DANBURY — Musicals at Richter (MAR) kicks off its 42nd season under the stars, and America's 250th anniversary, with its production of 1776. The season opener runs until July 18.

It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence ... if only the Founding Fathers can agree to do it. 1776 follows John Adams (played by Rob Mayette) of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin (Ted Schwartz) of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson (Karl Hinger) of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.

1776 already had a unique place in the musical theater landscape, being a musical on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a monumental task for any ensemble, capturing the energy, division, and tension in the months leading up to the declaration's signing. However, under the direction of David Dean Halliwell, MAR strikes gold once again and makes its production of 1776 an engaging, entertaining show for all audiences.

Mayette does an incredible job as John Adams. While the show focuses on him, Franklin, and Jefferson, Adams is very much the leading figure of the show. That said, Mayette perfectly captures the commanding and tenacious energy needed for his character.

He serves as the "straight man" to the more colorful characters in the Chamber of the Continental Congress, rolling his eyes or dragging his body as he follows in the others’ antics. How Mayette explodes into passionate anger — the way his body coils in on itself when confronted by John Dickinson (Joe Harding) is particularly incredible — makes the moments that need to land truly hit their mark.

While Mayette gets many moments to shine throughout the show, the final number of the show, "Is Anybody There?," is of particular note. Mayette gets to run wild with his fierce, expressive vocals, made all the stronger when he gets to express soft vulnerability at the end of the song.

Harding as John Dickinson proves to be a great foil for Mayette's Adams. While Adams in the show is a bold and boisterous man who struggles to keep his mouth shut, Harding's Dickinson is cold, calculated, and self-assured, confident that he will get his way in the end. It's this contrast that makes the character so striking, in large part due to Harding's strong performance throughout the show.

Harding's Dickinson gets his moment leading his fellow conservatives in "Cool, Cool Considerate Men." He especially gets to shine in his monologue in the middle of the song, with how his voice goes from calm confidence to a loud growl, barking, "And that is why they will follow us." It is moments like this that linger long after the show is over.

The whole ensemble understood what they had to do in order to make their characters feel real. Schwartz does great as Benjamin Franklin, aptly portraying a lively attitude while being stern in the moments where it counts. He especially plays well off the generally acerbic Adams, which makes numbers like "The Lees of Old Virginia" and "The Egg" really fun.

Hinger does great as Jefferson. He brings the introversion needed for the role, but really shines when his quiet compassion boils over. It was great to see him defend himself and the Declaration of Independence he penned in front of his colleagues. Hinger truly commands attention when he needs to.

Richard Henry Lee (BJ Markus) is tragically only in the show for so long, but leaves a lastly impression with his vivacious attitude and character acting. Between that and his strong voice, the number "The Lees of Old Virginia" stands out as one of the most fun moments of the show.

Abigail Adams (Gail Reiser) is also only in the show for so long, supporting her husband whenever he needs her most. That said, Reiser makes it easy to see why Adams fell in love with her in the first place. She is sharp and witty in her delivery, and her powerful yet emotive voice make her and her husband's duets, "Till Then" and "Yours, Yours, Yours," feel very sweet.

Martha Jefferson (Emma Kelly) also gets a fun moment in the show, singing with grace as she dances with Adams and Franklin. One would also be remiss to not mention the Courier's (Christian Eklund) number, "Momma Look Sharp," which closes out the first half of the show, and is bound to tug on some heartstrings.

There is so little space to give everyone in the cast the credit they deserve.

The costume design is on point. Everyone's outfits, from the leading central characters to the others in the ensemble, have the same attention to detail put in. Each one looks as though it comes straight from the time period, with patterns, design, and texture looking natural and perfect.

Thanks to the sheer amount of care and dedication MAR puts into 1776, from its set design and lighting to its fantastic live band and numerous great character performances, history comes to life on the on the small stage.

Those planning to see 1776 should note the script is drawn from American history and contains challenging conversations and uncomfortable truths from the country's past, including an intense depiction of the Atlantic slave trade. Audience discretion is advised.

Performances continue Friday through Sunday evening at 8 pm until Saturday, July 18. A special discounted performance is planned for Thursday, July 16.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and $15 for ages 10 and under. For July 16, tickets are $25, $20 and $10, respectively. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. Visit musicalsatrichter.org for reservations and additional information.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.