Come see '1776' in 2026

HURON — The Huron Historical Society is commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. with a production of the musical "1776" this summer. Based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the musical depicts the efforts of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to persuade their colleagues to vote for American independence and to sign the document. The ensuing debates are as relevant today as they were then. In summary, "1776" is a dynamic, award-winning musical that explores this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today. The show premiered on Broadway in 1969 where it received acclaim and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In addition to a celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, "1776" will be a tribute to the Huron Playhouse, which was an integral part of Huron's history from 1949 to 2016. The Huron Playhouse drew theater-lovers from all over the area and featured many up-and-coming actors in musicals, dramas and comedies. The Huron Historical Society's production of "1776" will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1 in the auditorium at McCormick Junior High School, 325 Ohio St., Huron. Jann Graham Glann, the former managing director of the Huron Playhouse and retired professor of theater from BGSU Firelands, has agreed to direct "1776," which she did several times during her tenure at the playhouse. Her sons Kerry and John, who are Playhouse alumni, will serve as the music director and one of the leading actors, respectively. Kerry is the associate director of choral activities at Indiana's Ball State University and conducts the Concert Choir and Vox Anima, prepares opera choruses, and teaches conducting and graduate choral literature. A resident of New York City, John has had roles in numerous operas and musicals. Shaun Moorman, another Playhouse alumnus and the former company manager for the Book of Mormon on Broadway, will be part of the production as will Geoff Stephenson, an associate teaching professor of voice and musical theater for Bowling Green State University. Other playhouse alumni and local actors have agreed to lend their expertise with many donating their time. Tickets will be on sale beginning May 14 at the Huron Historical Society website, thehuronhistoricalsociety.org. Want to audition? Auditions will take place from: • 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 • 4-6 p.m. on Monday, May 11 They'll occur from the Huron Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St., Huron. The women and several of the men's roles will be performed by Huron Playhouse alumni, but we welcome and encourage any man who would like to audition. Call Glann at 440-452-6115 if you are planning to audition. If you cannot make either audition, call Glann to make other arrangements. Those men already cast need to attend one of the auditions for vocal placement by the musical director and director.