1776 Reviews and Photos

Robert Cuccioli dominates the stage as John Dickinson. It is not only Cuccioli's smooth regal bearing and arch, supercilious line readings, but also the intensity and thoughtfulness with which he listens to all that is said that makes Dickinson so convincingly formidable. It is worth noting that director Greenberg has all of his Congress involved in the proceedings at all times, but Cuccioli is particularly riveting in contemplation. Cuccioli's performance of "Cool Conservative Men" is vocally and dramatically right on target

With Robert Cuccioli’s deliciously suave portrayal of John Dickinson, the audience has someone they love to hate. Mr. Cuccioli’s demeaning sneers and scornful shrugs find their mark.

Rutledge is usually the plum role (and James Barbour's performance of "Molasses to Rum" is heart-stopping), but Cuccioli, eminently reasonable and oozing charm, makes Dickinson far more formidable than someone so concerned about property ownership has a right to be. When Cuccioli squares off against Stephenson, it's a classic confrontation: the good-looking popular boy vs. the class nerd. The deck seems even more stacked against the colonies ever achieving independence.

The calm, understated elegance with which Robert Cuccioli's Dickinson points out the impossible odds against winning a war against Britain builds to a fierce and thrillingly sung crescendo as he leads his fellow loyalists in the conservative anthem, "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men."

The always reliable Robert Cuccioli is mesmerizingly potent in delivering all of Dickinson's rational reasons why we shouldn't break from England.

The large cast cut distinctive figures, and all the actors have their moments, from Robert Cuccioli's poised John Dickinson, who sings the calming "Cool, Cool Considerate Men," to James Coyle's frail Caesar Rodney of Delaware

Robert Cuccioli and James Barbour are extremely confident, commanding, and imposing as John Dickinson and Edward Rutledge, the two biggest opponents of independence in the Congress, stopping the show cold with their respective big numbers: "Cool, Considerate Men" and "Molasses to Rum."

Curtain Up

Robert Cuccioli, Cuccioli, who may be everyone's favorite Jekyll and Hydeas the cynical pro-England Dickinson of Pennsylvania , represents the best in musical theatre ensemble performing. Cuccioli, who may be everyone's favorite Jekyll and Hyde, played Rutledge splendidly at the Paper Mill Playhouse 21 years-ago.

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The Millburn Patch

I heard much about Robert Cuccioli, who plays Dickinson, from the Paper Mill faithful heading into Thursday night's performance. This is his 12th production at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and he was the one who announced the upcoming season at a press event last month.

I was not disappointed in his performance as Livingston, the main character against independence. He and Stephenson play off each other well in their debates, and he plays the villain role well. He is a worthy adversary to those who are fighting in favor of independence.

One theater-goer mentioned Cuccioli as "a wonderful singer" in a discussion a few weeks ago. He only has one scene where he has significant singing action—leading the conservatives in "Cool, Cool Considerate Men"—but he did not disappoint.