I’m thrilled to announce that composer Norman Berman and I have released a new song from our epic new musical “The Burning of The White House.”

The song – entitled “It’s The End” – is the opening number of the piece and basically takes up an entire, dramatic scene as the British loom off the American coast in the War of 1812.

As the song begins, we’re in the White House, where Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, is holding one of her famous soirees while Congress is in emergency session. Alas, the mood is dire, as British warships are looming off the coast of Maryland and Congressmen are terrified of a potential invasion. The anti-war party is led by Senator King of New York, who blames the war on President Madison and spars with Dolley, while leading other Congressmen in ever greater hysterics.

Meanwhile, we meet the young slave, Paul Jennings – smart, sassy, and a bit full of himself. He’s busy showing a new slave named Henry how to navigate etiquette at the White House. However, Paul cares less about etiquette – or even the British invasion, for that matter – than he does his desire for a brand new pair of fancy shoes.

Eventually, a messenger brings news to the assembled crowd that the British have landed in Maryland and are making for Washington D.C. – at which point, chaos ensues.

The musical version here of the scene is a bit truncated, but still gives a brilliant feel for the piece and represents about 80% of the opening scene as-is.

Many thanks to the vocal talent of Keith Colclough, Lisa Vroman, Jarrett Johnson, Dylan Gentile, Edmund Rodriquez, James Hayden, and Mark Edward Smith!