Continental Congress on school stage

The School of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y. presented the musical "1776" April 13-14, with Vivien in the role of South Carolina's lead delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

The production was "great, terrific," and Vivien's performance was "fabulous," according to one critic. Well, more like a fan. OK, a mom.

Vivien adopted a Southern accent for the role, which includes a dramatic solo song, "Molasses to Rum." In the song, Rutledge attacks the hypocrisy of Northern delegates who rail against slavery yet profit from the "triangle trade" in "moasses and rum and slaves."

The Journal-News newspaper carried a feature article previewing the show. It quoted Vivien as saying her role "was a really big challenge at the beginning, but I'm getting to enjoy it more and more."