CAST OF CHARACTERS
THE PEOPLE
Three (or more) Sopranos
Three (or more) Altos
Three (or more) Tenors
Three (or more) Baritones
SYNOPSIS
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 and basic human rights. Songs are “Freedom,” (the right to speak, act and change without hindrance or restraint); “Read All About It,” (Freedom of the Press), “It’s My Duty,” (Freedom of Petition), “Love Who You Love,” (the right to marry who you love regardless of gender); “Come Together” (Freedom of Assembly); “Should I Pray,” (Freedom of Religion); and, “I’m Speakin’ Out,” Freedom of Speech).
ACT III: DANGERS focuses on the threats to democracy and how many people live in fear. Songs are: “I’m Afraid,” “Dance of the Autocrats,” “Fake News,” and “Don’t Be Afraid.”
ACT IV: NATION opens with Crossing Over,” encouraging audiences to “cross over” from a place of fear to a place of hope. Act IV continues with a reminder of the principles on which our nation is based with three songs; “Diversity,” “Equity,” and “Lady Justice, then continues with “They’re Coming to Get You!,” a reminder that dangers still abound; and ends with “Like the Phoenix,” an anthem encouraging listeners to, like the phoenix, rise from the ashes.
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.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
The show features twenty original songs composed for soloists, a four-part chorus, and a four-piece band consisting of keyboard, 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.