This is a vibrant show that tells the story of the struggle for American Independence.
The play has been thoroughly researched and is appropriate for 3rd and 4th 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. Production notes for successful staging of the 4th July show are included.
Playscript (£ 9.00 or US$ 16.00) inclusive rights to 3 performances: Order Online - script delivery by email within 24 hours of payment.
Synopsis:
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. The 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'?
Play script excerpt
Copyright © 2009 Robert Reed All Rights Reserved
...
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!
...
Copyright © 2009 Robert Reed All Rights Reserved
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