American Revolution Trilogy
“The Declaration of Independence–the Real Story”
Book by Mariner Pezza, music & lyrics by Cheryl Kemeny
A behind the scenes story of how the young people attending to the needs of the colonial delegates managed to influence the unanimous signing of the Declaration of Independence. Set in Philadelphia, PA at what was to become Independence Hall, we hear the speeches and arguments of the delegates and what may have pushed them to risk their lives and property for the sake of a new country. Change is never easy—revolution traumatizing. This play with music brings home our history making our founding fathers spring to life! The easily sing-able musical style reflects the time period and the large cast provides an opportunity for community involvement in a show perfect for a July 4th presentation or for anytime your theater may wish to honor the founding of our country.
Cast requirements: (W adults 2/ M adults 23/ teenaged girls 4/ teenaged boys 5)
“Revolution, Norwalk, 1777”
Book by Mariner Pezza, music & lyrics by Cheryl Kemeny
Characters of different socio-economic backgrounds – slaves, indentured servants, working people and “the better sort”, male and female – must choose sides in this Revolutionary War saga set in Norwalk, CT, 1777 but reflective of the struggle of conscience occurring throughout the original 13 colonies at the time. The courage and dignity of these people is demonstrated in the choices they ultimately make. A year of war has happened since the Declaration and the reality has begun to sink in. With challenging music that captures the pathos, the zeal and the fading pleasures of a rapidly evolving existence, this large cast musical captures the breadth and variety of colonial life during the American Revolution.
Cast requirements: (W adults 9/ M adults 11-12/ teenaged girls 9/ young boys 6)
“The Burning of Norwalk,1779”
Book by Mariner Pezza, music & lyrics by Cheryl Kemeny
Intrigue and confusion abound at the Arnold tavern in Norwalk Connecticut, June 10th, 1779! As the widow Eunice Arnold and her two daughters –Abigail and the younger, Phoebe – are waiting on wounded soldiers, militiamen in for breakfast and a newcomer –Lieutenant Thomas French, a Virginian courier sent from Gen. Washington with dispatches for Gen. Wolcott—they are interrupted by Jonas Fairweather, the hapless town crier. He alarms the crowd with news that Fairfield and New Haven have been burned to the ground by English General William Tryon and that Norwalk is to be next.
Henrietta Hanford-daughter of Tories and betrothed to a patriot—is asked to spy for the Patriots while Abigail’s unwelcome fiancé, Lucas Bouton actively spies for the Tories. Who can be trusted when disaster looms. Certainly not the perpetrators of the town’s demise—Gen. William Tryon and his staff –Gen. Thomas Garth, his aide, Lt. Colonel Edmund Fanning, leader of the loyalist troops and Sir George Collier, admiral of the fleet. They scoff at the rebels’ effrontery in defying the crown: “Let this lowly scum beat their freedom drum, they will soon succumb when they’re blown to Kingdom come!”
The American Revolution hits home in this historical musical that brings to life the times and politics of America, 1779 through passionate music and desperate action!
Cast requirements: (W 8-10/ M 12-18) Can be expanded or minimized by doublings
American Revolution Trilogy
Category
Plays,
Date
August 22, 2015
Client
