AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
[This page will grow as questions emerge.]
TOPICS
ABOUT THE SHOW
POLITICS, VALUES & ALIGNMENT
TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULING
ABOUT THE SHOW
Q: What is the show about?
A: An American Musical is a contemporary, full-length musical set in a small New England diner on Election Day. Through the intersecting lives of ordinary people the show explores fear, hope, responsibility, and belonging during a moment of civic uncertainty. At its core, the show asks a single, urgent question:
What does it mean to be an American?
Q: What is the goal of the show?
A: As with any musical the primary goal is to engage and entertain the audience. Just as important is the goal to motivate personal reflection and community conversations that will inspire peaceful action in defense of democratic norms.
Q: Who is the intended audience for the show?
A: The show is intended for adults and mature teens interested in theater that engages thoughtfully with contemporary life and civic identity. It is designed to be accessible without being simplistic.
Q: What is the tone and style of the show?
A: The show is grounded, human, and emotionally direct. While it includes moments of warmth and humor, its overall tone is serious and reflective rather than satirical. The storytelling is character-driven, with music serving emotional truth rather than spectacle.
Q: What is the music like?
A:
The score is a contemporary blend of Country, Rock, and Pop creating an “Americana” sound that feels both familiar and freshly alive. The show features sixteen songs that are accessible and engaging, with strong melodic appeal and an ensemble-driven energy. Just as important, the music is always in service to the story: every song advances character, deepens the dramatic stakes, or moves the plot forward, never stepping outside the world of the play simply to “perform.”
Q: What personnel do we need to have in place?
A: Grantees will need: ten actor-singers (5 women, 5 men) all of whom have featured vocal material. (GO HERE for a complete list of acting roles and GO HERE for character descriptions.) Larger casts can include an optional SATB Chorus Line. In addition, key leadership roles include: Producer(s), Director, Music Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound. All positions are essential to the artistic quality of the work and its ability to reach and engage the community.
Q: What level of experience and skill are expected of singers?
A: The musical score calls for singers (who can act) with solid experience, strong musicianship, and a genuine love of working collaboratively in an ensemble. The music of our show blends rock, country, and pop, so performers should feel comfortable singing in those styles. Singers will be asked to handle both solo material and harmonies within an SATB ensemble; every role includes at least one solo song.
Q: Where does funding come from?
A: All non-personnel expenses for this production will be covered
out of pocket by the composer.
Q: Should performances include audience talkbacks?
A: Talkbacks and post-show conversations are strong recommended and are an important part of every performance and central to the mission of the show to spark public dialogue. Participation in these conversations is always voluntary, and the format will be shaped to respect both the audience and the company.
Q: What
does
it mean "to be an American?"
A: The show suggests that the answer is both universal and deeply personal. Act I,
“Freedom and Voice,” explores the universal meaning of American identity as each of the ten principal characters reveals, through dialogue and song, their lived experience of democracy, freedom, responsibility, and belonging. Act II,
“Fear, Courage & Connection,” turns inward and becomes more intimate, following
Lucy as she confronts the meaning of citizenship in a time of rising authoritarian and autocratic ideology. Together, the two acts ask the audience to consider not only what America claims to be, but what it demands of us, and what it means to belong.
POLITICS, VALUES & ALIGNMENT
Q: Does the show take a partisan political position?
A: An American Musical is not aligned with a political party or candidate. It focuses on the human experience of living in a democracy—how ordinary people respond to fear, division, responsibility, and belonging.
Q: What values do you look for in grantees?
A: We are encouraging applications from theater folks who feel a deep and urgent concern about the erosion of freedoms and democratic norms, and who are alarmed by what is increasingly visible in our streets and echoed in the national outcry. This project is rooted in peaceful, creative resistance through music and theater. Grantees do not need to share identical views, but they must be willing to engage honestly with themes of democracy, civic responsibility, and social courage.
Q: What level of political or public exposure should grantees expect?
A: Grantees should be comfortable being associated with a work that openly engages with civic themes. While the show is not partisan, it is public-facing and values-driven, and that visibility is part of the commitment.
TIME REQUIREMENT AND SCHEDULING
Q: What is the time requirement for preparation, rehearsal, and performance?
A:
While production plans may vary, the following is offered as an example of a workable schedule.
- Prior to first Rehearsal:
• Direction Staff meet as deeded
• Distribute libretti and scores.
• Individual preparation followed by able read with full company - Weeks 1–4 (Rehearsals):
• Two rehearsals per week
• Each rehearsal 2–3 hours (evenings and/or weekends)
• Focus on music, staging, character work, and ensemble building - Week 5 (Polish & Integration):
• Two rehearsals, 3 hours each
• Full run-throughs and transitions - Week 6 (Tech & Performances):
• Technical rehearsals and cue-to-cue
• Full dress rehearsal(s)
• Three performances (typically Fri/Sat/Sun)
• Informal cast/crew gathering or after-party
The goal is a focused, efficient six-week process that balances artistic rigor with sustainability.