1776 the Musical

1776 America’s Prize Winning Musical Music and Lyrics by SHERMAN EDWARDS Book by PETER STONE Based on a concept by SHERMAN EDWARDS Original Production Directed by PETER HUNT Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by STUART OSTROW   Experience the birth of a nation like never before in 1776 the Musical, a bold and witty retelling of America’s fight for independence. As tensions rise in the Second Continental Congress, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin struggle to persuade a divided nation to declare freedom from British rule. With a Tony Award-winning score and a fresh, thought-provoking perspective, this powerful production brings history to life with humor, heart, and relevance for today. Thalian Association Community Theatre is proud to co-produce 1776 the Musical with Thalian Hall to celebrate America 250! Don’t miss this rousing journey to the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Join us for the opening night preshow reception in the ballroom at 6:00 pm – tickets available now!   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susan Habas, Executive Director Thalian Association Community Theatre 910-251-1788 shabas@thalian.org 1776 The Musical celebrates America 250; A production by Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts & Thalian Association Community Theatre WILMINGTON, NC – In a powerful celebration of history, artistry, and collaboration, Thalian Association Community Theatre and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts proudly announce their co-production of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776, with performances scheduled for March 13–15, 2026, at the historic Thalian Hall Main Stage. Presented as a commemorative tribute to America 250—the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—this dynamic production will offer audiences a fresh and poignant look at the birth of the nation through the lens of groundbreaking musical theatre. “We are delighted to partner with one of our prized resident theatre companies, Thalian Association Community Theatre,” said Shane Fernando, CEO of Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. “We are thrilled to bring together the region’s top theatrical talent to honor a pivotal moment in American history, and to do so on a stage that has stood witness to more than 160 years of our country’s cultural journey.” Thalian Association Community Theatre, a nonprofit community theatre company in Wilmington and the Official Community Theatre of North Carolina, shares the vision of celebrating the nation’s founding through powerful storytelling and inclusive casting. “This is more than a musical—it’s a tribute to the ideals, struggles, and contradictions at the heart of our nation’s founding,” said Susan Habas, Executive Director of Thalian Association. “As we approach the America 250 milestone, 1776 invites us to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we are headed.” Featuring a score by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 brings to life the drama, wit, and humanity of the Second Continental Congress as they wrestle with the monumental decision to declare independence from Great Britain. The show’s themes of courage, conflict, and compromise remain strikingly relevant today. This production is funded by The Thomas S. Kenan … » Continue Reading

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    Pender Arts Council, the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, and Thalian Association Community Theatre Present Home The Tony Award nominated play by Pender County’s own Samm-Art Williams In honor of Pender County’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Thalian Hall’s Historic Main Stage October 17 – 19, 2025 Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:00 pm Opening Night Reception Begins at 6:00 pm Tickets: Opening Night Reception & Performance $50 Sat 7:30 and Sun 2:00 pm $35   Optimistic and strong, young Cephus Miles is content to work the land on the small North Carolina farm he inherited from his family. All seems right—until his childhood sweetheart rejects him and goes off to college. Opposed to the war in Vietnam, Cephus refuses to serve and is imprisoned as a draft evader. By the time he is released, Cephus has lost his land to the tax collector, so he heads north to build a new life. With a good job and a slinky new girlfriend, he finds the big city exciting and rewarding – until he stumbles, and finds a new way forward.   Samm-Art Williams (1946-2024) was an American playwright, screenwriter, stage and film/TV actor and television producer. Much of his work concerned the African-American experience. He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his play Home (1979), which moved from the Negro Ensemble Company to a Broadway production in 1980. His other plays include Eyes of the American and Woman from the Town. In the mid-1980s, he was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work on television, and was the executive producer for the popular shows Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin. . In 2011, the Black Rep of St. Louis, Missouri produced the premiere of his play The Montford Point Marine.