1776: Opening Night Performance

1776
July 17-19*, 2026 (Fri, Sat, Sun*)
July 23-26*, 2026 (Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun*)
Grand Opera House, Pierre, SD
Doors Open at 7 p.m., Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Box Office Opens: July 6, 2026
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. “1776” puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence... if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! “1776” follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. “1776” is a funny, insightful and compelling drama with a striking score and legendary book.
Director: Jay Mickelson, Nancy Pottratz Kennedy, and Rodd Bauck
Musical: music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone
"1776" is presented by Music Theatre International.