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Health & Fitness

Little Theatre of Manchester Produces Perfectly-Timed Musical

The revolutionary ideas of centuries ago are celebrated though music and song on the Cheney Hall stage when Little Theatre of Manchester produces the Tony-award winning, 1776!

1776, the historically-based musical, depicting the story of John Adams' quest to create a Declaration of Independence from the tyrrany of British rule, is the next show produced by Little Theatre of Manchester.

Although not completely accurate in its story, the music, staging, and theme is clearly inspiring, and a practical reminder of the freedom for which we fought.

The Tony-award winning musical opened on Broadway in March of 1969. Much like the namesake period the show is based on, 1969 was also an extremely turbulent time in America.

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The country was more than a decade into an extremely unpopular war and later that year Richard Nixon made plans to end the U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

For much of the 1950s and 60s, the Civil Rights Movement had been something of a revolution, helping reshape America yet again. So, when it opened on Broadway, the nation was looking for something inspiring and perhaps something to remind us of what we fought for - equal rights and freedom.

Who better to understand this than people fleeing from their native lands to come to America to start a life anew.  This quest for freedom continues today and when a battle for immigration reform splits our country in two.

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The 2012 Presidential election rallies 'the troops' to a frenzy, based on our varying differences regarding issues still relevant in the 21st century - an unpopular war and civil rights, but at the end of the day our focus should be on what brings us together, not what drives us apart.

John Adams, however contentious and obnoxious he was, only wanted everyone to work together to create a 'more perfect union' out of the colonies that existed.  Little did he know that the ideologies and bias' in 1776 would continue into 2012.

LTM is delighted that the current State of Connecticut marketing theme, "Still Revolutionary" allows for dovetailed marketing efforts.  With a hint at our historic past – Washington marched his soldiers through Manchester – Little Theatre of Manchester will march its actors onto the historic stage for the enjoyment and educational benefit of the community.

"Sit Down John," the actors sing, but this time, sit in a seat for a wonderful performance, November 2-18 at Cheney Hall.  For more information go to cheneyhall.org or call the box office at 860-647-9824.

*Student general tickets for the final weekend, November 16, 17 and 18 are just $10.

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