This summer’s Independence Day will mark the USA’s 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To celebrate, Alhambra Theatre & Dining is bringing the historic story to life by opening “1776,” the musical.
The story takes place in the courtroom of the Continental Congress in the midst of a hot, blustery Philadelphia summer. Members of the Congress, made up of representatives from the 13 colonies, are at each other’s throats over the controversial question of independence from Great Britain.
In “1776,” you’ll meet familiar historical figures such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who vie for independence and urge the rest of Congress to do so. The two urge a young Thomas Jefferson to help write a declaration, to the aid of General Washington’s outnumbered army, but Jefferson seems more focused on returning to his wife in Virginia than pulling out a pen.
You’ll also meet oppositions to the revolution, such as John Dickinson, who think Adams’ notions of rebellion are too outside the box, as echoed by the rest of Congress in the musical’s opening number, “For God’s Sake, John Sit Down!”
This comedic, insightful drama takes place in a mock courtroom on the Alhambra stage with a star-studded cast that includes film/television star Kevin Anderson as John Adams, Robert Butterly as Benjamin Franklin, Thaddeus Walker as John Dickinson, Sebastian Miller as Thomas Jefferson and many more. The stage is crowded with passionate ballads and elaborate movements, telling the story of America as it came to be.
Chef DeJuan Roy whips up a meal reminiscent of American classics, such as appetizers of Boston bean soup with bacon or ambrosia salad with spring mix. For an entree, guests can choose from meat loaf, oven-roasted turkey, seafood gratin or a vegetable ragout. As a sweet treat, guests have the option of apple strudel or Yankee Doodle cake.
“1776” the musical is playing at Alhambra Theatre & Dining now through June 14.
