Good Shepherd Players Present '1776'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Burke, VA (April 24, 2025) – Good Shepherd Players will perform a semi-staged concert version of the Tony Award-winning musical, 1776, on April 27. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, 1776 is based on events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It premiered on Broadway in 1969, with revivals in 1997, 2016, and 2022. This uniquely immersive staging brings audiences right into the action of Independence Hall.

The show is set in Philadelphia in 1776 as the Second Continental Congress is convening. Self-described “obnoxious and disliked” patriot John Adams of Massachusetts is mad because the members refuse to debate his proposal on independence. With encouragement from seasoned statesman Benjamin Franklin and assistance from more popular delegates, Adams navigates an uncertain sea of political squabbles, rivalries, rendezvouses, bargains, and outright brawls, all in hopes of gaining American independence.

It’s easier said than done. There is still strong opposition from various conservatives, especially John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina. Each colony has its own agenda and loyalties. It’s up to Adams and his allies to achieve a seemingly impossible deed: getting Congress, a body that has never agreed on anything, to vote unanimously in favor of independence. Getting everyone on board will require plenty of fast thinking and compromise-- and even a surprise visit from a lovesick delegate’s wife.

These delegates aren’t heroic marble statues. They’re real people, often petty and frustrated, with flaws, quirks, and weaknesses. But, as Benjamin Franklin says, “The history books will clean it up.” 1776 is an insightful and surprisingly funny look at American history, inspiring audiences young and old to reflect on the America of today.

Since next year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Nancy Lavallee, a Philadelphia native, was inspired to direct a semi-staged concert of 1776 the Musical. “There are so many inspiring lessons in 1776 about our founding fathers’ efforts to listen and collaborate - a message many in America can use right now. Dr Lyman Hall’s line to Adams about using his judgment and making decisions ethically, rather than by what’s popular has always been one of my favorite parts of 1776.”

Good Shepherd Players has assembled a talented cast with a mix of returning members and newcomers. Greg LaNave returns to Good Shepherd and stars as John Adams, with several talented players supporting him, including: Chris Dockins (Franklin), Brian Ash (John Hancock), Chris Gray (Richard Henry Lee), Mel Gumina (Dickinson), Richard Jacobson (Rutledge), Rachel Bradley (Jefferson), Taylor Walker (Abigail Adams), Madison Hite (Martha Jefferson), and Rachael Rabinovitz (Charles Thompson).

Music director Lucia LaNave leads a live orchestra as well as the 30-person cast through an impressive score. She says, “Many of the tunes of 1776 have a strong place in the musical theatre canon, while the drama and political intrigue remains as poignant and relevant as ever. Much of 1776 feels like it could’ve been written today.”

Audiences will be delighted to hear some classics from 1776, including “Sit Down John,” “The Lees of Old Virginia,” and “Cool, Cool, Considerate Men.” This staged concert of the musical 1776 is being performed for one night only on Sunday, April 27th at 6:00 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke. Come out and show your support and enjoy a night of music and fun! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/gsmusic/1776

For press inquiries, please contact:
Megan Fraedrich
Good Shepherd Players
megan.fraedrich@gmail.com