A Co-Production with the Scottish Rite – Valley of Danville
June 26-28, 2026
Danville Masonic Temple
109 W. North Street
Ticket Information: $23 adult, $7 student / child
Book by Peter Stone
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
Celebrate the birth of our nation, during the 250th anniversary of the United States!
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 presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Audition Information
- Who: Teens and Adults – no experience required
- When: Dates to be announced.
- Where: DLO’s Backstage in downtown Danville
- Prepare: Choose a song (does not have to be from this show) that best demonstrates your vocal ability.
- What to Expect:
- You will sing only about 40-60 seconds of your prepared song. Mark your sheet music ahead of time so that you can show it to the accompanist quickly. We may cut you off early. If we do, we promise it’s not because we don’t like you. We’re just moving things along quickly so that we can get to everyone.
- You may be asked to sing scales so we can assess your range.
- You will audition individually with your song and scales.
- You will read scenes from the script, either alone or with other auditionees.
- Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. Rehearsals will be Sunday afternoons, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Come to auditions with a list of any conflicts between now and June 28, 2026. Put all this information on your audition form.
Characters
- John Adams: Delegate from Massachusetts. John is a dutiful husband. Opinionated, passionate, and a bit boisterous, he wears his age with pride. Starving for independence from England.
Vocal range: C3-F#4 - Stephen Hopkins: Delegate from Rhode Island. Hopkins’ drinking has led to an appearance befitting of the 2nd oldest in the Continental Congress. He has a dirty old man playfulness about him.
Vocal range: C3-Eb4 - Roger Sherman: Delegate from Connecticut. A coffee drinker with a penchant for hyperactivity, Sherman is a simple and balding cobbler.
Vocal range: C3-Bb4 - Robert Livingston: Delegate from New York. Recently a father, Livingston’s disposition has become one of humility and graciousness. He has changed considerably over the years.
Vocal range: Bb2-F4 - Benjamin Franklin: Delegate from Pennsylvania. Franklin is intelligent, well-traveled, and pleasantly cunning. A jolly and admirable fellow with whom one would desire to have a friendship.
Vocal range: Ab2-Eb4 - John Dickinson: Delegate from Pennsylvania. A thin, hawkish gentleman. He is sharp-tongued and a touch detestable.
Vocal range: A2-E4 - Col. Thomas Mckean: Delegate from Delaware. McKean is florid and likable with a charming, yet commanding, Scottish Brogue.
Vocal range: C3-Eb4 - Richard Henry Lee: Delegate from Virginia, Lee is a willowy aristocrat. His flamboyancy is intoxicating and borderline infuriating.
Vocal range: C3-G4 - Thomas Jefferson: Delegate from Virginia. Though noticeably tall, Jefferson is mild-mannered and sweet. Along with being a well read man, he is very much in love with his wife.
Vocal range: C3-G4 - Edward Rutledge: Delegate from South Carolina. Despite his good looks, Rutledge is haunting and somewhat ominous as the youngest member of the Continental Congress. There is a serpent-like quality to him.
Vocal range: C3-A4 - Abigail Adams: Loving wife to John Adams. Intelligent, quick-witted, and talented with a pen. Every bit as bright as her husband.
Vocal range: Db4-F5 - Martha Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson’s very-much-in-love wife. Her looks are striking, her dancing delightful, and her humor appealing. She doesn’t shy away from a good time. Joy radiates from her.
Vocal range: Bb3-D5 - Courier: The message runner between General Washington’s army and the Continental Congress. He has witnessed the hardships of war firsthand, although his innocent disposition and appearance may imply otherwise.
Age: teen to early 20s
Vocal range: C3-Db4