Review of 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse

As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse is a strong, well-acted production that leans into what the show does best, its characters and its political tension, even if the pacing doesn’t always keep up with its ambition.

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee, this staging keeps the focus on the story itself. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 follows John Adams and his fellow delegates as they push toward independence, navigating debates, compromises, and clashing personalities along the way.

Will Blum leads the production as John Adams with a strong sense of urgency and frustration that drives the show forward. He captures both the character’s stubbornness and the weight of what’s at stake, making him easy to root for even in his most abrasive moments.

The supporting cast works well as a whole, creating a believable and often engaging Congress. Standout moments come from John Treacy Egan as Benjamin Franklin, who adds humor and warmth, and Edward Watts as John Dickinson, who serves as a steady opposing force. Even when the material slows, the ensemble keeps the energy from dropping too far.

Musically, the show has its highlights. Numbers like “Sit Down, John” bring bursts of energy that help break up the long stretches of dialogue, while the quieter songs allow the characters to feel more personal. Under the music direction of Jillian Zack, the orchestra supports the score well, even if it doesn’t have the same immediacy as more modern musicals.

Design-wise, the production keeps things simple and effective. Scenic and costume elements support the time period without distracting from the performances, allowing the focus to stay on the story and the people telling it.

Overall, 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse is a solid production that succeeds on the strength of its cast and material. It may not fully overcome the slower pacing of the show itself, but it still makes a compelling case for the story it’s telling and serves as a timely reminder that the path to independence was anything but straightforward.

This production also features Montclair professor Aaron De Jesus as Robert Livingston. To hear general member Sola Johnson’s interview with him about the production, visit: https://wmscradio.com/interview-with-aaron-de-jesus-from-1776/. 

For tickets or more information, visit: https://papermill.org.