Hallam & Douglass the Musical
FULL LENGTH MUSICAL (20M/7F). Set against the backdrop of the bustling American colonies, “Hallam and Douglass: The Musical: A Series of Moral Dialogues” transports us to a time brimming with hope, resilience, and a burning desire for live entertainment. It was the formative years of the thirteen colonies, where the pursuit of religious freedom had taken root, and the colonists found solace in the familiar wares from Mother England. Yet, amidst the comforts of home, a palpable absence loomed large, the absence of live theater. Previous attempts by Jamaican troupes had left a sour taste, their objectionable practices leaving the colonists yearning for a more refined and culturally enriching experience. At this moment, William Hallam, a struggling theater manager from London, made a daring decision that would alter the course of entertainment history. Risking everything, Hallam sold his possessions to finance the audacious endeavor of sending a professional theater troupe to America. Realizing the untapped potential, he joined forces with his brother Lewis, and thus, The Hallam Theatre Company was born. On that fateful day, June 2, 1752, the company arrived in the quaint town of Yorktown, Virginia, heralding a new era of theater that would ignite the imaginations of audiences and ignite a passion for the performing arts that would forever shape the cultural fabric of the American colonies. The musical weaves together the extraordinary tale of these visionary brothers and their theatrical exploits, immersing us in the humble beginnings, triumphant moments on stage, and the enduring impact of the birth of theater in America. Music by Ellyn Fleming. Lyrics by Tom Erb and Ellyn Fleming.