Celebrate American patriots – past, present & future
Show runs June 27-30
(Rockwall) June 21, 2013 – Today’s American patriots are no different than their ancestors. They fight for their country, liberty, pride and are not disheartened no matter the odds. But, the story of how it all began on American soil almost 250 years ago is the fascinating tale behind America’s Prize Winning Musical, 1776, which will be presented by Rockwall Summer Musicals from June 27 – 30 at the Rockwall High School Performing Arts Center.
When the show originally opened on Broadway, John Chapman of the New York Daily News wrote, “This is by no means a historical tract or a sermon on the birth of this nation. It is warm with a life of its own; it is funny, it is moving…I sat enchanted in my seat! The songs and lyrics are remarkably original.”
The show ran for 1,217 performances, earning warm reviews and was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning three including the Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical was also made into a film of the same name.
In an eloquent blog on Hub Pages, Cheri Bermudez wrote about the essence of the story: “If America were to lose the war for independence, the British would most certainly charge him with treason, and he would be hung. However, that did not deter John Hancock as he slowly lifted the quill-feathered pen, dipped it in the ink well and turned to his companions, pride swelling within his chest. He felt a sense of satisfaction, regardless of the fact that he was about to sign his potential death warrant. Hancock turned back to The Declaration of Independence and brazenly signed his name, larger than the rest, and directly centered. Death was a risk he was willing to take. America was not more than a couple minutes old, yet he harbored a love for his homeland that was so great he was willing to jeopardize his life. Hancock demonstrated his patriotism by signing a mutinous document declaring secession from Britain, arguably the most powerful empire of the era.”
“There’s a reason these men are in our textbooks, on our monuments, on our currency and in the very fabric of our society,” said Rockwall Summer Musicals 1776 Director Becky Henderson. “They defined true patriotism and sacrifice by creating, signing and standing behind the Declaration of Independence; this is how American legends like Jefferson, Adams, Hancock and Franklin founded America and….the ‘boys’ are back in the wonderful story of 1776!”
The authentic presentation of 1776 has been embraced by the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution (DAR/SAR) and Rockwall Independent School District (RISD). The DAR and SAR organizations are providing documented colonial flag displays, realistic character re-enactments, fife and drum vignettes and a revolutionary presentation of the colors during the shows run. RISD ran a poster design contest and distributed free tickets to the musical to all 4th – 8th graders. And, both Rockwall Mayor David Sweet and Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty recently issued proclamations honoring their annual July 4 Independence Day Parade, patriots who serve and continue to serve to protect our nation and the celebrated showing of 1776.
Today, American patriots around the world serve with same ideals shown to them by these forefathers. Just as the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution do, they strive to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect our national symbols, value American citizenship and support the force of e pluribus unum that was created from the people of many nations: one nation and one people. This is a great time to celebrate independence, learn why Independence Day is more than a day off of work and understand Americans commitment to a road map created by the gentlemen in 1776.
Sherman Edwards, who wrote the music and lyrics for 1776 said: “I wanted to show [the founding fathers] at their outermost limits. These men were the cream of their colonies… They disagreed and fought with each other. But they understood commitment.”
TICKETS
All RSM shows perform at the group’s home venue, the Rockwall High School Performing Arts Center on the Utley Middle School Campus, 1201 TL Townsend. Individual tickets for 1776 are available by calling the RSM ticket hotline at 1-888-71-TICKETS (718-4253). For group sales of 10 or more ($1 off per ticket), please dial RSM at: 972-771-3700. Or visit RockwallSummerMusicals.org for more details. Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s The King and I, is the second RSM show running this summer from August 15 – 18.
ABOUT ROCKWALL SUMMER MUSICALS
Rockwall Summer Musicals is a theatre company formed for the purpose of producing plays and conducting intergenerational theatrical workshops from May through August each year. The unique RSM “mentoring” instructional approach provides an educational experience that cannot be reproduced in the classroom. Pairing students with working artisans in the community creates a learning experience that cannot be duplicated during the school year. Whereas funding for the arts seems to be ever shrinking, these efforts help subsidize the educational needs of area students interested in theatre arts. During each school year, RSM prepares for the next summer season, including fundraising, reading and selecting plays, marketing, and seeking additional instructional opportunities. RSM’s productions are funded by business, corporate, and individual donations, ticket sales, and paid memberships. Net revenues are used for overhead expenses, as seed money for future productions and to enhance the theatre arts education of students of all ages.
Rockwall Summer Musicals is a 503(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2010 to entertain, educate, and enrich the cultural life of Rockwall and the surrounding communities.
If you liked this story, please click here to LIKE our Facebook page, so we can spread more good news!
RELATED STORIES
Mayoral proclamation for ’1776′
Rockwall Summer Musicals announces cast of 1776
Rockwall Summer Musicals to present 1776, the Musical added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →