‘1776’ Musical Opens at Walnut Street Theatre for Nation’s 250th

A brand-new production of the musical 1776 opened on Tuesday, April 14, at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, coinciding with the United States' 250th anniversary.

The staging seeks to humanize the Founding Fathers of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, presenting them as relatable figures rather than distant historical icons. The production blends wit, urgency, and music to depict the negotiations, compromises, and stakes of a fledgling nation, as well as the story of the Declaration of Independence.

Coinciding with the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, the Walnut Street Theatre is also honoring its historical roots this year.

"We are the oldest continuously operating theater in North America, founded in 1808," said Jeffrey Coon, who portrays Richard Henry Lee in the production, in a statement shared with Action News 6abc.

The Walnut Street Theatre is also honoring history in Philadelphia, along with the production of 1776 The Musical. Located at Eighth and Walnut streets, the theatre is located only a short distance from where history-making events took place in the city 250 years ago.

"I think there's something really cool about being literally blocks away from the actual building where it happened and giving new breath to these people who we've learned about in history books for years," said Coon to Action News 6abc.

In addition to an outstanding cast, audience members will see a newly restored historic fire curtain featuring the Liberty Bell before it cracked, used at the start of each performance.

Productions of 1776 will run through May 31. Visit the Walnut Street Theatre website for more details.