Photo Flash: Robert Cuccioli, Brooks Ashmanskas & More Open in Ford Theatre's 1776 Tonight, 3/9

Ford’s Theatre Society is opening the Tony-winning musical 1776, directed by Peter Flynn, tonight, March 9. The production runs though May 19, 2012. With "quick-witted dialogue and a playful score," 1776 dramatizes the impassioned debates of Philadelphia’s Second Continental Congress and the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

The production features Brooks Ashmanskas as John Adams, Christopher Bloch as Benjamin Franklin, Robert Cuccioli as John Dickinson, William Diggle as Thomas Jefferson and Floyd King as Stephen Hopkins.

As George Washington sends updates from the military front, patriots John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson attempt to persuade the 13 colonies to separate from British rule. Motivated by a series of abuses from King George, America’s first politicians forge a new democracy by composing the Declaration of Independence. Inspired by the letters and memoirs of America’s founding fathers, this classic, Tony Award-winning musical showcases the principles, pride and determination that influenced the birth of our nation.

“I am thrilled to direct this dynamic telling of our country’s beginnings in Washington,” said Director Peter Flynn. “The men of our Second Continental Congress challenged a goliath empire to form a more perfect union, and amazingly, amidst the uncertainty, squabbling and sweltering conditions, produced a document that would guide the lives of all future Americans. This musical invigorates our national story and, with each viewing, reminds us of the governing principals worth fighting for.”