The Renaissance Theatre has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to present a concert version of the musical “1776” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The performance, featuring the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, the Renaissance Performing Artists and several guest stars, is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 20 at The Brickyard.
This marks the third NEA grant the Renaissance has received in the past five years, according to a community announcement.
“It’s an incredible honor and a testament to the work that is being performed on our stages,” said Renaissance CEO Chelsie Thompson, who wrote the grant.
Star-studded guest lineup
The concert will be conducted by Mansfield Symphony Orchestra Music Director Octavio Mas-Arocas, with stage direction by Renaissance Artist Director Michael Thomas. The cast will include local artists as well as Steve Higgins, best known as Jimmy Kimmel’s co-host on “The Tonight Show;” multiple Emmy-winner Jeff Richmond; film and television star Brian Stepanek; Bruce Sabath, who appeared as Tevye in the Renaissance’s 2025 production of “Fiddler on the Roof;” actor/writer Peter Fey, and Broadway actor Mark Moritz.
Local cast members include Leah Gesouras, Samantha Woodill, Mike Glavan, Mindy Tishue, Mike Miller, Zakari Ramos, Darius Darmody, Lori Turner, Jacque Workman, Jacob Poiner, Matthew Korver, Caroline Pletcher, Kate Ernsberger, Joe Trolian and Nikki Stitak, according to the announcement.
“Collaboration is the name of the game, and we’re so pleased to be able to work with these wonderful local organizations,” Thomas said in the announcement. “It’s a unique opportunity to share what we do with our community, our state, and our country, and it’s made even more special because we’re partnering with The Brickyard.”
How to get tickets
Tickets for the concert are free, but reservations are required. For information, visit rentickets.org or call the Renaissance box office at 419-522-2726.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Renaissance Theatre lands NEA grant for free ‘1776’ concert
Reporting by Jane Imbody, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
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