We are an independent show guide. Resale ticket prices may be above face value.

1776 at Ahmanson Theater

1776

Finished May 7, 2023

Ahmanson Theater

This brand new revival of historic tuner 1776 on tour before heading to Broadway!

1776

Finished May 7, 2023

Ahmanson Theater

This brand new revival of historic tuner 1776 on tour before heading to Broadway!

Why see 1776?

Move Over Hamilton, There's A New Historical Tuner In Town

Before hip hop blockbuster phenomenon Hamilton ruled the the Broadway roost, another historic musical got the country's patriotic blood pumping! First premiering on the Great White Way in 1969, Peter Stone and Sherman Edward's historical tuner 1776 garnered much critical acclaim as well as three Tony and two Drama Desk Awards for its gripping portrayal of the birth of modern America.

The celebrated musical's pulse-quickening action, witty dialogue, soaring melodies and original lyrics are set to captivate audiences once more in the hands of the Tony Award-winning American Repertory Theater Artistic Director Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin), who'll be at the helm of not one but three new productions! A partnership between ART and New York's Roundabout Theater Company, 1776 starts the revolution in a brief US tour during the summer of 2020 before making its hotly anticipated Broadway bow at the American Airlines Theater in the Spring of 2021. 

What Is 1776 About?

The story chronicles the direct aftermath of the American Revolution, finding a nation on the edge of a glorious new era but mired down by chaos and confusion. Founding father John Adams races against time and a frustrating tussle with congress to come up with a deal that gives George Washington and his outnumbered armies a legitimate reason to fight. His fellow founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, come to life as they push, pull and cleverly devise the historic Declaration Of Independence, amidst dazzling show tunes like 'Sit Down, John' and 'Momma Look Sharp'. 

Key Information

Run Time

Two hours and 45 minutes with one interval

Dates

Finished May 7, 2023

Cast

Casting TBA

Creative

Music & lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Directed by Diane Paulus

Reviews

Customer reviews

34 reviews, average rating: (2.1 Stars)

Carol

Riveting and refreshing

What a riveting performance by this unique and diverse cast. We listened to the original 1969 cast recording on the way to the show, and this was such a refreshing remake to hear it sung by a unique and diverse cast. Like the original, this has some very funny moments. Unlike the original, some of the disagreements in the Congress hit home a little harder because of the diversity of the cast. The Egg and Molasses to Rum are mind-blowing, and Momma Look Sharp is absolutely heartbreaking. I can't even list all the phenomenal singers, there were so many shining moments. ... Read more

Kiki Rose

Brilliant

Bravo! I have been a huge fan of 1776 since I first saw the movie in the 1970’s. I saw the magnificent production at Ford’s Theater twice several years ago. I couldn’t wait to see this one. I just returned from seeing it a second time at the Kennedy Center and I didn’t think it could get any better and it DID. The singing, the acting, and the humor were brilliant. I loved seeing the story of the Declaration of Independence told through a very diverse cast of women - it forced you to see it through a different lens. The script is a work of art and the cast took it to the limit. The woman who played Ben Franklin was AMAZING - her comedic timing was right on point. Both times I saw it there were standing ovations. One piece of advice: this play is not for young children. The dialogue will go over their heads. ... Read more

Don

A MEMORABLE NIGHT AT THE AHMANSON

This 1776 was a powerfully dynamic production. The new arrangements are first rate. And the diverse casting sets the original script on its end affording the audience a unique glimpse into the humanity of our Founding Fathers. Favorite numbers included Momma Look Sharp, Molasses to Rum, and Cool Considerate Men. The Egg features a video of America's 247 year struggles in two and a half minutes that had me in tears at its end. The cast is stellar with several showstopping numbers throughout. A few minor quibbles about the scenic design (ask me about the "shower curtain" later) but certainly nothing that should keep you out of the theatre. There will be those who will complain of the "wokeness" of the piece especially the battle between the left and right which unfortunately continues across our country to this very day. But all in all the Ahmanson isn't kidding when they say their "...production of 1776 is REVOLUTIONARY!!🇺🇲 ... Read more

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and Show news straight to your Inbox!"

SHARE THE LOVE