This American musical focuses on the American Revolution around the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This musical focuses on key figures from the revolution such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Richard Henry Lee and their contributions to the independence effort [1]. Many of the people who were fighting and supporting the war felt so strongly about independence from England that they were willing to give up their lives. One example is Richard Henry Lee of Virginia who eventually creates what is called the “Lee Resolution.” In the musical, Lee believes that he is the best person to create a document declaring independence, and he says to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, “and may my blood stop running blue if I can’t deliver unto you a resolution on independency” [2]. This lyric shows an example of the dedication that some have for their country, and some people believe that there is worth becoming a martyr.
1776 is just a musical that tells a simple story. While the important theme of martyrdom is touched upon, the story does not go much further than basic themes and plot. There was not much of a deeper meaning that came from the musical. It told the story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but there were no lasting effects that came about because of the story or the way it was performed.
