1776: From the Stage to the Stacks

The witty musical 1776 captured audiences’ attention with thought-provoking dialogue and choreography when it first premiered on Broadway in 1969. The current production at Starlight July 25-30 maintains the original wit while it guarantees that you have never seen these figures, or this pivotal story, like this before.

A cast that reflects multiple races, genders, and ethnicities portrays the fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of those who were left out the first time around. The result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. 

Starlight at the Library

In celebration of the show, the Kansas City Public Library presents 1776 at Starlight – American History Through a New Lens at the Plaza Branch on July 27. Starlight President + C.E.O. Lindsey Rood-Clifford will moderate a conversation with cast members from 1776 and and a historian about the importance of broadening historical narratives to include women, trans, non-binary, and others who have been marginalized. Enjoy appetizers and drinks at 4:30 p.m. followed by the discussion at 5 p.m. RSVP here

In addition to the program, a mural entitled We Are the People is on view at the Plaza Branch through July 30. The mural was created by Artists for Humanity and travels across the country with the touring production of 1776.

The mural, created by young Boston artists, was designed from conversation with members of the cast. 1776 includes a multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors who portray the fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the humans who were left out the first time around.

See 1776 at Starlight July 25-30 and visit the mural at the Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch at 4801 Main Street through July 30.