Featuring music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards (who was a history teacher before beginning a career in show business), book by Peter Stone, direction by Sal Salerno and musical direction by William W. Williams, 1776 is a sparkling recreation brings to life such figures as John Adams (Sayville's Bob Spiotto), Benjamin Franklin (East Northport's Doug Vandewinckel) and Thomas Jefferson (Seaford's Ryan Nolin), who - along with members of the Second Continental Congress - argued about, voted on and signed the Declaration of Independence.