plenty of tension and conflict...The 26 characters of the ensemble company are clearly established, and the moments of character-based humor land many appreciative laughs. Edwards’ score is a terrific collection of melodies and styles, with his songs breaking up the action in a entertaining manner."
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