The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. 1776 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.

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 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.

MSA is a public charter school serving students in grades 6-12 in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. The school was established in 1998 through the vision of founder and principal, Dr. Bill Jones, along with the support of Mrs. Una Jones and a dedicated group of people. The school opened with grades 6 and 7, housing approximately 250 students. In the second year, the school expanded to include 8th grade, and in 2001, MSA included High School education as well. The first graduating class of Manatee School For the Arts walked across the stage in 2005. Students have successfully gone on to colleges and universities throughout the state and country and have become thriving visual and performing artists as well as achieving impressive academic pursuits. The sky is the limit here at MSA, where you are free to write your own story!