By Mary Ann Bourbeau
MANASQUAN – Witness the birth of a nation as told in rollicking style when “1776” comes to the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan Friday through May 18.
This revolutionary musical tells the story of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and other iconic founding figures as they drafted the Declaration of Independence in that year, meeting in Philadelphia.
Upon its 1969 Broadway debut, “1776” won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This production comes at the perfect time as the nation prepares for next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“1776” is a funny, insightful and compelling portrayal of some of the most pivotal moments in American history, a captivating journey that brings history to life with stirring melodies and a patriotic spirit. With music and lyrics by a former history teacher, the late Sherman Edwards, and a book by the late Peter Stone, “1776” tells the story of Adams’ efforts to persuade his colleagues to vote for independence and sign the document.
“With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the horizon, there’s no better time to revisit ‘1776,’ ” said Pamela Ward, executive director at Algonquin Arts Theatre. “This musical gives audiences a chance to step into the history books and experience the determination, debate and human stories behind one of our country’s most defining moments.”
These men were often proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming and petty, but they remained determined to do what they saw as the right thing for a fledgling nation. Such is the case with John Adams, a famously ornery and at times unlikeable man, but one who wholly believed in the idea of a great new nation.
“There’s something to be said for passionately advocating for the best possible choice to make the world a better place, even if he was perceived as obnoxious,” said John C. Short, a Manasquan resident and Algonquin regular who stars as Adams. “He did not give up. He was determined to make the right choice for the future of the country.”
Short said his parents used to play the “1776” recording when he was a child, and he has loved the music ever since.
“It’s one of my favorite shows ever, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to play this role,” he said. “The music is beautiful, especially the ballads between John Adams and his wife Abigail. The lyrics were taken from love letters he wrote to her while he was away. I take great pride in presenting that kind of loving relationship. He was a man who relied on the advice of his wife.”
The Algonquin’s technical director, Jan Topoleski, directs the musical, which has a cast of 24 men and two women.
“I thought, ‘Where am I going to find 24 men?’” said Topoleski. “I lucked out and found them, but I had a hard time with the women because they had to be perfect. We have so much terrific talent in this show – a third of them have done this show before. Once you’ve done it, you love it and want to do it again.”
The show reminds audiences of the struggles our founding fathers endured to break away from England’s rule.
“You’ll walk out with an education,” said Topoleski. “The script is historically accurate while still being entertaining. It does a good job of bringing these characters to life and humanizing them. People can relate to them and what they went through to get our country started. It’s moving; these men were willing to give up everything to go to war and fight for their country.”
Despite the passage of time, both men see striking similarities to today’s political climate.
“They were very much divided in their philosophies and priorities, but the dif- ference is they worked together to reach a common goal,” said Topoleski. “We’ve gotten away from that. If we want to move forward and do what’s in the best interest of the country, both sides have to give up something for a common goal.”
Short echoed many of the same sentiments.
“In this day and age, where it feels like our own representatives in Congress are more interested in soundbites, we need to get back to basics – representing our neighbors and relatives,” he said. “Even if they were diametrically opposed, these men loved their country and there was respect between them. We’ve lost the ability to have different opinions and still try to do the right and decent thing.”
Among the lead actors are Barry Prag as Benjamin Franklin; Jason Tamashausky as John Dickinson; Dave Fretz as Edward Rutledge; Joseph Ficarra as Thomas Jefferson; Victor Brescia as John Hancock; Christina Ryan as Abigail Adams and Brendan Flanagan as Richard Henry Lee. Robert Sammond is musical director and choreography is by Kathleen Pearlberg.
“1776” runs from May 9-18 at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan. Tickets are $27-$45 and are available at 732-528-921
The article originally appeared in the May 8 – 14, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
