ABOUT THE SHOW
Democracy: An American Musical was created to spark community dialogue, inspire reflection, and encourage meaningful political and social engagement in defense of democratic values. At a time when powerful forces seek to shift our representative republic toward oligarchic autocracy, this work aims not only to entertain but to resonate deeply reminding audiences across the political spectrum that democracy is fragile, precious, and never guaranteed. Its message is intentionally non-partisan: we must not take democracy for granted.
The show may be presented in one of two formats:
- A concert version, in which soloists and chorus sing from scores with minimal staging, or
- A fully staged theatrical version, in which performers sing, act, and dance in a more traditional musical theatre context.
The piece consists of twenty original songs (approximately 95 minutes total), each preceded by a spoken introduction. In the
concert version, these are delivered by a single designated “Speaker.” In the
theatrical version, the introductions are expanded into ensemble monologues
(or polylogs), shared among eight performers, with each delivering one part of a unified statement. Although the lines are labeled “Speaker 1” through “Speaker 8,” casting for these lines is flexible and may vary from song to song at the director’s discretion.
Democracy: An American Musical departs from traditional musical theater structure. There is no linear plot, no character arcs, and no conventional dialogue. Instead, the show is thematically driven, with each song exploring a different aspect of democracy, its freedoms, challenges, and responsibilities. The cast is made up of “THE PEOPLE” a diverse ensemble representing real citizens. Rather than interacting with one another, they speak directly to the audience, dissolving the traditional “fourth wall.” The “characters” in the show are not fictional roles, but representations of real people. There are no dialogues between characters; instead, all monologues, polylogs, and songs are delivered directly to the audience. This show is designed to be "do-able" with little technical requirements beyond basic lighting and sound reinforcement and can be performed with as few as four singers although 8-12 are recommended.
This musical is not "anti" any specific political party, movement, or individual, rather it is proudly pro-democracy; that means it stands against oligarchic systems of government where power is in the hands of the super-rich, and autocratic systems of government where power is in the hands of one or a few individuals. The people who currently embody oligarchic or autocratic values will not be on the world stage forever, but the forces that empower and sustain those ideologies are far more enduring. These forces continue to threaten democracies around the world. That’s why it’s critical that we remain vigilant and prepared to defend democracy whenever and wherever it is under threat.
The musical is structured in four acts: People ,Freedoms, Dangers, and Nation.
Act I: People centers on who this story is truly about—me, you, our families, friends, neighbors, and the countless individuals who make up the fabric of our country.
Act II: Freedoms reminds audiences of the fundamental liberties guaranteed by Article One of the U.S. Constitution—rights that define and protect us.
Act III: Dangers addresses the threats facing those freedoms and gives voice to the anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty that many Americans feel today.
Act IV: Nation envisions a hopeful future. It celebrates the enduring values of diversity, equity, and justice—principles that have always strengthened our democracy. The act concludes with an anthem of resilience and determination, imagining a rebirth—like the mythological Phoenix—rising from the ashes toward a renewed, more vibrant democracy, where all Americans can fully participate in and benefit from the promise of our republic.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
The show features twenty original songs composed for soloists, a four-part chorus, and a four-piece band consisting of keyboard (strings and organ), piano, bass, and drums. The musical style blends elements of rock, country, and pop coming together in a sound often described as Americana.|
AN EDCATIONAL ENTERPRISE
“Schoolhouse Rock for Adults!”
DEMOCRACY: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL is at its core an educational enterprise created in response to a perceived educational need. Citizens need to know and understand how democracy works in our country, how it compares to non-democratic governmental systems in other countries, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The survival of our democracy depends on an informed and engaged public who will support and when necessary defend our democracy. But how can people defend something they don’t truly understand?
Consider this: fewer than 30% of Americans can name even three of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition. Many believe the First Amendment “goes too far” in protecting certain types of speech. Surveys reveal that while most Americans claim to support democracy, their understanding of it is often shallow or incorrect. Too many equate democracy with simply voting, without grasping its deeper structure: checks and balances, an independent judiciary, civil society, press freedom, and the rule of law. Many don’t understand the differences between a democracy, a republic, and an autocracy leaving them vulnerable to disinformation, manipulation, and political cynicism.
I’ve spent my life, first as a young teacher, then as a college professor, helping people understand how human beings grow and make meaning of the world around them. That’s what Democracy: An American Musical is ultimately about: educating people through music, story, and song.
True education leads to transformation. It is my deepest hope that this work stirs strong emotion, awakens critical thinking, and inspires meaningful dialogue, reflection, and action to support and defend our fragile democracy.