Paper Mill Playhouse, April-May 2009
"A large and talented cast is ably directed by Gordon Greenberg. Don Stephenson as John Adams captures perfectly the unflagging badger we know so well from historical records. A tender exchange of letters with Abigail, played beautifully by Kerry O'Malley, lowers the level of bombast in a welcome shift." -Naomi Siegel, The New York Times
"Hear! Hear! The Continental Congress has assembled at Paper Mill Playhouse...The principal historical figures are well-drawn here...Among the ladies, Kerry O'Malley makes a winsome Abigail Adams...The large cast cut distinctive figures, and all the actors have their moments." -Robert L. Daniels, Variety
"No matter what the current political climate may be, the Peter Stone-Edward Sherman musical 1776, now being given a Broadway-caliber revival at the Paper Mill Playhouse...is an intelligent and timeless parable on how to successfully engage in politics through compromise. Director Gordon Greenberg and his smartly chosen cast have made the show absolutely engrossing, nailing both the humor and the dramatic detail...Kerry O'Malley portrays Abigail Adams with loving sincerity." -Matt Windman, Theatermania.com
"[W]ho wouldn't be moved...by the sheer joy of Abigail's saltpeter arriving just in time to answer John's question, 'Is Anybody There?'...Kerry O'Malley is an appropriately level-headed Abigail." -C.W. Walker, MyCentralJersey.com
"[John Adams'] longing duets with Abigail, who he has left behind in Massachusetts to deal with the children and tend the farm, are illuminating. Kerry O'Malley holds her own with a rich delivery and calm, understanding nature." -Liz Keill, Independent Press
"In counterpoint to the show's political machinations, Adams' long-distance exchanges with his wife are touching and delicate, thanks in part to a nuanced and beautiful performance from Kerry O'Malley as Abigail Adams." -David Ian Lee, NYTheatre.com