Archive

Identifier: 1776

Inclusive Dates: 1997 - 1998

Extent:

Roundabout Theatre Company staged the musical 1776 in the Criterion Center Stage Right with previews July 16, 1997, opening night August 14, 1997 and closing night November 16, 1997. The production transfered commercially to the Gershwin Theatre with opening December 3, 1997 and closing night June 14, 1998. The production earned Tony award nominations for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Featured Actor (Gregg Edelman) and Best Direction (Scott Ellis); earned Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Revival, Outstanding Direction, and Outstanding Actor (Brent Spiner) with Gregg Edelman winning Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Richard Poe played President John Hancock, Michael X. Martin played Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Brent Spiner played John Adams, Tom Aldredge played Stephen Hopkins, John Herrera played Roger Sherman, Tom Riis Farrell played Lewis Morris, Daniel Marcus played Robert Livingston, Jerry Lanning played Rev. John Witherspoon, Pat Hingle played Benjamin Franklin, Michael Cumpsty played John Dickinson, Michael Winther played James Wilson, Michael McCormick played Caesar Rodney, Bill Nolte played Col. Thomas McKean, Kevin Ligon played George Read, Ric Stoneback played Samuel Chase, Merwin Foard played Richard Henry Lee, Paul Michael Valley played Thomas Jefferson, David Lowenstein played Joseph Hewes, Gregg Edelman played Edward Rutledge, Brian Sutherland played Dr. Lyman Hall, Guy Paul played Charlse Thomson, Macintyre Dixon played Andew McNair, Joseph Cassidy played A Leather Apron, Erik J. McCormack played Courier (replacing Dashiell Eaves), Linda Emond played Abigail Adams, Lauren Ward played Martha Jefferson and Ben Sheaffer played Painter. Understudies:  Michael McCormick, Rob Donohoe, Joseph Cassidy, Tim Fauvell, John Ellison Conlee, James Hindman, Tom Roland, Michael X. Martin, David Lowenstein, Ben Shaeffer, Rebecca Eichenberger.

Musicians: Conductor: Mark Mitchell; Assistant Conductor: Thad Wheeler. Brenda Vincent (Violin), Tatyana Margulis (Cello), Eric Weidman (Woodwinds), Dominic Derasse (Trumpets), Dean Plank (Bass Trombone, Tuba), Anthony Morris (Bass), Thad Wheeler (Percussion) and Mark Mitchell (Keyboard).

Musical Numbers: ACT I, The Chamber of the Continental Congress, Sit Down, John -- Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve -- Till Then -- The Mall -- The Lees of Old Virginia -- The Chamber -- But Mr. Adams -- Jefferson's Room and High Street -- Yours, Yours, Yours -- He Plays the Violin -- The Chamber, Cool, Cool Considerate Men -- Momma Look Sharp -- ACT II, The Congressional Anteroom, The Egg -- The Chamber, Molasses to Rum -- Compliments -- Is Anybody There?

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, the musical 1776 focuses on John Adams (a separatist delegate from Massachussets) and his role in pushing the vote for independence through the U.S. Congress. The musical is set in 1776 when America is deciding whether to remain a colony of England or form a new nation. The months leading up to the vote were a heated and difficult time and the musical brings to life this important history culminating in the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

1776 premiered on Broadway in 1969, winning three Tony awards, including Best Musical. In 1972 it was adapted into a film.

Collection consists of 4 Hollinger boxes containing production documentation, script/libretto, extensive press clippings, playbills, and administrative files. Collection lacks most documents detailing artistic vision for the play (director's notes, and set, costume, lighting and sound design) but includes some source notes and correspondence to provide context. Orchestrations/played parts were not retained.

Photograph folder contains select color slides, black and white 8 x 10 prints and contact sheets from rehearsals.

Digital file contains scanned photographs, scanned press clippings, scanned playbill,  video b-roll, rehearsal interviews, news footage and CD cast album, and show art used by the marketing department to promote the production.

Marketing mock up folder contains various versions of artwork and advertising drafts.

Access Restrictions: Open and available for research by appointment only.

Preferred Citation: 1776, Roundabout Theatre Company Archives