As communities across the country prepare to celebrate America\u2019s 250th birthday, the Erie Playhouse is marking the milestone with a musical that brings the nation\u2019s founding to life.<\/p>\n
The Playhouse opens its production of 1776 this week, staging the Tony Award\u2013winning show during a year of national reflection. The musical follows the debates, compromises and personalities that shaped the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n
Artistic Director Richard Davis said the timing made the production an obvious choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not too often where you have a historic anniversary that lines up with a show about that moment,\u201d Davis said. \u201cIt gives people an opportunity to reflect on our country, our rights and our freedoms.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cast includes 26 performers \u2014 24 of them male roles \u2014 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\u2019s beginnings while considering the present.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for us as a country to put aside some differences and reflect on what it truly means to live in America,\u201d said Brandon Vogt, who plays John Adams.<\/p>\n
The production features a mix of longtime theater veterans and first\u2011time performers. Despite the well\u2011known history, cast members say the show still manages to keep audiences engaged.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what\u2019s going to happen \u2014 it\u2019s history,\u201d said Seamus Clerkin, who plays Thomas Jefferson. \u201cBut somehow, this show keeps people on the edge of their seats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Nasca, appearing as Benjamin Franklin, said the musical also highlights the difficulty of the nation\u2019s earliest decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t as easy as people might think to get this country off the ground,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n