As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Maine State Music Theatre will bring one of Broadway’s most celebrated historical musicals to the Pickard stage this summer with "1776." The Tony Award-winning musical runs June 24 through July 11 at the Pickard Theater on the campus of Bowdoin College. 1 Bath Road in Brunswick.

Before there was "Hamilton," there was "1776." The groundbreaking musical opened on Broadway in 1969 and became an immediate sensation, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical and capturing audiences with its witty, human, and deeply compelling portrayal of America’s founding fathers. More than five decades later, its themes of debate, democracy, compromise, and courage continue to resonate.

“There are very few musicals that feel as perfectly timed as '1776' does right now,” says Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark. “As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, audiences have an opportunity to experience the story behind the Declaration of Independence through one of Broadway’s most intelligent, entertaining, and inspiring musicals. We're especially proud to bring this show back to MSMT, where it has such a rich history.”

The production also continues a long and proud tradition at MSMT. Then known as Brunswick Music Theatre, the company was among the first regional theatres in the country granted the rights to produce "1776" following its Broadway success. The show debuted in Brunswick in 1972 and became a major hit, returning in 1973, 1976 during the Bicentennial celebration, and again in 1994.

Leading the cast as John Adams is James Patterson, known to MSMT audiences for performances in "Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance," "Beauty and the Beast," "Treasure Island," and "South Pacific." Joining him are Broadway veteran John Treacy Egan as Benjamin Franklin, Quinn Corcoran as Thomas Jefferson, Curt Dale Clark as Richard Henry Lee, David Girolmo as John Hancock, Dan DeLuca as John Dickinson, Matthew Hommel as Edward Rutledge, Alicia Kaori as Abigail Adams, Liz Leclerc as Martha Jefferson, and Jalen Kirkman as The Courier.

The ensemble cast features Glenn Anderson, Paul Castree, Jonathan Cobrda, Scott Cote, David B. Friedman, Darian Goulding, Michael Iannucci, Robert Anthony Jones, Kevin Patrick Martin, Joel Newsome, Cameron Reagan, Ed Romanoff, David Schmittou, Peter Matthew Smith, George Sopko, and Jason Winfield. Serving as understudies for the production are Sierra Anastasia, Max Middleton, and Roger Philippon.

Directing the production is award-winning Chicago-based director Amber Mak, making her MSMT debut. Choreography is by Christopher Page Sanders, with music direction by Jason Wetzel and associate music direction by Andrew Becker.

The creative team includes scenic design by Kevin Rupnik, costume design by Leon Dobkowski, lighting design by Jeff Koger, sound design by Shannon Slaton, video projection design by Jerran Kowalski, and wig design by Kevin S. Foster II. Production Stage Manager Amy Bertacini leads the production team backstage.

Featuring a sharp, intelligent score and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, and a book by Peter Stone, "1776" transforms the debates surrounding independence into riveting musical theatre. The show includes beloved numbers such as “Sit Down, John,” “Molasses to Rum,” and “He Plays the Violin.”

“As Artistic Director, I'm thrilled to be welcoming audiences to this extraordinary production,” said Clark,  “As an actor, it's especially exciting to step into the role of Richard Henry Lee and share the stage with such a talented company. Between our Broadway veterans, returning MSMT favorites, and exciting newcomers, this cast is truly something special. The brilliance of '1776' is that it combines history, humor, and heart. Audiences will laugh, they'll be moved, and they'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people and ideas that shaped our nation. It's exactly the kind of theatrical experience we love to create at MSMT.”

Tickets are available at msmt.org or by calling the MSMT box office at 207-725-8769. "1776" is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).