1776 Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Songs were composed by Sherman Edwards. The libretto was written by Peter Stone. In February and March 1969, New Haven’s Shubert Theatre and Washington's National Theatre hosted pre-Broadway productions. Tryouts on Broadway began in mid-March 1969. The musical was in the 46th Street Theatre until December 1970, then it moved to the St. Petersburg James Theatre, where it was held until March 1971. The next stage of the show was in the Majestic Theatre. It ended in February 1972, after 5 preliminaries and 1217 regular performances. Production was carried out by director Peter Hunt and choreographer Onna White. The cast involved D. Ford, W. Daniels, R. Poole, H. D. Silva, P. Hecht & C. David. From 1970 to 1972 were productions of a national tour.

In June 1970, New Theatre started hosting the London production. It had 168 appearances. Production was prepared by P. Hunt and O. White. The musical had this cast: B. Horsfall, L. Fiander, T. Steedman, R. Radd, B. Lloyd, D. Morton & J. Quentin. Tryouts of the new version for Broadway started in July 1997. Production took place in the Criterion Center Stage Right from August to November 1997. Then it moved to the George Gershwin Theatre, where it was featured from December 1997 to June 1998, holding 34 preliminaries and 333 regular performances. The theatrical was developed by director Scott Ellis and choreographer Kathleen Marshall. The performance had this cast: R. Poe, B. Spiner, T. Aldredge & T. R. Farrell. In April 2016, the show took place in New York City Center within ‘Encores!’. This production was carried out by director Garry Hynes and choreographer Chris Bailey. The spectacle involved S. Fontana, J. Larroquette, B. Pinkham & J. Behlmann. The show ran for 1,217 performances, earning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Lifeline of 1776: Key Milestones.

• 1972 Film Adaptation: Directed by Peter Hunt, the film retained much of the original Broadway cast, bringing the stage production to a wider audience.
• 1997 Broadway Revival: Roundabout Theatre Company's revival introduced the musical to a new generation, with Brent Spiner portraying John Adams.
• 2016 Encores! Concert: A staged concert at City Center featured a racially diverse cast, reflecting contemporary casting practices.
• 2022 Broadway Revival: Co-directed by Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page, this production featured a cast of performers who identify as female, non-binary, and trans, reimagining the Founding Fathers through a modern lens.

Recent Developments.

The 2022 revival of 1776 challenged traditional narratives by casting actors of diverse gender identities and ethnic backgrounds in the roles of the Founding Fathers. This bold choice aimed to highlight the contradictions in America's founding ideals, particularly regarding equality and representation. The production emphasized the exclusion of women and people of color from the original democratic process, prompting audiences to reflect on the ongoing struggle for inclusivity.

Notable Additions.

• Innovative Casting: The 2022 revival's casting choices sparked conversations about representation and historical accuracy in theater.
• Modern Choreography: Choreographer Jeffrey L. Page incorporated elements of African-American dance traditions, adding a contemporary flair to the production.
• Enhanced Dialogue: The script was updated to include references to Abigail Adams' advocacy for women's rights, connecting past and present struggles for equality.

Questions and Answers.

Who composed the music for 1776?

Sherman Edwards composed the music and lyrics for the musical.

What is the central theme of 1776?

The musical focuses on the debates leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

How did the 2022 revival differ from the original production?

The 2022 revival featured a diverse cast of female, non-binary, and trans performers in traditionally male roles.

Has 1776 been adapted into a film?

Yes, a film adaptation was released in 1972, directed by Peter Hunt.

What awards has 1776 won?

The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.