John Hancock

Review: 1776 at Gettysburg Community Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - Jul 20, 2026

Gettysburg Community Theatre’s production of 1776 is powerful, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Their whole run has sold out, but this reviewer is looking forward to seeing their next production.

Review: 1776 at Musicals At Richter
by Sean Fallon - Jul 12, 2026

On Saturday, July 11th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another phenomenal production at Musicals at Richter, in Danbury, 1776. Seeing this show at this outdoor venue on a clear night is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Robert Bria designed the set, which primarily depicts the inside of Independence Hall. Director David Halliwell, music director Andrew Gadwah, and choreographer Emma Kelly help bring out the best in this stellar cast! The stage chemistry and stage presence of this cast is so strong that the audience can easily forget that we are not watching an actual debate. I had never seen this show before and was quite impressed by how it draws the audience right in and consistently holds our attention. It was clear that the entire cast had fun performing.

1776 to Open at Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park in Edison
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 6, 2026

Plays-in-the-Park will present 1776 on the open-air stage at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Edison's Roosevelt Park, with Maximilian Jurisic as John Adams and Brian Lynch as Benjamin Franklin.

MSMT Hosts Second PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 3, 2026

Despite the heat, a large audience gathered at Curtis Memnorial Library on July 1 to enjoy a conversation with four of the stars of MSMT’s smash hit, 1776, now playing at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick through July 11. The panel, moderated by Broadway World’s Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold, featured MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark (Richard Henry Lee), James Patterson (John Adams), Alicia Kaori (Abigail Adams), and David Girolmo (John Hancock). The discussion focused on the unique aspects of the Sherman Edwards/Peter Stone musical, the historical context for this “play with music,” the struggles of the Founding Fathers to achieve the goal of independence, and the complex relationships among the characters. The afternoon concluded with some fun in a lightning round, followed by questions from the floor.

Review: THE LABORS OF LIBERTY: MSMT'S 1776 CHRONICLES THE BIRTH OF OUR NATION
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 26, 2026

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.

1776 to Open Musicals at Richter's 42nd Outdoor Season in Danbury
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 23, 2026

Musicals at Richter, Connecticut's longest-running outdoor theater, will present the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 to kick off its 42nd season at the Richter Arts Center in Danbury.

1776 to Open at Little Theatre of Fall River Amid America's 250th Anniversary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 22, 2026

Little Theatre of Fall River will present the musical 1776, directed by Paula Arruda, at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River, MA, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Previews: 1776 at Eight O'Clock Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Jun 19, 2026

Eight O’Clock Theatre reimagines 1776 for the 250th Anniversary with a sharp, contemporary staging that brings the Continental Congress into the world of today. Director James Grenelle leads a powerhouse ensemble through a production that highlights how urgently the debates of 1776 still echo in 2026.

Review: 1776 at Abbey Theater Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - Jun 1, 2026

What did our critic think of 1776 at Abbey Theater Of Dublin?

Video: First Look at 1776 at Walnut Street Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 21, 2026

Walnut Street Theatre has released first look footage of 1776, Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's classic award-winning Broadway musical, now playing through May 31, 2026 as part of Philadelphia's celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Video: Will Blum Performs 'Is Anybody There?' from 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Apr 21, 2026

Paper Mill Playhouse has released footage of Will Blum performing 'Is Anybody There?' in his role as John Adams in their current production of 1776, now playing through May 2, 2026.

Video: Praise Oranika Sings 'Momma Look Sharp' in 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2026

The Tony Award-winning musical 1776 is now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse in a run continuing through early May. Watch as Praise Oranika sings 'Momma Look Sharp' as the Courier here!

Video: Liz Leclerc, Will Blum & John Treacy Egan Perform 'He Plays the Violin' from 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2026

Paper Mill Playhouse has released footage of Liz Leclerc (Martha Jefferson), Will Blum (John Adams), and John Treacy Egan (Benjamin Franklin) performing 'He Plays the Violin' from their current production of 1776, now playing through May 2, 2026.

Review: 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse Excellently Depicts History in the Making
by Marina Kennedy - Apr 8, 2026

The extraordinary musical, 1776 is now being performed at Paper Mill Playhouse through Saturday, May 2.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026

You can now see photos from the opening night of 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse, directed by Paper Mill Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. See photos of Will Blu, John Treacy Egan, and more.

Photos & Video: Will Blum, John Treacy Egan and More in 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 3, 2026

You can now get a first look at production photos and a first-look clip of “Sit Down, John” ahead of 1776’s opening night this weekend at Paper Mill Playhouse. The production runs through early May.

Photo: Will Blum, John Treacy Egan and More in 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2026

You can now get a first look at the cast of 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse. The production stars Will Blum as John Adams, John Treacy Egan as Benjamin Franklin, and more.

Feature: Three Actors, Three Productions of the Same Show, Same Historic Theatre
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 25, 2026

With the 250th birthday of our nation approaching this July 4th, Ford’s Theatre’s current attraction, the musical that tells the how the Declaration of Independence came to be, 1776 is indeed the best choice for this historic theatre to be presenting for the occasion. With a score by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 ranks in my opinion as a perfect musical and there are only a handful of those.

Walnut Street Theatre to Stage 1776 THE MUSICAL for America's 250th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2026

Walnut Street Theatre will present 1776 THE MUSICAL as part of its 2025-26 Season of Legendary Stories, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The production is set to open on April 14, 2026, with performances running through May 8.

Photos: 1776 in Rehearsal at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026

Rehearsals are underway for 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical next up in Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2025-2026 season. Learn more and check out the photos below!