SPOTLIGHT ON Big Musical

MAR

11-15

2026

blue-toned illustration of a spotlight illuminating a writing desk with a sheet of paper and a quill pen

1776

SPonsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club

About the Show

America’s Founding Fathers light up the RPP stage in the Tony Award-winning musical ‘1776’ With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, this seminal event in American history comes to life as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson try to convince the Second Continental Congress to vote for Independence.

The humanity behind the men determining the fate of our nation is charming, proud, irritable and petty at the same time. Twenty-six members of the RPP company – both old and new stars – crowd the stage singing and dancing for joy as our nation is formed. Humor, romance and tension make this one musical you must see. Although we already know the ending to this fabulous show, ‘1776’ reminds all of us that each generation needs to compromise on important issues, or nothing is accomplished. Don’t miss it!

On-Stage

  • Rebecca Cleveland, Martha Jefferson
  • Alice Court, John Hancock
  • Gary Cross, Courier
  • Jim Grace, Rev Jonathon Witherspoon
  • Jim Grant, Benjamin Franklin
  • Lynda Grant, Lewis Morris
  • David Jenkins, Caesar Rodney
  • Jeff Lehrian, Robert Livingston
  • Mary Ralph Lowe, Joseph Hewes
  • Carol McDermott, Dr Lyman Hall
  • Sarah McDonald, Andrew McNair
  • Rich Mutkoski, Richard Henry Lee
  • Lisa Naum, Dr. Josiah Bartlett
  • Andrea Nielsen, George Read
  • Julia Pierce, Edward Rutledge
  • Peter Powell, Roger Sherman
  • Arnie Preston, Abigail Adams
  • Elaine Skypala, James Wilson
  • Robbie Stanley, Charles Thompson
  • Susie Tinsley, Samuel Chase
  • Boots Tolsdorf, Stephen Hopkins
  • Geoff Verney, Col. Thomas McKean
  • Kimberly Whipple, John Dickinson
  • Scott Wise, John Adams
  • Ross Witschonke, Thomas Jefferson
  • Pat Witschonke, Leather Apron/Portrait Painter

Off-Stage

  • Tad Ingram, Director
  • Jason Tucker, Musical Director
  • Laura Brock, Set Designer
  • Mike Hilton, Technical Director
  • Randy Bell, Co-Producer
  • Sally B Johnson, Co-Producer
  • Andrea Nielsen, Stage Manager
  • Linda Rollyson, Assistant Stage Manager
  • Lisa Naum, Props
  • Arnie Preston, Costumes

Tickets on Sale Now!

Purchase your tickets below:

Scroll to Top