Welcome to Woodson’s production of 1776, a musical that holds a special place in my heart and, I believe, is incredibly relevant to our time. As we delve into the world of the early Continental Congress, it's worth highlighting that this congress had cliques, people vying for popularity, members who would make snide remarks to one another, intense public arguments, more and less popular members, and people constantly making excuses to avoid work… sound familiar?
After noticing all the similarities between high schoolers and congressmen, I was also surprised to discover how young so many of these people were; with an average age of 42 (which my students struggled to acknowledge as “young” - ouch…), they were younger than the current average age of our congress members, which is now 58. These young founders of America were striving to do something that no one had ever done, become the first European Colony to successfully break away from their mother country. That’s a pretty punk move, which is why we throw a splash of the 1970’s punk movement throughout our 1770’s piece.
1776 is not just a historical retelling; it's a love letter to the founding of America. It acknowledges both the strengths and struggles of our nation's birth, humanizing the people involved and presenting a tireless optimism about what America can be. One of the most remarkable aspects of the musical 1776 is its exceptional writing. Every time I watch this play, despite knowing the eventual outcome, the musical infuses the narrative with so much tension and suspense, it transports the audience to a place where we find ourselves wondering, "How is Adams going to pull this off?"
As you watch our production, I hope you will reflect on the parallels between the challenges faced by the founding fathers and the challenges we face today as a nation. I believe 1776 serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of America and the power of determination and unity in the face of adversity.
P.S. - If you love the show, please be sure to spread the word. That is the best way to get an audience, and if you hated the show…well at least tell your enemies about it!
Obnoxious and Disliked,
Christopher Rushing
Director
