The most brilliant moment of 1776...- Page 3

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 11:06pm

I agree all around, but have to cast my vote in for "He Plays the Violin." So charming, so playful, so wonderful.

[best12bars]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 7:20am

I just found this, and it's a fairly recent post on YouTube ...

The Tony Awards peformance of 1776, featuring Scott Jarvis (RIP, dear friend) singing "Mama, Look Sharp."

He's one of a few Broadway cast members who didn't repeat his role in the film (he told me he was "too old" by then). His voice is so much better than the actor in the film.


Mama, Look Sharp from the Tony Awards

[Amalia Balash]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 8:19am

I had no intention of crying first thing this morning, but that was beautiful!

Thanks for all the stories!

[castlestreet]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 11:00am

I've always believed the secret weapon of this show is that as an audience member you never intend on being so moved by something historical and that you obviously know the outcome of. The show has wit, charm, a great score and incredibly moving moments throughout.

On a side note- the thing I loved the most about being in the show, was that it brought out people to audition that typically NEVER do theater- they just loved the show and wanted to be in it. As a result, I had one of the purest and most enjoyable theatrical experiences of my life- a production that had the right kind of drama- on stage and none backstage. It was a thrill to be in that show and to play John Adams. I wish I could say the same for every show I've been in...

[sparrman]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 11:06am

There is also footage somewhere, perhaps from the Ed Sullivan Show, of Cullum performing "Molasses" live, not from the movie.

I'm always surprised at how wonderful Donald Madden is as Dickinson in the movie, when he apparently had never performed the show before at all.

And I read somewhere that Clifford David kind of mentally "lost it" during his short stint as the original Rutledge, necessitating his departure. Anyone heard the same thing?

I've also always been curious when the key went from Em to Fm. I believe Cullum sang it live in Em.

Updated On: 7/6/12 at 11:06 AM

[carousel94]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 11:22am

I was in a youth theatre production a few years ago, ages 15-25. I auditioned for Rutledge but ended up playing Richard Henry Lee. It had to be some of the most fun I've ever had on stage and the production itself never failed to amaze me at how we were able to pull off playing the founding fathers at our ages. Peter Filichia gave us a terrific review in the Star Ledger too which was so incredible to me. It's hard for me to think of the most brilliant moment out of so many but if I had to go with my favorites they would have to be the opening scene through "Til Then" and "Is Anybody There?" which made me weep in the wings at our closing performance. It was a terrific experience.