One of the other lists I'm on is devoted to the musical "1776" in all
its incarnations (two Broadway productions, a film, and many regional,
community and school productions).  Many of list members first became
intensely interested in the history of the American Revolution and the
founding fathers (and mothers) because of that show.  Many of us
discovered the show as teenagers, which is appropriate since it was
created with that audience in mind.  Setting aside the format itself
(the point that the founding fathers probably didn't break into song and
dance in them middle of debates or conversations), the show is mostly
fact based.  The published play includes an addendum by the author
describing things changed, things omitted and things added.  Some of
these changes might work dramatically but raise the ire of historians.
Sam Adams is omitted and his role is combined into the character of
John.  Many lesser known members of Congress are left out to keep the
stage cast manageable. (In the film, most were added back in but didn't
get any lines.)  Abigail's and John's letters are acted out as
conversations in his mind for dramatic purposes.  Martha visits TJ in
Philadelphia to "inspire" him (didn't happen).

But, the main point of the history always comes through in this show.
The founding fathers were a combination of remarkable and fairly
ordinary men, who took an extraordinary political and personal risk to
found a nation against overwhelming odds.  Men who had very different
views on many subjects had to find a way to work together for the common
goal, and common good.  It is still a fascinating story, however told.
And I generally believe that anything that gets people interested in
studying the real history is a good thing.  (That said, I don't know if
I'll ever want to watch the Disney "Pocahontas" films again, but still
appreciate that many young people outside of Virginia, especially
outside of the US, might never have heard of Pocahontas, John Smith and
Jamestown otherwise.  No doubt some of them have been, and will be,
inspired to "read more about it" or visit the locations.  After all,
hasn't that story been dramatically enhanced in the retelling ever since
Smith, himself?)

Rosanna Bencoach
Richmond

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