'1776' relevant, but lacking as a musical

As musicals go, "1776" makes a pretty fair civics lesson.

Centered around the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the musical by Sherman Edwards (music and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book), is an ambitious revival at Signal Ensemble Theatre, offering a tidy version of the tumultuous doings of the Second Continental Congress.

The show's depiction of political maneuvering and manipulation; the liberal-conservative divide and the petty self interests, personality quirks and personal animosities that motivate elected officials make it especially relevant this year.

But as a musical, "1776" is wanting. The book outstrips the less than praiseworthy score and clumsy lyrics. The inane "The Egg," about the birth of the nation and the superfluous double-entendre "He Plays the Violin" make one glad for the long stretches where there's nary a note sung. But Edwards includes with the clunkers, a couple of gems. The rousing opening "For God's Sake, John, Sit Down!" and the wry conservative ode "Cool, Cool Considerate Men" ("to the right, ever to the right, never to the left") showcase music director Andra Velis Simon's vocally robust men's chorus. (Too bad they're accompanied by a pit band that often sounds ragged). The plaintive "Momma Look Sharp," a dying soldier's lament expressively sung by Eric Lindahl (underused, but used well) serves as a reminder that while politicians debate, soldiers die.

"1776" fares best as an actors' vehicle and Signal's cast, under director Ronan Marra, delivers, putting a distinctive stamp on American history's movers and shakers. There's prickly John Adams (a passionate Philip Winston), the "obnoxious and disliked" representative relentless in his pursuit of independence; politic Benjamin Franklin (good character work by Vincent L. Lonergan); the newlywed Thomas Jefferson (Tim Howard) suffering from writer's block and sexual frustration; president of the congress and voice of reason John Hancock (Larry Baldacci) and irascible Rhode Island rep Stephen Hopkins (a cantankerous Ted Hoerl). Their anti-independence foils include Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson (a deliberate, nicely smug Jon Steinhagen), a British apologist content to maintain the status quo and the preening South Carolina delegate Edward Rutledge (a deliciously decadent Jeremy Trager) determined to preserve the South's "cherished institution" of slavery at the expense of independence. Their debates crackle under Marra's direction, but musicals want more. Edwards simply doesn't supply the goods.

"1776" marks Signal's first musical. Here's hoping the company chooses better next time it flexes its musical muscles.

"1776"

2 stars out of four

Location: Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago

Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays through March 1

Running time: About 2 hours, 40 minutes with intermission

Parking: On the street

Tickets: $20, $25

Box office: (773) 347-1350 or www.signalensemble.com

Rating: For most ages