Student Production Of ‘1776’ Faces Backlash Over Diverse Casting

(Photo: Elizabeth Robertson / Philadelphia Inquirer)

by Chris Peterson

A student production of 1776 in Philadelphia has become the latest example of adults turning a school theatre production into a cultural battleground.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, racist, bigoted, and antisemitic comments were posted under social media photos of the diverse student cast of 1776: The Musical, which includes students of color and women playing the Founding Fathers. The comments have since been deleted, but the damage was real. One lead actor reportedly withdrew from the production over concerns for his safety.

The production is being staged at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts as part of Celebrating 1776!, an arts and education initiative founded by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. The project was created around America’s 250th birthday and includes area high school students performing the musical about the debate and compromise that led to the Declaration of Independence.

The show features two rotating student casts and 50 live performances at CAPA, with affordable tickets starting at $11.

Now, people can have their opinions about 1776. They can prefer the show be performed by all white men if they want; I can see the argument for that, we’ve stated that in the past. But attacking teenagers is indefensible.

These are high school students. They should not have to be brave simply because adults online cannot control themselves.

A diverse cast performing 1776 is not an accident. It is a choice. You may like that choice or dislike it. But students of color performing the founding of America in 2026 should not send adults into racist comment sections. If anything, the reaction proves exactly why this kind of casting still has something to say.

What is encouraging, at least, is that the students appear to understand that better than many of the adults watching them. Several cast members told the Inquirer that the backlash strengthened their resolve and gave the show new meaning.

Good for them. But they should not have had to get there through this.

Student theatre is not immune from criticism, but it deserves a basic level of decency. These performers are learning. Adults who cannot respond to that without cruelty should step away from the keyboard.

Disagree with the casting. Disagree with the entire production if you must. But leave the students alone.