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storyteller Grant Fitch and Home | Acting , Storytelling , & Everything Else | Upcoming Events More responses are coming in - thanks, all!

I'm going to respond in a minute to what I was thinking when I proposed some of those questions - but first let's hear from a few more of our local thespians . . .

I sent an email to some friends and acquaintances, and men I'd admired in area theatre - many because I knew they'd been in "1776" at least once before (some have done it five times, in various roles), and some simply because I or someone else thought they might be interested in trying out for the first time. I explained my reasons for asking (see above), asked them if they'd consider auditioning if it came up in the next, say, five years, and emphasized that I was not, myself, thinking of directing the show. (I'm an interested observer and potential auditioner. And one who'd love to audition alongside some of these people. That's quite enough of an ulterior motive.) So, I asked, ... if someone were going to put on a production of "76," ...
WHEN and WHERE would be most likely to get a good number of guys? * Calendar: What does your schedule look like? Is there a time of year that would be easier for you, or more difficult for you? (“Only in the summers,” or “February is easier for me than May,” etc. . . . )

* Geography: How far would you travel? Which theatre groups would or would not interest you, if they were proposing it? (“I only do shows at X, Y, and Z,” or “I live in Hobart, and I’ll go up to X miles or X minutes away,” etc. . . . )

I also invited any other thoughts and feedback on "1776," if they had the time/inclination for fuller answers, to start some conversations . . . For example:
* Is there a specific theatre or town you think should do it? Any particular space or area that you like for it, or group that you don’t want to work with?

Sheree Gudeman

I just saw your little blurb about 1776 on the foundation web-site. I would really like to play Martha Jefferson again. I did it in '94 with Four Seasons Players. I know you're mostly looking at males to respond as you may have dozens of prospects for the 2 womens roles, but I thought I'd respond anyway. Besides if I get the part some lucky guy gets to kiss me for a whole scene! HA-HA! LOL!

I always thought it would be a cool show to do at the old courthouse in Crown Point. Don't know if that's a possibility or not. I think authentic costuming is the way to go. It just gives you the feel of the era and I think helps one get into character. I know my friend Charlie Kay has spoken of wanting to do it again as well as Riley Knight. Somebody make it happen and let me know when and where.
Charles Kay - Homewood, Illinois

Mr. Fitch:

I very much enjoyed doing 1776 a few years ago in La Porte. I did Rutledge in that show. I also have an interest in doing Richard Henry Lee.

I made the tote board and Calendar for that show and still have it if you need them. Also I have about 10 of the period type chairs.

I love the show and I think most men do but overall I would have to say many women find the show a bit boring.

My feeling is that the show should be done word for word by the script and not altered at all. Definitely in period costume. People who have not seen the show should rent or buy the DVD of the show (NOT the Videotape which is the edited version) as it is essentially the same as the original script of the show.
Doc Kuhn

Grant,

I think I've done the show 5 times and never played the same character. I'd love to do it again, any time you guys would choose.... I once had the commitment of the towns of Griffith, Highland, and Munster sponsoring it and moving it from a week or two in each town hall or park. Put me on the contact list... it would be fun as always!!!!!! Regards.
Hi! It's Grant. It seems like there's still a real fan base locally, not just among actors, but musicians and directors too (see below for more of both) ... and not just among men, but among women as well . . . I hope there's an equivalent interest level among audiences!

My question about possibly editing the script was prompted not really by its feeling of length - I've seen some productions where it seemed too long, but I've seen others where it clipped along and I got a surprise when I looked at my watch at intermission, since it didn't FEEL long - but more in terms of wondering if there are any ways to shrink the cast. But really, I don't think there are any cuts you can make that will change the number of delegates you need, and the number of speaking parts - you might give them less to say, but there are few if any characters you can do away with completely. I guess 'roping guys in until the last minute' will always be a part of this show.

It seems like an unpopular idea to suggest cutting a single line from the show, but I grew up watching the movie - so my thoughts (by the way) were more along the lines of trimming the 'extraneous' bits of the first Congress scene and cutting the Conservatives' minuet (ironically, my only song the one time I've done the show) because they were the bits cut from the film. One or two of the songs could be shorter, too. And Ed - I LIKE "The Egg," and the dance with Martha to "Violin," while not directly related to the plot, is a nice interlude at a time when one is needed.

Or so it seems to me.

Now let me introduce a couple people you probably haven't heard of locally - my good friend from Milwaukee, a huge '76' fan, and my dad, who's been onstage exactly once before, with a couple lines in "Inherit the Wind." That was a lot of fun -

Katherine Beeson - Greenfield, Wisconsin
If I lived closer, I would love to direct. 1776 is phenomenal! If you manage to pull this together, I know I would at least be in the audience -- maybe drive down for the weekend to catch numerous performances.

I would never advise shortening the show as that would upset too many people who are strong fans.

Steve Becker

Hey Buddy!

As you know from our ongoing discussions, 1776 is one of my absolute favorite shows and I would love to have the opportunity to audition for and perhaps perform the role of John Adams one more time before I get too old to play the part. And even after that, there are a number of roles that I'd enjoy doing. So, as far as I'm concerned....."if you do it, I will come."
Don Parker
I also love the show and hope to do it a few more times before I die -- it's the only show I've been onstage for more than once -- I did it at Four Seasons, Highland, and LaPorte. The only local production the last 15 years that I've not seen (as far as I know) was Dyer's. I also have a soft spot for Lyman Hall, having played that character all 3 times - since you can both play bass and be onstage for that character and only miss playing one major song (The Conservative Minuet).
I don't know that there's a best or worst time of year to do any show -- you just need to let people know in advance that it's going on -- but I'm sure it would help if you knew there weren't many other big cast shows in the area during your 1776 slot. It's also a show, I think, that allows you to 'fill' the chorus/supporting spots with local non-regulars, if you're willing to take the chance. I'm big on the principle of giving new people a chance to get their 'feet wet' with small roles that will still make them feel like they're contributing -- 1776 is ideal for that. Everybody wondered where in the world LaPorte was going to get enough men for their production 2 years ago, but it worked out great.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I can't see doing it in the round -- you need space for some very important props like the vote tally board that it would be hard to let everyone in an in-the-round house to see. Also, the Congress itself is a body that is arranged for debate -- the seats face inward. In the round, a lot of people would just be looking at the backs of most characters, or you'd lose the feel of the debate in arranging the set differently. I also wouldn't cut it -- it's long, but as in any show, good pacing is much more critical, and there's not much unimportant material in this one. I've done it on 2 open prosceniums (no curtain) and one curtained proscenium, but the curtain was only used to open and close the acts. There are times in this show where the room itself is key to the 'feel' of the scenes -- I don't feel it's one of those shows where you can just render it in an abstract form and expect it to carry the same emotional weight.
As I said, I'm old-fashioned. I'm a history buff and to me the traditional staging of this show, while it oversimplifies a lot, still gives you a feel of being at the center of amazing events with amazing characters.

Another Interruption -
Like the question about script editing and cast-shrinking, my reference to modern dress was inspired by trying to make it easier and/or cheaper. Can you do “76” and save some money? Can we save ourselves some headaches with all those costumes? And those WIGS?
...But I confess that particular suggestion was more tongue-in-cheek than anything else. It’s true that Shakespeare’s plays, for instance, are often updated to ‘today,’ or else set in some other setting that you might find it easier to costume. But where one might make a case that putting King Lear in a business suit as a modern politician, or casting Macbeth as an ambitious man having his boss Mr. Duncan over for dinner to talk about his promotion . . . where one might make a case that these changes bring the story ‘home’ to an audience in a way that doublet and hose doesn’t, I just don’t think that would hold true for “1776.” You lose resonance, you surely don’t gain it. “76” relies more heavily on its period than almost any play – you may as well try to do “Brigadoon” without the kilts, or “Camelot” without the armor.
Shortening the show? What is expendable? Certainly "The Egg" or "He Plays the Violin" seem tacked on but without them what do Tom and Martha do? And I have seen some inadvertent editing of the script (forgotten lines, misplayed scenes) and continuity suffers. Nope, leave it intact (as long as it sometimes feels).
Finally, is there an audience? I'm not sure. Guys like the show more than females and most of them will be onstage performing. There hasn't been a shortage of productions around here (LaPorte, Lake Central, Tri-Town, Highland Parks, Lake of the 4 Seasons, Main Square) and it seems to do ok, but I'm not sure how profitable it has been. And in the long run, we do try to make a profit, even in theatre. I am curious how others feel. Let me know the feedback.
Don Fitch
Hey Grant: I could always be an extra or have a few lines that I could screw up, or just to be around for the fun of it. Dad Christine Wiegand
I would consider co-directing "1776" with Stephanie Naumoff at the Opera House. I like the show, even though it's terribly short on female roles. I don't think I'd want to edit it very much, only shortening some songs, perhaps. If the show is paced properly, and the actors are "looking sharp" with their lines, it shouldn't be boring at all. Modern dress?? Um, no. Just no. Time of the year I'd be happy with would be autumn - I agree with Ed that those costumes become (literally) stinking hot in the summertime.

Trish Hales
1776 is one of my favorite shows. I've done it several times both on and off stage and would be happy to lend my assistance depending on the time. Good luck!
P.S. I've always thought the best time of the year to do this is around the 4th of July.

Gary J. Mion
Grant, 1776 is one of my favorite shows. I've probably seen it four or five time, both Community Theatre and professionally done. I'm crazy about the music and, when I read about the intentional historical accuracies included in the script, I was just blown away. I would LOVE to do this show.
As to when, I usually limit myself to one show per year and summer seems to work out better for me. For reasons of my own, I would only do the show at MOH in Valpo.
And I'm not in favor of cutting anything. Done well, with the proper respect for pacing and crisp scene changes, the show is not too long. I say, "Leave it alone!"
Hope this helps.
Mike Jewett
I have often thought of proposing this show, but the males required is a problem I am all too well aware of. I have heard of people using ladies for the non-lead parts if the ladies can either sing alto or bass...or they just have the ladies lip-sync. I mean, you need 3 people per delegation, some of the delegations only have one person speak...period.
I would audition for the show...but there are only a few parts I would want. I'm at a place in life where I don't need to do any and all projects...but I could be tempted to do the right ones. I'm short, a little pudgy...and bright if I do say so myself....so Adams would be my choice to play. I also wouldn't mind playing Hancock.
I would love to direct it... happily. I would also consider co-directing with the right person. I would take a smaller role...if needed to fill the cast...and direct simultaneously. I would not do this Proscenium style. I would prefer 3/4 round or thrust. I would also be interested in actually seating audience members next to...among the delegates. Spreading the delegates out among the space more evenly and so that they are not separated from the audience. This would allow more of a courtroom feel...a tennis match...where the audience would be forced to shift focus to the delegates when the debate style dialogue comes about. Almost as if you are the extended delegates to a particular state. The entire room becomes the Congress. I see it in my head...but I see many things in my head.
I would think that this show should be done around the 4th of July...but not the actual weekend of. People are busy. Perhaps the weeks before would be better because people are excited about the 4th right up to it...and then the fun goes away the day after. I could possibly envision it being done around Memorial Day as well.
I would not change the songs or do any re-writes. Well, the love song with Adams and his wife is kinda lame...perhaps it could be shortened. At least the "Lee" song is upbeat. The "Ashes to Rum to Slaves" song is very dark...maybe it could be reworked a little. But perhaps the better idea is to take it even 2 or 3 steps darker. Include imagery of slavery...slides that could appear on a scrim above the playspace mixed with images of the war and then the flag and then a burning flag at the end. It would make the focus not be on the song...but on the message. I’ve come to some conflicting conclusions, myself, about WHEN would be best to perform “1776.”

On the one hand, doing it on the Fourth of July, or even near the Fourth of July, fires the imagination. How patriotic! (I think we can agree the actual holiday weekend, while it seems fun, would be a bad idea – you lose a lot of actors to vacations, and who knows whether the audience would come, either. You might as well try to plan a “Wonderful Life” performance for Christmas Eve.)

On the other hand, June or July performances are in the summer, where, depending on your play space, it could get very warm. This may well put your audience in the same mindset as the framers of the Declaration on those hot, hot days – which could be good or bad – but it also could make for some sweaty actors in those heavy costumes. (Like it or not, people of the 18th century habitually wore a lot more layers than we do, and would have been scandalized to be seen in public with less. The masochists.)

I think that doing the play during the school year gives your group the chance to advertise heavily to local schools, whose teachers may encourage their students to take in this ‘educational’ piece of live theatre. For a performance during the summer, you can talk it up with the schools in May before the summer starts, but it’s not quite the same thing. On the other hand, you get to hand out flyers at Fourth of July parades if you’re opening right after the holiday, and that may make up for it.

It was pointed out to me recently that there are other dates that could appeal to the imagination, too. A performance near Veteran’s Day or Labor Day could be almost as patriotic. Certainly doing a run of “1776” around September 11 adds another kind of resonance for an American audience. For that matter, I could make an argument for doing it in February – for even with an all-white cast, doesn’t the strong subplot about the struggle with slavery make this an important part of Black History?

On the other other hand, it was also pointed out to me recently that there will always be a struggle to get enough men to fill the Continental Congress – and one thing that invariably helps is being able to use half a dozen college-age young men. And many of those college students are only available during the summer.

Grant Fitch ...Thinking about the cast-shrinking thing again...
Leaving aside the issue of the script - can you get by with fewer people? I don’t know, maybe you’re kind of stuck. You need 13 delegations, you can’t get around that, and each one has at least one speaking part. Cutting the non-speaking delegates is a start, and I believe it’s usually done in community theatre, but it’s not enough.
Which leads to the thought – I wonder if there’s a way to use the audience in some way to fill out the Congress? Either by blurring the border between one and the other, in the way the set and seating is arranged (helping the audience feel like 'you are there'), or even – like the extra contestants in “Putnam County Spelling Bee” or the jury box in several courtroom dramas – by bringing individual audience members into the play space and telling them to 'just sit there.' Is that possible? That would be cool, but potentially tricky.
... That in turn leads me to my question about it being done in the round. I just mentioned that because I saw it done once that way, and they made it work. When Adams or Franklin stood in the middle, they spoke to concentric circles of people, the costumed Congress and the modern ticketholders, and the two 'audiences' blended just a bit into one.
Naturally, the calendar and voting board were still of prime importance. They found ways to hang them on the invisible walls in such a way they could be seen everywhere. I believe the board, for instance, had the names of the states on both sides.
But Don Parker makes some excellent points . . . .

Piper Bakrevski
Definitely a show I would be interested in directing or co-directing, as an important piece of history true to the time period. I was glad to read the responses from musicians also. MOH or Hall of Justice or old Courthouse in Crown Point would be great places to stage 1776, but other theaters might have more availability.

The smaller stages have been home to many quality pieces and bring the audience into the intimate setting that works well with this show. I sat in the 2nd row when I saw it on Broadway (Spiner was Adams and he spit on me!) I felt very moved and part of the emotion there, that close. At LaPorte I sat in the back and felt like I lost some of that, so again maybe the smaller venues are better choices.