One show on Broadway is making—and re-making—history every night.
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical 1776 has catapulted to blazing new life in a thrillingly new production, and New York Magazine/Vulture says, “it’s an absolute blast!” Suddenly, the songs, humor, and passion of this musical masterpiece soar as never before.
A glorious multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors portrays the fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the humans who were left out the first time around—and the result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. Experience “a 1776 worth celebrating!” (Variety) “It pulsates with energy and snaps with attitude.”
“AN ABSOLUTE BLAST. IT WINS YOU OVER IN MINUTES! I’m glad to have witnessed it. I want other people to witness it.” – James Frankie Thomas, New York Magazine
“FOUR STARS! YOU LEAVE THE PRODUCTION AMAZED!” – Adam Feldman, Time Out
“VERY FUNNY, WITH A JAUNTY AND TUNEFUL SCORE. A WIN FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY!” – Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
“A 1776 WORTH CELEBRATING! It pulsates with energy and snaps with attitude.” – Frank Rizzo, Variety
The concept of Paulus and Page's 1776 is thrilling: to behold a diverse company portraying a story that's literally about the ideals and principles of white-cis-male politicians. From the opening curtain, anticipation runs high for a mind-blowing or at least inspiring show - probably, in part, due to the success of Hamilton and the sparse, dramatic, and surprisingly bloody 2019 revival of Oklahoma! But in reality, the onstage talent runs much hotter than the book, music and lyrics, and choreography can sustain. Led by Crystal Lucas-Perry in the lead role of earnest John Adams, along with Patrena Murray as feisty Benjamin Franklin, and two dozen other players representing the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 rarely moves beyond the practical matters printed in our dusty history books to reach - or reveal - new territory.
Despite the occasional A for effort moments, the production still clocks in as a potent revival-something not easy to pull off, considering that the show has a lengthy Act One section where independence is discussed in the Congressional chamber and the politicos have the nerve not to bother to sing or dance at all! The sets are relatively uninspired (especially what looks like a big shower curtain with flag images on it, plus the humdrum-looking desks at Independence Hall), and the sudden use of contemporary activism videos at one point in Act II is jarring, but again, what propels this production is a bold willingness to take chances-and believe me, it resonates.
1969 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1970 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
1970 | West End |
London Production West End |
1970 | US Tour |
Bus and Truck Tour US Tour |
1997 | Broadway |
Roundabout Revival Broadway |
2007 | East Haddam, CT (Regional) |
Goodspeed Revival East Haddam, CT (Regional) |
2016 | Off-Broadway |
City Center Encores Concert Production Off-Broadway |
2022 | Broadway |
Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival Broadway |
2023 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | 1776 |
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