As communities across the country prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Erie Playhouse is marking the milestone with a musical that brings the nation’s founding to life.
The Playhouse opens its production of 1776 this week, staging the Tony Award–winning show during a year of national reflection. The musical follows the debates, compromises and personalities that shaped the Declaration of Independence.
Artistic Director Richard Davis said the timing made the production an obvious choice.
“It’s not too often where you have a historic anniversary that lines up with a show about that moment,” Davis said. “It gives people an opportunity to reflect on our country, our rights and our freedoms.”
The cast includes 26 performers — 24 of them male roles — forming one of the largest male ensembles the Playhouse has assembled in recent years. Actors say the story offers audiences a chance to look back at the nation’s beginnings while considering the present.
“It’s an opportunity for us as a country to put aside some differences and reflect on what it truly means to live in America,” said Brandon Vogt, who plays John Adams.
The production features a mix of longtime theater veterans and first‑time performers. Despite the well‑known history, cast members say the show still manages to keep audiences engaged.
“You know what’s going to happen — it’s history,” said Seamus Clerkin, who plays Thomas Jefferson. “But somehow, this show keeps people on the edge of their seats.”
Michael Nasca, appearing as Benjamin Franklin, said the musical also highlights the difficulty of the nation’s earliest decisions.
“It wasn’t as easy as people might think to get this country off the ground,” he said.
1776 opens June 12 at the Erie Playhouse. The production is being presented in honor of longtime board member and past Playhouse president Carl Larese, who recently passed away.