PROJECT INFORMATION
PURPOSE and GOALS
These are unsettling times—and I think you know exactly what I mean. I don’t need to spell out the current state of affairs in our country; you're already aware. If you’re as deeply concerned as I am about the systematic dismantling of our democracy, then you probably feel a strong urge to take action; to do something! But the question is: What to do?
As a composer and playwright, here’s what I’ve done—and what I’m continuing to do.
I’ve written and composed a new musical titled Democracy: An American Musical. Its purpose is to shine a light on the promise, practice, imperfections, and potential of democracy in the United States. Right now, powerful forces are working to reshape our representative republic into something resembling an oligarchic autocracy.
This musical is my response. Its 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. Through music and storytelling, I hope to inspire community dialogue, reflection, and meaningful political and social action to support and defend democracy.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Democracy: An American Musical features twenty original songs, totaling approximately 95 minutes of music. Each song is preceded by a short introductory monologue, adding up to about 25 minutes of spoken content. With a 15-minute intermission, the full performance runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from curtain up to curtain down. 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 completely removed.
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 traditional musical theater—coming together in a sound often described as Americana.
CLOSURE
I’d like to close with a few personal reflections.
First and foremost, I want to make it clear that this project is not "anti" any specific political party, movement, or individual—though it’s understandable why some might initially assume that. Instead, this project is proudly pro-democracy. And by definition, 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 individuals 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—both at home and abroad—whenever and wherever it is under threat.
And, I should tell you—I’m nearly 80 years old. I’ve enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as an educator, performer, and more recently, as a composer and playwright. Over the years, I’ve written more than eighteen plays and four major musicals, some of which have been performed off-Broadway and at prestigious festivals.
Truth be told, at this point in life, I’d be content to relax—spend time with my grandchildren, tend my gardens, and enjoy the company of my wife of 46 years. But I can’t. Not now. Like so many others, I’m deeply troubled by the direction our nation is heading—troubled not just for today, but for the future my grandchildren and yours will inherit. And so, I feel compelled to act.
This musical—Democracy: An American Musical—is what I know how to do. It's my response. It’s my voice. It’s the contribution I can make.
I will leave you with a quote from the opening song of our show:
“Stand up, rise up, for liberty, freedom, and all that you count on and believe in.
Hear now destiny calling—crying out, shouting out, screaming out the warning—
now is the time for you to speak up.”