An Interview About "1776"

I had the chance to do a quick e-interview with two of the stars from 1776 - my pals Clint McElroy, who plays John Adams (that's him in the photo), and Stephen Vance, who plays Thomas Jefferson.

Here's what they had to say:

Q: Why did you want to be in the musical 1776?

Clint McElroy: When I did it 11 years ago it was one of the most amazing productions I was ever involved with. This version has not disappointed. Bil Neal has given me a chance to share the stage with some of my closest friends in the world... and a chance to make new friends that will be just as long lasting.

Stephen Vance: I first saw the show about six years ago and fell in love with it immediately. Everything about it appealed to me: great dialogue, catchy songs, wonderful characters, and a monumental plot. Everyone I talked to about the show who had been a part of it included it among their very favorite stage experiences. Over the last couple of years every time someone asked what I show we should do, I said 1776 without hesitation. When the opportunity arose, I jumped on it.

Q: What surprises you most about this show?

Clint: It always surprises me at the end of the show. After months of rehearsals and a weekend of performances, the thrill you feel at the end of the show is still amazing.

Stephen: We have been rehearsing this show now for about eight weeks and every night of performance or rehearsal something new is born on stage. Whether it's a new turn of phrase or a different glance from a cast mate, the show seems to evolve and grow each time. It never seems like we are just going through the motions. There is something very alive about this show. We are portraying real people and that adds a certain propensity for life and freshness that you don't get every show.

Q: What's the biggest challenge in doing this show?

Clint: The hardest thing is the all-encompassing attention to period. People stood differently, spoke differently, sat differently, gestured differently... you have to stay on top of your game.

Stephen: For me it has been a couple of things, first, the physicality has been a challenge. 18th century men and women didn't present themselves in the same way we did. Everything about their poise and posture had very specific purposes and is very different from what we do now. It has been physically taxing. Second, playing a well known historical character definitely limits the liberties you often take as a performer to define your role. So much of the work is informed by what history tells us, what results is a very clear and concise character. Both are challenges and responsibilities which make the whole process tougher, more worthwhile, and more rewarding.

Q: Why would you recommend the show to our readers?

Stephen: This show is one of the great ones, and it is being performed by one of the greatest local casts ever assembled. I'm flattered to be a small part of it. The show really brings to life a part of our history that we almost treat like a fairy tale. The cast breathes life into a story about real, passionate men and women who changed the world forever. Everyone should see this show!

Clint: Everybody needs to see this show. It will remind why this is such a remarkable nation... because of the remarkable men that created it!

Thanks, guys! Readers, you have two more chances to catch this terrific show - tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School). Don't miss it!