CAST & SYNOPSIS
CAST OF CHARACTERS
THE PEOPLE*
Two (or more) Sopranos
Two (or more) Altos
Two (or more) Tenors
Two (or more) Baritones
[*can be performed with as little as eight singers or many singers.)
SYNOPSIS
Democracy: An American Musical is a bold, original work that transforms the stage into a civic forum
where “The People” themselves speak and sing about freedom, responsibility, and the fragile promise of self-government. Through fifteen stirring songs and spoken reflections, it invites audiences to reflect, feel, act and remember that democracy is not guaranteed but must be continually renewed. At once entertaining and enlightening, the show celebrates the power of art to unite, inspire, and defend the very ideals upon which our nation stands.
ACT I: THE PEOPLE begins with “Power to the People,” a song inspired by the original meaning
of the word "democracy" which comes from the Greek words demos, meaning "people", and kratos, meaning "power".
Act I continues with “We Are the People,” a reminder to the audience that “we” (actors and audience) are “The People,” and ends with “Democracy’s Child,” an affirmation of that (almost) all of us were born and brought up in a democracy.
ACT II: FREEDOMS
highlights the freedoms granted to the American people by the Constitution
as well and internationally recognized basic human rights. Songs are “Freedom,” (the right to speak, act and change without hindrance or restraint); “Lady Justice” (the right to due process under the rule of law),
“Read All About It,” (freedom of the press), “It’s My Duty,” (the right to petition the government), “Love Who You Love,” (the right to love who you love regardless of gender); “Come Together” (freedom of assembly and protest);
“Should I Pray,” (freedom of/from religion); and, “I’m Speakin’ Up,” (freedom of speech).
ACT III: DANGERS focuses on the threats to democracy and how many people live in fear.
Songs are: “They’re Coming to Get You!,” a reminder that dangers still abound, “I’m Afraid,” giving voice to the genuine fear experienced by many people, “Don’t Be Afraid” reminding audiences that they are not alone,
and “Like the Phoenix,” an anthem encouraging listeners to, like the phoenix, rise from the ashes.