In celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, the Williamsburg Players present the award-winning musical, “1776.”

It's the summer of 1776 in Philadelphia, and America is ready to declare independence... but will our founding fathers agree to do it? John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia try to convince the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy. And it’s not at all certain they’ll succeed!

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, “1776” is a rousing and tuneful, funny and patriotic portrayal of the ideals – and contradictions -- that created the U.S.A.

“1776” opens at 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, with evening performances continuing Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through June 13. Afternoon performances are at 2 p.m. Saturdays on May 30 and June 6 and 13, and 2 p.m. Sundays on June 7 and 14. (Captions and audio description for those with vision/hearing loss are provided for the June 13, 2 p.m., performance only; captions are displayed to the right of the audience.)

At the James-York Playhouse, 200 Hubbard Lane, Williamsburg. Tickets are $22 adults, $12 students/children, online at williamsburgplayers.org or by calling the box office, 757-229-0431.