1776 is a Tony Award-winning musical based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The show’s story follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they try to convince the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain.

The numbers in parentheses next to the character’s names are the approximate ages of the characters.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

JOHN ADAMS (41) A Massachusetts delegate, Adams is the leading voice for separation from England. He has strong oratory skills, a brilliant mind, bold and brash personality, and a slight Boston dialect. Not tall. The running joke throughout the show is that Adams is “obnoxious and disliked,” but he must have a magnetic quality that commands respect from his fellow members of Congress. John is also a loving, dutiful husband who considers his wife to be his true partner.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (70) A Pennsylvania delegate, Franklin is an energetic, older man but often acts much younger. His logic often prevails where the emotions of others fail. Franklin is intelligent, well-traveled, and pleasantly witty and cunning. A jolly and admirable fellow with whom one would desire to have a friendship. He and Adams lead the charge for independence. 

THOMAS JEFFERSON (33) A Virginia delegate, Jefferson, in spite of his many protests, is selected to pen the Declaration of Independence. Though noticeably tall, Jefferson is mild-mannered, quiet, and sweet. Along with being a brilliant, well-read man, he is very much in love with his wife.

RICHARD HENRY LEE (45) A Virginia delegate, Lee is selected to make the argument for independence to the Congress, as Adams is having little luck. Lee is a loud, willowy aristocrat. His flamboyancy is intoxicating and borderline infuriating.

JOHN DICKINSON (44) A Pennsylvania delegate, Dickinson is the primary antagonist of the show and leads a group of Congress members who favor petitioning King George III with their grievances rather than declaring independence. A thin, hawkish gentleman who speaks and moves with style. He is sharp-tongued and a touch detestable.

EDWARD RUTLEDGE (26) A South Carolina delegate, Rutledge is opposed to the Declaration because of his passionate opposition to the document’s call for an end to slavery. 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.

ABIGAIL ADAMS (35) Loving wife of John Adams, her communications with John tell some of the story of the Declaration and much of the story of her and John’s love and life. Strong, intelligent, quick-witted, and talented with a pen, Abigail is a radiant and shapely beauty. Every bit as bright as her husband.

MARTHA JEFFERSON (27) The young and adoring wife of Thomas Jefferson, Martha is brought to Philadelphia to help solve Jefferson’s writer’s block. Her looks are striking, her dancing delightful, and her humor appealing. Joy radiates from her.

JOHN HANCOCK (40) President of the Continental Congress and an imposing authority figure, Hancock runs the proceedings and mediates the debate. He puts the first and largest signature on the Declaration of Independence.

CHARLES THOMPSON (47) The secretary of the Congress. Must be able to sound very efficient in reading letters and in rattling off long lists of congressional duties and committees.

STEPHEN HOPKINS (70) A Rhode Island delegate, he is a crusty old geezer who loves his rum. 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.

ROGER SHERMAN (55) A Connecticut delegate, Sherman sides in favor of independence and is on the committee to write the Declaration. A coffee drinker with a penchant for hyperactivity, Sherman is a simple cobbler.

ROBERT LIVINGSTON (30) A New York delegate, Livingston is a member of the committee assigned to write the Declaration. Recently a father, Livingston’s disposition has become one of humility and graciousness.

LEWIS MORRIS (50) A New York delegate, Morris has a stifled, passive air about him and, because he has no clear direction, abstains from every vote. 

REVEREND JOHN WITHERSPOON (53) A New Jersey delegate and chaplain to the Continental Congress, Rev. Witherspoon argues for and wins the inclusion of the Supreme Being in the Declaration. 

JAMES WILSON (33) A Pennsylvania delegate and is portrayed as a mere “sidekick” to his fellow delegate John Dickinson, and usually parrots whatever Dickinson says.

CAESAR RODNEY (48) A Delaware delegate, Rodney works hard for independence, despite the fact that he is suffering from skin cancer. 

COLONEL THOMAS MCKEAN (42) A Delaware delegate, McKean is Scottish and very vocal. He is florid and likable with a charming, yet commanding presence. Must speak with Scottish Brogue.

GEORGE READ (43) A Delaware delegate, Read is opposed to independence and battles with his fellow delegates from Delaware as he sides with Dickinson.

SAMUEL CHASE (35) A Maryland delegate, Chase always seems to be eating and is portly. He initially sides with Dickinson. 

DR. JOSIAH BARTLETT (47) A New Hampshire delegate known for his principled and independent thinking, Bartlett sides in favor of independence. 

JOSEPH HEWES (46) A North Carolina delegate, Hewes tends to acquiesce and sides with Rutledge and South Carolina on every vote.

DR. LYMAN HALL (52) A Georgia delegate, Dr. Hall is cordial and conscientious initially sides with Dickinson but keeps an open mind to the ongoing debate

ANDREW McNAIR (Ageless) A quirky, exasperated middle-aged man who lights the fires and candles, opens and closes the windows, fills the ink wells, and keeps the Continental Congress meeting room clean, in addition to ringing the Liberty Bell.

A LEATHER APRON (TBD) A leather worker. 

A PAINTER (TBD) An artist who paints Benjamin Franklin’s portrait (could double as Leather Apron).

A COURIER (15-20) A young messenger for Congress. He has witnessed the hardships of war firsthand, although his innocent disposition and appearance may imply otherwise.