From Liberty to Legacy—Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals 1776 and Hamilton

1776 and Hamilton: two American musicals telling the story of the founding of our nation. This lecture looks at these revolutionary musicals and their contrasting visions of an American society at a crossroads. Note: this lecture features video clips from the two musicals.

Michael Langlois is a performer, lecturer, and storyteller with decades of experience on stage and off. He has lectured from Connecticut to California on topics ranging from acting and directing, to using one’s passions to bridge divides and engage with others. Michael has worked with young and old alike, helping individuals find their voice and tell their own unique stories. He has directed across New England, including performances for the Hartford Children’s Theatre, Springfield’s Drama Studio, and the Ashford Youth Theatre, where he worked for nearly 20 years as Artistic Director. Additionally, Michael worked for over a decade with New London, Connecticut’s Flock Theatre serving as an Associate Artist. There he directed, acted, and taught classes. Michael’s directing credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Othello; Lysistrata; Godspell; A Piece of My Heart; The Imaginary Invalid; Macbeth; The Crucible; Antigone; The Taming of the Shrew; and The Tempest. Acting credits include the Stage Manager in Our Town; King Henry in Henry V; Brutus in Julius Caeser; and Tobias in Sweeny Todd.