In the Dutchess County Spotlight

The Rhinebeck Theatre Society presents the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, "1776." With history, song, humor and romance, the musical showcases America's greatest story, the July 4th signing of the Declaration of Independence. The musical is centered on the persevering campaign of the disliked delegate from Massachusetts, John Adams, and how he convinced the thirteen colonies to vote for independence. The musical features authentic colonial-era costumes and wigs, which sets the mood for the 13 musical numbers and a 25-member cast. The show-stopping and emotional "Momma, Look Sharp" is something you won't want to miss.

From the beginning, the tone for the musical is set with "Sit Down, John," a song that represents the irritation that the delegates to the Second Continental Congress experienced from Adams' constant badgering. The musical goes through the two-month debate that occurred when Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin had to persuade their recalcitrant colleagues to declare freedom from England.

Under the direction of Ellen Honig, it is sure to be an amazing show, as she recently directed the productions of Kaufman and Hart's The Man Who Came to Dinner (2012), Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig (2011) and George Bernard Shaw's Heartbreak House (2010). Paul and Joanna Schubert take on the musical direction. The cast includes Jim Hammill as John Adams, Michael Juzwak as Benjamin Franklin, Todd Young as Thomas Jefferson, Doug Hoffman as John Dickinson,R uss Austin as Edward Rutledge, Victoria Howland as Abigail Adams, and lastly Eileen Keefe as Martha Jefferson.

You know how proud you feel to be an American on Memorial Day and Independence Day? Capture a little more of the patriotic feeling and enthusiasm at "1776"! The performances go through Sunday, July 22 at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Sponsored by RiverStone Wealth Management, tickets are $26 and $24 for seniors and students. For information, visit http://rhinebecktheatresociety.blogspot.com. To purchase tickets, call the box office at (845) 876-3080 or visit the venue's website www.centerforperformingarts.org

This adaptation of John Turnbull's 'The Signing of the Declaration of Independence' features 1776 cast members (foreground from left to right): Jim Hammill (John Adams), Tim Coleman (Roger Sherman), Greg Totino (John Livingston), Todd Young (Thomas Jefferson), Michael Juzwak (Benjamin Franklin), Andy Weintraub (Charles Thomson), Peter S. Pius (John Hancock). Photo/adaption credit: Ken Dreyfack

Photo of the fireworks by Michael Chen