1776 Book by: Peter Stone Lyrics by: Sherman Edwards Music by: Sherman Edwards a concept by Sherman Edwards
American History Blazes to Life
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. 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 Richard Henry Lee 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.
Summer of 1776
In the summer of 1776, George Washington and the Continental army had to retreat from Brooklyn because the British were coming nearer and nearer. The Continental army had to get out of Brooklyn or else the British would capture them. The only thing that was keeping the British from capturing the Continental army was the fog on Long Island. One night, Washington's army snuck out of Brooklyn unnoticed. They followed a rope in boats that led from Brooklyn to Manhattan Island. Every soldier escaped from the British by crossing the Delaware River. After the retreat from Brooklyn, the Continental army moved to New Jersey. In New Jersey, Washington and his army won important battles, the battle of Trenton and the battle of Princeton. Although, victory was far from being won.