Melissa Edelblum

It’s about damn time (s/o Lizzo and her magical James Madison flute playing ways) for a revolution, don’t you think? When the original Broadway production of 1776 premiered in 1969 and its source material – the signing of the Declaration of Independence – depict times in United States history, in which white males dominated politics, entertainment, basically everything else. Though revolutionary and dramatic for the time, the concept a revolution has certainly evolved throughout history.

Flash forward to 2022. We (the People), as a society are more secular, aware, and politically charged than ever. And though the story of the Founding Fathers and creation of America is incredibly vital in our foundation (and arguably “revolutionary” at the time) – it was long overdue for a modern day transformation.

Early on into the production, directed by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, we get our first taste at that satisfying and edging transformation. The stage is set and the audience first meets our Founding Fathers, but this time around – the performers are of different races and identify as female, transgender, or non-binary people. Every single actor on that stage hikes up their tights and old-school white socks and that’s where the revolution begins.

With that, we were lucky enough to connect with Kristolyn Lloyd, who is currently playing John Adams in the Roundabout produced revival of 1776.

John Adams, it’s a powerhouse of a role in this show and takes on even more meaning in this production. Kicking this off with kind of an open-ended question, but how did stepping into the role feel for you!

It was a challenge! I’ve never been given the opportunity to play something of this magnitude, but I was really ready. So, it felt empowering and affirming of what I’ve experienced so far in my career. John was never a role I thought I’d play and to be honest, I didn’t know it existed, so it felt badass to just jump in a say ‘okay.’

This production is one of the most badass nights of theatre I’ve had in a long time. Can you tell us about the journey? Learning about the production, landing the role, the rehearsal process and what it’s like behind the wings every night? I’d imagine it’s electric.

I was finishing a session with my therapist where we talked about my career and me wanting a challenge and a vehicle to push me further when I saw I’d missed a call from my agent. So, I knew I had booked something because the “team” called me, and it was a straight offer for the role of John Adams on Broadway. I was stunned. When I heard the deal that came with the offer, I was even more stunned. “It operates under a LORT A contract (so, my salary would be way under commercial Broadway minimum) and you’ll be replacing the role two weeks after the show opens (something I’d never heard of) so you won’t originate.” That comes with a litany of losses for an actor. So, I knew it could be a risk career-wise to say yes to this and no to other jobs, but I really can’t stress how much I wanted the challenge. They were only asking for 3-4 months of my time and the cast looked dope, so I figured – why not! You’ve never done anything like this before, Kristolyn, and you don’t have to wear a dress or a corset.

It was a fast process because I only had three weeks to figure him and the show out. It felt a little daunting at first but, being a Capricorn, that didn’t last long. I came up with a personal plan and a set of goals for myself with the show and the role. Mostly in a rehearsal studio in Ripley with our Associate MD and Associate Director. I got a couple days here and there with Diane and Jeffrey and some with understudies and standbys. I tend to take my time developing a character even well into previews, but that was not an option here. A lot of the work was up to me. I pushed myself like I do as an athlete and had no social life. I wake up six days a week terrified and excited for the job I get to do in this show. Electric doesn’t begin to describe it.

1776. It’s not a show that’s frequently revived, but I would argue that this is the most revolutionary of productions and had many a point to prove. What do you personally think is the most revolutionary aspect of this production?

The casting. The cast is incredible on and off-stage. Truly. A remarkable group of humans who infuse me every time we are together. That’s probably why the show feels badass! I suck up their energy like a sponge and it fuels me. Their POV and lived experiences are strong and the audience can see that. We are not precious with this play/musical. We have no reason to be and therefore you are getting an unbiased performance of somewhat problematic men through the lens of some brave and wise storytellers

This show features a company entirely of women, non-binary, and trans actors. When this show took place and when it was written (unfortunately) there was virtually no representation from those communities and perspectives. How does that influence your process when performing John Adams?

Knowing he didn’t own slaves historically makes it easier to stand in his shoes, but this role is antagonistic to my soul and my ancestors.  I don’t instinctively WANT to use my Black body and Black mind to tell white colonizer stories with their accents and words, but that to me is a layer of CRT (critical race theory) in and of itself that is transparently laid on top of this relic. Diane and Jeffrey were smart to keep it in the world of players stepping into these roles. It actually allows me to keep my sense of self present in the production and not feel like I have to protect John’s image. He is who he was and I’m under no obligation to make you like him. In fact, because we get to keep ourselves intact playing these roles, what you will walk away liking (selfishly) is me! Or Patrena (Murray), Liz (Mikel), Allyson (Kaye Daniel), or Sushma (Saha)… the audience walks away being moved by the performers and our interpretation. I don’t think a lot of people want to see the show any other way after seeing our production. This cast is really fucking thrilling to watch, even if you have issues with the show.

What does the word revolution mean to you in the year 2022?

This job is teaching me a lot about revolutions. I think for me in 2022 it means taking a risk while telling the truth but with grace and wisdom because the truth can be venomous enough. I take my mantle in life and art as a disrupter and truth teller very seriously. Every job I take is another addition to my lexicon of work that could be looked back on someday. So, what does it look like be the revolutionist laborer who says yes to doing a potentially problematic show, joining it in an unconventional way, on a very controversial, non-commercial contract?? Well, if I’m gonna do it, then I’m gonna do it in a way that compliments the revolution I’ve signed on to as an artist. With honesty on stage by giving a high-priced performance each night, despite my pay, while making myself available off-stage to our union to change these exploitative policies, and while still talking openly about it in order to gain/give more perspective. I always wanna lead with truth and grace because revolutions are long, and messy, and require a lot of compromise as we see in the show. It’s not any different outside of it and they hired a lot of revolutionaries in this cast! It was a risk to give us a platform, but it was a compromise for us to say yes. As Ben Franklin says in our show: “Revolutions, Mr. Dickinson, come into this world like bastard children – half improvised and half compromised.”

Is there anything that surprised you when preparing for this role and this show? Could be about anything – yourself, historical events, past productions of 1776?

Fun fact: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were pals. Like genuine friends and eventually died on the same day in the same year forty minutes apart. I didn’t know that but have made it a point to highlight their budding friendship with the help of the stunning Elizabeth A. Davis. She was the one who told me this and, yes, she is indeed ACTUALLY pregnant. Some people think it’s a choice the show made but it wasn’t and it’s really a challenge for me not to touch her beautiful belly on stage as John Adams…ok I might’ve accidentally done it once or twice!

If you could play any other role in 1776, who would it be and why?

Rutledge. Hands down. I’m a recovering people pleaser and as such am at a point in my journey where playing the antagonist is looking like more and more fun. I would ultimately miss carrying the show though because I really do enjoy playing John Adams across from Mehry, Sara, and/or Lulu some nights. I’ve done it with three different actors in the role of Rutledge because of Covid and injuries and it’s been wildly fun! “Never a dull day over here at 1776!” has become our slogan. So, if for some reason they needed me to play another role, I would want it to be Rutledge.

The only way to do this production of 1776 “justice” is to join the revolution and check it out at the American Airlines Theatre before it closes on January 8, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2022-2023-season/1776/.