Join us for an engaging lecture hosted by Professor Gil Harel, exploring the iconic musical 1776 in the context of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This talk will delve into how the musical, first performed in 1969, vividly portrays the struggles and compromises surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the revolutionary spirit of the nation’s founding. As we approach the semiquincentennial, Professor Harel will discuss how 1776 not only celebrates America’s birth but also confronts its complexities, such as the debate over slavery, as seen in powerful songs like “Molasses to Rum.”