Gulf Coast Symphony presents ‘1776’ April 18 & 19 at Barbara B. Mann PAH

March 12, 2026

Gulf Coast Symphony will present the classic musical 1776 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this fully staged production of the hit Tony Award-winning musical 1776 will be accompanied by the Gulf Coast Symphony, and features Jason Parrish as John Adams, Raymond McLeod as Benjamin Franklin and AJ Mendini as Thomas Jefferson.

The musical takes place in 1776 Philadelphia, where the passionate but stubborn John Adams pushes the Continental Congress toward independence while clashing with fellow delegates, rallying them with songs like “Sit Down, John” and “But, Mr. Adams.” As tensions rise and the cost of freedom becomes clear, the story unfolds through powerful moments such as “He Plays the Violin,” the haunting “Molasses to Rum,” and the poignant “Momma Look Sharp,” until the delegates finally unite to sign the Declaration of Independence.

To purchase tickets for 1776, go to gulfcoastsymphony.org or call 239-481-4849. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.