We have a new tradition at my house.

This year, we (well, ok, I) decided to order 1776 from Netflix in anticipation of the Fourth of July (I should have tweaked the queue to make it arrive a little closer to the Fourth).

It’s a musical about the buildup to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I think it tried hard to be historically accurate in many respects. William Daniels does a great job as John Adams. And the songs are quite good. Some are funny (I especially like the one where they choose who will actually write the Declaration) and some are poignant.

All in all, I think it’s a great way to remember what the Fourth of July celebration is about, and I think we’ll be doing it again each year (until we get sick of it).

There’s still time for you to see it before the Fourth. I recommend it.