AUDITIONS: FOR LOVE! FOR LIBERTY!
An original musical by Vana Nespor & Jerry Nobel
OCT 6 & 20 6-8 pm
52 Sumner Ave, Springfield MA
Register for Mon Oct 6 & 20 Auditions at
https://www.springfield-community-theater-of-ma.org
REHEARSALS: Dec 26, 2025 thru Performances Jan 17 & 18, 2026
at 52 Sumner Ave, Springfield.
Synopsis and Character information attached and below.
Present-day middle schoolers visit the Springfield Armory with their teacher and two grandparent chaperones. Bored and restless, the kids sing “HISSS-STOR-Y” venting their dislike of the subject. Grandfather Jerry, a Revolutionary War reenactor, insists on telling the story of Henry Knox’s daring mission to haul 58 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the winter of 1776, saving the Revolution. The play shifts between the modern-day group and scenes from 1775-76, as Harry Knox and his men battle freezing conditions in the songs “AS QUIET AS DEATH” and “ALL’S WELL, OH HELL, DON’T TELL!” Meanwhile, the students challenge the absence of women’s voices in history, leading grandmother Bella and the Superintendent to share “THE FUTURE WE MAKE,” the story of women in the revolution and of Lucy Knox Harry’s pregnant wife, Lucy, who sings of love, fear, and resilience in “MY LIFE, MY LOVE.”
As Harry falters under impossible odds, Lucy’s letters inspire him with “FOR LOVE! FOR LIBERTY!” The cannons finally reach Springfield where craftsmen get them ready for the final push to Cambridge, then to Dorchester heights in Boston.
Back in the present, the students realize history’s importance and join their elders in a joyful reprise, “HIS-TOR-Y TODAY!” The play ends with the cast united in the anthem “FOR LOVE! FOR LIBERTY!”
Characters in Order of Appearance
Present Day Characters
4 women, 3 men, 8 Children and 6 Adults
MRS. SULLIVAN (30-60 years) A dedicated history teacher (Soprano)
SUPERINTENDENT Springfield Armory US Park Service (Alto)
Middle School History Class (9-15 years) (Mezzo Sopranos/Altos)
AVA: The “Fashionista/Reporter” podcasting her life
MIA: “The Activist” fighting to be seen (Older sister to Zo)
ZO: “The Athlete” competitive/caring (Younger sister to Mia)
EM: “The Stickler” follows the rules
SOPH: “The Nerd” loves science/math
QUIN: “The New Kid” trying to fit in
IAN: “The Geek” obsessed with computer games
AIDE: “The Big Heart” quietly helping whenever possible
BELLA AND JERRY CRUX: (50+) “The Grandparents” of Mia and Zo.
JERRY: “Revolutionary Reenactor”
BELLA: “Caring/Grandma/Feminist”
Revolutionary Era Characters
PATRIOT CHORUS: (Ages 20-70/Bass/Tenor/Alto)
Six adults who sing and play the parts of the Oarsmen, the Sled Drivers, the Springfield Craftsmen
HENRY (HARRY) KNOX: (20+) (Tenor / Baritone)
A 24 year old Boston bookseller and self-taught military strategist who, as Washington’s Chief of Artillery in 1775-76 organizes and leads the “Noble Train of Artillery” transporting captured cannons from Fort Ticonderoga across 300 miles in winter to Boston and saved the Revolutionary War.
LUCY FLUCKER KNOX: (17+) (Soprano)
At 17, Lucy defies her father, secretly marries Harry Knox. Her wealthy family disowns her, predicting she will hang for treason. She is 8 months pregnant and Harry’s whole world.
GENERAL SCHUYLER: (40+) (Non-singing)
Schuyler commands the Northern Department of the Continental Army. He doesn’t like Knox’s plan, and calls it a disaster for the Revolution.