In 1776, a group of radicals declared their independency from their “parent stem” as Benjamin Franklin puts it in 1776. I think that group of radicals may have marveled, may have even found it miraculous, that 250 years later their precious dream survives. It’s not been easy; many times has the country seemed irreparably fractured.

Today, those fissures reveal themselves again, and again we must decide whether to adhere to that which binds the nation or allow the fracture to undo what was achieved a quarter millennium ago.

As is made clear in 1776, democracy is not a tidy package. It is messy and requires compromise, compromise that, all too often, is distasteful, sometimes even appallingly distasteful. In those times when democracy asks us to accept the ugly as part of the package, we must continue the work, remind ourselves we can do better, and strive for a better future.

As Abigail Adams reminds her husband, John, in 1776, these big dreams require commitment. All big endeavors, such as the formation of a new nation, do. It requires individuals with unwavering commitment, individuals who forge the path, and lead the way, despite the myriad roadblocks placed in their way. This commitment is born of a singular vision – a vision of a world where all are treated with love, respect, and mercy. And John Adams had just such a vision.

Working through the mess of democracy and accepting a temporary compromise of the distasteful does not mean a resignation to it. In fact, it means the opposite, it means redoubling the efforts made to fulfill that founding promise. When democracy insists on the ugly, when the promise of the Declaration is compromised, a nation worthy of the designation United, will always remember – we hold these truths to be self-evident – and will fight for those truths and the sacred promise contained therein. Fight for them with unwavering commitment.

Desmond Gallant 

Robert Koutras+* (John Adams) ) FAU- Radium Girls (Roeder). Off-Broadway- Sessions, Tours- Full Monty, Grease. Regional- Daniel’s Husband (Daniel) POW. Cabaret (Ludwig) & Next To Normal (Madden) (Carbonell nom.) Zoetic, Bonnie & Clyde (Clyde), & Camelot (King Arthur) TheatreZone. Love! Valour! Compassion! (Gregory) Island City Stage. Head Over Heels (Basilius) Slow Burn. Parade (Leo Frank) (Carbonell nom.) Broward Stage Door.

Casey Venema+ (Abigail Adams) is a graduate student in the MFA-Performance program. She has a degree in Theatre/Film and Media Studies from Bucknell University. FAU credits: Radium Girls (Mrs. Roeder/Madame Curie). Other acting credits: Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney); Sweeney Todd (Pirelli); Jesus Christ Superstar (Pilate); Twelfth Night (Sebastian); White Christmas (Betty Haynes). Follow Casey on Instagram @caseyvenem8

Sadie Corley+ (Martha Jefferson) is a first year MFA performance student here at FAU, having recently graduated from Wagner College with her BA in Theater Performance. She was most recently seen in Radium Girls (Grace Fryer). You can find her on Instagram @sadiecorley. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Paige Rogers+ (Benjamin Franklin) has a B.A in Arts Administration and Theatre and attended The Actors Conservatory. Acting credits include Radium Girls (FAU), Crimes of the Heart (Tent Theatre), The Journal of Ben Uchida (Oregon Children's Theatre), and Girl in the Red Corner (Defunkt Theatre).

Desir Dumerjuste (Edward Rutledge) is overjoyed to be a part of his first FAU production! Desir’s previous works have been Five Guys Named Moe(MNM), A Chorus Line, Memphis, Hello Dolly(LPAC), In the Heights Invision, and A Chorus Line again(DBP). Thank you for supporting live theater, and a big thank you to our amazing orchestra.

Mikaylah O’Brien (Richard Henry Lee) is ecstatic to be playing the role of Richard Henry Lee in this production. She is pursuing her BFA in Musical Theater. She wants to thank the artistic staff for all their hard work and thank her family especially her brother Josh for their unending support. She is excited for you to see the show and CERTAIN-LEE hopes you enjoy!

Carson Carter+ (John Dickinson, U/S John Adams) is a graduate theatre performance student at FAU. He was recently seen in FAUs production of Radium Girls. He is very excited to be a part of 1776 and hopes you enjoy the show.

Josh Wilde+ (Thomas Jefferson) is from Buffalo, NY and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College in 2019. Select theater credits include Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), for which he won an Artie Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical," The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack), Angels in America (Louis), and Ragtime (Henry Ford/Ensemble).

Hailey McDonough (Dr. Lyman Hall, U/S The Courier) is a sophomore BFA in Musical Theatre major and is so excited to be a part of her third production at FAU. She was recently in Firebringer (Emberly) and Xanadu (Andrew Sister, Ensemble, Dance Captain). She has loved researching this show and digging into the history and hopes you enjoy 1776!

Valeria Illan (Robert Livingston) is a Venezuelan born senior in her last semester of the Musical Theatre BFA. This is her third & last musical with FAU. Previous credits: Ride the Cyclone (Jane Doe), Xanadu (Erato), and A Chorus Line (Diana). She is honored to work with such amazing people and is grateful to her friends and family for the love and support during the last 4 years! Instagram @valeriaisabelillan.

Mack Moore ( John Hancock, U/S Thomas Jefferson) is so excited to be in FAU’s production of 1776! Mack hails from Jacksonville, FL (DUUUUVAL) and this is their fifth FAU Theatre and Dance production. You may have seen Mack most recently as Zazzalil in Firebringer last fall. She’d like to thank Des and the rest of the cast and crew for an incredible experience!

Cate Gonzalez (Roger Sherman ) is a junior in the BFA Musical Theatre Program from Tampa, FL. She is beyond excited to be choreographing her first mainstage. Recent credits include Firebringer (Keeri/ Dance Captain) and Xanadu (Ensemble/ Dance Captain) with FAU. And Ride The Cyclone (Talia/ Choreographer) with The Collective at FAU. She thanks her friends and family for their unconditional love and support. categonzalez.com

Karen Cohen+ (Lewis Morris, U/S (Abigail) is excited to be in her second production at FAU. Regional credits: Clara in Memphis, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street and Molly MacGregor inThe Full Monty (LPAC); Nun in Sister Act (MNM); and Fräulein Kost in Cabaret (PPTOPA). Karen would like to thank her husband and children for their unwavering support.

Gustavo Garcia+ (Charles Thomson, U/S Benjamin Franklin) is an MFA candidate. He is excited to return to the FAU stage after completing his BFA here. Previous credits: VonSoshocky/Markley in Radium Girls (FAU), Eddie in Fool For Love (Think Now Theatre), Pat Williams in A Christmas Carol (NCP), Actor II in The Roaches (BARCLAY Baseline), Trunchbull in Matilda (BARCLAY)

Raymond Adderly (Andrew McNair)is a junior at FAU who is recently a BFA in Musical Theatre student. He is very excited to be in this show. His recent credits include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee( William Barfeé), Firebringer( Ducker), Ride the Cyclone (Ricky Potts). He would like to thank his girlfriend, friends and family for their unwavering support

Paisley Kinkade (Joseph Hewes, U/S Richard Henry Lee) a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre student's previous credits include audience plant (One Man Two Guvnors), and Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre (Spelling Bee)! This is her second time getting the opportunity to perform in this amazing show and “Good God”!! Is it great!

Anna Fox (George Read) is a Junior BFA in Musical Theatre and is feeling very patriotic about this production. She was recently seen in Firebringer (Tiblyn) and was Understudy for all roles in One Man Two Guvnors. Anna hopes you enjoy watching the show as much as she enjoys performing it for you!

Erin McQueeney (Samuel Chase) is a graduating senior in the BFA Performance program with a minor in Film Acting. She feels bittersweet as this is her last main stage performance at FAU. She would like to thank God, her family and boyfriend for their support. Previous credits: Radium Girls (Irene/Miss Wiley), Firebringer (Snarl Puppeteer), Xanadu (Girl on Bike).

Libby McDonald (James Wilson) is thrilled to be taking on her role in 1776 and hopes you enjoy the show—stay tuned for more exciting roles ahead!

Jonathan Palmer+ (Josiah Bartlett) Is a dedicated actor with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Morehouse College. His passion for the stage ignited in middle school when he won the award for Most Comedic Actor. Jonathan continues to captivate audiences with his energy, versatility, and unwavering commitment to his craft.

Nick Russo (Stephen Hopkins, U/S John Dickinson) is making his FAU debut as Stephen Hopkins. Previous credits include Daniel (Once on this Island) and Snake (Children of Eden). He has written and directed two musicals called Weatherbee! and Life as an Extra.

Marissa Spurr (Reverend John Witherspoon, A Leather Apron/A Painter) is a Sophomore BFA Musical Theatre Major and is so excited to be a part of such a large and meaningful production at FAU. She was previously seen in Firebringer (Jemilla), as well as 9 to 5 (Ensemble). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Darnell Ginn (Caesar Rodney, U/S Edward Rutledge) is a first year student and a BA theatre candidate from Jacksonville Florida. His most recent roles include Agwe in Once on this Island. He also sings professionally around the city of Jacksonville.

Toni Turiano (Colonel Thomas McKean) is in her final semester with the Musical Theatre BFA. Credits include “Thalia/Thetis” in Xanadu and “Roz Keith” in 9 to 5. Upcoming: Shoot Happens (FAU Theatre’s first film!) and Epiphany with TheatreLab. Be a nuisance where it counts.

Carly Brown (A courier) is a Sophomore BFA in Musical Theatre and is so blessed to be a part of this incredible show. This is her second Mainstage. Previous credits also include: Firebringer (Claire/ Duck puppet), Spring Awakening (Ensemble), Sister Act (Sister Mary Robert) Carly is honored to take part in the making of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

Ashley Garnar (Ensemble, U/S remaining roles) is a sophomore BFA in the Musical Theatre program and is so excited to be part of her first mainstage at FAU! She was also part of many of the program’s dance shows throughout her time here. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support, Des, Caryl, her professors, and everyone involved in making this show amazing!

Arielle Adelman (ASM) is a senior BA in Theater (General Studies) and is so excited to ASM her first show! Some other shows that she had previously worked on are Firebringer (Deck Head), Peter and The Starcatcher (Run Crew), and Spring Awakening (Deck Head) with the BUTC. Arielle would like to thank her parents Susan and Seth, and her boyfriend Peter for always supporting her in her theater journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Casline Saint Hilaire (ASM) is a senior BA in Theatre major. She is excited to ASM another musical at FAU. She was seen in Repertory Dance Theatre Ensemble. She hopes you have a wonderful time during the show. Please enjoy!

Riley Wax (Dresser) is a sophomore Majoring in Elementary Education and Minoring in Theatre and is thrilled to be a part of her first offical production at FAU. As she was involved in the production read through of The Birds (chorus) through the Alpha Psi Omega theatre club here as well. Previous credits outside of FAU also include Guys and Dolls (Martha, Misson Band) and Big Fish (Featured Dancer, Ensemble). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Justin Price (A2) is a freshman BA in Theatre. He is excited to be A2 for 1776. He is from Punta Gorda, Florida and has crewed many shows before coming to FAU. Along with crew, he also has previous credits including Little Shop of Horror (Seymour Krelborn), The Mousetrap (Detective Trotter), and Little Women the Musical (John Brooke). He hopes that you enjoy the show!

Gianella Yanez (Dresser) is a senior here at FAU majoring in Theatre with Minor in Dance and Acting for the Camera. She is excited to be part of her third show here at FAU but this time as a dresser!! She wants to tanked everyone who has supported her throughout her journey here. She hope you enjoy the show!!

Monique Abrams (Usher) is a senior BA in Theatre major for all previous shows except being a Dresser for Firebringer it’ll be a unique experience for her while this journey is an simple task while along the way she’s staying positive and always smiling and making great memories also making new friends. She’ll be looking forward to a brand new day with getting to know new peers even making great progress in production hour and also doing well with her courses, but that’s not all, this opportunity is totally huge for her as she always says always believe in your abilities and dreams because they’ll always come true if you have the courage to pursue them.

Devyn Llewellyn (Assistand Wardrobe Head) is a junior BFA Performance major and is so excited to be working as Wardrobe Assistant in her first FAU production. She can't wait for everyone to see the show!

Gabi Guzman (Deck Supervisor) is a senior BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. She is excited to be part of such a great production. In addition to working as Deck Supervisor, Gabi  has also assisted with the scenic art of 1776.

Fatima Lyda (First Hand) from her hometown Charlotte, NC is a junior BFA in Theater with a focus in Design/Tech and is excited to be part of the spring production of 1776 at FAU. Her previous work includes Peter and the Starcatcher, Xanadu, Firebringer and Radium Girls. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Lin Assuncao (Warddrobe Head) is a Junior BFA in Theatre Design Tech and is thrilled to work their 4th show and first as Wardrobe head! They hope you enjoyed the show :)

Micah Vitale (usher) is a junior BFA in Technical Theatre and is thrilled to be a part of this production at FAU. They have ushered for multiple Theatre Lab productions and were part of wardrobe crew for Peter and The Star Catcher, Xanadu, and Radium Girls. They hope you enjoy the show!

Kerwin Cyriaque (Run Crew) is a freshman BA Theatre Major from Lehigh Acres and is very excited to tech for this show. He was recently in FAU’s Firebringer (Clark) and their Dance Show. Preivious credits include Ride the Cyclone (Mischa), Addams Family (Lurch), and Beauty and the Beast (Beast). He hopes you enjoy the show!

Christian Ramos (Prop Crew) is a freshman BFA Design and Technical Theatre from Lehigh Acres, Florida. He is thrilled to be apart of his first main stage production for FAU. He previously crewed for the B.U.T.C.’s “Ride the Cyclone” (Assistant Stage Manager) here at FAU. He hopes you enjoy the show!