By John Posada
originally published: 08/21/2026
(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence with Surflight Theatre's production of 1776, the Musical from August 18-30, 2026. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.
It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence... if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.
1776 is a funny, insightful and compelling drama with a striking score and legendary book.
Performances take place August 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29 at 8:00pm; and matinees on August 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Surflight Theatre is located at 201 Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey.
The cast includes Don Daniels (John Adams), Noah Lyon (Thomas Jefferson), Frank Crumbaugh (Benjamin Franklin), Alison Nusbaum (Abigail Adams), Melanie Becker (Martha Jefferson), Luke Anderson (Joseph Hewes), Maxwell Bass (Charles Thomson), Mike Brennan (Richard Henry Lee), John Durazzo (Lewis Morris), Ryan Edge (George Read), Nathan Gutman (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Isaiah Hilliard (Courier), Mark James (Leather Apron), John Little (Colonel Thomas McKean), John Martelli (Andrew McNair), Matt Michael (Edward Rutledge), Jack Mintz (Robert Livingston), Taylor Hilt Mitchell (Roger Sherman), Ricky Pope (Joseph Hewes), Peter Clapsis (James Wilson), Keith Schneider (Samuel Chase), David Sitler (John Dickinson), Steve Steiner (Stephen Hopkins), Tim Steiner (John Hancock), Jonathan Van Dyke (Dr. Lymon Hall), and Ian Wehrle (Caesar Rodney).
1776 is presented by through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Here are more photos from the production.
John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
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ADVANCED EVENTS
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EVENT PREVIEWS
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(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents a reading of You've Got Hate Mail by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00pm. The reading takes place at The American Hotel and is directed by Sharon Coyle.
James Dalton to read "Ginsberg's Howl" with the Ginsberg Beat Connection on Monday at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- New Jersey artist James Dalton will read "Ginsberg's Howl" with the Ginsberg Beat Connection on Monday, September 14th at The Rotunda as part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The event takes place at 7:00pm.
Acclaimed Americana Singer-Songwriter Chris Knight to Perform at The Vogel on September 15th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- After 28 years as a recording artist, singer-songwriter Chris Knight remains boldly empowered to make music that always delivers the unflinching truth. In fact, the man raised in Slaughters, Kentucky uses a simple, direct barometer to regularly check his muse: "If I can't believe myself, I won't sing the song."
The Vogel presents singer-songwriter Chris Knight on Tuesday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents singer-songwriter Chris Knight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 7:30pm. Special guest Chance Stanley will open the night.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents "Send Me No Flowers"
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Send Me No Flowers from September 16 through October 22, 2026. When George Kimball, a Westchester commuter with a flair for hypochondria, overhears his doctor discussing a heart patient, he’s convinced his time has come.
SOPAC presents "The Unwitting Magician" on September 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents The Unwitting Magician on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Is it a play? Sort of. Is it a reading? Kind of. Is it a magic show? Sure. With a magician? Definitely not.
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Twenty-fifth Season of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals Opens on September 17th
(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- On Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:15pm, the 25th season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will open with a recital of music for solo piano by Korean composers. The performer, Eunju Kim, is a member of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.
The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Molly is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and virtuosic guitarist whose innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, and rock has made her one of the most dynamic artists in modern roots music.
SOPAC's Herb + Milly Iris Gallery Presents unveiled26, Celebrating the Artists of the 23rd Annual Studio Tour SOMA
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents unveiled26, an exhibition featuring works by artists from South Orange and Maplewood, opening Thursday, September 17, at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. The exhibition will remain on view through November 8, 2026.
