A Few Thoughts About "1776"

(That's - from left - Clint McElroy, Jon Lamp and Mike Murdock singing together in the musical 1776.)

I've been remiss in not talking more about 1776, the show being staged this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

It's been a thrill to be part of the show. I first saw the musical back in the early '70s when I saw the film adapted from the Broadway show. I loved it, as it told the story of how John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson managed to overcome incredible odds and convince the Congress to agree on the Declaration of Independence.

And I know, that doesn't sound like a likely topic for a musical - but it's a riveting tale, with lots of surprises, unexpected events, historic lessons, terrific humor and some great songs. I can't imagine anyone seeing it and not falling in love with the story.

Yes, I admit I'm prejudiced - I've been a small part of two productions of the musical so far (that's how much I like the play). Both have been wonderful experiences to be part of.

Once again, it's great fun to be part of an All-Star cast, including longtime friends like Clint McElroy, who makes a masterful Adams, Mike Murdock, who transforms every night into an amazing Franklin, Jim Lamp, who's powerful as the opposition, John Dickenson, C. E. Wilson, who holds the Congress together with incredible skill as John Hancock, Leann Haines, who provides some delightful songs (and good humor) as Abigail Adams, Jon Lamp, who exudes energy as Richard Henry Lee, Stephen Vance, who, with the lovely and talented Kathryn Davis as Martha Jefferson, carries most of the love story part of the show (the lucky dog) as Thomas Jefferson, and Mark Near, who steals shamelessly as the Scottish Col. McKean (it's worth the price of admission to see him wearing a kilt).

The list goes on and on, and it's been great fun to see the cast come together and make this show a terrific one. I've made some new friends and it's great to hang around with some of my longtime pals like Ken Bannon, Jerry Morse, Allan Stern and Charlie Woolcock.

Kudos to director Bil Neal and his team - music director Chris Bowling, choreographer Mellisa McGuffin, producer Jeanette Bills, stage manager Ashleigh Bills and props master Amy Browning - for doing a fantastic job crafting this show into an outstanding production, one the cast is happy and thrilled to be part of.

I hope you'll make the time to see it this weekend - there are shows Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. and the final show is Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

You'll have a great time, and who knows? You might just learn something before you're done.