1776

Performed April-May 2004

In late April and early May of 2004, The Players performed 1776, the musical by Sherman Edwards (music and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book), based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Our production included a specially created prologue with six historical characters, which connected the history of Concord to the story of 1776.

Director/Choreographer Kirsten Gould
recalls her experience:

What a joy it is to recall the Concord Players’ 2004 production of 1776! It was exceptional in so many ways. Musical Director Susan Minor and I held extended auditions which resulted in an absolutely stellar cast, including our Thomas Jefferson who actually learned to play the fiddle. Luckily, I had the distinct pleasure of sharing lunch with David McCullough, author of the biography, John Adams, who gave me great insight into the characters of 1776. And a trip to Independence Hall in Philadelphia provided me with valuable photos for our set and props crews. We also created a special Prologue by adding six historical characters who connected the history of Concord to the story of 1776. Before the start of each actual performance, these six Prologue actors were escorted up the center aisle to the stage by a different unit of Minutemen from Concord and from our surrounding towns. Following our run at 51 Walden, we took the show on the road with perfomances in Quincy, MA organized by the John Adams National Park, and at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The Faneuil Hall performance was jam-packed full, with people from all across the country waiting in line outside. It was a particular thrill to have the bust of John Adams as part of our set in Faneuil Hall! And lastly, our cast was honored to march in Concord’s Patriot’s Day parade! The success of this production was only possible due to the efforts of so many – producers, actors, designers, and crews. It was a pure joy!