1 Let Freedom Ring Musical Numbers 1. "Let Freedom Ring" Company 2. uwhere Do I Fit In?" Missy and Father @ 3. "A New and separate Nation" Loyalist and Jonathan 4. "Reaching Out to Freedom" Rebecca and Jonathan 5. "Reaching Out Tomorrow" Rebecca 7. '7 Saw A Man" Jonathan and British Soldier {)'- 8. ugossip" Rebecca and Thomas Paine 9. "Arriving At Tomo"ow" Rebecca 10. 1 'Your Own Land" Company " 11. "Let Freedom Ring" Reprise Company Cast- Actor #1: Father, loyalist, British soldier Actor #2: Jonathan, Rebel Actor #3: Missy, Rebecca
2 Scene one Setting - A Stage SONG-Let Freedom Ring-All At end of song Lights down but for 2 uspecials'' Actors move into special as they present the following: Actor 1 (Father): When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands, which have connected them with another, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes, which impel them to separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pnrsuit ofhappiness...and when ~11y Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or to abolish it Thomas Jefferson, Revolutionary in the Declaration of Independence Actor 2 (Stephen): The government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
George Washington, Revolutionary, synagogue in Rhode Island 3 Actor 3(Missy): There is no turning back. We are in the middle of a revolution of ideas. And that includes the ladies. It is important that you do not put unlimited power into the hands of their husbands. John, you must remember the ladies. Abigail Adams, Revolutionary, in a letter to her husband. Actor 1: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. The preamble to the Constitution signed by 56 Founding fathers representing the 13 original states Actor 2: Proclaim Liberty through out all the land unto all the inhabitants there of. The Inscription on the Liberty Bell form Leviticus Lights build up. {This Point Actor 1 is Father, Actor 2 is Stephen, Actor 3 is Missy) Missy: And the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord. These were called the shots heard round the world and started the American Revolution. Blah, blah, blah!! Father: What was that.
Missy: What is all this history stuff we are always talking about. Sometimes I think these 4 shows are a bit boring. Stephen: (over dramatically) Missy what are you talking about we are in the middle of a show these fine people are expecting a history lesson on the stage. Missy: Sorry to be such a "drag" but I mean when we say lines like " the colonists left their farms and their homes to fight. They were called the Minute and made up the colonial militia that would be taking the British army that was most powerful on earth. I mean how dull is that? Father: Sound pretty interesting to me. Stephen: And to me! Missy: You two don't count. You watch the history channel even though no one makes you. Stephen: Yeah what's your point? Father: it's pretty important. Missy: Why? It was like two hundred years ago. Stephen: More like 232 years ago. Missy: Whatever. It's just like what's in it for me? Is anyone going to ask me what happened on Bunker Hill when I need to get a job? Why should I, we, care about this stuff? Father: It's who you are. Stephen: Who we all are. Missy: I am not some minuteman running off to fight the Redcoats.
Father: It it's more important than you know. 5 Missy: That's just it. I don't know. Song "Where Do I Fight In" -Missy and Father At the end of song Missy and Father and Stephen change costumes to colonial era and set props that will be used through out the remainder of the show. Scene Three - A Street in colonial era Boston. (Actor 1 plays Loyalist. Actor 2 plays RebeVJonathan) Rebel: King George has placed his face on everything we see. Loyalist: and a fine face it is. Rebel: It's tyranny, that's what it is. This stamp act cannot stand. Loyalist: The new tax is a trifle. You should be proud to pay the king what is already his. Rebel: When it comes to my money and my liberty what is mine is mine and belongs to no King. How date he send his armed soldiers he here to harass us. Loyalist: You're talking treason! Rebel: I am talking taxation with out representation and will not stand. The taxes are intolerable. Loyalist: you know as well as id that our countrymen in England are taxed at 20 times the rat we are. Here we pay almost nothing!
Rebel: But at least he people of England have a voice. We have none. We are not allowed 6 to have elections. We are even deprived of trial by jury. Loyalist: You are a subject of the King and need no "voice" Rebel: I am an American. Loyalist: You are a subject in the British Empire. Rebel: I am no one's subject. And any Man who tries to make me yield to tyranny will see me standing across from him with the musket in my hand. Loyalist: Are you threatening me? Rebel: No. I am just telling you what happen when you deny a man his dignity and respect. When you take away his freedom Song "A New and Separate Nation" -Rebel and Loyalist At end of song they stare one another down. The loyalist leaves stage. Rebecca enters; she is the wife of Jonathan the rebel. Scene Four- Rebecca and Jonathan's House (Actor 3 plays Rebecca. Actor 2 plays Jonathan) Jonathan: Word is they are still debating about whether or not they should declare Independence. Rebecca: But if they do, that will mean war.
Jonathan: You are right but after what happened at Bunker Hill it looks like nothing will 7 stop it. We held our ground twice against the best army in the world. The English took the hill on their third try. But it cost them...it cost them hard. Rebecca: War is such a bloody mess. Jonathan: Freedom comes at a high cost. (Pause) Rebecca, that's why I am leaving. I'm going to join General Washington. Rebecca: Oh no! But...I need you here. Jonathan: My country needs me there. Rebecca: What about the baby? Jonathan: The baby is exactly the reason I have to go. Do you want him born into a world where he is nothing more than a servant to a king thousands of miles away? I want him to be able to go where he chooses and live and speak and worship as he chooses to. My son will be free! Rebecca: And what if it's a girl? Jonathan: A girl? A girl. I never thought ofthat. Well, ifhe is a girl I'd want the same things for her. What good is living if you can't be free? That's not the world we want for our children. Rebecca: But what if something happens to you? Jonathan, I'm frightened. Jonathan: Hush. Nothing will happen to me. Those Redcoats won't know what hit them. In a few months the British will realize the stuff that liberty is made of and they'll go home. They'll leave America to the Americans.
Rebecca: How can you be so sure? 8 Jonathan: Because I am an American. There is not middle road to freedom. We'll have to fight for it. Rebecca: Oh, Jonathan. Jonathan: And when I come back, our child will have two things; a father who loves his wife very much and a country where we can be free. Always. Song- "Reaching out to Freedom" -Jonathan and Rebecca End of song Rebecca exits. Light up on 2 soldiers with muskets at either side of the stage, a Colonial-Jonathan and the other a British soldier, sounds of gun fire and cannons in the back ground. Scene Five- Two different fields during the war. (Actor 1 plays British Soldier. Actor 2 plays Jonathan) Jonathan: My Little girl was born last month. I just got work. The mail is so slow and this war seems longer each day. I thought this would be an adventure. A great quest. And it is. I still believe in what we are fighting for. It's the most basic thing really. The right to be free. But still... it's so cold here in Valley Forge. We've taken up arms-but the fact is that there is no anununition and scarcely any food. My shoes are as thin as paper and we are told there will be no new supplies for months. We decided to name her Anna, for her grandmother.
Rebecca writes that she is healthy and has a good set of lungs. She will live in a free land. 9 I only hope I am there to hold her and tell her how much she means to me. British Soldier: My little boy was born four months ago. I just got word. The mail is so slow coming over on the bloody boat and I cannot wait until this war ends and I can go home. The rebels are tougher than we thought. They still don't look like soldiers. Their uniforms are ragged and don't match and some of them are old men or just boys. At first, they didn't know how to fight, but the ones who are here now, well, they don't run. But, the way I see it, they broke the law. This country belongs to England. What can't they understand? They need to be punished. (Pause) But mostly, I'd just like to see my son. To see my farm back home in England. I just want this thing to end. I don't care how. Song: "I Saw a Man" Jonathan and British Soldier. Scene Six- A Street in colonial era Boston. (Actor 1 plays Thorn Paine. Actor 3 plays Rebecca) Rebecca enters reading a letter she sighs, she holds the letter to her heart, kisses it, then folds the letter and puts it in her apron pocket. Rebecca: Oh Jonathan, how I miss you. Thomas Paine enters (in a printer's apron?) TP: Good Day. Good day to you Rebecca Morgan.
She pulls herself out of her reverie 10 Rebecca: Good Day to you Thomas Paine. Any new today? TP: Oh, there's always new, Miss Rebecca. That's why I continue to print "Common Sense" -to let folks know that independence doesn't just happen by itself. Rebecca: That's why everyone reads Common Sense, Mr. Paine. What does it take? TP: Independence takes ideas and courage... and plarming. That's the Common Sense I've been writing about. But what kind of news are you interested in? Rebecca: The war news of course. What else is there? TP: Plenty... there is always who said this and who said that and who did this and who did that. Rebecca: Oh Mr. Paine, you're talking about Gossip. TP: That right! Who doesn't like gossip? Rebecca: Well... TP: Come on now... you like gossip just a little... right? Rebecca: Well... maybe just a little (she laughs at herself) Actually, yes... but only if its reliable gossip, of course. TP: I don't know about reliable, but it sure spreads the news good and proper. (They sing) TP: Did you hear the gossip? Did you hear just what they said? Rebecca: I just love the gossip Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that
It's hard to understand t1 What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plan TP: Well everyone is saying that they appointed George just in the nick oftime. Rebecca: George who? TP: George Washington of course! Almost as soon as he became commander of the Continental army, the battle of Bunker Hill broke out Rebecca: And that started this whole thing! You know Mr. Paine, we don't really have much of an army... hardly any weapons or food. No real uniforms. TP: That's true Miss Rebecca, but we held our ground. Those English soldiers say we can't last, but we've got one thing they don't have. Rebecca: What's that? TP: A dream ofliberty... and it's a dream that won't let us down no matter what. Rebecca: Well... if everybody says so. Rebecca: Did you hear the gossip? Did you hear just what they said? TP: I just love the gossip Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that It's hard to understand What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plan
12 TP: You know I saw him walking right outside this very building. Did you hear that he's getting ready to go to France? Rebecca: Who? TP: Ben. Rebecca: Ben, who? TP: Ben Franklin of course. He's going to France to explain what's going on here and to try to get some help for us in the fight. Of course he's busy with all the others up the street at the State House. I don't know what's going on. But they're writing something. Rebecca: It certainly is strange and a secret too. TP: What do you mean, a secret? Rebecca: Well, even though this is one of the hottest summers ever, they keep the window shut tight so no one can hear their discussions and arguments. TP: I just hope they reach some kind of conclusion soon. Independence just can't be bottled forever you know. Rebecca: I know. I know. But still... TP: Did you hear the gossip? Did you hear just what they said? Rebecca:!just love the gossip Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that It's hard to understand What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plan
Rebecca: Did you hear about Abigail? 13 TP: Abigail who? Rebecca: Abigail Adams of course. I met up with her at Head house Market just the other day. She sure was in a tizzy. Of course, the vegetables were looking especially good and not too expensive. TP: Is that so? Rebecca: Do you know I bought a dozen tomatoes and two dozen ears of corn for just a tuppence. TP: Well, that's a fine bargain. But what was Abigail in a Tizzy about? Rebecca: Her husband! TP: You mean John Adams? Rebecca: Yes him. He's one of the men up there in the State House who are trying to figure out some new laws for when this war is finally over. TP: That's what I heard, too. Rebecca: And when the fighting is over, we'll need a whole new set of rules for a whole new nation... and Abigail is determined to be an influence. TP: An influence about what? Rebecca: About women. About making sure that women have rights under the new laws... laws that are fair. TP: She sure has some strange ideas. Rebecca: but that's what she keeps reminding her husband about. She keeps saying, "John, remember the ladies, remember the ladies while you're writing that... that Declaration of Independence. Be sure to remember the ladies.
TP: Oh my. That's a curious thought... remember the ladies- never heard of such a 14 thing. Rebecca: Did you hear the gossip? Did you hear just what they said? TP: I just love the gossip Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that It's hard to understand What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plan Rebecca: Mr. Paine I can hardly believe what I've heard. It's so strange TP: What? Rebecca: Can you imagine? George rejecting that idea. TP: What idea? Rebecca: They want George Washington to be King of America when this war is over and... he turned it down. TP: No! Rebecca: Yes, he did. He said that this new nation doesn't need another king, another ruler. That democracy will grow out of personal freedom and personal faith that's not dictated by one ruler. TP: Well, I'm not surprised. That's just like something George would say. Rebecca: But still... TP: But still, maybe it's an idea that can work.
Rebecca: Maybe it's possible, we'll see. 15 TP: Uh huh... We'll see. Actor 1: Did you hear the gossip? Did you hear just what they said? Actor 2: I just love the gossip Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that It's hard to understand What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plan (The 2 actors exit singing) Scene Seven -Rebecca and Jonathan's House We hear the sounds of war Voice over- Jonathan: "I will take the pencil to let you know we are all well. At present hoping this will find you in the same. Oh, how I do wish that I could be at home now, for it is getting late in the evening and I have had nothing to eat since breakfast and no telling when we will get rations for our rations are ahnost out. But I know one thing, we will never give up. Never! Each battle seems much longer and harder than the last, and the enemy seems closer and closer. I can actually see the British redcoats across the field from this trench. I wonder how long they will fight? I miss you very much. Please think of me... Jonathan." Rebecca enter is a black apron and mop cap.
Rebecca: Anna does have quiet a set oflungs. My mother says she has never heard 16 anything like it. She seems a happy child when she is not yelling, which is occasionally. (Pause) A man in a fancy uniform came to my parent's house yesterday. Anna and I are staying here while Jonathan is away. The buttons on his coat where shinning in the sun. I remember everything about him because as soon as I saw him I knew, I knew why he was here. I didn't heat what exactly he said. He carried this note. (Reading)" We regret to inform you that your husband, Jonathan, was killed by the enemy I Yorktown. Please know that his sacrifice was part of the victory, that at ling last is will grant us our independence and lead to the birth of new nation conceived in liberty. Your humble servant, George Washington." What do I do now? Anna will never know her father. She will never hear his voice his laugh, his call. (She holds back tears) What of all the dreams we had? What of our life together? Song - "Arriving at Tomorrow" -Rebecca Scene Eight - The stage 2 actors enter dressed still in colonial garb. As they talk, they pare down to contemporary dress. Actor 1: And it all did happen. Actor 2: The Stamp Act caused the Sons of Liberty to throw the tea in the harbor. Actor 1: Lexington and Concord gave us the shots heard round the world.
Actor 2: Bunker Hill had Americans shouting, "Don't fire till you see the whites of their 17 eyes!" Actor 1: Don't forget when Washing crossed the Delaware Actor 2: And Tom Paine wrote common Sense. He said, "These are the times that try men souls". Actor 1: Well, winter of Valley Forge sure tested their resolve. Actor 2: The French fleet helped us at Yorktown and the British surrendered. Actor 1: And we were free. Actor 2: but still it took work. The Constitution gave us real law and made room for change. And, today we are a nation of lots of difference people from difference places... we still need our freedom. Actor 1: People came to America looking for a church of their own, a farm of their own and a family of their own, and it all happened here. Actor 2: I guess our past is what makes us all the same in the end. All Americans are part of the Revolution. Actor 2: Sure we are. We've got Freedom to speak and worship and live as we please, we're not stuck with a king or a dictator. Actor 1 (Father): And, it all goes back to that time. Actor 3 (Missy): I have never thought of it that way before. All I see are drawings in a textbook, or statues. I never thought of them as real people.
Father: They were more real than you know (holds outframe) this belongs to your grand 1R mother. It's a letter from her grandmother. Who got it from hers! He hands her theframe Missy: (readink) "We regret to inform you that your husband, Jonathan, was killed by the enemy I Yorktown. Please know that his sacrifice was part of the victory, that at ling last is will grant us our independence and lead to the birth of new nation conceived in liberty. Your humble servant, George Washington." WOW! Actor 2: Missy you are really a daughter of the revolution. Missy: But he died so young. Father: Yes but be proud of who you are of who we Cl!e. Our ancestor, Jonathan made this country. It's his gift to us. Every time you think and do and dream for your self be happy. Each day you reach for something new, be glad. That way you make everything he did in his short life worthwhile. Missy: You mean... I am part of that Revolution? I am part of history? Father: Now, you get it! That's where you fit in. That's where we all fit in. The American Revolution is not just some statues and faded maps. You are living proof that what happened long ago really worked. It's what you are all about. It's what will protect our freedom for lots of tomorrows to come. Song "Your own Land'' - Company Curtain Call Song Reprise: Let Freedom Ring. (Actors pass out flags)
Let Freedom Ring! Song ulet Freedom Ring"S :ompany. There was a bell up in a steeple With a crack upon its side And it chimed to mark the beginning Of a new birth for mankind That bell rang out its chorus Of freedom for a land With a new idea For every woman child arzd man It was freedom! And we let it ring and ring and ring It was freedom And we let it ring and ring and ring No one tell~ another Just what they must do We all are free together Every woman, child and man
Let Freedom Ring! This nation values courage Wefightfor what is right In the end we value for freedom For every woman child and man And it was freedom! And we let it ring and ring and ring It was freedom And we let it ring and ring and ring It may seem long ago But it's as important as today What was won so long ago Can be lost in just a day So look back and remember Who we used to be It's who we still are It's all a part of you amf me And it was freedom! And we let it ring and ring and ring
~l Song uwhere Do I Fit In"- Missy Missy: I think of now...:_ "-::.. _ i(iq.,. I think of today Of what I want And what I need That is my way Father: Don't forget the past It's whu yuu ute It's all of us It's not so far Missy: Buiyes it is It's ages ago I just don't care Please let it go Missy: Where do lfitin? What does it teach me? It's just names and places in a book What does that mean?
Where do I fit it in? What does it say? I need to know things That will help me with today. Father: But that's just it It will help you see Everything we were And what we still can be. There is so much That you don 't know The world will make sense If you let yourself go. Missy: Where do Ijit in? Father: Right here and now Missy: Where do I fit in? Father: Look back and you'll see The world was different But this is how we came to be.
.Song- t~ New and Separate Nation" Rebel: Look at these streets Look at this land Look at this people Don't you understand We were all horn free And we will all fight To make a new and separate nation. Loyalist: Look at these streets Look at this land Look at these people You don't understand We are all part of England We are members in the world's greatest natwn That is England Rebel: Look in my eyes What do you see Loyalist: I see anger Rebel: Then you don't see me. I look around and I see hope I look at you and I see frustration Step aside while you can for we will be A new and separate nation.
0 Loyalist: Where is your honor Where is your pride TXn~- "" - -"" - - V!.-- rr' ""' UJ yuu1 A"'o He has always been on your side Rebel: I need no king To tell me how to live lama man Who will not forgive The King has forgotten To rule and be fair Instead he treats us like distant relations Won't he be sad when we form this New and Separate Nation. Together: Look at these streets Look at this land Look at these people Rebel: Don't you understand We were all born free And we will all fight Loyalist: You don't understand We are part of England We are members of the world's greatest nation To make a new and separate nation. That is England!
Jonathan: Reaching out to Freedom and a nation that is new Reaching to Democracy for all- not just a few We need our Independence To make this nation grow To make a land of liberty For all to love and know We the people Are eager to be free To build a land of lt_ope for you and me Don't need to scra;/znd bow We just want our freedom And we Want it Now! Rebecca Reaching Out to Freedom And a love that is still new Waiting for tomorrow I do so worry about you I need my family To be safe and in one place I need you home I want to see your face
We the people Are eager to be free To build a land of hope for you and me Don't need to scrap and bow We just want our freedom and we Want it now/ We just want our freedom and we Want it now/ Waiting for my life to start So much to think about What if I lose him \ How can I be strong What good is freedom If everything goes wrong. Reaching out to tomorrow There is nothing I can do But wait to find the answers And be ready for all that is new We the people Are eager to be free To build a land of hope for you and me Don't need to scrap and bow We just want our freedom and we Want it now/ a
D ~awam.a~' Together: I saw a man in the trench across the way Or maybe it was just a boy Like me, like me He carried his musket Like me, like me Jonathan Together Mine is Americ(l Blue Is he really my enemy Like the captain said Or he is ~ghting for a vision Like me, like me British Jonathan Together Jonathan British Together Are his parents home waiting Like my Rebecca Lee Does he have a tomorrow waiting Like me, like me. ~~want to see ~hild D~s ~ want to see nrftome Does it all seem just impossible Does it all seem never ending,;f. Does he want to be fimshed Jonathan British Together Like me, like me. 'ff I wonder how long he will fight He believes in his cause In the end will it be worth it?
()hey szng) Actor 1: Did you hear the gossip. Did you hear just what they said Actor 2: I just love the gossip!/x Going round in my head Together: Well he said this and they said that It's hard to understand What they're writing in the state house I guess they have a plar; ~ Actor 1: Well I saw him 't~y.... right outside this very building. He just got back from England, ya know. c.j;e«actor 2: Who? Actor 1: Ben. ~ Actor 2: Ben, who? Actor 1: Ben Franklin of course. He was over there for four whole years and now he's busy with all the others up the street at the State House. I just don't know what's going on. But they're writing something. ~ Actor 2: It certainly is strange and a secret too. Actor 1: What do you mean, a secret.
r Why is he gone? What was it all about? He spoke of freedom He spoke of liberty He spoke of J!P!k ~uandme So now I'm arriving at tomorrow I'll try my best to carry on WI am here at tomorrow His memory will live on. ( So often~e talked about our dreams Now our dreams are no more Still his dream was for freedom His courage won the war Now we speak of freedom Now we speak of liberty Now we speak of~ He ggve all for you and me
So now I'm arriving at tomorrow I'll try my best io carryon ~ ~.. &/;JAW11f rif'j7 ~. / ~I am here at tomorrow ~ =:::s His memory will live on. We take so many thi~for granted We assume life is how its always been We never think about the past It tells us where we've been. Now we live in freedom Now we cherish our liberty Now we live with pr(ife~ He gave that to you and me / So now I'm arriving at tomorrow I'll try my best to carry on vju/1%m here at tomorrow His memory wi/1/i~:e on. 0
((Your Own Land" - There are some from Pennsylvania from Utah and Alabama Some from North Dakota And even from Montana But no matter where your state is This land belongs to you /md we're proud to be Americans AndGing abou(what makes us free So sing a song of liberty and those who said ul can" I And the dream that led to victory And gave you your own land
Did your family come from Ireland? Did they sail across the sea? Did they come from Russia? From Spain or Italy? No matter where they came from this ian~ belongs to you And were proud to be American an/sing. ~boat what makes us free So sing a song of liberty and those who said "I can'' 1 And the dream that led to victory And gave you your own land! So sit back and remember Try to see what it was like To fight a war for freedom For a country and a new life This country is ours to keep and cherish everyday /.'-- And were proud to be American and sing about what makes us free So sing a song of liberty and those who said "I can" 1 And the dream that led to victory And gave you your own Iandi And we~e proud to be American and sing about what makes us free So sing a song of liberty and those who said "I can"/ And the dream that led to victory And gave you your own land!
ong- Compa11y- u.let Freedom Ring" Reprise There was a bell up in a steeple With a crack upon its side And it chimed to mark the beginning Of a new birth for mankind That bell rang out its chorus Offreedomfora land With a new idea For every woman child and man It was freedom! Alld we let it rillg and rillg and ring It was freedom And we let it ring and ring and ring No one tells another Just what they must do We all are free together Every woman, child and man This nation values courage We fight for what is right In the end we value for freedom For every woman child and man
And it was freedom/ And we let it ring and ring and ring It was freedom And we let it ring and ring and ring It may seem long ago But it's as important as today %at M't?S 'H.tO.tz. so long ago Can be lost in just a day So look back and remember Who we used to be It's who we still are It's all a part of you and me And it was freedom/ And we let it ring and ring and ring It was freedom And we let it ring and ring and ring We let ring and ring and ring! Curtain