"1776" Brings History with a Twist to The Ahmanson

The revival of the Tony-winning musical “1776,” now playing at the Ahmanson, uses a modern casting spin to tell the tale of the last minute deadlock over slavery and the planning of the Declaration of Independence.

The original production played on Broadway in 1969. Today, the all ethnically diverse, nonbinary, trangender female identifying cast portrays Founding Father members John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The musical follows the second Continental Congress debate over independence and slavery issues while George Washington is at war with the British. John Adams (Gisela Adisa), Thomas Jefferson (Nancy Anderson) and Benjamin Franklin (Liz Mikel) as they unite to try to convince the other delegates to declare freedom from England. Student numbers include Brooke Simpson’s “Momma, Look Sharp” and “Molasses to Rum” from Kassandra Haddock.

With a book from Peter Stone and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, “1776” plays through May 7 at The Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand. Showtimes are 8pm Tuesday through Friday, 2pm and 8pm Saturday, and 1pm and 6:30pm Sunday. Visit https://www.centertheatregroup.or for tickets.