1776 at the Erie Playhouse

Witness the birth of a nation in 1776, on stage at the Erie Playhouse June 12-28, 2026 as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
1776 is a revolutionary musical experience featuring John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and other iconic figures as they shape our young nation.
This Tony Award-winning musical is a gripping portrayal of some of the most pivotal moments in American history.
1776 is not just a musical; it’s a captivating journey that brings history to life with stirring melodies and a patriotic spirit. 1776 was the winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Sponsored by LECOM Health.
1776 Cast:
John Adams – Brandon Vogt
Benjamin Franklin – Michael Nasca
Thomas Jefferson – Seamus Clerkin
Richard Henry Lee – Art Martone
Edward Rutledge – Casey Conrad-Medvis
John Dickinson – Bill Hunter*
Roger Sherman – Roger Wolbert
Robert Livingston – Jonathan Bartram*
John Hancock – Mike Hayes
Dr Josiah Bartlett – Liam Satterthwaite
Stephen Hopkins – Michael Meyer
Lewis Morris – Paul Gress
Reverend John Witherspoon – Bryson Berkowitz
James Wilson – Michael Graham
Caesar Rodney – Ron Herrera*
Colonel Thomas McKean – Patrick Thiem
George Read – Joshua Freeman
Samuel Chase – Jim Nash
Joseph Hewes – Declan Finnerty Walz
Dr. Lyman Hall – Bruce Rockwell
Charles Thompson – Patrick McGuire
Andrew McNair – James Wallace
Abigail Adams – Sallie Richards
Martha Jefferson – Alexis Afton
A Courier – Colden Lamb
A Leather Apron/ A Painter – Trey Wallace
*Denotes Playhouse Mainstage Debut
1776
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Director: Richard Davis
Assistant Director: Jessica Flock
Vocal Director: Devon Yates