“We hold these Truths to be self–evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….” – Thomas Jefferson
This is the story of our nation’s struggle to live up to it’s values. To honor the sacrifices of so many, and the vision of its founders. Throughout our history we made attempts to build on those truths; to form a more perfect union. This is the journey of many people; man, woman, native, slave, immigrant, and many others all striving to realize the idea of America. This is our story…our endeavor…our American Struggle.
Presented in four acts:
- Act I – Defending Freedom ; Battle Hymn of the Republic by William Steffe
- Act II – Defining Freedom ; Strange Fruit by Abel Merpool
- Act III – Making a Way Out Of No Way ; Stand Up For Something by Common & Diane Warren
- Act IV – Double Victory ; Sing Sing Sing / Stars & Stripes Forever Medley by Louis Prima and John Philip Sousa
Musical Arrangements by Will Wells of Blue Dot Marching
Percussion Arrangement by David Vielhaber
References:
These references are to provide the viewer an opportunity to learn more about the historical events that influenced our history, and our show. The goal is to provide information as a starting point to learn more about our national struggle and to give greater context to musical selections for our production.
Act I Inspiration
- For Love of Liberty – [Video]
- Harlem Hellfighters – [Video]
- Unsung Heroes – [ Video]
Act II Inspiration
- New Orleans Italian Immigrants – March 14, 1891 – [Webpage]
- Anti-German Violence WW1 – [Video]
- Targeting Black Veterans – [Webpage]
- Private James Neely – Spanish American War Veteran – [Video]
- Lynching in America Investigation – [Webpage]
- LA Chinese Immigrants 1871 – [Webpage]
- What happened in Tulsa in 1921? – [Video]
- 19th Century Anti-Irish Discrimination = [Webpage]
- Harlem Hellfighter Leroy Johnston Returns Home – [Webpage]
- Strange Fruit – [Video]
Act III Inspiration
- Alice Paul – [Video]
- Ida B. Wells – [Video]
- Thurgood Marshall – [Video]
- Viola Luzzo – [Video]
- Minister James Reeb – [Webpage]
Act IV Inspiration
- Double V Campaign WW2 – [PDF]
- Italian American Internment WW2 – [Webpage]
- Tensions on the Homefront WW2 – [Video]
- Righting Wrongs | Japanese Internment WW2 – [Webpage]
- Japanese American GIs | Go For Broke – [Video]
- Montford Point Marines – [Video]