'1776' is plugged in to showbiz, politics, history

The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach production of "1776," the musical about the founding of our nation, is nothing if not well-connected.

David B. Springstead Sr. plays one of the leading roles, Ben Franklin, a part he performed professionally in the cast of the 30th anniversary national tour of this play.

Producer Vincent DeSanto plays John Hancock. His wife, Therese Wilkerson DeSanto, is a descendant of Richard Henry Lee, who took part in the events depicted in "1776."

Ken Golden, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, sings and dances as Roger Sherman, a delegate from Connecticut.

Brian Kirwin, a political

consultant for Rourk Public Relations and a member of the city's Arts and Humanities Commission, provides comic relief as the Continental Congress custodian.

And the costumes were done by Judi Flowers, who has worked on many TV and film productions, including HBO's "John Adams" series.

Director Kay Burcher says the play has been so well

received that they've added two Sunday shows. It pays to have friends in high places.

Dan Duke, (757) 446-2546, dan.duke@pilotonline.com