Happy Independence Day from Music Theatre International!

We are a year away from America’s 250^th birthday. Now is the perfect time to explore 1776 and more musicals in MTI’s new American Stories collection. Next year’s semi-quincentennial is a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation's rich tapestry of stories: stories of courage, creativity, and community. They remind us that today’s freedoms and challenges are part of a larger narrative, one that we’re still writing.

1776

Witness the birth of a nation as the Founding Fathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence. 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 British monarchy. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons.

The Civil War

Based on historical, firsthand accounts, this thrilling retrospective covers the emotional landscape of a nation at war. The Civil War explores the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and leaders, as well as the hopes and fears of enslaved Black Americans whose freedom was at stake. The epic musical revue is the perfect choice for theatres looking to mount a large scale production that will inspire, move, and educate.

Ragtime

Ragtime tells the story of three families in pursuit of the American Dream. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future.

She Persisted

She Persisted is the trailblazing, Theatre for Young Audiences musical, based on the best-selling children's book written by Chelsea Clinton and beautifully illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Fourth-grader Naomi's field trip to a Women's History Museum turns into a time travel adventure where she encounters inspirational women who made waves throughout American history. 

The Unsinkable Molly Brown

This legendary American original rises above her impoverished beginnings and proves you can't keep a good woman down in a revitalized version of the classic tale. We follow the exploits of Margaret "Molly" Tobin Brown, who becomes an overnight millionaire with her equally feisty husband J.J. As she turns the upper crust of Denver upside down, stands with the miners of Leadville, traverses Europe, and famously survives the Titanic, Molly proves her mettle wherever she goes. 

Suffs

Earlier this year, MTI welcomed the Tony-winning Broadway musical Suffs to our catalog. Suffs tells the story of the women of the American suffragist movement (“Suffs” for short): the remarkable friendships, the heartbreak, and how this movement brought them together — or, in some cases, tore them apart.

In partnership with the Educational Theatre Foundation and Tony winner Shaina Taub, we are proud to launch “The Young Are at the Gates” Production Grant. Through the grant, ten high schools will receive production grants to stage Suffs during the 2025-26 school year. Learn more and apply by August 1, 2025.

Browse more shows in the American Stories collection.