1776 Musical Returns to Ford's Theatre for America's 250th Anniversary Celebration

This spring, Ford's Theatre will transport audiences to one of the most pivotal moments in American history with its production of 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that brings the birth of the United States to vivid life. Running from March 13 through May 16, the production arrives at a particularly meaningful time as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026.

1776 at Ford's Theatre

For Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault, the timing couldn't be more appropriate. "There is no more fitting moment to welcome 1776 to our stage," he noted, emphasizing how perfectly the musical's themes align with the theatre's ongoing mission to explore the complexities of American history through compelling storytelling. Indeed, few venues carry the historical weight of Ford's Theatre itself, forever linked to the nation's story through President Lincoln's assassination just blocks from where delegates once debated the very foundations of American democracy.

Created with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 takes audiences into the sweltering summer of 1776, when members of the Second Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to determine the future of the colonies. Far from a dry recitation of historical facts, the musical reveals the messy, contentious, deeply human process of creating a new nation. Through the perspectives of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, audiences witness the fierce arguments, political maneuvering, and personal conflicts that shaped the Declaration of Independence.

What makes 1776 so enduring is its refusal to present America's founding fathers as marble statues of virtue. Instead, the musical portrays them as real people with competing interests, regional loyalties, and very different visions for what independence should mean. The delegates wrestle with profound questions about freedom, slavery, and governance while navigating the practical challenges of building consensus among thirteen colonies with wildly different economic and social structures. Their debates weren't polite philosophical discussions but heated confrontations that tested relationships and required genuine compromise.

At the heart of the story is the persistent John Adams, whose determination to break from Britain drives the narrative forward even as his abrasive personality creates obstacles at every turn. Jonathan Atkinson takes on this challenging role, portraying a man whose passion for independence is matched only by his capacity to irritate his colleagues. Alongside him, Derrick D. Truby Jr. brings Benjamin Franklin's wit and wisdom to the stage, while Jake Loewenthal embodies Thomas Jefferson, the reluctant wordsmith tasked with drafting the declaration itself.

The production also features touching moments away from the congressional debates, including the relationship between Adams and his wife Abigail, played by Kanysha Williams, whose letters provide emotional depth and a reminder of the personal sacrifices made during this revolutionary period. Justine "Icy" Moral appears as Martha Jefferson, highlighting another important relationship that influenced the founding narrative.

The ensemble cast brings depth to the full spectrum of delegates, from staunch independence advocates to those deeply conflicted about severing ties with Britain. Evan Casey portrays John Dickinson, one of the most articulate opponents of independence who genuinely believed reconciliation with Britain remained possible. Joe Mallon takes on the role of Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, whose position on slavery becomes a crucial obstacle in the path toward unanimous approval of the declaration. The production features a total cast of twenty-five performers, creating the bustling atmosphere of a congress where every voice mattered.

Bringing this production to life is director and choreographer Luis Salgado, who will guide the theatrical interpretation of this crucial historical moment. His vision will be supported by music director Clay Ostwald, who also conducts the eight-piece orchestra that brings Sherman Edwards' memorable score to vibrant life. The musical numbers range from rousing anthems to intimate character pieces, capturing both the grand sweep of history and the personal stakes involved in revolutionary action.

The design team assembled for this production brings impressive credentials to their collaboration. Scenic Designer Milagros Ponce de León will create the visual world of colonial Philadelphia, while Costume Designer Ivania Stack outfits the delegates in period-appropriate attire that helps define character and allegiance. Lighting Designer Venus Gulbranson and Projection Designer Clint Allen will work together to enhance the storytelling, while Sound Designer David Budries ensures that every word of debate and song reaches the audience clearly. Additional creative contributions come from Wig and Make-up Designer Kelley Jordan, Orchestrator Daniel Guttierez, and Dialects and Voice Director Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston.

While 1776 takes place nearly 250 years ago, its themes resonate powerfully today. The musical doesn't shy away from the contradictions inherent in declaring "all men are created equal" while many of the delegates themselves owned enslaved people. It acknowledges that America's founding was imperfect, shaped by compromise that left fundamental questions unresolved. Yet it also celebrates the remarkable achievement of diverse colonies coming together to create something unprecedented, a democratic republic based on the principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

The musical reminds audiences that democracy has always been difficult, requiring patience, argument, and the willingness to work with people whose views differ dramatically from our own. The delegates in 1776 didn't all agree on what independence should look like or even whether it was wise, but they found a way to move forward together. In today's polarized climate, that message carries particular relevance.

Ford's Theatre itself adds another layer of meaning to this production. As a venue dedicated to examining the American story in all its complexity, the theatre has long been a place where audiences can reflect on what it means to be part of this ongoing national experiment. Presenting 1776 during the lead-up to the nation's semiquincentennial creates space for contemplation about how far the country has come and how much of the founders' vision remains unrealized.

The production's five-week run from March 13 through May 16 gives Washington area audiences ample opportunity to experience this vital piece of American musical theatre. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a musical theatre fan, or simply someone curious about the birth of the nation, 1776 at Ford's Theatre promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, a chance to see the Declaration of Independence not as a foregone conclusion but as a hard-won achievement born from passionate debate and imperfect compromise.