1776 at Allen Contemporary Theatre

1776 is based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the behind-the-scenes deals that led to this fateful moment in the history of the country. It begins on a sweltering day in Philadelphia – May 8, 1776. The Second Continental Congress is in session, and John Adams, the widely disliked delegate from Massachusetts, is enumerating his grievances against King George III and lobbying for independence. The other delegates, already divisive and annoyed by his arguments, demand that he sit down and shut up. After much wrangling and horse-trading, and numerous stirring songs, the play closes as one by one the delegates gather to sign the Declaration of Independence. In the background, as the lights go down, the Liberty Bell tolls loudly. The show premiered on Broadway in 1969 where it received acclaim and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Rated PG