1776
Music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone
Directed by David Kiley
Consulting Director: Ron Baumanis
Music Director: Daniel Bachelis
Arthur Miller Theatre, Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Showtimes are June 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30pm, and June 14 at 2pm
The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is presenting the musical 1776 to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Be a part of a historic production in Ann Arbor in America’s 250th Birthday year.
Show and Audition Information
1776 is a Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Peter Stone, and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, that dramatizes the debates and events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
The show, which premiered on Broadway in 1969, follows John Adams's efforts to persuade the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain, culminating in the signing of the Declaration. It was adapted into a popular film in 1972.
Performance Dates: June 11-14, Arthur Miller Theatre.
Registration for auditions are done at the sign-up site to best organize time slots.
Auditions: 6PM-9PM March 20 and 21. You may audition for either regular audition session but must be available for callbacks.
Callbacks: March 22, 6PM.
Rehearsals begin April 20 with table read and introduction to songs with Music Director/Director.
Rehearsal Schedule begins April 27.
1776 is a big show with 27 cast members.
Choose from the sides based character auditioning for. Some reads will involve another actor/reader. Sides will be available on this page February 23.
Prepare a 32 bar piece of music in your key, and bring sheet music with you to audition. Choose a song that shows off your ability and range. We will have accompanist at auditions.
Bring conflicts to audition for April, May, and June. Audition forms will be available at auditions.
Casting is 100% open for all roles. We will cast all races, genders, sexual identities and those with physical challenges.
There will be a rehearsal schedule for the bulk of the month of May some Sundays through Thursday evenings. Otherwise Mondays-Thursdays. Rehearsals will feature specific scenes and call-lists per date through May, with full cast rehearsals heating up June1.
We are looking for some volunteers from final cast to be available on some Saturdays in May to do some marketing for the show at The Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
Principal Characters
• John Adams – A stubborn, principled Massachusetts delegate whose relentless push for independence drives the Congress forward despite constant opposition.
• Benjamin Franklin – A witty, pragmatic elder statesman who uses humor and diplomacy to keep the fractious Congress moving toward consensus.
• Thomas Jefferson – A brilliant but reluctant writer tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence while longing to return to his wife.
• Abigail Adams – John Adams’ intelligent and emotionally grounding wife, who challenges him to balance political idealism with human empathy.
• Richard Henry Lee – The eloquent Virginia delegate who formally introduces the resolution calling for independence from Britain.
• John Dickinson – A wealthy Pennsylvania delegate who passionately argues against independence, fearing economic ruin and violent consequences.
• Edward Rutledge – A polished and calculating South Carolina delegate who defends Southern interests, particularly slavery, to preserve colonial unity.
• Roger Sherman – A plain-spoken Connecticut delegate who favors compromise and practical solutions over lofty rhetoric.
• Robert Livingston – A cautious New York delegate whose colony’s indecision prevents him from fully supporting independence.
• Samuel Chase – A loud, blustering Maryland delegate whose bombastic style masks political insecurity.
• Stephen Hopkins – A sharp-minded Rhode Island delegate afflicted with palsy, who cuts through debate with dry logic and experience.
• James Wilson – A thoughtful Pennsylvania delegate torn between loyalty to Dickinson and growing support for independence.
• George Read – A conservative Delaware delegate skeptical of independence, concerned about instability and legal ramifications.
• Caesar Rodney – A gravely ill but determined Delaware delegate who makes a dramatic last-minute ride to break his colony’s deadlock.
• Dr. Josiah Bartlett – A New Hampshire delegate and physician who quietly but firmly supports independence.
• Lewis Morris – A New York delegate willing to sacrifice personal wealth and property for the revolutionary cause.
• Thomas McKean – A sharp, impatient Delaware delegate frustrated by delays and procedural maneuvering.
• Andrew McNair – The congressional custodian who represents the common people and observes history unfolding around him.
• Courier – A messenger who delivers critical news from the colonies, underscoring the urgency and stakes of Congress’s decisions.