From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals "1776" and "Hamilton" with Michael Langlois

This program is part of our year-long celebration of 'America 250,' the Semiquincentennial of our country's founding.  

Join Michael Langlois for an engaging presentation exploring the story of our nation’s founding through two iconic American musicals, "1776" and "Hamilton." 

This lecture examines how each musical offers a distinct and contrasting vision of an American society at a crossroads, reflecting the values and tensions of their respective eras. 

About the Presenter

Michael Langlois is a dynamic performer, director, lecturer and storyteller with decades of experience on the stage. He has lectured from Connecticut to California on topics ranging from Shakespeare to using one’s passions to create exciting events. Michael has worked with young and old alike, helping them find their voice to tell their own unique stories. As an actor, his credits include the Stage Manager in Our Town; Henry in Henry V; Brutus in Julius Caesar; Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.  

Michael has directed across New England including at the Hartford Children’s Theatre, Springfield’s Drama Studio, and for the Ashford Youth Theatre where he worked for nearly 20 years as the Artistic Director. Additionally, he worked for over a decade with New London’s Flock Theatre serving as an Associate Artist. There he directed, acted, and taught acting classes. 

Michael’s directing credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Othello; Lysistrata; Godspell; A Piece of My Heart; Macbeth; The Crucible Antigone; The Taming of the Shrew; The Imaginary Invalid, and The Tempest. 

The President's Series

Welcome to the President's Series —an engaging collection of special events hosted by Darien Library in collaboration with the President of the Board and members of the Library Board of Trustees.

On July 4, 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This act, which formally separated the 13 colonies from British rule, shook and reshaped the world. The “American experiment” rested on the revolutionary idea that legitimate government rests on the consent of the governed. Independence did not come easily or without grave cost. The American Revolution last seven long years, with tens of thousands of lives lost. 

Today, historians, philosophers, and people worldwide continue to study the Founding, the principles of democratic republicanism, and its evolution over the past 250 years. Darien Library joins museums, libraries, educational and cultural institutions nationwide in commemorating the semiquincentennial, known as “America 250,” through a series of public programs that celebrate American history and reflect on our nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect union.

We invite you to join us for this 6-part special series featuring films, history talks, folk music, and more.