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 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html