Norris Theatre to Close Out Election Year with '1776' in Concert

The pivotal event in American history will blaze to vivid life at the Norris Theatre in a staged concert performance of the musical, "1776," November 11-12 at 8 p.m.

Winner of five Tony awards, this most unconventional of Broadway hits features a striking score, accompanied by a 17-piece orchestra, and a cast of 25 actors. The production is directed by James Gruessing, with musical direction by Ryan O'Connell.

The cast stars Steve Glaudini (John Adams); Bryan Dobson (Benjamin Franklin); Bryan Vickery (Thomas Jefferson); Shannon Warne (AbiGail Adams); Natalie Haro (Martha Jefferson); and John Massey (John Hancock). The cast also includes Chris Gilbert, Barry Pearl, Jason Hammond, Andrew Metzger, John LaLonde, Craig Woolson, Danny Michaels, Martin Feldman, Ron Rudolph, John Racca, Perry Lambert, Cole Cuomo, Greg Nicholas, Pablo Rossil, Chuck McLane, Reggie De Leon, Jack Messenger, Joosh Finkel and Ryan Dietz.

A musical about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, "1776" puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone the story is based on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of independence. It dramatizes the efforts of John Adams to persuade the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for American independence and sign the document. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and their cohorts argue and grandstand through fiery speeches and songs such as "Sit Down, John," "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men," and "He Plays the Violin."

Following in the footsteps of previous Palos Verdes Performing Arts concert series productions, "1776" will be staged as a concert presentation and not as a full production.

The Ticket prices range from $55-$65, with a $10 discount for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or go to palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in the south bay area of Los Angeles.