"1776" is a Tony-award winning 1969 musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone. The show is concerned with historical events in Philadelphia of May, June, and July, 1776, including the writing of the Declaration of Independence. and the subsequent vote for American Independence. Focusing on the characters of John Adams, his wife Abigail, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, his wife Martha, and 23 others, the show takes a truthful and honest look at history using both comedy and serious drama, humanized and brought to life by energetic and memorable songs. The original 1969 Broadway show won several Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Peter Hunt), and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Ron Holgate, for his portrayal of Richard Henry Lee). The musical also won two Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Book for a Musical (Peter Stone), and Outstanding Design (Patricia Zipprodt). The 1997 revival Broadway production of "1776" was nominated for three more Tony Awards (but lost that year to the revival of "Cabaret" and to "The Lion King" for best direction). The 1997 production won two additional Drama Desk Awards, for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Greg Edelman for his role as Edward Rutledge).
Reviews for the Broadway production of "1776" commented on the show's originality and gripping drama, its humor, and the quality of the songs and lyrics. It was called a "bold concept" for focusing on the humanity of the Founding Fathers, and adding pathos and emotion to what might be considered a dry historical subject. The script was praised for its writing and wit, and the music was favorably compared to Gilbert and Sullivan in its humor and subtle political jabs, without being overly satirical. Even when the audience knows the outcome (American Independence from Great Britain), they are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering how all the obstacles and opposition will be overcome.
The success of the Broadway show came to the attention of Jack L. Warner (of Warner Brothers movie studio), and the show was very quickly turned into an equally successful movie musical in 1972, starring--in an unusual break from tradition-- almost all of the original Broadway cast members. The movie is now available in a newly restored extended director's cut on DVD, and is available on Amazon and other markets.
Act I
Reviews for the Broadway production of "1776" commented on the show's originality and gripping drama, its humor, and the quality of the songs and lyrics. It was called a "bold concept" for focusing on the humanity of the Founding Fathers, and adding pathos and emotion to what might be considered a dry historical subject. The script was praised for its writing and wit, and the music was favorably compared to Gilbert and Sullivan in its humor and subtle political jabs, without being overly satirical. Even when the audience knows the outcome (American Independence from Great Britain), they are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering how all the obstacles and opposition will be overcome.
The success of the Broadway show came to the attention of Jack L. Warner (of Warner Brothers movie studio), and the show was very quickly turned into an equally successful movie musical in 1972, starring--in an unusual break from tradition-- almost all of the original Broadway cast members. The movie is now available in a newly restored extended director's cut on DVD, and is available on Amazon and other markets.
Act I
- Overture
- "Sit Down, John" – Adams and Congress
- "Piddle, Twiddle" - Adams
- "Till Then" – Adams and Abigail
- "The Lees of Old Virginia" – Lee, Franklin and Adams
- "But, Mr. Adams" – Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Sherman and Livingston
- "Yours, Yours, Yours" – Adams and Abigail
- "He Plays the Violin" – Martha, Franklin, and Adams
- "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men" – Dickinson and The Conservatives
- "Mama Look Sharp" – Courier, McNair and Leather Apron
- "The Egg" – Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, and Congress
- "Molasses to Rum" – Rutledge
- "Compliments" – Abigail Adams
- "Is Anybody There?" – Adams and Thompson
- "Finale"