REVIEW: “1776” a Big Success for the NFCT

The North Fork Community Theatre’s presentation of the musical “1776” successfully opened in Mattituck to a full house and a rowdy standing ovation this last weekend. With 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the timing of this musical seems to have added both value and anticipation for the audience. With the Book by Peter Stone and the Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards, “1776” is fabulous for a host of reasons! Congrats to Director Huck Hirsch, whose vision became a glorious reality with his chess-like blocking movements creating excellent sight lines so that all the actors were seen and heard. Also praise to Producers Kim and Julia Cappiello, Musical Director Jim Lowe, and Assistant Musical Director Matthew Adams Korn for a job well done. Note that at the Sunday matinee, Dina Mondello ably played the piano.

This show delivered many phenomenal individual performances, with the actors igniting enthusiasm and appreciation in the audience. Portraying John Adams is Mary Caulfield, who, quite frankly, is super. She totally captures the soul and essence of the pesky John Adams. She touched all when she sang, “Is Anybody There?” in Act II. Ms. Caulfield also excels in special moments with Eileen Trilli, playing Abigail Adams. Ms. Trilli almost stops the show with her solo “Compliments.”

Being Benjamin Franklin is always a tough task, but Christian Lepore nails it. He moves around the stage with the dignity Mr. Franklin had. Young Sarah DiGirolamo won the audience in her role as the Courier. She has a bright future on the live stage. The lively Kevin Magee, portraying Richard Henry Lee, totally entertains with his efforts singing “Lees of Old Virginia.” Leah Kerensky is a very convincing Thomas Jefferson, as is David Gregory Taylor as Martha Jefferson. The whole cast is incredible.

Accolades to the behind-the-scenes folks who don’t get to bow to the audience and nod to the applause. They are: Stage Manager Thomas DeAngelo; Assistant Stage Manager Kimberly Click; Lighting Design by Sam Kerrigan; Technical Director Robert Taylor; Video Design by Liz Liszanckie; Video Operators Liz Liszanckie and Steve Tulumba; Sound Design by Alexander Boerum-Ruhl; Sound Consultant John Lovett; Costume Design by Virginia Cava; Costume Assistants Carol Edwards and Deanna Andes; Benjamin Franklin Portrait Artist Stuart Whalen; Props by Jim Brodsky and Thomas DeAngelo; Set Construction by Robert Taylor; Poster Design by Stacy Kruk-Damiano.

The show runs until Sunday, March 29th.

For more info, visit nfct.com.