(L to R) Emily Decker as Thomas Jefferson, Kay-Megan Washington as Benjamin Franklin, and Meghan Stanton Ziccardi as John Adams. Photo by Josh Orozco.
There’s no better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than by watching America’s award-winning musical “1776.” As part of Towson University’s Summer at the Center Arts Festival, “America 250: Voices of a Nation,” this musical tells the story of how John Adams persuaded the Continental Congress to vote for American independence and sign the Declaration of Independence. Hopefully, that’s not too much of a spoiler alert. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 1969, is based on the book by Peter Stone with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. It won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was made into a film in 1972.
The cast adds a depth of character and more interesting vocals. It also reminds the audience of those voices which were excluded during the founding of our country.
Although we typically describe influential members of Congress as our nation’s forefathers, Towson University puts a spin on the ‘forefather’ angle with a multi-racial cast of women and non-binary individuals. The cast adds a depth of character and more interesting vocals. It also reminds the audience of those voices which were excluded during the founding of our country.
Each character plays a different role during the Congressional meetings at Independence Hall. John Adams (Megan Stanton-Ziccard) is obnoxious and outspoken, leading the way for American independence. Benjamin Franklin (Kay-Megan Washington) is the elder statesman, already accomplished and serving as John’s confidante and support. Richard Henry Lee (Kallan Allison) is the flamboyant statesman from Virginia with a rich family history who is persuaded to write the resolution for independence. Edward Rutledge (Siobhan Beckett) is the staunch separatist with a thick Southern accent who wants a South Carolina republic.
Director/Set Designer Staci Robbins makes the show more interesting with a revolving stage that allows the delegates to face the audience. The board which lists whether the 13 colonies vote nay or yeah for the debate for independence—and eventually for the resolution for independence—comes down from the ceiling and becomes a focal point for the show. The orchestra is also on stage for the entirety of the performance, decked out in their colonial gear. The Revolutionary War-era costumes add to the authenticity of the production thanks to Costume Designer Florence Arnold. Personally, I loved seeing the female characters in their waistcoats, breeches, and high white socks.
Although “1776” deals with the serious issue of independence, there are some more lighthearted parts of the musical. John Adams sends for Martha Jefferson (Bailey Bower) so that Tom (Emily Decker) can ‘have fun’ with his wife and get on to the serious business of writing the Declaration. Tom, Ben, and John debate over which bird should be a symbol for the country before the musical number, “The Egg.” The entirety of Congress complains about the heat (and the flies) and tells John to ‘sit down’ when he goes on and on about the need for ‘independency.’
On the flip side, the musical also deals with the serious issue of slavery, with Edward Rutledge (Siobhan Beckett) singing a powerful, moving version of “Molasses to Rum.” Although the Declaration initially bans slavery, the South refuses to vote for independence until the passage is removed, essentially changing the course of history. In “Molasses to Rum,” Rutledge describes the North’s hypocrisy. While the South may have slaves, the North are facilitating the trade. This brings to light an important, often ignored aspect of American history. When Beckett takes the stage as Rutledge, you can’t help but listen.
Freedom is definitely ringing at Towson University. It’s interesting to celebrate 250 years by bringing it back to where it all began. The multi-racial, female cast of Towson’s production of “1776” begs the question, what would have happened if Congress wasn’t comprised entirely of white men? I know for sure the Declaration wouldn’t have read that “all men are created equal.” This version of the musical gives us something to ponder and represents just how far our nation has come.
Running time: Approximately three hours with one 15-minute intermission
“1776” ran June 12-13, 2026 at “America 250: Voices of a Nation,” a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States presented by Towson University’s Center for the Arts, 7700 Osler Drive, Towson, MD 21204. For more information and tickets for upcoming events as part of the Summer at The Center Festival which runs through July 11, 2026, please go online.
