TOWAMENCIN – Everyone knows the year 1776 as the year the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain. But what so many people don’t know is how difficult it was to sway all of the colonies to sign the Declaration of Independence. The musical 1776 portrays all that went into the declaration, up until its signing on July 4th. North Penn High School Theatre is performing 1776 this weekend, and this charming show is sure to entertain everyone.

Director Mrs. Andrea Roney shocked many people this summer when she announced the show 1776. Typically, the fall show is a play, rather than a musical, but all of the students embraced this nuance. There are 70 students involved in costume crew, set crew, and sound booth, and there are 29 actors on stage. They have all been working hard since September and are so proud to share their finished product with us this weekend.

“I’m super grateful to have this opportunity to be apart of this show and to be a character I never thought I would be. I love being apart of this moment in history!” said junior Sammi Stec, who plays Delaware Congressman George Read.

The plot follows Congressman John Adams, played by Andrew Bozelli, as he works to get the entire Congress on board with declaring independence from Great Britain. With half of the Congress against it, there was a lot of convincing to do. Along with Adams, Ben Franklin, played by Joshua Maier, and Thomas Jefferson, played by Jaemon Crosby, work tirelessly on the declaration and meeting the Congress’s needs before everyone signs it. Although you know the ending of the show, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Audience member Raina Kikani, a junior at North Penn, said, “I went into it thinking it was just a show about the declaration, but it was so much more. It was a show about war and race and politics, it was amazing.”

“It’s been a great company of people working together, they really embraced the show and the history behind it. The costume crew embraced creating all these amazing costumes to bring you back into the 18th century and make you believe you’re sitting in Independence Hall. I hope everyone enjoys watching it all unfold and watching our country being born,” said director Andrea Roney.

Molly Hofstaedter, who plays Martha Jefferson, said, “I’m so proud of everyone and I can’t wait for the next two nights!”

So far the company has performed 1776 on Wednesday, November 8th for all of the 8th graders in the North Penn School District, who are currently learning American History. They have also performed their Thursday and Friday shows at 7:30. You have two more chances to see this amazing show on Saturday, November 11th at 7:30, and Sunday, November 12th at 2:00.