Theatre 605 Brings 1776 to the Black Hills Playhouse

The Black Hills Playhouse heads into Fourth of July season with a production that explores the debates that shaped the nation’s founding.

Theatre 605 opens 1776 on June 28, bringing the Tony Award-winning musical to the Black Hills Playhouse stage in Custer State Park for a two-week run that continues through July 12. The production features 15 performances, including a special Fourth of July matinee.

Set during the summer of 1776, the musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the members of the Second Continental Congress as they wrestle with the decision to declare independence from Great Britain. Rather than presenting the founders as untouchable historical figures, 1776 focuses on the arguments, compromises, rivalries, and political maneuvering behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1969, 1776 ran for more than 1,200 performances and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Songs such as “Sit Down, John,” “Cool, Cool, Considerate Men,” and “He Plays the Violin” have remained staples of the show’s score for decades.

Director Dan Workman leads this Black Hills Playhouse production, joined by Music Director Vonnie Houchin and Choreographer Katie Gutmann. The cast includes Bryan Curtis as John Adams, Erik K. Larsen as Thomas Jefferson, Dave DeChristopher as Benjamin Franklin, and Romell Johnson III as Edward Rutledge.

Like several recent productions of 1776, the Black Hills Playhouse cast does not attempt to replicate the appearance of the historical delegates. Instead, performers of different genders and backgrounds step into the roles, following a casting approach that has become increasingly common in modern revivals of the musical.

Audience members attending the 2 p.m. opening matinee on June 28 are invited to stay for a post-show reception with refreshments and an opportunity to meet members of the cast and crew.

A pay-what-you-can preview performance takes place June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.

1776 runs June 28 through July 12 at the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park. Park entrance passes are required. The production is recommended for ages 9 and older and contains some suggestive humor.