Woodson Stages 'Triumphant' Production Of Broadway's '1776': Cappies

By Axel Nicholson, Clarksburg High School
Cappies Review

FAIRFAX, VA — In the year 1776, the thirteen colonies declared independence from Great Britain as the United States of America. In the year 2024, W.T. Woodson High School invited audiences to a view of the past and reimagined that fateful period of history that changed the course of America forever.

The musical "1776" premiered on Broadway in 1969, winning three Tony Awards, before it was adapted to film in 1972. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, "1776" details the dramatic and intense buildup to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The story revolves around founding father John Adams, as he thought the world did, and how he, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson went on to convince the Continental Congress to vote yea for American independence.

While being obnoxious, and not particularly well liked, John Adams was a pivotal player in the course of United States history. Capturing the persistent, argumentative, but caring John Adams was Alyce Visioli. Visioli's spirited movements and fiery vocals were perfectly in the likeness of the Congressman but were a wonderful contrast to the slow and sweetened songs "Till Then" and "Yours, Yours, Yours" with Abigail Adams (Marissa VonAncken).

Standing opposed, but negotiable, to John Adams was the South Carolina delegate Edward Rutledge played by Haley Kim. Kim encapsulated the passion of a man willing to be at the front of a new country, but not intending on giving up the gold in his pockets. Kim was especially outstanding in their commitment to the role of a deep South delegate that was, perhaps, morally challenging. This was exhibited best in Kim's sharp and daunting, almost operatic, powerful voice in the song "Molasses to Rum."

The "1776" ensemble, the Continental Congress, were phenomenal as a group. Not one moment was dull through the tension of debate and the humor of living. With their talents, the ensemble made the Congress a very busy place full of constant argument while battling the sweltering heat, swatting at flies, and yelling for a rum ... or five.

A standout detail of the technical elements was the impressive thoughtfulness of the costumes (Amalia Manow, Katy Nguyen, Anya Allensworth and their team) with each delegate's standing on American independence clear on their sleeves. Those for independence wore coats sewn with symbols of rebellion with clear punk inspiration. The delegates against independence were costumed with lace and flowers inspired by the delicacy and traditional elements of the coquette style. The set crew (Kelsey Loomis, Hiroko Rose, Henry Green) designed each scene to be framed by giant chalkboards, a unique and creative choice that called to almost a meta, self-aware, element of the show.

With intricate designs, standout songs, and charming characters, "1776" is a musical with demands that were perfectly met by the cast and crew of Woodson High School, whose performance was nothing short of triumphant.