Local actors rehearse for 1776, a musical focused on Joh. Adams and the founding of the Nation, to premiere Saturday, July 31 through August 2, put on by the Norwich Theater Company. (Submitted photos)

NORWICH – The Norwich Theater Company Inc (NTCI) to perform a summer musical based on the founding days of the nation, called 1776.

The volunteer-led organization will present 1776 July 31 through August 2 at the Martin W Kappel Theater in Norwich. Adult tickets cost $20, children 12 and under $10, they can be pre-purchased on line.

Director Marty Kuhn, who has worked with the company for years said the show centers on John Adams in his fight to secure independence for the colonies.

“He was the primary driver of independence,” she explained, noting that the musical follows debates, tensions, and personalities that shaped the Declaration of Independence. “It's a little different than a traditional musical, in that the characters are all historical figures, who were real people,” said Kuhn.

Kuhn describes the music in the production as powerful, she said, “There's some fun numbers, there's some serious numbers. It's one of those you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cheer kind of things, because those songs are all very powerful.”

The production features a cast from Norwich and the surrounding region, including some first-time performers and family pairs. John Adams will be played by Charles Ackerman and Abigail Adams by Molly Avolio. Kuhn expressed that casting is typically one of the most challenging parts of putting a show together, this one particularly because it is a male heavy show, “but I think we have a great cast. We've all worked together and pulled together and it's going to be a great show.”

To bring Revolutionary era visuals to the stage, NTCI rented period costumes and wigs from an Albany costumer.

“We made the decision that in order to have the stage pictures come to life, that we were going to rent costumes,” she said “including the wigs” she added. Some of the full ensembles, Kuhn admitted jokingly, are “heavy as anything.”

The directing approach Kuhn took in rehearsals emphasized collaboration. While as the director she had a vision and the script provided a framework, actors were encouraged to “explore their character and how they feel they fit into that framework.”

Some actors even researched their historical counterparts and sometimes wrestled with the differences between real-life beliefs and scripted dialogue. “It is entertainment at the end of the say,” Kuhn said recognizing that while the show is based on history, the playwright still took some artistic liberties to make it an entertaining show.

One performance of this year's production lands on a meaningful date. While July 4 is widely celebrated as independence Day, the Declaration of Independence was actually signed by most delegates on August 2, 17776, exactly 250 years from the final performance. “So we are actually hitting the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Kuhn said.

In recognition of the occasion, veterans will be admitted free to any performance, with ID or discharge papers. “Veterans may come free of charge to see the show, as our thank you and appreciation for all they've done,” said Kuhn.

The show is recommended for ages 10 and up. The venue seats just over 500. Performances are scheduled for Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 1 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 2 at 2 p.m.

Kuhn said she hopes audiences leave with both entertainment and appreciation. “A whole bunch of people, have spent a whole lot of time, working very very had to bring this really important story to life in an entertaining way,” she said.