Casting Call: '1776'

Playhouse 22 will hold auditions for "1776", by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone, March 6 and 7.

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 Richard Henry Lee 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. The show 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.

Auditionees should prepare a short cut of a show tune that best reflects the vocal abilities of the character they will audition for, being sure to bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

John Adams (baritone to tenor, 41)	Delegate and devoted husband from Massachusetts. Opinionated, quick-tempered, domineering and obnoxious, he seems to antagonize everyone in Congress. But what is perceived as an ego out of control is an unwavering duty for doing what he believes is right. (The actor cast as Adams will be required to be at the bulk of rehearsals, regardless if he's played the role before.
Benjamin Franklin (baritone, late 60's-70)	Delegate from Pennsylvania who enjoys quoting himself. Intelligent, well-traveled, a keen politician and a firm patriot, who is respected by the men of Congress. He is a charmer with the ladies and impossible not to like.
Thomas Jefferson (high-baritone to tenor, 33)	Delegate from Virginia. A scholar and a thinker, he is tall, handsome and very much in love with his wife. Despite a quiet demeanor when the gloves come off, his commitment for a just and moral outcome is apparent, particularly with the subject of slavery.
Abigail Adams (soprano, 32)	John Adams' loving wife. She is understanding, dignified and talented with a pen. She has a calm beauty about her and conveys a quiet strength. Every bit as bright as her husband, she proves to be his equal on any matter.
John Dickinson (baritone, 40s)	Delegate from Pennsylvania. A sharp-tongued loyalist who at one moment can be witty and the next a touch detestable. He is unmovable in his belief that separation from England would be a grave mistake. He is also a masterful spin-doctor.
Martha Jefferson (mezzo to soprano, mid-20s)	Thomas Jefferson's wife and the love of his life. She is elegant, graceful, completely enchanting and should convey a "lightness" about her. She is the cool breeze on a hot summer day.
Edward Rutledge (baritone, 30)	Delegate from South Carolina. The quintessential southern gentleman: polished, well spoken and privileged. His manner is confident and somewhat "genteel", but when he chooses to strike, he will strike like no other. Vocal ability will take precedence over age. Southern accent required.
Richard Henry Lee (baritone to tenor, mid-40s)	Delegate from Virginia. A bold, brash and a bit bombastic aristocrat and patriot. His manner is enjoyable to some, infuriating to others. He proudly proposes the question of Independence, which starts the ball rolling. Vocal ability will take precedence over age.
The courier (tenor, 16-20-ish)	The messenger between General Washington's army and Congress. While his disposition is innocent, he has witnessed the horrors of war firsthand.
Roger Sherman (baritone or tenor, 40s-50s)	Delegate from Connecticut. He is a cobbler with a gentle demeanor. Solo part in "But Mr. Adams."
Robert Livingston (baritone or tenor, late 30s-50s)	Delegate from New York. A proud father of a new son. Solo part in "But Mr. Adams."
Charles Thomson (high baritone or tenor, late 30s-50s)	The Congressional Secretary. He is official and businesslike in his demeanor. Closely watches the intentions of the delegates, both spoken and unspoken. Solo part in "Is Anybody There."
Andrew McNair (baritone or tenor, 40s-60s)	Congressional Custodian and gopher for the members of Congress. He's likable and accommodating. Sings harmonies in "Mama Look Sharp."
The Leather Apron (baritone or tenor, 15-20s)	McNair's apprentice who wants to join the Continental Army. Sings harmonies in "Mama Look Sharp."
John Hancock (early 40s+)	President of Congress, a supporter of independence and the ringmaster of the congressional chaos. He is the deciding vote in a tie.
Caesar Rodney (late 40s-50s)	Delegate from Delaware. Deathly ill, riddled with cancer, he remains dignified. A true patriot, he travels back from Delaware to break a tie for independence.
Stephen Hopkins (60s)	Delegate from Rhode Island. Gruff, cantankerous and not at all afraid to voice his views. He also likes his rum.
Dr. Lyman Hall (late 40s-50s)	Delegate from Georgia. A mannered, reserved physician torn between his beliefs and those of his Southern contingency. Mild southern accent required.
Colonel Thomas McKean (late 30s-40s)	Delegate from Delaware. A proud Scotsman, pro-independence, who looks after Caesar Rodney and somewhat despises his fellow delegate George Read. A "guy's guy". Scottish accent required.
Judge James Wilson (30s-40s)	Delegate from Pennsylvania. The sheepish yes-man to Dickinson who ends up being faced with casting the final vote that will forever decide the issue of independence.
John Witherspoon (50s)	Delegate from New Jersey. Almost didn't make it because he got lost. Pro-independence.
Ensemble	Dr. Josiah Bartlett (40s-50s) Delegate from New Hampshire. Pro-independence. Lewis Morris (50s) Delegate from New York. Always abstaining. Joseph Hewes (40s-50s) Delegate from North Carolina. Must be swayed for independence. Samuel Chase (30s-50s) Delegate from Maryland. Must be swayed for independence. George Read (40s) Delegate from Delaware. Against independence, and the reason a gravely ill Caesar Rodney must return to Congress to vote.

Auditions will occur 6:30-9:30 March 6 and 7. The time is divided into two blocks; the first block ends and the next one begins at 8:00. Actors can make an appointment stating the part they are auditioning for date and time block they want, and will receive audition sides a few days in advance. Auditionees will be seen in order of arrival. Callbacks will be held March 10.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays June 10-26.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, email 1776@playhouse22.org. Those seeking information can also call (732)254-3939. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.