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Online home of actor/
storyteller Grant Fitch and Home            |           Acting ,   Storytelling ,   &   Everything Else          |           Upcoming Events A while back, I asked some gentlemen of my acquaintance about one of our favorite musicals, "1776."
(It's a terrific dramatization of the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence, but very funny. And with songs. I've loved it since I was a kid because of my family's tradition to watch it every year when Chicago's PBS station WTTW put it on for the Fourth of July. We had three movies we watched every year: "Wizard of Oz," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "1776." Anyway.)
The stage production requires a lot of men, and it's difficult to fill all the seats in Continental Congress - even though it is a show that's popular with MANY local leading men and character actors - so I got to wondering if there was a way to shift the odds a little bit. If there are two things I like, besides actually performing, it's networking and gathering data. So I've been asking around to find the "sweet spot," the best time and place for someone to propose another production, if they were to get the largest number of talented actors to come out.
A fool's errand? Undoubtedly. But it gives me an excuse to talk to people about one of my favorite shows.
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?

* Any suggestions for possible directors?
* Any actor suggestions – someone you think should be contacted when the time came, or someone you would or would not like to get on stage with? (“I’d rather not do it if Grant is involved” is perfectly valid – just so I know.)
* How do you feel about editing it – trying to shorten, or even cut, a couple scenes and/or songs?
* How would you feel about doing a non-viewable production, say, with a group that’s not part of the Foundation? Would that make a difference?
* Any thoughts on how to get by with fewer actors?
* What would you think of doing “76” in the round?
* What would you think of doing “76” in modern dress?
* Do you think there’s an audience for “1776”? Do people still want to see it?

Larry Hinken
Grant,
Re 1776. Yes, yes,.....I would do it again, anytime, geography is no objection, but do not cut the show. . . .
I see no problem doing it in the round as long as you don't need a set. However, you might have a problem with the tote board. Audience needs to see that.
I guess I am a traditionalist.
Jason Moon
Yes I'd be interested...just about anytime of year is good...but summer tends to be the time when I have the most conflicts (June-Aug)...
As far as location...I'd need to stay in Lake County or the Valpo area to stay close...probably wouldn’t go as far as LaPorte or Michigan City...
I have heard some of the music before but have never actually seen the show... as far as groups… as long as the director was a person that respects the actors’/musicians’ time and has things planned out as to not waste time I'll work with just about anyone anywhere as I am a pretty easy going person... Good thoughts and questions tho...appreciate the email.
Doug Pishkur
Grant--How did you know I would love to do 1776 — as music and vocal director? It's one of my all time favorite shows that I've only seen the movie of, but heard the soundtrack and love the music. I would NOT act in any way on the stage, however!
I would do it anywhere and anytime, but summer is usually bad for me. I think in the round could be very interesting, and I certainly think that there is an audience for this show--I know plenty of people who have told me how fun they think it is. (Of course, I've heard  many people, mostly female actresses, say how boring they think the show is!)
Good luck trying to get a show together, and let me know what success you might have!

Dave Piercy
Grant...
I too, have thought about the heavy-hitter production - and I KNOW it could be incredible. Have got some specific ideas, and this is the ONLY show I've ever considered directing... So. Yes, I'm interested (surprised??? Hah!)
WHERE - I do like the thought of Crown Point at the Hall of Justice.  (my favorite setting was the old C.P. Courthouse (on the square) in 1986 – an authentic feel was certainly established there... and
WHEN -  I’d probably consider any location within a 45 minute
drive – which goes as far North as Whiting, as far north/east as
Chesterton (probably Not Mi. City or Laporte – but I wouldn’t
guarantee not – may just be pickier on what roles I’d accept).
Timing wise – I don’t know that it matters much.  Summertime
is probably worst, as I do enjoy playing on multiple softball
teams... but – I don’t rightly know which would win –
1776 vs softball???? Hmmm…
If you could add the following question (please re-word as you
see fit) to your little list - I think it adds some value...
"If you've done 1776, how many times, what parts have you
played, and what parts would you want to play?"

Juanita Jarecki
Dear Grant,
Don't mean to intrude, but Dave forwarded your email to me. I'm just emailing to let you know that if you would be interested, I would definitely be interested in doing a pit for 1776 as long as it could be in the summer when my kids are out of school. This show is special to me as well!
Keep me posted on your progress--I hope you get enthusiastic replies! Ed Griffith
 Glad to help out.
 I have done 4 productions of 1776 and I really do like the show a lot. However, I have NEVER been in a production that wasn't recruiting guys until the last minute, that didn't put at least one girl on stage in a powdered wig, or had to double at least one role. That is a nightmare for any director/producer. I also know there are guys who claim to love the show that will only play one or two parts. Considering they fall out of the mix if cast "beneath" what they see themselves as, the number of guys available drops dramatically.
 So let's say this did get off the ground. I would travel as far as Valpo and Marion (either end) to do the show. And I would prefer fall or spring depending on the weather. Having done the show in summer, I can testify that with those coats and wigs there is no way to keep cool in the summer.
 One other thought about your questions, modern dress doesn't work for me. This play is more of a historic recreation than just about any other show out there, and it probably needs a faithful presentation. Besides the final tableau of the painting loses a lot in jeans and t-shirts.
Editor's Interruption -
I had considered (as Dave suggested above) asking people
a) what they'd played before ... but that felt a little like asking for their 'credentials,' which didn't seem exactly relevant to the conversation - and
2) if there were particular parts they'd be interested in playing - and maybe even only interested in playing. I had decided against it, at least in the first round of questioning, because I didn't want it to seem like I was thinking of directing it myself, even more than it already did seem like that. (Again - I'm hoping this data and input will be of interest to a group and/or director out there. I don't think I have anything new to bring to a production in terms of a directing 'vision,' and I'm not much of a director anyway. I'd much rather try out for it. I'll play anybody.)
Ed makes an interesting point, however, about the 'what parts would you want to play' question . . . .  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.
Reid Martin
First of all, I have never done the show, nor have I seen it recently (I did see it in 8th grade at the Schubert but I don't remember much about it). But I would still love to do it. I just can't do too many shows in a row. So as long as I know in advance (6 months or so) then I can plan for it.
I would greatly prefer doing shows in Porter County. I know that sounds selfish, but I work in Illinois and I drive 94 every day west then east. I don't look forward to driving back westward again in the evening. I enjoy the Memorial Opera House. I think that would be a great show for that theatre (although perhaps they've done it fairly recently, I don't know). But, if it were there, I would certainly audition. (Boy, was that long winded.)
Bonus Questions: Sorry, but I don't have enough experience to add much to these questions. Just: -
Viewable doesn't matter to me.
Modern dress, I'd rather not.
I hope I pass the quiz. Is it graded on a curve??? Doug Schlesser
Grant,
Yes I would love to audition. Summers are best for me
as I have contest and school drama during the year. But
if it's anytime in the summer anytime... next five years
or even ten I'm your man! I'm in. Keep me posted, Amigo.


Jeff Jones
Grant, I don't know the play and am busy up here in Chicago. But if you're interested, it must be worth while.
*I always have a place in my heart for Chicago Street Theatre.
*February is easier for me.


Bill Ference
1. Sounds like something I would like to do in a year or more.
2. January Feb or March would be better at this point in my life.
3. Far East as Valpo and North as Whiting
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. Me again. There's more, too - I got several 'no, thanks' responses, naturally, that aren't worth relaying here, along with a couple that are, as they added some interesting thoughts. I'm sorely tempted to include the response from Tom Ason, too, which reminded me what a funny guy he was. And I'd like to tell you my thoughts about some of the questions I posed, and some of the responses I got
. . . but all that will have to wait for another time.

Meanwhile, what do YOU think? If you'd like to respond to my initial questions (way up at the top of the page), or would like to respond to any of the comments above - or clarify or add to your own comments above - I'd love to hear from you! Write me at grant@grantfitch.com, and let me know if it's something you wanted posted here, or if it's just for private consumption . . .

and welcome to the ongoing dialogue! Thanks for reading!


EDIT: Page 2 is now up and half full! Keep 'em coming!


Grant Fitch