Author:             Robert Reed
Age group:      8-10 (3rd Grade - 4th Grade; Year 4- Year 5)
Roles:              32 acting roles for 43 characters,
                          5 non-acting roles
Run time:        30 minutes
Style:                 ligh-hearted educational
Topics:             US Independence Day, 4th of July
                          USA History,  United States of America
                          American War of Independence
                          American revolution 1776
                          US Declaration of Independence
                          George Washington
                          Boston Tea Party, New York, Pennsylvania
                          Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Yorktown 

This is a vibrant show that tells the story of the struggle for American Independence.  The play has been thoroughly researched and made appropriate for third and forth graders. 

This play script also represents a useful resource for any teacher wishing to explore the subject of the Patriots' struggle for independence.  As well as containing important historical information, the play is highly entertaining.  Dance and songs are suggested in the script copy.  Detailed notes for guidance in the production of the show are included.

The performance begins with the Boston Tea Party and explains the feelings of the Patriots to rule by the British.  The haughty Thomas Gage (the new commander-in-chief of the British forces) arrives and makes it clear that His Majesty's government does not like the idea of independence for the 13 Colonies.  Paul Revere races to warn the Patriots that the Redcoats are coming to seize their weapons stockpile in Concord.  The war begins on the village green at Lexington.  Patriots then harrass the Redcoats as they retreat to Boston.  The British then capture New York and party there, whilst Washington and his men face a harsh winter. 

On Christmas Day, Washington and the Continental Army capture some Hessians (German soldiers serving with the British Army) who have over-indulged in the Christmas spirit, and now believe they can face and defeat the Redcoats.  The play then portrays the Battle of Saratoga, the triumph of John Paul Jones and his crew off the British coast and finally the decisive battle at Yorktown.  The play includes references to the Declaration of Independence.  Finally, will all the British and Hessian soldiers really want to return to Europe, or will some decide to stay in a country where 'all men are treated equal'?

... 

THOMAS GAGE:   Well you see that tea party did make King George very unhappy and I'm here to teach the Colonists a lesson.

NARRATOR #1:   Ah, they forgot to serve milk first with the tea!  I noticed that.

THOMAS GAGE:   No, you ninny! 

NARRATOR #1:   That pi is the ratio between the circumference of a circle and its diameter?

THOMAS GAGE:   What? No, you nincompoop!  No one, no one destroys, lovely, delicious English tea and the 13 Colonies had better not think about (whispering) independence.

NARRATOR #2:   I'm sorry, Sir.  What did you say?

THOMAS GAGE:   (Whispering) Independence.

NARRATOR #2:   Sorry, still didn't hear it.

THOMAS GAGE:   INDEPENDENCE !

NARRATOR #1:   That sounds like a good idea!

THOMAS GAGE:   Arrest that man and put him in a prison ship 'til he rots! 

NARRATOR #1:   But, I'm a narrator: you can't do this.

THOMAS GAGE:   Very well, let him go, but my spies will be watching you.  (To audience:)  And, you lot as well!  Forward march!

...