It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence… if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.

The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. Celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States at 1776!

Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow

Directed by Patrick Torres

Click here to access the digital 1776 program!

1776 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Photo by Dennis R. Berfield

Post-Show Discussion: Only Human | Sunday, April 12 @ 6pm

Join us following the Sunday, April 12, matinee performance of 1776 for an interactive post-show discussion. Dr. Mary H. Russell will lead an hour-long talkback with Patrick Torres (Director), Greg Toft (“John Adams”), Bryce Nasir-Preston (“Thomas Jefferson”), and Rhonda Lemon (“Benjamin Franklin”) on the topic: Only Human (Flaws, Shortcomings, Responsibilities). Light refreshments will be served.

In what ways did the ideas presented in the Declaration of Independence influence the creative decisions of Director Patrick Torres? What inspired the actors to audition for their roles? How did participating in the production personally impact the director and actors? What visionary force led to the modernization of 1776? These questions, along with others posed by the audience, are explored in this interactive post-show discussion. Providing attendees an opportunity to gain deeper insight and understanding of the behind-the-scenes choices, perspectives, and motivations that shaped the final production.

About the moderator: Dr. Mary H Russell is excited to facilitate the 1776 post-show discussion. A theater lover and an accomplished local personal and professional development trainer and coach, she has designed and moderated discussions for the theater, organizations, and other entities. Dr. Russell believes that theater has the power to entertain, enlighten, and engage the community – and she is delighted to help give life to these ideas by connecting 1776’s commanding performances with thoughtful director, cast, and audience dialogues and interactions.

1776 Out & About

WRAL Morning Interview

On opening day, we got to chat with Lora Lavigne over at WRAL! Check out the interview below:

CBS 17 Feature Story

Thanks to Greg Funderburg and the team at CBS 17 for coming out to 1776 tech rehearsal on March 21! Check out their coverage of our show in the video below:

WHUP FM Interview

Listen to the WHUP FM Lights Up! interview from Wednesday, March 18, to hear Rhonda Lemon (“Benjamin Franklin”), Greg Toft (“John Adams”), and Patrick Torres (Director) chat with Wayne Leonard about the process of bringing 1776 to the stage!

#America250NC

Learn about other America250 events happening around the state by visiting: America250.nc.gov

Sponsors

Thanks to our Media Sponsor, WRAL.

Additional thanks to The Cardinal at North Hills for their support!

Made possible in part by a grant from the John William Pope Foundation.