The Centre for the Study of Free Institutions and Civic Education will present "1776" at 7:30 p.m. May 22 through June 2 at The Pavilion Theatre on the University Park campus. Matinees will be presented at 2 p.m. May 26, 27 and 28, as well as June 2. Tickets are $17.76 for adults and $7 for students and youths. For tickets, call (814) 863-0255 or stop by the Arts Ticket Center at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

The musical tells the story of the Founding Fathers' debate over the creation of a new nation during a meeting of the Continental Congress in 1776 in Philadelphia. This production features a sizable live orchestra. Here, Daryl Durran, associate professor of music, plays bassoon during the dress rehearsal.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Members of the Continental Congress debate during the opening scene from "1776."

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

"Sit down, John" is the musical response to John Adam's opening statement. Adams, with his back to the camera, is played by David Saxe, associate professor of education and director of the Center for the Study of Free Institutions and Civic Education.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Abigail Adams is played by Laura Saxe. Here, she serenades her husband from the balcony, in this scene from Monday's dress rehearsal.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Bob Barton, who announces classical music on WPSU-FM, right, is Ben Franklin. Left is David Saxe, who plays John Adams. "Treason is a charge invented by the winners to hang the losers," Franklin tells Adams.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Andrew Leggieri plays Dr. Lyman Hall, left, and Raymond Sage, assistant professor of voice, plays Edward Rutlege in this scene from the dress rehearsal of "1776."

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

The Founding Fathers debate liberty in this scene from "1776." From left to right are Eric Ziegler (Josiah Bartlett), Andrew Kuhl (Roger Sherman), Rob Arnold (James Wilson) and Mike Waldhier (John Dickinson).

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007