Overview
Synopsis
It is a long hot summer in Philadelphia, and the Continental Congress is an exhausted, annoyed, quarrelsome collection of men, at each other’s throats over the burning question of independence from Great Britain. John Adams, the passionate crusader for rebellion, races against time: if the congress does not agree to throw off the yoke of tyranny, General Washington’s painfully outnumbered army will have no ideal for which to fight. But Adams is obnoxious and disliked -- no one will listen to his arguments. They might have a chance if Thomas Jefferson, that silver wordsmith, would write a Declaration -- but Jefferson, frustrated by his long absence from lovely wife Martha, is in no mood to be creative. And when it comes down to a final decision, the course of history hangs on whether sycophantic Judge James Wilson can remain as anonymous as possible with his vote….. Under these conditions, how will America ever achieve Independence? Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards’ 1776 is a brilliant imagining of American history, a grand tale which manages to feel both intimate and epic at once, bringing humor and humanity to the account of twenty men, three months, and one incredible argument, in which the fate of nations is decided. The score features such famous tunes as the romantic “He Plays the Violin,” the comedic “The Lees of Old Virginia,” and that plaintive memorial to young patriots, “Momma, Look Sharp.”
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Context
Although it was ultimately well-received by critics and audiences alike, 1776 was a long time in the making. Composer and lyricist Sherman Edwards pitched the initial concept for the musical for years before its 1969 premiere. Initially, Edwards found it difficult to find collaborators who believed in the necessity of telling a story about the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Edwards eventually connected with the legendary Stuart Ostrow, a seasoned Broadway
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May 8, 1776. It is a sweltering day in Philadelphia and the Second Continental Congress is in session. John Adams, the Massachusetts representative, outlines his grievances against King George III and complains that his campaigns for independence are not being acted upon by Congress. He pushes for a vote but the other delegates are already annoyed by his arguments and demand that he be quiet (“Sit Down, John”). Adams is frustrated that the delegates have achieved nothing so far, even though
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in 1776.
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Monologues
Songs
Act One
- Sit Down, John - John Adams and the Congress
- Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve - Adams
- Till Then - John and Abigail Adams
- The Lees of Old Virginia - Lee, Franklin, and Adams
- But, Mr Adams - Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Sherman, and Livingston
- Yours, Yours, Yours, - John and Abigail Adams
- He Plays the Violin - Martha Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams
- * Cool, Cool, Considerate Men - Dickinson and the Conservatives
- Momma, Look Sharp -- Courier, McNair, and Leather Apron
- The Egg - Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson
- Molasses to Rum - Rutledge
- Reprise: Yours, Yours, Yours - Abigail Adams
- Is Anybody There? - Adams
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
A historical event frequently dramatized in plays and musicals that explore national identity, liberty, and rebellion.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A Brechtian technique that distances the audience by placing events in a historical context to encourage critical thinking.
A dramatic genre that dramatizes historical events, especially English history, as seen in Shakespeare’s plays.
Short for 'legitimate theatre,' referring to traditional stage drama as opposed to musical or commercial performance. The term is also used to describe a classical vocal tone suitable for operatic or legit musical theatre roles.
The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.
A revival is a new production of a play or musical after its original run has ended, often reimagined for a new generation of audiences. Revivals may stay faithful to the original staging or update elements like design, casting, or interpretation. They are a cornerstone of theatre tradition, keeping classic works alive and relevant.
