Written by Lee Elman Music by Lee Elman and Nihal Chagani Vocals by the Voices of Freedom
Songs from Act 1 (The 56 Open, 56 White Men, We need Investors)
Songs from Act 2 (Wave the Flag, Win a Tony, Montage of Voices of Freedom)
Act 4 Turning Point
Final Song: We are all 56
“56” is a rollicking Broadway musical comedy that follows the misadventures of two older producers, Hank and Stan, as they set out to write a play celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, their well-intentioned efforts take an unexpected turn when their young, savvy assistant, Maya, points out the lack of diversity in their proposed storyline about the 56 signers, many of whom were white men and some of whom owned slaves.
Determined to create a more inclusive and representative production, Maya suggests a radical idea: telling the stories of the signers through a series of musical numbers, each featuring a different genre of music. From hip hop to pop to country, Maya helps Hank and Stan write songs that capture the essence of each signer, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and contributions to American history.
Songs like “Rock Me Ben Franklin” and “25 Attorneys” bring to life the stories of iconic figures like Benjamin Franklin and the 25 lawyers who signed the Declaration. Meanwhile, “From Farmer to Signer” tells the tale of Carter Braxton’s journey from humble beginnings to signing the historic document.
As the trio works to assemble a young, diverse cast of performers known as the Voices of Freedom, they find themselves inundated with offers of investment from all corners. With the support of their newfound allies and a newfound sense of purpose, Hank, Stan, and Maya set out to create a groundbreaking theatrical experience that celebrates the true spirit of American democracy.
When Maya starts hanging out with all the young people from Voices of Freedom, she realizes not all young people think alike especially diverse backgrounds. She could not understand black conservatives or why Asians like Republicans. She was blown away by a cuban young man telling his family story. But as the Voices of Freedom get asked to play a Rally. Maya is against it but goes along.
As Maya tries to convince people who talk diversity want no part of Conservatives or Republicans and as Maya goes to a Turning Point Convention and meets Young conservitives of all colors and ethnicities, she realizes that diversity is only political when it wants to hate and finds true love and happiness with her new found friends and as the show goes on. Maya dons a Maga hat.
“56” is a heartwarming and hilarious celebration of diversity, unity, and the enduring power of the American dream.