1776 is a wonderful musical about the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of the American Revolution. When I studied history as a child, I never imagined the drama, the emotion, and the risk that these patriots experienced in giving birth to our nation. This musical really brings to life the characters, the time, and the significance.

Although some liberties have been taken with the details to make the play more dramatic, overall it is a pretty accurate picture of the history. And your children may even become interested enough to want to read more about the actual history. We even followed up our viewing of it with a trip to Philadelphia to see the real sites.

The music is terrific and memorable as well.

Parents should be aware that there are a few innuendos in the show, along the lines of "Give her a flourish for me, Tom," (said to Thomas Jefferson when he plans to go home and visit his wife.) But these will probably go over the heads of younger children and older children have probably heard much worse. My son and his cousins, ranging in ages from 5 to 9, all were oblivious to the innuendos, But if you are in doubt, watch the show yourself first and decide for yourself.

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Rent 1776 at Mentura