1776: A Broadway Musical About the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Posted on July 2, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Celebrate the 4th of July by watching the entertaining and inspiring “1776,” based on the Broadway musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The movie does not shy away from the terrible compromise on slavery that the founding fathers agreed to in order to make this country one nation, with a fault line that would shatter our deepest convictions enumerated in the very document our country was established on. The characters are really brought to life with all of their courage and hope as well as their faults and fears.
EHere’s a glimpse from a recent Broadway staged version, with Santino Fontana of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”
And from the movie, with William Daniel as the “obnoxious and disliked” John Adams.
Amid all the picnics, parades, and sales events, we take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we too often take for granted.
The National Memorial Day Concert is an inspiring night of remembrance is dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Co-hosted by Joe Mantegna and Mary McCormack and featuring an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists including: General Colin L. Powell, Sam Elliott, Patti LaBelle, Gavin DeGraw, Dennis Haysbert, Christopher Jackson, Alison Krauss, Amber Riley, Justin Moore, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.
Ben Hur: The heart-pounding chariot race is a classic in this stirring film with Charlton Heston as a proud prince turned slave whose life is transformed by an encounter with Jesus. The remake with Jack Huston is also very good.
The Passion of the Christ: Mel Gibson’s record-breaking blockbuster created a lot of controversy for its intense violence and charges of anti-Semitism and Gibson’s decision to have the cast speak in Aramaic. But it succeeds as a personal statement about the suffering Jesus endured in the last hours of his life as a demonstration of his divinity and his sacrifice in taking on the sins of the world.
The Gospel According to St. Matthew: This intimate, poetic, humble, and moving portrayal of the life of Jesus from Italian director Pier Paolo Passolini features young, local performers.
Godspell: This tuneful musical has Broadway star Victor Garber as Jesus, singing and dancing through urban environments to put the story into a contemporary context.
Easter Parade: Fred Astaire and Judy Garland star in a musical that has little to do with the holiday other than the unforgettable title tune, but the story of a successful performer who needs a new partner is a lot of fun.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical about the life of Jesus includes the beautiful songs “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Hosanna.” The recent live television broadcast with John Legend was sensational.
Veggie Tales: An Easter Carol — Our veggie friends Larry and Bob present a gentle and witty kid-friendly reminder that Easter is about more than eggs and candy.
The Gospel of John: A sincere, reverent, and dignified presentation of the life of Jesus stars Henry Ian Cusick, who portrays Jesus with a warmth, wisdom, and sadness that add a great deal to the story.
The Robe: Richard Burton plays a tribune who is in charge of the crucification of Jesus who wins Jesus’ robe with a role of dice. Being touched by the robe changes his life and he goes on a journey to try to learn more about the man he killed.
