NORWICH – Behind the scenes and cast members from the Norwich Theater Company, Inc. (NTCI) production of the musical, '1776,' will receive 12 separate awards from the Theater Association of New York State (TANYS).

'1776' was the company's summer musical which ran from July 31 to August 2 at the Martin Kappel Theater in Norwich.

The show centered on John Adams, the Declaration of Independence, and the fight to secure independence for the colonies. The performance on August 2 even landed on a meaningful date. While July 4 is widely celebrated as independence Day, the Declaration of Independence was actually signed by most delegates on August 2, 1776, exactly 250 years from the performance.

Putting on the production required hours of rehearsal, costume rentals, set designs, and research from everyone involved.; and now they will be recognized for the hard work and performance.

At the TANYS festival this November, the NTCI will receive multiple awards. TANY has three award categories: (1) Meritorious Achievement, for some advanced theatrical skill noted; (2) Excellence, for theatrical skill base not routinely noted in non professional theatre; and (3) Outstanding achievement, for theatrical skill base rarely seen in non-professional theatre. TANYS adjudicator Lorraine O'Donnell reviewed the performance on July, 31.

NTCI will receive the following awards: Excellence in Direction to Marty Kuhn, Excellence in Musical Direction to Andrea Lang, Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Carolyn Chryst for her portrayal of Stephen Hopkins, Meritorious Achievement in Acting/ Musical Theatre Performance to Charles Ackerman for his portrayal of John Adams, Meritorious Achievement in Acting/ Musical Theatre Performance to Nick Tyler for his portrayal of John Dickinson, Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Miranda Hunter for her portrayal of Dr. Lyman Hall, Meritorious Achievement in Acting/ Musical Theatre Performance to Jaiden Lester for his portrayal of Richard Henry Lee, Meritorious Achievement in Acting/Musical Theatre Performance to Ryker Jones for his portrayal of Courier/Caesar Rodney, Meritorious Achievement in Acting/Musical Theatre Performance to Jaiden Lester for his portrayal of Richard Henry Lee, Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre Performance to Ryan Doliver for his portrayal of Andrew McNair, Excellence in Ensemble Work to the Cast, Excellence in Sound Design/Operation to Julia Demeo & Whitney Downey.

These awards recognize Norwich and Chenango County, as a place where community theater can thrive.

The Norwich Theater Company Inc. puts on several shows annually, including a Summer Musical, spring and fall plays, and a Christmas show.