Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with 1776: The Musical at the Panida

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

There are few stories in human history more captivating and complex than the establishment of the United States of America. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, Honey Pearl Productions is bringing 1776: The Musical for a multi-day run at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, and the book written by Peter Stone, 1776 debuted on Broadway in 1969 and went on to 1,217 performances, a Tony for Best Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book.

The story dramatizes the already dramatic days preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence — specifically focusing on the role played by John Adams (who went on to serve as the first U.S. vice president and second president) in convincing his fellow “Founding Fathers” to sign the document and launch the effort for American independence — with all the wordsmithing, wit, conflict and big personalities that were involved.

Placing audiences in the sweltering summer of 1776 in Philadelphia, actors bring to life characters such as Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

Showtimes are Thursday, July 2; Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 5 at 3 p.m. Doors open 45 minutes before the performances, and tickets to the two-and-a-half-hour production are $28. Get tickets at the door or panida.org.