Politically charged '1776'

Bob Brunner had tears in his eyes when he read the e-mail offering him the role of John Adams in "1776" at Covedale Center for Performing Arts.
The Tony Award-winning musical about the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a favorite of actors, and of audiences when they're introduced to it.
"It's the right time for a show charged with political thought," says Perrino.

We all know John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, but there are other key players in "1776," like Edward Rutledge (South Carolina), who advocated slavery, and John Dickinson (Pennsylvania), who represents those who resist the "treason" being planned against the British crown.
The birth of the United States was no sure thing. Nevertheless, "1776" is a musical comedy - not silly, but with many comic elements - from Adams squabbling long distance with wife, Abigail, to Franklin's ever-erudite remarks, to the arguments that went into the writing of our nation's most significant document.

A surprising amount of dialogue is pulled from diaries, correspondence and reports of the day. You're hearing it in their own words.
You're also hearing one of the biggest male choruses in musical theater - 24 actors are in the meeting chamber.

The show's only two women are Martha Jefferson, who comes for a brief visit, and Abigail Adams, who sings her remarkable letters to her husband.
Community theater veteran Brunner, a Mount Airy resident, played in his first "1776" 33 years ago. The story mattered then and it matters now, he says.

"Less than 90 years (later the Civil War) almost destroyed what was established. (Racial) conflict was evident in 1776 and smolders even today."
His favorite character is the congressional clerk Thomson, who speaks for George Washington as letters are delivered to the battlefront, calling for more men, more supplies, more support.

Despite a 50-plus-hour work week and 25 hours a week of rehearsal ("I missed my wife and my family, much like John missed Abigail."), he's ready to do it again, maybe playing Franklin or his favorite Thomson, or directing.
Oakley resident Rick Roedersheimer laughs that he "fits" the role of Jefferson, who was also 6 foot 3.

But not a natural redhead, Roedersheimer has to wear a wig.
"What better way to learn about history than through entertainment?" he says.

"Most people know who wrote the Declaration of Independence, but few know what was debated and what the Founding Fathers went through."
Wayne Kirsch (Franklin) drives in from Milan, Ind., for every performance and somehow juggles his full-time job teaching math with his theater gigs and some sports broadcasting.

His 85 show credits include three productions of "1776," previously as Adams and John Hancock.
Franklin, says Kirsch, "was a patriot, a humanitarian and a free spirit" who "was committed to the causes he supported, including founding the first antislavery society in America. Giving up that clause in the Declaration "was the most important thing he had to surrender to get independence.

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Ty Yadzinski of Westwood is a Covedale and Showboat Majestic favorite who's in his fifth production of "1776." He's enjoying again playing Rutledge, the show's "snake," in his "all-time favorite musical."
Smooth-talking Rutledge holds independence hostage for a slavery clause, but Yadzinski does find some common ground with his character.

"We should have the right to individual pursuits, whether as states, commonwealths or individuals."
John Adams (Bob Brunner, right) implores Benjamin Franklin (Wayne Kirsch) to get to work. "Adams, your barking is hurting my foot," Franklin responds in this scene from "1776.

" When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.

m. Sunday through Nov. 5 Where: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave.