1776 at Richter Arts Center
Dates: 7/3/2026 - 7/18/2026
📍 Theatre: Richter Arts Center
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With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, this Tony Award-winning musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from Britain by signing the Declaration of Independence. The production is directed by David Halliwell with music direction by Andrew Gadwah and features a live band and cast of local actors. Rob Mayette stars as John Adams, Ted Schwartz as Ben Franklin, Karl Hinger as Thomas Jefferson, and Gail Reiser as Abigail Adams, among others. The script contains challenging conversations from American history, including an intense depiction of the Atlantic slave trade, and is recommended for ages 10 and above.
Cast and Creative Team for 1776 at Richter Arts Center
Cast
Rob Mayette
John Adams
Ted Schwartz
Ben Franklin
Karl Hinger
Thomas Jefferson
Joe Harding
John Dickinson
Michael Solano
Edward Rutledge
BJ Markus
Richard Henry Lee
Chris Hetherington
John Hancock
Gail Reiser
Abigail Adams
Emma Kelly
Martha Jefferson/Dr. Lyman Hall
Chris Neville
Ensemble
Pedro Couy
Ensemble
Peter Lerman
Ensemble
Priscilla Squiers
Ensemble
Jeff Yelton
Ensemble
Christian Eklund
Ensemble
Lucia Eklund
Ensemble
Nicholas Eklund
Ensemble
Anthony Nittolo-Novotny
Ensemble
Sedona Taylor
Ensemble
Michael Wright
Ensemble
Alli Byrne
Ensemble
Michele Dugan
Ensemble
Walter Ruszczyk
Ensemble
Virginia Ruszczyk
Ensemble
Sarah Knowles
Ensemble
Creative Team
David Halliwell
Director
Andrew Gadwah
Music Director
Emma Kelly
Choreographer
Robert Bria
Set Designer
Eric Schutz
Lighting Designer
Stephanie Salsman
Costume Designer
Taylor Byrne
Production Stage Manager
Taylor Proto
Stage Manager
Denise Fontenelli
Producer
News About 1776 at Richter Arts Center
Musicals at Richter to Hold Auditions for 1776 and MARY POPPINS in Danbury
March 19, 2026 Musicals at Richter, Connecticut's longest-running outdoor theater, will conduct open auditions from March 26-29 for its upcoming productions of 1776 and Mary Poppins. The auditions are open to high school, college, and adult performers.About the Theatre
Richter Arts Center Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Richter Arts Center?
Fairy Tale Theater (07/11/26-08/01/26)
Mary Poppins (07/24/26-08/08/26)
Matilda Jr. (08/13/26-08/15/26)
Mary Poppins (07/24/26-08/08/26)
Matilda Jr. (08/13/26-08/15/26)
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