“1776” Musical Searching for Cast

The "obnoxious and disliked" leader of the independence movement, Adams is driven by a fiery passion that often alienates his peers. He is deeply devoted to his wife, Abigail, whose imagined presence provides his only emotional refuge from political isolation. (Playable Age range: 45)

An urbane and "pleasantly cunning" statesman, Franklin serves as the cool-headed counterpart to Adams’ heat. He uses wit and logic to navigate stalemates, often acting as a bridge between radical ideas and practical politics. (Playable Age range:70)

A quiet, "silver wordsmith" who is initially more interested in returning home to his wife, Martha, than in politics. Once convinced to write, he provides the intellectual and literary foundation for the new nation. Must be able to move well. (Playable Age range: 35)

The primary antagonist of independence, Dickinson is a cool, conservative loyalist who believes rebellion will lead to chaos. He matches Adams in intellect and conviction, arguing that a petition to the King is a safer path for the colonies. (Playable Age range: 40)

The youngest delegate and a fierce advocate for Southern interests, Rutledge is the "ominous" defender of the slave trade. He leads the opposition against the Declaration's anti-slavery clause, exposing Northern hypocrisy in the process. (Playable Age range: 25)

A flamboyant and overconfident aristocrat, Lee brings energy to the cause when Adams’ reputation fails to move Congress. He successfully proposes the resolution for independence through sheer charismatic force. (Playable Age range: 44)

As President of the Congress, Hancock is a fair-minded leader who maintains order among the "quarrelsome" delegates. His leadership is punctuated by his defiant, oversized signature on the final document. (Playable Age range: 39)

A colorful, aged delegate with a "dirty old man playfulness" and a constant need for rum. Despite his eccentricities and indulgences, he is a staunch and reliable supporter of independence. (Playable Age range: 69)

A thoughtful newcomer who initially sides with the conservatives but ultimately votes with his conscience. He represents the internal struggle of an individual weighing public duty against local pressure. (Playable Age range: 52)

Depicted as Dickinson’s sycophantic "toady" who avoids taking a stand until the very end. He ultimately casts the deciding vote for independence purely because he does not want to be remembered as the man who stopped it. (Playable Age range: 33)

A selfless patriot who suffers from skin cancer but travels through a storm to cast his vote for independence. His grit and determination ensure Delaware’s support when it is most needed. (Playable Age range: 47)

A loud, vocal Scotsman who serves as a loyal ally to Adams and the cause of liberty. His boisterous personality often clashes with the more refined delegates, but his heart is firmly with the revolution. (Playable Age range: 42)

A conservative delegate who consistently opposes independence, siding with Dickinson. He represents the stubborn loyalist sentiment that threatens to keep the colonies under British rule. (Playable Age range: 42)

A portly delegate known for his constant eating and initial reluctance to support independence. He is eventually won over after seeing the revolutionary fervor of the colonial army firsthand. (Playable Age range: 35)

A simple, hyperactive cobbler who serves on the committee to draft the Declaration. He provides a humble, common-man perspective to the high-minded political debates. (Playable Age range: 55)

A soft-spoken delegate on the drafting committee who eventually departs for New York before the final vote. He represents the cautious, middle-ground approach of some Northern colonies. (Playable Age range: 29)

The delegate who famously "abstains courteously" throughout the play as his colony refuses to give him instructions. His eventual decision to sign reflects the personal risk many signers took in defiance of their local governments. (Playable Age range: 50)

A religious leader who successfully argues for the inclusion of God in the Declaration. He bridges the gap between secular revolution and divine providence. (Playable Age range: 53)

The dry, overworked Secretary of the Congress who records the proceedings and reads Washington's grim dispatches. He is the stoic witness to the chaos and eventual birth of the nation. (Playable Age range: 46)

The Congressional custodian and bell-ringer who provides a commoner’s perspective on the delegates' behavior. He is the physical presence that keeps the hall running while the founders argue.

A pragmatic medical man, he insisted the Declaration be a political document, striking out Jefferson’s poetic grievances. Despite his dry, puritanical demeanor, including attempts to ban horse racing, he played a key role by being the first to cast a strong affirmative vote. (Playable Age range: 46)

Is portrayed as a wealthy, conservative delegate loyal to Edward Rutledge, often supporting South Carolina and participating in the slavery walkout. He has little independent will but ultimately votes 'yea' for independence once the anti-slavery clause is removed. (Playable Age range: 46)

Appears only in John's mind and letters as his intellectual equal and emotional anchor. She provides sharp political insight and reminds him of the personal human toll of his public mission. (Playable Age range: 31)

Jefferson’s vibrant wife, whose arrival in Philadelphia cures his writer’s block. She represents the joyful, human motivation behind the men's desire for a free future. Must be able to move well. (Playable Age range: 27)

A somber young messenger who delivers news from the front lines, representing the "horrific price" of war. His presence serves as a recurring reminder that while delegates debate, soldiers are dying in battle.