The Tony-Award winning Best Musical 1776 is coming back to Broadway for a revival that has not been seen before. The company of the 1776 revival will feature multiracial and exclusively female, nonbinary, and trans actors. The cast was previously announced in April and will be directed by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, per Theater Mania.
The leading company members are Crystal Lucas-Perry, Patrena Murray, Joanna Glushak, Sara Porkalob, Allison Briner Dardenne, Elizabeth A. Davis, Liz Mikel, Eryn LeCroyl, Allyson Kaye Daniel, and Shawna Hamic.
1776 Like You’ve Never Seen Before
The original Broadway production in 1969 featured a cast of traditionally gendered founding fathers. As did the revival in 1997. As well as the concert performance in 2016 at New York City Center’s Encores! Only now, in 2022, will this acclaimed musical bend from its traditionally gendered history. 1776 presents an America that looks more familiar.
Catch the Revival Nationally
This rendition of 1776 has begun its journey at the A.R.T. in Boston for a pre-Broadway run. It will then transfer to Broadway’s American Airlines Theatre in September 2022. That, however, won’t be the end of the road for 1776. The production will embark on a 16-city national tour in February of next year.
The 1776 Journey has Begun
Just last week, the pre-Broadway run began performances of this groundbreaking new take on a tale as old as the Declaration of Independence. 1776 will run in Boston until July 24th. Tickets are available here.
Jacquinn Sinclair, of Boston local news source WBUR, refers to moments in the show as “remarkably uncomfortable but critical.” The audience is invited to see how their personal story plays a role in American history. Sinclair quotes director Diane Paulus, who asks: “Can we view history as a challenge rather than a glorified tale? How does acknowledging our past truthfully assist us in progressing together?”
The American Repertory Theater shared a tweet stating, “A highly talented cast brings a fresh perspective to the year 1776.” (Source: WBUR)
