1776 at Emerson Colonial Theatre

America’s Prize Winning Musical

Featuring over 50 artists from the surrounding community.

This community-centered production of 1776 reimagines the iconic American musical as a shared civic project—one that brings local artists together to explore the ideas, conflicts and compromises that shaped a nation. Featuring its celebrated score and witty, thought-provoking book, the production dives into the debates and bold personalities behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence, inviting audiences into the messy, human process of democracy in action. With energy, humor and heart, this staging offers a lively and engaging theatrical experience that resonates across generations.

Conceived as an intensive ensemble-driven project, 1776 places a strong emphasis on collaboration, dialogue and discovery. The rehearsal process allows artists to spend meaningful time unpacking the historical context, motivations and contradictions of the characters, while also sparking a series of conversations connected to the production that invite the broader community into the work. In the spirit of past Colonial Theatre favorites such as Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Shrek and The Music Man, this project marks the return of a large-scale community musical to the Colonial stage for the first time since 2019. Directed by David Adkins, BTG’s Artistic Director of Education & Training, 1776 celebrates collective storytelling and shared inquiry—continuing BTG’s tradition of productions that bring the community together for a meaningful and memorable night at the theatre.