About the Show

1776 The Musical
July 2, 3, 4, 5, 2026

What better time to stage 1776 than during the 250th anniversary of our country? This unconventional Broadway hit brings the founding of America to life, revealing the real people behind the legends — proud, uncertain, irritable, funny, and ultimately noble. Set in the summer of 1776, the story follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they struggle to convince the Continental Congress to declare independence from Britain. With sharp wit, a powerful score, and timeless relevance, 1776 reminds us that history was made not by perfect heroes, but by passionate individuals determined to do what was right for a fledgling nation.

Learn about auditions here!

Meet the Crew

  • Connie Kiehn

    DIRECTOR

    As a musical fangirl, Connie is thrilled to be directing 1776 as her directorial musical debut. She fondly remembers watching 1776 as part of her AP U.S. History class in high school. Connie’s favorite dessert doesn’t change just because it’s summertime, she loves any ice cream with chocolate fudge chunks and/or a caramel swirl year round! Her favorite musical is How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

  • Katie Skidmore

    MUSIC DIRECTOR

    Katie is a vocalist and music educator with a background in opera, musical theatre, and arts administration. She recently music directed Into the Woods and Legally Blonde the Musical, and currently teaches private voice lessons.

  • Vicki Turnbull

    COSTUME DESIGNER

    Vicki is thrilled to be working on colonial era costume design for 1776. Her favorite summer dessert is fruit pizza. Vicki’s favorite musical since childhood has always been Victor/Victoria.

  • Stefan Kiehn

    SET DESIGNER

    Stefan is excited for the challenge of tackling set design and acting in this timeless classic. His go-to sweet treat in the summer is salted caramel and brown butter cookie from Panhandle Cone & Coffee. Stefan’s favorite musical is Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

  • Myriah Bell

    STAGE MANAGER

    Myriah returns for her first musical with HPP. She’s excited to take on a ground-up challenge, as it’s the first time she’s tackling something she hasn’t seen or listened to before. Chocolate-covered fruit, especially oranges and raspberries, is her favorite summertime dessert. Myriah’s favorite musical is a toss-up between Bandstand and Parade.

  • Charlotte Young

    DECK LEAD

    Charlotte is looking forward to 1776 because she hasn’t worked on a musical before and there is a special magic in live music. Her go-to summertime dessert is either a root beer float or apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Her current favorite musical is Little Shop of Horrors.

  • Rochelle Hendricks

    DECK LEAD

    Rochelle is trying out running the stage for the first time. One of her favorite classic musicals is The Wizard of Oz.