Virginia Rep to Open 1776, THE MUSICAL This Fall

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of 1776, The Musical, at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street on Friday, September 30, 2016 with two previews on September 28 and 29. The show runs through October 23, 2016.

Often referred to as "America's Musical," 1776 is a lively, funny, and momentous story of the second Continental Congress and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards wrote the musical in the years leading up to America's bicentennial. It debuted on Broadway in 1969 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Virginia Rep will partner with the Virginia Historical Society to provide related talkbacks and discussions throughout the run of the show. Visit va­rep.org/_1776­november­theatre­richmond.html for details.

Director Debra Clinton is thrilled to work with such an outstanding cast. "I see 1776 as an opportunity for people to revisit the history of our country and to reflect on what brings us together as Americans. It is a very uplifting story even in the context of hard compromise."

Clinton's recent credits for Virginia Rep include The Whipping Man and the family smash-hit Croaker: The Frog Prince Musical, which she co­-wrote with Jason Marks. Sandy Dacus will serve as music director. Other music directing credits for Virginia Rep include The Sound of Music, Spring Awakening, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Shrek, the Musical.

The design team includes Virginia Rep costume director, Sue Griffin (The Color Purple, Mame, Gypsy) BJ Wilkinson (Peter and the Starcatcher, Summer and Smoke) on lighting, and set designer, Rich Mason (Summer and Smoke and A Lie of the Mind in partnership with Cadence Theatre Company).

Scott Wichmann is fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing John Adams in 1776. "I have been waiting all my life for this role. Doing 1776 is like playing for the Red Sox." Wichmann, well­known for his skillful embodiment of a wide range of roles, most recently tackled the one­man show This Wonderful Life for the second time at Hanover Tavern. Other recent credits include Black Stache in last fall's Peter and The Starcatcher, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Say Goodnight Gracie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and The Producers. Wichmann also played John Adams in the recent TV series, Legends and Lies.

Other leads include Jason Marks (The Producers and Shrek for Virginia Rep) as Benjamin Franklin and Landon Nagel (They're Playing Our Song and Treasure Island for Virginia Rep) as Thomas Jefferson. Other key roles include Alexander Sapp (Summer and Smoke, Croaker) as Edward Rutledge, Jody Ashworth (Mame, The Producers) as John Dickinson, Matthew Costello (Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Nightblooms) as Stephen Hopkins, Michael Hawke ?(The Producers and Sound of Music) as John Hancock, Christie Jackson (Gypsy, Croaker) as Martha Washington, Sarah Kate Walston as AbiGail Adams, and Bryant Pugh in his Virginia Rep debut as Richard Henry Lee.

For tickets, contact the box office at 804­-282-­2620 or go online at www.virginiarep.org. Full Price Tickets: $48 ­ $60. Discounted Group Rates and Rush tickets available. U­Tix for college and high school students $15. Available by phone or in person day of show only. Student ID required.

Virginia Rep is launching two new free ticket programs this fall. The Free­view Lottery will provide 50 free tickets through a lottery system on the first Wednesday Preview of all Signature shows. The Community Tickets Grant Program creates a process for nonprofit organizations to apply for up to 50 free tickets for the groups they serve who may not otherwise have the ability to attend a show. More information at www.virginiarep.org.

The Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre is equipped with a state­of the­art induction loop hearing system that is compatible with all telecoil­equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants. A handheld receiver and headphone system is also available free of charge for anyone who is hearing impaired.

Valet parking is available for $8 at all performances and free self­park is available for patrons within blocks of the theatre.

Evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays and select Wednesdays. Matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and select Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Virginia Repertory Theatre is the regional professional theatre in Richmond, Virginia. With a budget of $5 million, four distinct venues, an educational touring arm, and an annual audience over 530,000, Virginia Rep is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia. Virginia Rep stages four seasons annually: the Signature Season at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, Theatre Gym Season in partnership with Cadence Theatre Company, Virginia Rep's Children's Season at Willow Lawn, and the Hanover Tavern Season.