June 7, 2018 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven's Theatre Department will present the critically-acclaimed and award-winning musical 1776. This production, happening July 6-7, 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall, is a musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.
Dr. David Sollish, theatre department chair at Belhaven, said, “1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.”
The University is making this musical unique in its own ways. First, 1776will be presented as a staged concert with actors holding scripts and in contemporary dress, with only necessary technical elements. Second, cast members will consist of Belhaven students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Dr. Sollish adds, “The casting has been both color-blind and gender-blind in order to highlight the fact that we are all Americans.”
The musical follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania 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.
Dr. Sollish points out, “It is so important to present this musical now because our nation needs to remember where we came from and the fights that were fought to release us from tyranny and to allow us to enjoy our God-given freedom.”
1776 is free and open to the public and the doors open at 7:00 p.m. For additional information, contact Belhaven's Box Office at 601-965-7026 or boxoffice@belhaven.edu.