Tony-Winning Musical 1776 Coming to Paper Mill Playhouse With NEA Support

The Tony Award–winning musical 1776 is set to arrive at Paper Mill Playhouse next spring, backed by a $25,000 federal grant aimed at commemorating America’s founding history. The Millburn-based theater has received the funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of its “Celebrating America250: Arts Projects Honoring the National Garden of American Heroes” initiative. The grant supports artistic projects tied to the nation’s upcoming semi-quincentennial in 2026.

A Landmark Musical Returns to the Stage

1776, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, dramatizes the intense debates that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First premiering on Broadway in 1969, the musical went on to win three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has since remained a staple of American theatrical storytelling. Paper Mill Playhouse has scheduled the production to run from April 1 through April 26, 2026, aligning closely with national events marking 250 years since the country’s founding.

Federal Grant Tied to National Commemoration

The NEA funding is linked to a federal initiative encouraging arts organizations to reflect on American history and legacy. The program connects with an executive order signed by Donald Trump calling for the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes, intended to honor individuals who shaped the nation. Mary Anne Carter, an adviser to the NEA, said the grant underscores the role of the arts in preserving historical memory as the anniversary approaches.

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the National Endowment for the Arts is honored to support communities across the country,” Carter said, noting that Paper Mill Playhouse’s project plays a meaningful role in celebrating American heroes and cultural identity.

Leadership and Creative Team

The upcoming production will be directed by Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse’s producing artistic director. Hoebee is a familiar figure to theater audiences in New Jersey, having overseen numerous acclaimed productions at the venue. Casting details remain under wraps and are expected to be announced in 2026. Theater officials say further creative announcements will follow as the production date approaches.

Paper Mill’s Role in Regional Theater

Paper Mill Playhouse is one of the country’s most respected regional theaters and has served as a launchpad for Broadway-bound productions and national tours. Its staging of 1776 continues a tradition of presenting historically significant and culturally resonant works to local and national audiences. The theater’s involvement in America250 programming also places it among a select group of arts institutions chosen to participate in federal commemorative initiatives.

Looking Ahead

With NEA backing and a proven creative team, 1776 at Paper Mill Playhouse is shaping up to be a centerpiece of the 2026 theater season in New Jersey. As audiences prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the production aims to revisit the debates, ideals, and personalities that helped define the United States.