Students help State House celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special musical performance
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton June 8, 2026 | 3:27 PM
HARRISBURG, June 8 – Today the state House welcomed students from the group Celebrating 1776!, for a special performance in the House chamber at the start of legislative session.
Celebrating 1776! is an initiative founded by former Gov. Ed Rendell to explore the Declaration of Independence's principles of freedom and democracy through the performing arts and education. It is dedicated to bringing the history of the American Revolution to life for modern audiences.
“With the challenges confronting our democracy in 2026, understanding our nation’s humble beginnings and the fight for freedom has never been more important,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, who presented each student with a legislative citation, said. “Not only were these students outstanding performers, but they are doing an important job to make our nation’s history come alive for new audiences.”
The ensemble performed a song and scene from 1776: The Musical. They will be performing vignettes from the musical at historic locations in Philadelphia throughout the summer.
Student performers included:
- Chloe Chau, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as Abigail Adams.
- Jayden Duvene, Lenfest Mastery Charter, as Ben Franklin.
- Kayid Jackson, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as John Adams.
- Owen Green, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as John Rutledge and narrator.
- Mason Daly, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as John Dickinson.
Students were accompanied by:
- Karen Corbin, executive producer of Celebrating 1776!
- Phillip Brown, executive producer/director.
- Dr. Jay Fluellen, the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and Celebrating 1776! music director.
- Melody Moore, the on-site production manager.
- Toby McIntosh, the director of marketing.
Preparation for Monday’s performance began in April when student actors, crew and musicians auditioned for roles for the 50 performances scheduled for this summer.