ABOUT THE SHOW
Democracy: An American Musical features twenty original songs, totaling approximately 90 minutes of music. Each song is preceded by a short introductory monologue, adding up to about 20 minutes of spoken content. The goal is not only to engage and entertain, but to reach audiences on an emotional level with a non-partisan message: we cannot take democracy for granted, and to inspire community dialogue, reflection, and meaningful political and social action to support and defend democracy. This show breaks away from traditional musical theater structure. There’s no conventional storyline or plot. Instead, the production is unified by a single powerful theme: Democracy.
The “characters” in the show are not fictional roles, but representations of real people. They are simply identified as THE PEOPLE. There are no dialogues between characters; instead, all monologues and songs are delivered directly to the audience. The traditional “fourth wall” isn’t just broken—it’s eliminated! 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 (affect), awakens clear thinking (cognition), and inspires meaningful dialogue, reflection, and action to support and defend our fragile democracy.