Directed by Nick Bowling
Choreographed by Tanji Harper

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

A recent visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia brought me back to a place I hadn’t seen since I was young. Seeking inspiration, I longed to breathe the air of our founding fathers, walk where they walked, and touch the same bannisters they once leaned on. However, my expectations were challenged when the tour guide revealed that much of what I saw was a replica, crafted to closely resemble the original.

Later that day, I explored the Benjamin Franklin House; a unique concept where a “ghost house” outline was built instead of attempting to recreate the demolished original. This empty metal frame, created for the bicentennial in 1976, invited viewers to imagine the missing pieces. Initially taken aback by the lack of tangible authenticity, I soon realized that this approach sparked the inspiration I was searching for. The focus on imagination over preservation resonated with me as a guiding path for our production.

Similarly, the creators of the musical 1776, Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone, imagined the founding fathers as flawed humans rather than preserve them as immortal icons. Despite facing initial resistance, this approach led to a triumphant Broadway production, a Tony award, a movie adaptation, and enduring performances nationwide.

In our own design endeavors, we are committed to infusing that same spirit. Rather than rigidly replicating historical details of Independence Hall, we aim to capture the feeling in that room...the fragmented political landscape, the spiraling nature of debate, and the monumental task of upholding democracy.

And when assembling our cast, we sought to showcase fresh perspectives and diverse voices; an ensemble not traditionally represented in this musical, and certainly not in Independence Hall in 1776. By including women and people of color portraying our founding fathers, we mirror the diverse fabric of contemporary America and uphold the democratic ideals we hold dear. In this way, we have crafted a portrayal that reflects the makeup of our present-day congress.

At its heart, 1776 delves into the complexities of democracy and the challenges of navigating differing viewpoints. As we witness opposing sides struggling to find common ground, the relevance of these themes in today’s society is undeniable. Just as the framers of the Constitution debated passionately, our aim is to shed light on history without rewriting it, emphasizing the importance of ongoing discourse and embracing diverse perspectives to ensure that the spirit of democracy endures for generations to come.

— Nick Bowling, Director

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