1776 - Martha Pfeiffer

SALISBURY, MD---  When Martha Pfeiffer of Delmar saw the movie adaptation of 1776 in seventh grade, she fell in love with it. Now Pfeiffer teaches seventh grade at Salisbury Middle School and is introducing a whole new generation to its pleasures.

Pfeiffer earned her master's in history with a specialty in the 17th and 18th century colonial period. "Surprisingly, this musical is remarkably authentic," she said, "with dialogue based on personal letters between John and Abigail Adams, dispatches from General Washington, and transcripts of the debates within the Continental Congress."

Pfeiffer put her knowledge of the era to use when a friend working with the acclaimed New York revival in 1997 asked for help with period research. Pfeiffer provided materials to the Roundabout Theatre's cast and to actor Paul Michael Valley, who was portraying Jefferson in particular. The experience whetted her appetite to do more with the show.

But 1776 isn't revived often, partly because it requires 24 male actors and two women, all of whom have meaty roles. Pfeiffer said she is having no problems directing all those men. "It's fabulous … being a woman in charge. There's nothing like a men's chorus," she said. To create more opportunities for women actors, however, she's double-cast the two female roles.

Pfeiffer has directed some nine musicals for SU Theatre over the years, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Chorus Line and Grease. This time, her childhood memories of 1776, combined with a love of American history and music, are making directing particularly special for her.

In the musical, the responsibility of leadership and the terror of impending treason and death weigh heavily on the delegates to the Continental Congress as they struggle with issues which will live long after them. More than a history lesson, said Pfeiffer, the production is a modern commentary on the necessity of independence and the human need for freedom of choice.

"One of the most exciting moments in rehearsal was the first time we did the final scene (the Declaration's signing). The cast was moved. They realized the journey our Founding Fathers were going through as they physically recreated it.

"This is absolutely a family play. I was 12 when I saw first saw it, and it turned me on to American history. Today it seems even more important."

The SU production is in Holloway Hall Auditorium Thursdays-Saturdays, March 7-9 and 14-16, at 8 p.m. with matinees Sundays, March 10 and 17, at 2 p.m. General admission is $10 and senior citizens and students $8. Group rates are available. School groups are encouraged to attend. Tickets may be purchased starting March 1 at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center during regular Guerrieri Center hours. Reservations also may be made by calling the SU Theatre Box Office at 410-543-6228. For more information visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.