It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence...if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! "1776" follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.
"1776" puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.
"1776" opens February 10, 2017 and runs Friday to Sunday through February 26th with one Thursday performance. All Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 8pm, Thursday at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2pm.
Note: Heather will not be playing Martha Jefferson on 2/12, 2/18, 2/23, or 2/24. On these dates the role will be played by understudy Katee Drysdale.
“One of the musical highlights is “He Plays the Violin”, sung charmingly by Heather Buck as Martha Jefferson, with deft violin work from the pit by Lisa Doyle. This melody is cleverly conceived, based on the 4 open strings of the violin.”
"1776" Production Photos
“From opening curtain to bows, the play skips along at a lively pace, spotlighting representatives for insight into the buildup of the Declaration of Independence...If history classes were this exciting, it would be everyone’s favorite subject. 1776 at Spreckels turns dull congress meetings into an inventive masterpiece of comedy, laden with innuendos and fun mingling with deeper questions of what we might be willing to give up as the cost of freedom.”
"1776" Promotional Photos
All photos by Eric Chazankin