1776, the Musical...question...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

how "factual" is the musical?

We are watching it right now--and all the characters think of Adams as annoying for trying to get them to vote for Independence.

I was just curious how historically accurate they are portraying the different characters.

At the moment--the only thing I am remembering is the outcome--not really how they got there.

TIA

 

[mtemm]

I love the muscial. Yes, Adams was often considered annoying, and he was very pushy when it came to independence. he had way more to do with the forming of our country than most people realize. And his children went thru a very bad spell with illnesses (one of my favorite lines was during the letters between he and abigail when she is listing their illnesses). John and Abigail wrote many many letters to each other, and she was definitely a wonderful partner for him.

And from what I understand, it was hot as hell and there were too many flies that summer. lol.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks.

I did google Continental Congress and it did point out that he was a radical.

I just couldn't remember my American History class .

 

[mtemm]

If you are every looking for an interesting read that might refresh your memory, check out John Adams by David McCullough. Facinating.

1776 is such a fun musical. we have it on tape and usually watch it yearly around this time....think I may pull it out tonight.

 

[amy4bruce]

The musical is actually quite accurate, as these things go. If you get a copy of the bound script (your library might have a copy) it comes with an essay by Peter Stone, the libretticist (okay, the script writer) about things they changed and why.

For example, Thomas Jefferson was pining for his wife, by they did not bring her to Philadelphia. He was sent home to Virginia, but that would have violated the unity of place.

My favorite change was leaving out a few words from a quote. In the play/movie, John Adams says that, if they take the anti-slavery clause out of the Declaration, "Mark my words," there'll be war over this. In real life, he said, "Mark my words, in less than one hundred years," there'll be war. Stone felt that was too accurate, and people wouldn't believe he said it.

I first saw the play on Broadway, in the early 70's. William Daniels was out of it by that time, but John Collum was playing the part. Kind of a waste of one of the best voices Broadway ever produced, but a great performance nonetheless.

 

[Missy1961]

I love 1776! Absolutely one of my favorite musicals. When they had the revival on Broadway a few years ago (1997 I think), I saw it twice. I saw Brent Spiner, who was Data on "Star Trek-The next Generation" as John Adams. He was great.

I don't know how accurate it is, but I love it anyway.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow--thanks.

We are enjoying it--but taking a break to watch So you think you can dance (I know--misplaced priorities LOL!)

But the first hour was quite enjoyable!

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I first saw this movie in middle school and loved it!

"For God's sake John, sit down!"

 

[MorganLeFey]

I love 1776! Absolutely one of my favorite musicals. When they had the revival on Broadway a few years ago (1997 I think), I saw it twice. I saw Brent Spiner, who was Data on "Star Trek-The next Generation" as John Adams. He was great.

I don't know how accurate it is, but I love it anyway.

brent was wonderful, but...I saw the movie and listened to the sound track so many times, I hear William Daniels in my head.

remember when Daniels was on St. Elsewher? he played Dr. Craig. there was an episode where Dr. Craig went to Philadelphia...and 5they had Dr. Craig sing a phrase..."it's hot as hell in Philadelphia..."

 

[mtemm]

brent was wonderful, but...I saw the movie and listened to the sound track so many times, I hear William Daniels in my head.

remember when Daniels was on St. Elsewher? he played Dr. Craig. there was an episode where Dr. Craig went to Philadelphia...and 5they had Dr. Craig sing a phrase..."it's hot as hell in Philadelphia..."

same here...I always picture john adams as william daniels played him...even though I have seen pictures of the real man and know they didn't look anything alike. and I do remember st elsewhere, vaguely, i didn't watch it regularly (not sure if I was too young...I'll pretend that's it, anyway. lol). How funny that they had him sing that!!! now I want to see that ep.

I also used to watch the white shadow, and would crack up whenever jefferson came on at first. dh and I still snicker and ask where salami is.

 

[travelbug]

I love 1776! I have the video, but haven't watched it for a while.

I love the Ben Franklin character, and how New York always abstains "courteously."

 

[Cool-Beans]

I like the line when Ben Franklin is putting up a fuss and asks someone WHY he would want to go to such-and-such and they say, "For the boozing and the whoring," and he acquiesces.

 

[Brier Rose]

LOVE this movie!!

They actually had it On Demand last year around July, but I ordered the DVD to make sure I had it so I could watch it anytime!

DS(7) requests to watch it, and knows all of the songs. We like to torture my 14 year old DD with them!

Here a lee..there a lee..everywhere a lee a lee!