Pennsylvania Theatre Announces Original Musical “1776” with Adam Randis as Artistic Director

The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts will present the musical 1776, according to an announcement from Artistic Director Adam Randis on July 2, 2026. The production, staged in Luzerne County, depicts the American colonies’ struggle to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Randis confirmed that the theater will produce the original musical, which focuses on the political tensions and debates within the Continental Congress. The production aims to bring the historical events of the American Revolution to a local audience in Pennsylvania.

What is the production of 1776 about?

The musical 1776 follows the efforts of John Adams and Benjamin Franklin as they lobby the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain. The narrative centers on the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the internal conflicts among the delegates representing the thirteen colonies.

The story emphasizes the diplomatic maneuvering required to secure a unanimous vote for independence. It highlights the friction between the New England delegates and those from the Southern colonies, specifically focusing on the debate over slavery and state sovereignty.

The production uses a combination of dialogue and musical numbers to illustrate the urgency of the political climate in Philadelphia during the summer of 1776. The plot culminates in the formal adoption of the document that established the United States as a sovereign nation.

Who is Adam Randis and the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts?

Adam Randis serves as the Artistic Director for the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts. In this role, Randis manages the selection of plays, oversees the creative direction of productions, and coordinates the casting and staging of the theater’s seasonal repertoire.

The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts operates as a community-focused organization in Luzerne County. The theater provides a venue for local performers and technicians to engage in professional-style theatrical productions while offering cultural programming to the residents of the region.

By selecting 1776, Randis is utilizing a classic American work to engage the community with themes of governance and national identity. The theater’s mission involves bringing high-quality performing arts to the local population and fostering an appreciation for historical narratives through live performance.

How does the production impact Luzerne County?

The staging of a large-scale musical like 1776 requires a significant coordination of local talent, including actors, musicians, and stagehands from within Luzerne County. This provides a platform for community members to participate in the technical and creative aspects of theater production.

Local theater productions often serve as economic drivers for the immediate area by attracting visitors to the venue and surrounding businesses. The presence of the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts allows the community to access professional theatrical experiences without traveling to larger metropolitan hubs.

The choice of a historical musical also aligns with educational goals, as the production mirrors events taught in American history curricula. This creates a crossover between the performing arts and local educational interests in Pennsylvania.

The theater continues to organize its schedule around works that balance entertainment with historical or social relevance. The announcement of 1776 indicates a commitment to traditional American theater and the use of the stage to examine the foundations of the country’s political system.