Tony Award-winning musical comes to the Wayne Community Center November 13–15 as America marks its 250th anniversary
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation.
This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center, 1 Pike Drive in Wayne.
Set during the sweltering summer of 1776, the musical follows the determined and frequently exasperated John Adams as he tries to convince the Second Continental Congress that the thirteen colonies must declare their independence from Great Britain. Along the way, he finds allies in the irreverent Benjamin Franklin and reluctant Thomas Jefferson — and formidable opposition from delegates who have little interest in revolution.
With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 transforms the debates surrounding American independence into a battle of personalities, politics and principles. The musical originally opened on Broadway in 1969 and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. More than half a century later, its portrayal of an argumentative Congress wrestling with compromise, regional divisions, slavery and the meaning of liberty remains strikingly relevant.
The production also arrives at an especially fitting moment. Throughout 2026, communities across the country are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and reflecting on the ideals, contradictions and continuing story that began in Philadelphia two-and-a-half centuries ago.
Leading the cast is Joe Elefante as John Adams, the outspoken Massachusetts delegate determined to persuade the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain. Joining him are Anthony Rotondi as Benjamin Franklin and Don Flynn as Thomas Jefferson.
The featured cast also includes Frank Ortega as Richard Henry Lee, Kevin Hayes as John Dickinson, Ryan Green as Edward Rutledge, Stephen Burke as Roger Sherman, Bill Kaufman as Robert Livingston, and Frank Skokan as John Hancock. Julia Duncan portrays Abigail Adams and Brittany Reese plays Martha Jefferson.
Sugarman returns to the Theater League of Clifton after directing several previous productions, including Oliver!, Waiting for Christmas, Man of La Mancha, Murder on the Menu and The Altos.
Tickets are $30, or $25 for seniors and students. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or larger. Tickets can be purchased online at tlctheater.org or reserved by calling (973) 928-7668.
The Theater League of Clifton has also announced a special promotion with Outback Steakhouse in Wayne, offering audiences of its upcoming production of 1776 a 30% discount on food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. To take advantage of the promotion, patrons need only present their purchased 1776 ticket at the restaurant's Wayne location at 191 Berdan Avenue, between Friday, November 13, and Sunday, November 15.
Founded in 2005, the Theater League of Clifton is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the arts through theatrical performances, providing quality entertainment for audiences of all ages and creating opportunities for members of the community to participate in live theater.
1776 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.