‘1776’ - a befitting remembrance of our political system

Photos: Courtesy of the Alhambra

“1776 a Musical Revolution” is now playing at Jacksonville’s iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining (winner of “Best Dinner Theatre” for the 5th straight year), and this show gives us a look into the decisions that once made this country great and respected.  “1776” puts a human face on the pages of history as the audience sees the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures.  These men are determined to “do the right thing” for a brand new, up & coming nation.  This show is history in the makings.  It may be a little raw (amendment blocked to abolish slavery), but the events actually happened.  You cannot change history, yet you can learn from any mistakes that might have been done along the way and make this world a better place to live in through positive change.

Unlike todays Potus, who attacks through social media and any other venue he chooses to use almost every day, General George Washington (later the President of the US) was on the battlefield and let his Congressional leaders know of his conquests via of a News Courier (Rodney Holmes plays that Courier and Rodney has a great set of pipes).  Washington was a leader who knew how to lead his men and later - how to lead this country.

“1776” is a LIVE dramatization of the House of Congress, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the creation, ratification and signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Out of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, all 25 actors in “1776” brings life to the history of our forefathers (and yes, they are historically dressed in the proper attire of the era).  This is the third time that this production has appeared at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining (staged in 1986 & 1999 - See this information when you pick up your copy of the hardback coffee table copy of “50 Years of Memories” - located in the Alhambra foyer) and this presentation is worthy of applause.

Accolades to all of the troupe who did a smashing patriotic job: Alexander Molina* (John Dickinson), Mark Poppleton (Benjamin Franklin), Jake Delaney* (Thomas Jefferson), Andrew LeJeune (Edward Rutledge), Kurt McCall* (John Hancock, Richard Magyar (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Robin Keith* (Stephen Hopkins), Alex Canty (Roger Sherman), Alex Hadden (Lewis Morris), Thomas Knightingale (Robert Livingston), Neal Thorburn (Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon), David Gowan (James Wilson), Kevin Roberts (Caesar Rodney), Mitchell McCollum (Col. Thomas McKean), Joey Swift (George Read), Lee Hamby (Samuel Chase), Travis Gerald Young* (Richard Henry Lee), Luke Holt (Joseph Hewes), Tom Bengston (Dr. Lyman Hall). Bruce Cofield (Charles Thomson) and Kenneth Uibel* (Andrew McNair).

There are also 2 females in attendance Katie Nettle (Abigail Adams) and Nicole Coffaro* (Martha Jefferson) who sing quite well and add meaning to the behind-the-scenes of democracy.  Kevin Anderson* starring in the lead as (John Adams), has a ton of lines as do so many of the other actors in this phenomenal play/musical.  The music is stunning and the little quick steps from choreographer Shain Stroff* are quaint and periodic.
* Denotes members of the Actors Equity Association*

Even if you weren’t a fan of history, like this writer (who was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) wasn’t; you will enjoy seeing and hearing what actually happened right before the Declaration of Independence was born.

Menu Review: Executive Chef Dejuan Roy has done it once again.  His “1776” meals were befitting that of Betsy Ross or Martha Washington (did they even cook?)  First Course: Sweet potato soup *GF* (Contains Peanuts) had a hit of sweetness and was a delicious warm
cup of savory bliss for the fall weather that is coming to FL. or Cesar salad with cornbread croutons *GF* without croutons was different because of the unique croutons and different Cesar dressing flavor.  Second Course: Aunt Mae’s Fried Chicken Alabama BBQ sauce (an original sauce of Chef DeJuan), gravy, buttery white rice, lima beans (this writer had a hankering to substitute the carrot medley and was delighted).  Third Course: Apple Galette with fresh whipped cream - pastry was flaky and the whole dessert wan not too sweet.

   “1776”
A Musical Revolution
DATES: October 17 — November 18, 2018

SUMMER SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night at 5:30 p.m.), and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, a Broadway-style performance and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**
    “1776”, presented by Fleet Landing

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212