Dates: 6/24/2026 - 7/11/2026
📍 Theatre: Maine State Music Theatre
Pickard Theatre at Bowdoin College, 1 Bath Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
Brunswick,
Phone: 207.725.8769
Before there was a nation, there was a room full of arguments. In this stirring and surprisingly humorous musical, the Founding Fathers come to life as real, flawed, passionate individuals, clashing over independence, ideals, and the shape of a new country. With soaring songs and sharp dialogue, 1776 offers a powerful reminder that democracy is messy—and worth it. A fresh look at the birth of America that feels urgently relevant today.
Book by Peter Stone
Music & Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
1776 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
| Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Best Musical | Winner |
| 1998 | Best Revival of a Musical | Nominated |
Maine State Music Theatre posted a clip of 'The Egg' from its production of 1776, featuring James Patterson as John Adams, John Treacy Egan as Benjamin Franklin, and Quinn Corcoran as Thomas Jefferson. Watch the video!
Watch Jalen Kirkman perform 'Momma Look Sharp' as The Courier in Maine State Music Theatre's production of 1776. 1776 features music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone.
What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence than by mounting a stirring production of the musical 1776. That is just what Maine State Music Theatre has chosen to do – the only regional company in Maine to receive the rights at present - for the Sherman Edwards 1969 show that delivers a witty, riveting, deeply human and affecting account of our Founding Fathers. Directed by Amber Mak and featuring stunning cast of twenty-eight, MSMT‘s production is one of those artistic events audiences cannot afford to miss.
Maine State Music Theatre has shared a first look video for its production of 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical, featuring Broadway veterans and MSMT favorites in the cast.
“John Adams is a debut role for me. I love his passion. He is the central catalytic force in the entire drama. He has dedicated his life to God, country, and family in that order. He’s been toiling in the Continental Congress for years now, and he just wants to get the job [independence] done and go home to his family.” Actor James Patterson is speaking enthusiastically about the challenge of playing the Founding Father from Massachusetts in Maine State Music Theatre’s new production of 1776, created for America’s 250thanniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that begins its run at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick, Maine on June 24th.
Broadway veteran John Treacy Egan discusses making his Maine State Music Theatre debut as Benjamin Franklin in 1776, running June 24 through July 11 at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick.
What shows are coming up next at Maine State Music Theatre?
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What shows have played recently at Maine State Music Theatre?
What is the history of Maine State Music Theatre ?
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Aztec Two-Step 2.0 performing Simon & Garfunkel Songbook & Aztec Two-Step classics Jonathan's (10/02-10/02) |
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Rooted Portland Stage Company (11/04-11/22) |
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Steel Magnolias The Public Theatre (10/23-11/08) |
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Small Town- A World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (10/01-11/01) |
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Les Misérables Waterville Opera House (4/16-4/25) |
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Revelation Portland Stage Company (5/05-5/23) |
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Jane Eyre Portland Stage Company (3/31-4/25) |
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The Importance of Being Earnest Waterville Opera House (1/22-1/31) |
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spooktacular Tour with Patricia Quinn Waterville Opera House (10/24-10/24) |
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Our Town by Thornton Wilder City Theater (10/02-10/18) |
