Paper Mill Playhouse is bringing a cornerstone of American musical theater back to the stage with its upcoming production of 1776, began performances April 1 in Millburn, New Jersey, with opening night slated for April 5. The production will run through May 2 as part of the theater’s 2025–2026 season.
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee, the show features a standout cast led by Will Blum as John Adams, alongside John Treacy Egan as Benjamin Franklin and Michael Burrell as Thomas Jefferson. The ensemble brings together seasoned stage performers and rising talent to reimagine the Tony Award-winning musical that chronicles the founding of the United States.
With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 dramatizes the heated debates and personal struggles behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through a blend of humor, political tension, and memorable music, the production captures the urgency and complexity of a nation on the brink of formation.
The creative team includes Nancy Renee Braun handling musical staging, Jillian Zack as music director, and Kevin Rupnik leading scenic design. Costume design is by Leon Dobkowski, with lighting by Amith Chandrashaker and sound by Matt Kraus, ensuring a fully immersive theatrical experience.
This staging arrives at a meaningful moment, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. By revisiting the story of America’s founding figures, Paper Mill Playhouse aims to connect historical themes with contemporary audiences, highlighting the enduring relevance of civic discourse and unity.
In addition to its mainstage run, the production will include several accessibility and educational initiatives. Audio-described, open-captioned, and American Sign Language–interpreted performances are scheduled, along with student matinees designed to engage younger audiences with this pivotal chapter in history.
Located just outside New York City, Paper Mill Playhouse continues to serve as a leading regional theater, known for producing high-quality musicals and fostering arts education. Following 1776, the season will conclude with a production of West Side Story, further cementing the theater’s commitment to classic and impactful storytelling.
Tickets for 1776 are available through the Paper Mill Playhouse box office and website, offering theatergoers an opportunity to experience a defining American story brought vividly to life on stage.