1776
Original Production Logo
Music	Sherman Edwards
Lyrics	Sherman Edwards
Book	Peter Stone
Productions	1969 Broadway 1972 Film 1997 Broadway revival
Awards	Tony Award for Best Musical

1776 is the title of a 1969 Broadway musical and its 1972 film adaptation. Image File history File links 1776-musical. ... Sherman Edwards (April 4, 1919 - March 30, 1981) was an Jewish-American songwriter. ... Sherman Edwards (April 4, 1919 - March 30, 1981) was an Jewish-American songwriter. ... Peter Stone (February 27, 1930 -April 26, 2003) was a writer for theater, television and movies. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Broadway theatre[1] is the most prestigious form of professional theatre in the U.S., as well as the most well known to the general public and most lucrative for the performers, technicians and others involved in putting on the shows. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Film is a term that encompasses individual motion pictures, the field of film as an art form, and the motion picture industry. ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A revival is a restaging of a former hit play at a later date. ... // 1940s 1949 Kiss Me, Kate - Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Bella and Samuel Spewack. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in history Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Peter Stone wrote the book and the music and lyrics were by Sherman Edwards. Peter H. Hunt directed both the original Broadway production and the movie. Peter Stone (February 27, 1930 -April 26, 2003) was a writer for theater, television and movies. ... Sherman Edwards (April 4, 1919 - March 30, 1981) was an Jewish-American songwriter. ... Peter H. Hunt (born December 19, 1938) is an American theatre, film, and television director and a theatrical lighting designer. ...

Original stage production

The original Broadway production of 1776 opened on March 16, 1969 at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) and closed on February 13, 1972 after 1217 performances. In its three year run, it would play in three different theatres: the 46th Street, the St. James Theatre (1970) and, finally, the Majestic Theatre (1971). March 16 is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... The Richard Rodgers Theatre was built by Irwin Chanin in 1925. ... is the 44th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The St. ... The Majestic Theatre is a Broadway theatre at 245 West 44th Street in Manhattan, New York City. ...

The show was lauded at the 1969 Tony Awards, where it was nominated for five awards and won three: Best Musical; Best Featured Actor in a Musical (for Ronald Holgate as Richard Henry Lee), and Best Direction of a Musical. It was also nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (for Virginia Vestoff as Abigail Adams) and for Best Scenic Design. William Daniels was ruled ineligible for the Best Actor nomination because his name was not billed above the title of the show; he refused a nomination for Best Featured Actor. 1776 also won the 1969 Theatre World Award and two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Book and Outstanding Costume Design. Ronald Holgate (born May 26, 1937, in Aberdeen, South Dakota) is an American actor and opera singer, best known as Richard Henry Lee in the original Broadway production of 1776. ... Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732–June 19, 1794) was an American who served as the sixth President of the United States in Congress assembled under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from November 30, 1784 to November 22, 1785. ... What is popularly called the Tony Award® but is formally the Antoinette Perry Award is an annual American award celebrating achievements in theater, including musical theater. ... Virginia Vestoff (born December 9, 1939 in New York City- died May 2, 1982) was a Broadway actress most famous for having played Abigail Adams in 1776, a 1972 musical about the Second Continental Congress, as well as the same role in the film version of the musical. ... Abigail Smith Adams she was (November 11, 1744 – October 28, 1818) was the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and is seen as the second First Lady of the United States though that term was not coined until after her death. ... William Daniels (born March 31, 1927) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor whose distinctive, nasal voice and penchant for portraying critical yet competent characters has landed him a number of roles over the years. ... The Theatre World Award is an American honor given annually to an actor or an actress in recognition of an outstanding breakout performance in their New York City stage debut. ... Created in 1955, the Drama Desk Award was created to recognize Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows in addition to Broadway shows. ...

Many members of the original Broadway cast reprised their roles for the film. Both the stage version and the movie featured William Daniels as John Adams, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, and Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin. Rex Everhart, who was Da Silva's standby, replaced him on the original Broadway cast album after Da Silva suffered a mild heart attack which required him to leave the show temporarily. Betty Buckley made her Broadway debut as Martha Jefferson in the original stage production, while that role was played by Blythe Danner in the film. The original cast is listed at "Rational Magic". William Daniels (born March 31, 1927) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor whose distinctive, nasal voice and penchant for portraying critical yet competent characters has landed him a number of roles over the years. ... John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) served as Americas first Vice President (1789–1797) and as its second President (1797–1801). ... For the British artist, see Ken Howard (artist). ... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ... Actor Howard Da Silva in The Lost Weekend Howard Da Silva (born May 4, 1909; died February 16, 1986) was an American actor. ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ... Rex Everhart(1920 Watseka, Illinois - 2000, Branford, Connecticut) was an American actor. ... In telecommunication, the term standby has the following meanings: In computer and communications systems operations, pertaining to a power-saving condition or status of operation of equipment that is ready for use but not in use. ... Broadway theatre[1] is the most prestigious form of professional theatre in the U.S., as well as the most well known to the general public and most lucrative for the performers, technicians and others involved in putting on the shows. ... Betty Lynn Buckley (born July 3, 1947) is an American theater, film, and television actress. ... Martha Jefferson (nee Wayles) (otherwise known as Mrs. ... Blythe Katherine Danner (born February 3, 1943) is a prolific two time Emmy-winning American actress who has appeared in numerous stage, screen, and film roles. ...

Revival

1776 was revived by the Roundabout Theatre Company in 1997, with Brent Spiner as John Adams, Michael Cumpsty as Dickinson, Pat Hingle as Franklin, and Paul Michael Valley as Jefferson. It played a limited engagement at the Roundabout's home theatre, the Criterion Center, before transferring to the Gershwin Theatre for a commercial run. The Roundabout Theatre Company is a non-profit, subscription based theatre company, based in New York City. ... Brent Jay Spiner (born February 2, 1949) is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of the android Lieutenant Commander Data in the television and movie series Star Trek: The Next Generation. ... Michael Cumpsty is a British actor, born in Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1960. ... Pat Hingle (born July 19, 1924) is a TOWERING American actor, born Martin Patterson Hingle in Denver, Colorado. ... Paul Michael Valley (born September 24, 1966) is a television actor, born in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. ... Opened in 1972, the Gershwin Theatre, formerly known as the Uris, it was the first large Broadway theatre to be built since 1931. ...

The revival was nominated for three Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (for Gregg Edelman as Edward Rutledge). Edelman won a 1998 Drama Desk Award for his work as Rutledge; the show also received Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Revival, Outstanding Direction (Ellis), and Outstanding Actor (Spiner). Gregg Edelman (born on 12 September 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, USA) is an American movie, television and theatre actor who was trained at Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois). ... Edward Rutledge Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749–January 23, 1800), South Carolina statesman, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later governor of South Carolina. ...

Plot

Although 1776 tells the story of what happened at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 leading up to the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and it accurately portrays the serious personal and political issues at stake – frequently in the characters' own words, written by them at the time – it remains a musical comedy. The play has often been criticized for straining too hard for historical accuracy instead of exercising literary license that would help move forward the plot or presentation. POOP HS;JHGF;JADHGJHASGHASJHGJSAHGJWJITHADHSGJHDASJLGFNKRA The Continental Congress was the first national government of the United States. ... Nickname: City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the Quaker City Motto: Philadelphia maneto (Let brotherly love continue) Location in Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Philadelphia Founded October 27, 1682 Incorporated October 25, 1701 Mayor John F. Street (D) Area    - City 369. ... Year 1776 (MDCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... A copy of the 1823 William J. Stone reproduction of the Declaration of Independence The United States Declaration of Independence was an act of the Second Continental Congress, adopted on July 4, 1776, which declared that the Thirteen Colonies were independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain. ...

Scene One

May 8, 1776. Philadelphia. As the Second Continental Congress proceeds with its business, the weather becomes increasingly hot, humid, and unbearable. This leaves the delegates in no condition to hear from the despised Delegate from Massachusetts, John Adams, who charges into the chamber in a foul mood. Adams loudly remarks that he has decided that "one useless man is called a disgrace; that two are called a law firm; and that three or more become a Congress." None of his proposals on independence has even been given "the courtesy of open debate." The other delegates, sick of Adams' constant agitation, implore him to Sit Down, John. Adams complains that Congress has done nothing in the year and a half in which they've been convened but to Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve. Angered at the latest debate regarding the merits of compensation regarding a dead mule, Adams flees the chamber and reads the latest missive from his loving wife Abigail, who, being in actuality far away at their home in Boston, appears in his imagination. She urges him to take swift action with regards to independence so he may finish up his business and hurry home to her. He asks if she's complied in his request for the women of the area to make saltpeter for the war effort, and she responds by telling him that not only has he neglected to tell them how saltpeter is made, but that the women have no intention of doing so until they receive straight pins. Till Then, they pledge their love to each other and Abigail disappears. The delegates tell John Adams—again—to sit down, but instead he goes off in search of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence depicts the five-man drafting committee presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress. ... Official language(s) English Capital Boston Largest city Boston Area  Ranked 44th  - Total 10,555 sq mi (27,360 km²)  - Width 183 miles (295 km)  - Length 113 miles (182 km)  - % water 13. ... John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) served as Americas first Vice President (1789–1797) and as its second President (1797–1801). ... Abigail Smith Adams she was (November 11, 1744 – October 28, 1818) was the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and is seen as the second First Lady of the United States though that term was not coined until after her death. ... R-phrases   S-phrases   Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ...

Scene Two

The next day, Adams finds Franklin sitting for his portrait. Adams bemoans the failure of his arguments for independence, and Franklin reminds him that no colony has ever attempted to break away from its parent country before. He explains that Adams is obnoxious and disliked by the members of Congress, and perhaps the resolution would have more success if proposed by someone more palatable. As if on cue, Richard Henry Lee, delegate from Virginia, enters (at Franklin's request). Over Adams' strong objections, Franklin raises the subject of the previous conversation and the cocky Lee immediately crows that he is the best man for the job. Lee has the whole conversion of Congress mapped out in his mind, and promises to rush down to Virginia that night (just stopping long enough to "refresh the missus"). Adams has reservations, but Lee is convinced he cannot fail: He is a Lee, after all, a member of the oldest and most glorious family in America (The Lees of Old Virginia). Adams and Franklin finally get him off to Williamsburg, but not before he comes back to do a reprise of his big number. Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732–June 19, 1794) was an American who served as the sixth President of the United States in Congress assembled under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from November 30, 1784 to November 22, 1785. ... Williamsburg is the name of some places in the United States of America: Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City Williamsburg, Colorado Williamsburg, Florida Williamsburg, Iowa Williamsburg, Kansas Williamsburg, Kentucky Williamsburg, Maryland Williamsburg, Massachusetts Williamsburg, Michigan Williamsburg, New Mexico Williamsburg, North Carolina Williamsburg, Ohio Williamsburg, Pennsylvania Williamsburg, Virginia including Colonial Williamsburg...

Scene Three

June 7, 1776. A new delegate from Georgia, Dr. Lyman Hall, enters the Congressional Chamber and is greeted by Andrew McNair, the Congressional custodian. He is introduced to the entering delegates, each taking their usual morning routine: Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island roars into the room shouting for rum, while Colonel Thomas McKean and George Read, of Delaware bicker viciously, with the elderly Caesar Rodney stuck in the middle. The charismatic Edward Rutledge of South Carolina takes Hall aside to inform him that the colonies of the Deep South traditionally vote as one. Each of the souther delegates converge on Hall and ask for his position on independence. He evades answering, but John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, followed as usual by the meek James Wilson, makes his views well known: he is firmly against what he calls treason. This article is about the Georgia governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence. ... Stephen Hopkins Stephen Hopkins (March 7, 1707–July 13, 1785) was an American political leader from Rhode Island who signed the Declaration of Independence. ... Official language(s) English Capital Providence Largest city Providence Area  Ranked 50th  - Total 1,214* [1] sq mi (3,144* km²)  - Width 37 miles (60 km)  - Length 48 miles (77 km)  - % water 32. ... Caribbean rum, circa 1941 Rum is a distilled beverage made from sugarcane by-products such as molasses and sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. ... Thomas McKean Thomas McKean (March 19, 1734–June 24, 1817) was the second President of the United States in Congress assembled, from July 10, 1781, until November 4, 1781. ... George Read (September 18, 1733 – September 21, 1798) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, in New Castle County, Delaware. ... Official language(s) None Capital Dover Largest city Wilmington Area  Ranked 49th  - Total 2,491 sq mi (6,452 km²)  - Width 30 miles (48 km)  - Length 100 miles (161 km)  - % water 21. ... Caesar Rodney (October 7, 1728 – June 26, 1784), was an American lawyer and politician from St. ... Edward Rutledge Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749–January 23, 1800), South Carolina statesman, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later governor of South Carolina. ... Official language(s) English Capital Charleston(1670-1789) Columbia(1790-present) Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Columbia Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32°430N to 35°12N... John Dickinson (November 8, 1732 – February 14, 1808) was an American lawyer and politician from Jones Neck in St. ... Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 280 miles (455 km)  - Length 160 miles (255 km)  - % water 2. ... James Wilson (September 14, 1742–August 21, 1798), was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, twice elected to the Continental Congress, a major force in the drafting of the nations Constitution, a leading legal theoretician and one of the six original justices appointed by George Washington to the... Traitor redirects here. ...

Franklin and Adams return to the chamber. Adams, who has been uncharacteristically taciturn while waiting for Lee's return with his resolution from the House of Burgesses, is mocked by Dickinson for his unusual silence in congress for the past several weeks. John Hancock, President of the Congress, and Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Congress, take their respective places. Hancock gavels the 380th meeting of the Congress to order. The Lee Resolution, or sometimes Lees Resolution, was proposed by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia to the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. ... Patrick Henry before the House of Burgesses in an 1851 painting by Peter F. Rothermel The House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative assembly in the New World established in the Colony of Virginia in 1619. ... For other persons named John Hancock, see John Hancock (disambiguation). ... Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729 - August 16, 1824) served as the secretary of the Continental Congress through its entirety (1774-1789). ...

Before introducing Hall to the rest of the delegates, Hancock's first order of business is to shut off the store of rum to Hopkins, who has been abusing the privilege. Thomson notes that several members of Congress are unaccounted for, including the entire New Jersey delegation. Hancock calls upon Thomas Jefferson, a young, silent delegate, to give the weather report. He announces that it is 87 "very humid degrees", and that he is leaving for Virginia that night to visit his wife, who he has not seen for six months. Official language(s) English de facto Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Area  Ranked 47th  - Total 8,729 sq mi (22,608 km²)  - Width 70 miles (110 km)  - Length 150 miles (240 km)  - % water 14. ... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ...

A young, mud-stained Army courier enters and hands Thomson a dispatch from George Washington, the Commander of the Army of the United Colonies. Washington fears that his exhausted and under-equipped troops will be ineffective in stopping a large force of British soldiers from attacking New York, a move that would separate New England from the other colonies. McKean grumbles that Washington's letters are always gloomy and depressing. Hancock opens the floor to new resolutions, and as Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire is reading a resolution discouraging extravagance, Richard Henry Lee lavishly canters into the chamber, having finally returned from Virginia. Lee reads his resolution into the record and it is seconded by the immensely relieved Adams. A courier is a person or company employed to deliver messages, packages and mail. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ... NY redirects here. ... This article is about the region in the United States of America. ... Portrait of Josiah Bartlett Josiah Bartlett (November 21, 1729–May 19, 1795), was an American physician and statesman who, as a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire, signed the Declaration of Independence. ... Official language(s) English Capital Concord Largest city Manchester Area  Ranked 46th  - Total 9,359 sq mi (24,239 km²)  - Width 68 miles (110 km)  - Length 190 miles (305 km)  - % water 3. ... A second is an endorsement by a member of a deliberative body that a proposed motion should be discussed by the body. ...

Hancock calls for debate on the resolution, and Dickinson, for the 24th time, moves to indefinitely postpone the question of independence. Read seconds the motion and the Congress votes on Dickinson's motion. The vote goes down the line: Bartlett, Adams and Lee immediately cast their votes for debating the issue of independence, soon joined by Roger Sherman of Connecticut and two-thirds of the Delaware delegation. Lewis Morris of New York abstains "courteously". Dickinson unequivocally votes against debate. Samuel Chase of Maryland states that he would welcome independence, but does not believe the war can be won, and thus votes nay. Rutledge explains that he feels no need for immediate action, and casts his vote for nay as well, immediately parroted (as usual) by Joseph Hewes of North Carolina. When Thomson calls for Lyman Hall's vote, Hall explains that though he is personally for independence, his legislature is against it, and thus is unsure how to vote. But he prefers err on the side of his constituency and votes nay, leaving the deciding vote to Stephen Hopkins who is "in the necessary". He returns in time to vote in favor of debate, stating that he'd "never seen, heard, nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about." For his trouble, he gets his rum privileges back. Shermans marble statute in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... Lewis Morris (April 8, 1726– January 22, 1798) was an American landowner and developer from Morrisania, New York. ... NY redirects here. ... Abstain means to keep oneself from some indulgence. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 90 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37°53N to 39°43N  - Longitude 75°4W to 79°33... Joseph Hewes was a native of Connecticut, where he was born in 1730. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (901 km)  - % water 9. ...

The most vocal of the delegates state their positions: Dickinson is against revolt and rebellion, but in favor of petitioning King George on their grievances. Adams and Franklin argue that the colonists have not been granted the full rights of Englishmen and that it is too late for reconciliation — a year has passed since the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Rutledge, meanwhile, is worried that the rights of the individual states would be subsumed by a strong federation and Chase questions the likelihood of an American victory over the awesome might of England. George III (George William Frederick) (4 June 1738–29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain, and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until 1 January 1801, and thereafter King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death. ... Combatants Militia of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, (Minutemen) British Army, Royal Marines Commanders John Parker, James Barrett, William Heath Francis Smith, John Pitcairn, Walter Laurie, Lord Hugh Percy Strength 75 at Lexington Green (Parker). ... A map displaying todays federations. ...

As the argument between the delegates grows more heated, Dickinson snaps and launches into a long tirade against Adams and his supporters, calling him an agitator and a madman. Adams lashes back by accusing the southern delegates of hanging to the rear of every issue to see who will triumph; This results in a physical fight breaking out. Caesar Rodney of Delaware separates the two and berates them for not focusing on the real enemy: England. He collapses from the overexertion; he has cancer. Colonel McKean offers to take him back home. This leaves the Delaware delegation with only one man present, George Read, and he is not in favor of independence. Rutledge, seeing the majority swinging in his favor, moves for a vote on the question of independence. Franklin seeks to stall the motion, and asks that the resolution be read aloud again. As Thomson is reading it, the New Jersey delegation arrives, led by Rev. John Witherspoon. He informs the Congress that they have been instructed to vote in favor of independence. The vote is now six for independence and six against (with New York's usual abstention), and Adams reminds Hancock of his duty as President to break all ties. Seeing that the resolution might pass, Dickinson moves that any vote for independence must pass unanimously. His motion is seconded, and the vote produces the same tie, which Hancock breaks by voting for unanimity. His reasoning is that without consent of all the colonies, any of them voting against independence would likely be forced to fight on England's side. Caesar Rodney (October 7, 1728 – June 26, 1784), was an American lawyer and politician from St. ... John Witherspoon Dr. John Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 – November 15, 1794), was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. ... Unanimity is near complete agreement by everyone. ...

The vote for independence is called again, and Adams, knowing that the vote will not be unanimous, calls for a postponement (much to the irritation of Thomson, who has now made four unsuccessful attempts to call the vote). He expresses the need for time for composing of some sort of declaration defining the reasons for independence. The motion is seconded, but when asked why such a declaration should be written, Adams and Franklin are lost for words. Suddenly, a voice proclaims the reason: "to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent" — Thomas Jefferson has come to the rescue. The vote on postponement is called, producing yet another tie, with New York abstaining, again. (Morris explains that he never gets any instructions from the New York legislature because "they speak very fast and very loud and nobody listens to anybody else.") Hancock breaks the tie by voting in favor of postponement, choosing a committee of Adams, Franklin, Lee, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert Livingston of New York to draft the declaration. Hancock announces that it must be written, debated, and passed by the beginning of July — a mere three weeks away. Lee declines to serve on the declaration committee, having been elected Governor of Virginia, and Adams suggests that Jefferson take Lee's place on the committee. Hancock agrees, almost as an afterthought, and adjourns the session over Jefferson's complaints that he must go home to his wife. A committee is a (relatively) small group that can serve one of several functions: Governance: in organizations too large for all the members to participate in decisions affecting the organization as a whole, a committee (such as a Board of Directors) is given the power to make decisions. ... Shermans marble statute in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A copy of the 1823 William J. Stone reproduction of the Declaration of Independence The United States Declaration of Independence was an act of the Second Continental Congress, adopted on July 4, 1776, which declared that the Thirteen Colonies were independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain. ... Tim Kaine, the current Governor The Governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. ...

The Committee of Five argues about who should bear the responsibility for writing the declaration (But, Mr. Adams). Franklin suggests that Adams write it, but he declines, reminding Franklin that he is "obnoxious and disliked" and that anything he writes is bound to be rejected by the other delegates. Adams in turn suggests Franklin, as an accomplished writer, but Franklin argues that he is not a political writer, only a satirist. Adams turns to Sherman who claims that he's not a writer at all, but "a simple cobbler from Connecticut." Livingston is next to decline, as he must return to New York to celebrate the birth of his son. Adams finally turns to Jefferson, praises his writing, and, as Jefferson begs to be able to see his wife, quotes a passage of Jefferson's Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, and bluntly tells Jefferson that he is the best writer in Congress. Jefferson still tries wriggle out of the responsibility, but Adams thrusts the quill into his hand. Jefferson pleads that he has not seen his wife in six months, and begs to be let out of the task of composing the declaration. Adams, however, is unmoved by Jefferson's arguments, as Adams also misses his own wife, but he understands the need at the moment to serve the colonies. Jefferson, defeated, accepts the duty of drafting the document, though not before lambasting Adams on his way out. The Committee of Five was the group delegated by the Second Continental Congress on June 11, 1776 to draft the United States Declaration of Independence. ... This document was prepared by the Second Continental Congress to explain to the world why the British colonies had taken up arms against Great Britain. ...

• NOTE: Scene Three of 1776 holds the record for the longest time in a musical without a single note of music played or sung: over twenty minutes pass between The Lees of Old Virginia and But Mr. Adams, the next number.

Scene Four

A week later. Adams and Franklin visit Jefferson to check on his progress but find that there has, in fact, been none. Jefferson has spent the week moping, but is brightened when his beloved wife Martha enters. Adams has sent for her (feeling that the sooner Jefferson's problem is over, the sooner the declaration committee's problem is over), and the two older gentlemen leave the young lovers in peace. Martha Jefferson (nee Wayles) (otherwise known as Mrs. ...

Adams, alone, again exchanges letters with his wife Abigail; she wonders why he hasn't sent for her. He asks her to come to Philadelphia, and she declines, citing her responsibilities to their sick children and failing farm. They pledge each other to be eternally Yours, Yours, Yours.

Martha finally opens the shutters when Franklin and Adams return the next morning, and the two gentlemen ask her how a man as silent as Jefferson won a woman as lovely as she. She tells them that she loves him because He Plays the Violin. The three of them dance, but their revelry is cut short when Jefferson enters the scene to entice Martha back to his loft, but she doesn't seem too unhappy about the proposition. Franklin and Adams hail the stateliness of the fiddler in a reprise of He Plays the Violin.

Scene Five

June 22, 1776. Congress has reconvened. Delegates read, talk, eat, and sleep in the chamber as various committees are called to deal with Congressional correspondence, counterfeit money, military defeat in Canada, and intrigue. Another letter is received from General Washington. He reports that the troops are in a sad state, suffering from venereal disease and drunkenness. He implores the Congress to send the War Committee to New Jersey to boost morale. Adams, Franklin, and Samuel Chase leave for New Jersey, soon followed by the delegates in favor of independence. Alone with his fellow conservative delegates for the first time, Dickinson leads them in a minuet, singing of their creed: a desire to hold onto their wealth and remain Cool, Cool Considerate Men. For other uses, see Counterfeit (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), are diseases that are commonly transmitted between partners through some form of sexual activity, most commonly vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. ... The Drunkenness of Noah by Giovanni Bellini Drunkenness, in its most common usage, is the state of being intoxicated by consumption of ethyl alcohol to a degree that mental and physical facilities are noticeably impaired. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

The remaining delegates depart, leaving McNair, the courier and a workman in the chamber. The working class men relax, with McNair taking Hancock's chair. The workman asks the courier, who is from Massachusetts, if he's seen any fighting, and the courier replies that his two closest friends were killed on the same day at Lexington. He sings the stirring Momma, Look Sharp, describing the final thoughts of a dying man as his mother searches for his body. Combatants Militia of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, (Minutemen) British Army, Royal Marines Commanders John Parker, James Barrett, William Heath Francis Smith, John Pitcairn, Walter Laurie, Lord Hugh Percy Strength 75 at Lexington Green (Parker). ...

Scene Six

Jefferson is outside the chamber as Hancock asks Thomson to read the declaration to Congress. Adams and Franklin enter and congratulate Jefferson on the excellence of the document, and Franklin compares the creation of this new country to The Egg. This leads the trio to debate which bird is breaking out of its metaphorical shell and would best represent America. Jefferson proposes the dove, a symbol of peace. Franklin rejects the Eagle (viewing it as a symbol of European imperialism) and suggests the turkey, a symbol of courage. The three settle on the eagle, as suggested by Adams.

Scene Seven

June 28, 1776. Hancock asks if there are any amendments, deletions, or alterations to be offered to the "Declaration of Independence". McKean suggests removal of the word "Scottish" from a sentence referring to the foreign mercenaries used by the British. Reverend Witherspoon, noting the absence of any reference to "the supreme being", suggests the addition of the phrase "divine providence". Days pass. The debate becomes more heated. Bartlett wants to confine the complaints against the British to disagreements with King George, while Sherman wants to remove all mention of Parliament. Jefferson acquiesces to each recommendation, until Dickinson suggests the removal of a phrase calling the King a tyrant. Jefferson refuses, stating that "the King is a tyrant whether we say so or not. We might as well say so." The English parliament in front of the King, c. ...

Hancock is about to call for a vote on the Declaration, when Rutledge objects to Jefferson's denunciation of slavery in his list of redresses. Rutledge defends slavery as a way of life in South Carolina, and reminds Jefferson that he, too, is a slaveholder. Jefferson announces that he has decided to free his slaves, and Rutledge accuses the northern colonies of hypocrisy: the northern shippers get rich off of the trade of slaves. He reminds them that the process of Molasses to Rum to slaves is ensuring prosperity for the North. The delegations of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia angrily leave the chamber, mindful of the unanimity required to pass the resolution. The resolve of the remaining delegates is broken, and they also leave.

At that moment, Chase rushes in, excited that the Maryland Assembly has decided to accept the Lee Resolution. Adams, growing desperate, sends McKean to Delaware to bring back Caesar Rodney. Franklin sagely insists that Adams and Jefferson agree to the removal of the slavery clause from the Declaration. What good is it to win the battle only to lose the war? Adams refuses on moral grounds, and a testy exchange between him and Franklin ends with Adams left by himself. Alone with his thoughts, he conjures Abigail in his mind and pours out his fears and feelings of hopelessness to her. She reassures him, quoting from her husband's own letters: "Commitment, Abby, commitment! There are only two creatures of value on the face of this earth: those with a commitment, and those who require the commitment of others." During their exchange, McNair delivers two kegs to the chamber: saltpeter from Abigail and the women of Massachusetts.

With Adams's faith in the cause renewed, he tells Franklin and Jefferson to talk to Wilson and Rutledge: they need each and every vote. Thomson reads the latest dispatch from General Washington, who wonders if he is ever to receive a response to his last fifteen missives. They leave Adams alone in the chamber. Adams echoes Washington's words, Is Anybody There? Discouraged but determined, Adams sings of his vision of his new country: "Yet, through all the gloom, I see the rays of ravishing light and glory!"

Dr. Hall returns to the Chamber. He has been thinking: "In trying to resolve my dilemma I remembered something I'd once read, 'that a representative owes the People not only his industry, but his judgment, and he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion.' It was written by Edmund Burke, a member of the British Parliament." He walks over to the tally board and changes Georgia's vote from "nay" to "yea". Edmund Burke (January 12, 1729[1] – July 9, 1797) was an Anglo-Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher, who served for many years in the British House of Commons as a member of the Whig party. ...

The other delegates slowly make their way back into the chamber, including Caesar Rodney. Hancock calls for the vote on the Lee Resolution. Thomson calls on each delegation for their vote. Pennsylvania passes on the first call, but the rest of the northern and middle colonies (save New York, who 'courteously' abstains) vote "yea". When the vote passes to South Carolina, Rutledge demands the removal of the slavery clause as the condition of the yea votes from the Carolinas. Franklin pleads with Adams to remove the clause, and Adams turns to Jefferson. Jefferson rises, crosses the chamber, and scratches out the clause himself. Adams bitterly surrenders to Rutledge and demands that he vote. Rutledge and the Carolinas vote "yea", as does Georgia.

When Pennsylvania's vote is called again, Dickinson adrresses the assembly as he had done before, claiming to speak for the delegation he declares that "Pennsyvainia votes...", only to be stopped by Franklin. Franklin asks Hancock to poll the delegation: Franklin votes "yea", Dickinson "nay", leaving the swing vote to the voiceless Wilson, who normally adheres to Dickinson. All of the delegates are looking at Wilson, waiting for him to decide the issue. Seeing his hesitancy, Dickinson trys to entice him "James, you're keeping everybody waiting." To which Adams remarks the Wilson would be "remembered for the one unwise decision he made in Congress." Wilson claims he is different from most of the delegates; that he doesn't want to be remembered and votes "yea". The motion is passed.

Hancock asks that no man be allowed to sit in Congress without affixing his signature to the Declaration. Suddenly alone in his cause, Dickinson announces that he cannot in good conscience sign such a document, and still hopes for reconciliation with England. However, he resolves to join the army to fight for and defend the new nation. Adams leads the Congress in a salute to Dickinson as he leaves the chamber.

Hancock leads the delegates signing the Declaration, but is interrupted by the courier with another dispatch from Washington. He reports that preparations for the Battle of New York are underway, but expresses concern about America's badly outnumbered and under-trained troops.

On the evening of July 4, 1776, McNair rings the Liberty Bell in the background as Thomson calls each of the delegates to sign their name to the Declaration of Independence. The delegates freeze in position as the Liberty Bell rings to a fevered pitch. The Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American bell of great historic significance. ...

Historical accuracy

While there is much poetic license taken, including invented scenes and conversations, 1776's historical accuracy is remarkable, particularly given that it makes no pretense of being a documentary. In particular, Caesar Rodney's cancer, and his weakness (he was also asthmatic), and his 80-mile ride (through a thunderstorm) to break a deadlock in the Delaware delegation at the final vote are all very closely based on historic facts. The most notable departures from historic fact: Caesar Rodney (October 7, 1728 – June 26, 1784), was an American lawyer and politician from St. ...

• Martha Jefferson never traveled to Philadelphia to be with her husband; she was in fact extremely ill during the summer of 1776, having just endured a miscarriage.
• The polling of Pennsylvania's delegation in the final scene (In actuality, the Pennsylvania delegation numbered ten, not three, and Dickinson abstained until he finally left Congress to join the army. Wilson refused to vote until he could obtain more feedback from his constituents. He did eventually vote for independence.)
• The signing (It actually took place weeks, not days, after the final vote.)

Martha Jefferson (nee Wayles) (otherwise known as Mrs. ... John Dickinson (November 8, 1732 – February 14, 1808) was an American lawyer and politician from Jones Neck in St. ... James Wilson (September 14, 1742–August 21, 1798), was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, twice elected to the Continental Congress, a major force in the drafting of the nations Constitution, a leading legal theoretician and one of the six original justices appointed by George Washington to the...

Controversy

• Then-President Richard Nixon was said to have successfully lobbied his friend, producer Jack L. Warner, to cut the song "Cool, Considerate Men" from the film release because he believed it (with its refrain lyric of "ever to the right..never to the left") to be an attack against the Republican Party in an election year. (The film was released theatrically after the 1972 presidential election.) The song was restored in the 2003 DVD release of the film as well as on the earlier laserdisc release.

• In 2004, the film was banned from exhibition in middle schools in Fairfax County, Virginia because of "sexual innuendo and language." Spokespeople for the school district cited the line in which Jefferson tells Adams that he "burns" for his wife as being inappropriate. [1]

• In its original theatrical and home video releases, the film was rated G for general audiences, but with the restoration of "Cool, Considerate Men" the DVD release was rated PG.

Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. ... This article is about Jack Warner, the head of Warner Brothers. ... The Republican Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States of America, along with the Democratic Party. ... DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) is an optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage, including movies with high video and sound quality. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Fairfax County is a county in Northern Virginia, in the United States. ...

Musical numbers

This list is based on the original cast recording listings

1. Overture
2. Sit Down, John
3. Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve / Till Then
4. The Lees of Old Virginia
5. But, Mr. Adams
6. Yours, Yours, Yours
7. He Plays the Violin
8. Cool, Cool, Considerate Men
   
9. Momma Look Sharp
10. The Egg
11. Molasses to Rum
12. Compliments
13. Is Anybody There?
14. Finale

Film cast

William Daniels (born March 31, 1927) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor whose distinctive, nasal voice and penchant for portraying critical yet competent characters has landed him a number of roles over the years. ... John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) served as Americas first Vice President (1789–1797) and as its second President (1797–1801). ... Actor Howard Da Silva in The Lost Weekend Howard Da Silva (born May 4, 1909; died February 16, 1986) was an American actor. ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ... For the British artist, see Ken Howard (artist). ... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ... John Dickinson (November 8, 1732 – February 14, 1808) was an American lawyer and politician from Jones Neck in St. ... John Cullum is an American actor and singer. ... Edward Rutledge Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749–January 23, 1800), South Carolina statesman, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later governor of South Carolina. ... Stephen Hopkins Stephen Hopkins (March 7, 1707–July 13, 1785) was an American political leader from Rhode Island who signed the Declaration of Independence. ... David Ford (born October 30, 1929; died August 7, 1983) was a character actor known for playing John Handcock in the musical turned motion picture 1776. ... For other persons named John Hancock, see John Hancock (disambiguation). ... Ronald Holgate (born May 26, 1937, in Aberdeen, South Dakota) is an American actor and opera singer, best known as Richard Henry Lee in the original Broadway production of 1776. ... Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732–June 19, 1794) was an American who served as the sixth President of the United States in Congress assembled under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from November 30, 1784 to November 22, 1785. ... Raymond Earl Middleton, Jr. ... Thomas McKean Thomas McKean (March 19, 1734–June 24, 1817) was the second President of the United States in Congress assembled, from July 10, 1781, until November 4, 1781. ... Caesar Rodney (October 7, 1728 – June 26, 1784), was an American lawyer and politician from St. ... Blythe Katherine Danner (born February 3, 1943) is a prolific two time Emmy-winning American actress who has appeared in numerous stage, screen, and film roles. ... Martha Jefferson (nee Wayles) (otherwise known as Mrs. ... Virginia Vestoff (born December 9, 1939 in New York City- died May 2, 1982) was a Broadway actress most famous for having played Abigail Adams in 1776, a 1972 musical about the Second Continental Congress, as well as the same role in the film version of the musical. ... Abigail Smith Adams she was (November 11, 1744 – October 28, 1818) was the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and is seen as the second First Lady of the United States though that term was not coined until after her death. ... James Wilson (September 14, 1742–August 21, 1798), was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, twice elected to the Continental Congress, a major force in the drafting of the nations Constitution, a leading legal theoretician and one of the six original justices appointed by George Washington to the... (Born April 24 1927, DiedOctober 19, 1997) Ralston Hill was a stage actor, and had many roles on broadway, most notably Congressional Secretary Charles Thomson in the play and movie 1776. ... Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729 - August 16, 1824) served as the secretary of the Continental Congress through its entirety (1774-1789). ... ESkog 00:49, 25 August 2005 (UTC) Categories: Possible copyright violations ... Lewis Morris (April 8, 1726– January 22, 1798) was an American landowner and developer from Morrisania, New York. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Portrait of Josiah Bartlett Josiah Bartlett (November 21, 1729–May 19, 1795), was an American physician and statesman who, as a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire, signed the Declaration of Independence. ... George Read (September 18, 1733 – September 21, 1798) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, in New Castle County, Delaware. ... This article is about the Georgia governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence. ... James Noble (born March 15, 1922 in Dallas, Texas) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Governor Eugene Gatling on the popular 1980s sitcom Benson. ... John Witherspoon Dr. John Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 – November 15, 1794), was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Shermans marble statute in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. ... Joseph Hewes was a native of Connecticut, where he was born in 1730. ...

Recordings

• Original Broadway cast (1969), available on LP and CD
• Original London cast (1970), available on LP
• Original motion picture soundtrack (1972), available on LP
• British Studio cast (1970), available on LP (Marble Arch MALS-1327, conducted by Stan Reynolds
• Studio cast (The Ray Bloch Singers) (date unknown), available on LP
• Broadway revival cast (1997), available on CD

External links

• Film Trailer
• 1776 at The Internet Broadway Database
• 1776 at the Internet Movie Database
• Rational Magic review of stage version and CD
• Fan-run site: http://johnadams1776.tripod.com/ Contains all matters of content concerning the musical/movie.
• Classroom Study Integrating Musical Theatre in the classroom, JoAnne Freed