Jeff Haught (John Adams), center, performs the opening number from the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "1776" at the Wood County Resiliency Center Friday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — A free performance of “1776” filled the Wood County Resiliency Center Friday evening, bringing a semi-staged concert version of the musical to an standing-room only audience

The Actors Guild of Parkersburg presented the show in partnership with Downtown PKB and America 250. The performance had originally been planned for Bicentennial Park but was moved to the Center on Market, also known as the Wood County Resiliency Center because of extreme heat.

Betty Dotson, with the Actors Guild, welcomed the crowd before the performance and said organizers were pleased with the turnout.

“We are thrilled that we have this many people here,” Dotson said. “We weren’t expecting this, but this is awesome. So, thank you all for coming.”

Dotson thanked Sydney Weber for allowing the production to rehearse and perform at the center, joking that it was “too stinking hot outside” to hold the show outdoors.

From left, Jeff Haught (John Adams), R.J. Lowe (Benjamin Franklin) and Chris Lewis (Richard Henry Lee) perform "The Lees of Old Virginia" from the musical "1776." The production was put on my the Actors Guild of Parkersburg as a part of the America 250 celebration. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The musical dramatizes the debate and events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Friday performance was part of local America 250 events, commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Dotson said the production was a semi-staged concert version, meaning cast members would use scripts for portions of the show while also incorporating staging and choreography. She said a true concert version would have had performers standing in place to read and sing, while Friday’s performance included more movement.

“Usually when you go to a show at the Actors Guild, everything’s memorized,” Dotson said. “Well, this is called a semi-staged concert version.”

Dotson also recognized several people and organizations who helped with the production, including West Virginia University at Parkersburg for printing playbills, Michelle and her two sons for running lights, and Carol Hanlon for loaning a backdrop. Dotson noted the backdrop featured the Constitution rather than the Declaration of Independence, drawing laughter from the audience.

“I know some of you smarties are looking at it, saying, ‘Wait a minute, that’s the Constitution, and this show is about the Declaration of Independence,'” Dotson said.

From left, David Rexroad (Edward Rutledge) and Joe Oliverio (Dr. Lyman Hall) peform in a staged reading of "1776" by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg in celebration of America 250. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Before the Friday evening show, several cast members appeared in costume at Blennerhassett Island to sing during Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s visit. Dotson thanked Joe Oliverio, Jaylin Demoon, Justin Walker, Chris Lewis and Evan Matheny for participating in the appearance despite the heat.

She also thanked Downtown PKB’s Jessica Strickler and Amanda Stevens for their work organizing the event.

“Those two ladies are the best at making this work,” Dotson said.

Dotson reminded audience members the performance was free but said donations would be accepted to support the nonprofit organizations involved.

The show was one of several events in the area tied to Independence Day weekend and the America 250 celebration.

Barbara Full performs as Abigail Adams in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "1776" as a part of the America 250 celebration Friday evening at the Resiliency Center. (Photo by Gwen Sour)